Fox Chase Farm
| Fox Chase Farm | |
|---|---|
| Type | Working farm / Environmental education |
| Location | Northeast Philadelphia (Fox Chase) |
| Coordinates | 40.0720,-75.0850 |
| Area | 112 acres |
| Established | 1976 (as public farm) |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Working farm, livestock, gardens, environmental education |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk; programs by appointment |
| Transit | SEPTA Regional Rail to Fox Chase; bus 18, 28, 70 |
| Website | Official Site |
Fox Chase Farm is a 112-acre working farm in the Fox Chase section of Northeast Philadelphia, operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation as an environmental education center. The farm preserves agricultural heritage within city limits and provides hands-on farm experiences for Philadelphia children, many of whom have never encountered farm animals or seen food production firsthand.[1]
Fox Chase Farm is a rare working agricultural operation within a major American city.
History
[edit | edit source]Agricultural Roots
[edit | edit source]The area has farming history:
- Part of Philadelphia's rural fringe
- Agricultural use for centuries
- Dairy and produce farming
- Gradual urbanization around it
Public Farm
[edit | edit source]1976: Established as public facility:
- City acquired the property
- Environmental education mission
- Working farm preserved
- Urban agriculture demonstration
Programming Development
[edit | edit source]The farm has evolved:
- Expanded animal collection
- Community gardens added
- School programs developed
- Public events instituted
Features
[edit | edit source]Livestock
[edit | edit source]Farm animals on display:
- Horses and ponies
- Cows and calves
- Pigs
- Sheep and goats
- Chickens and ducks
- Rabbits
Gardens
[edit | edit source]Agricultural displays:
- Vegetable gardens
- Herb gardens
- Demonstration plots
- Community garden plots
- Native plant areas
Facilities
[edit | edit source]- Historic barns
- Animal enclosures
- Educational buildings
- Picnic areas
- Trails and paths
Programs
[edit | edit source]School Programs
[edit | edit source]Educational offerings:
- Field trips for Philadelphia schools
- Farm tour programs
- Seasonal curriculum
- Hands-on animal interactions
- Agricultural education
Public Programs
[edit | edit source]- Farm tours
- Seasonal events (lambing, harvest)
- Summer camps
- Family programs
- Volunteer opportunities
Community Gardens
[edit | edit source]- Plot rentals available
- Urban agriculture support
- Educational component
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Park: Dawn to dusk
- Programs by appointment
- Check for special event schedules
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: 8500 Pine Road, Fox Chase
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Regional Rail to Fox Chase Station
- SEPTA Bus 18, 28, 70
By Car:
- Free parking on site
- Near Pine Road
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Call ahead for program availability
- The farm is especially engaging for children
- Seasonal events are popular—arrive early
- Combine with visit to Pennypack Park nearby
- Farm animals are most active in the morning
Significance
[edit | edit source]Fox Chase Farm matters because:
- Only working farm in Philadelphia city limits
- Agricultural education for urban children
- Preserves farming heritage
- Connection to food production
- Environmental education resource
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Fox Chase — Surrounding neighborhood
- Pennypack Park — Adjacent
- Burholme Park — Nearby
- Northeast Philadelphia — Area
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Fox Chase Farm". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025