Between the beautiful nature of East Fairmount Park to the west and the convenience of downtown Philly to the south, the neighborhoods of Fairmount and Brewerytown are great locations to raise children. And considering the abundance of playgrounds, family activities, and kid-friendly dining establishments, it’s no surprise that the scenic tree-lined sidewalks are filled with families who’ve chosen to call the area home.
At-a-Glance: Family Life in Fairmount and BrewerytownBest Playground: Smith Memorial Playground is completely free and includes a three-story indoor Playhouse for rainy days.Top Free Activity: Everyone under 18 gets free admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a Rodin Museum ticket is included with it.Most Awesome Green Space: East Fairmount Park covers more than 2,000 acres, making it the largest landscaped park in the country.Must-Do Events: Annual events include the Fairmount Art Crawl (April), Girard Ave Street Fest (May), Taste of Fairmount (November), and Brewerytown Night Market (December).
Whether you’re new to the area or just new to raising kids here, we’ve rounded up all the local places that are about to become your favorite friendly neighborhood haunts.
Live somewhere else in Philly? Check out our other Philly neighborhood guides, including South Philly and Fishtown.
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What Are the Best Playgrounds in Fairmount and Brewerytown?
Fairmount and Brewerytown are home to six standout playgrounds, from the free three-story Playhouse at Smith Memorial Playground to the historic ball fields at Athletic Recreation Center.
33rd St & Reservoir Dr
This one-of-a-kind (and completely free) playground boasts multiple climbing and swinging zones for different age groups as well as a giant wooden slide. Even on bad weather days, you can enjoy the three-story Playhouse, which is home to an indoor driving course, a Playbrary imagination zone, and rotating themed “play-stallations.”
Insider tip: Smith hosts several fantastic yearly events (including Play-a-Palooza and Kidchella). While their events are free, they’re also very popular, so be sure to register online in advance to secure your spot.
Roberto Clemente Playground is a favorite of local families.
2. Roberto Clemente Playground
18th & Wallace St
This neighborhood playground and rec center offers lots of amenities to local families, including two separate jungle gyms for different age levels, an awesome net climbing structure, and a large sprayground for sunny days. The premises also include a baseball field and a basketball court (plus some beautiful mural art).
Did you know? Despite the lyrics referencing West Philly, this is actually the basketball court that appeared in the opening credits to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!
3. Francisville Playground
18th & Francis St
Another neighborhood fave, Francisville’s main playground structures have canopies to help protect kids from the sun. While the sports fields, splash pad, and pavement games offer even more fun, the main draw in summer is the large L-shaped community pool.
Insider tip: There’s also a smaller tot lot playground situated separately from the two main playground structures, which is a great option when you want to keep curious toddlers from roaming off to equipment that’s too big for them.
4. Von Colln Playground
Spring Garden St & Pennsylvania Ave
If you like unique playground equipment, check out this spot near the Art Museum. The open-ended playground structures encourage creative, adventurous movement. The playground also features a splash pad, batting cages, and electric pitching mounds.
While you’re there: Be sure to check out Eakin’s Oval right across the street, an outdoor civic space that offers family-friendly programming during the summer.
5. Athletic Recreation Center
26th & Jefferson St
There are multiple climbing structures to explore at this location, which also offers a splash pad, sports fields, and a six-room rec center and gymnasium. In the summer, kids will go crazy over the unique community pool in this park – it’s the only free community pool in Philly that boasts water slides!
Did you know? Baseball-loving kids will enjoy learning about the history of this spot. It was the site of the first recorded interracial baseball game in 1869, and later became the home of the Philadelphia Athletics (the team that’s now based in Sacramento by way of Oakland).
6. Eastern State Playpen
22nd & Brown St
If your kids are too young to enjoy exploring the creepy history of Eastern State Penitentiary or its seasonal Halloween horror experience, they’re probably the perfect age for the playground tucked in the rear of the premises. The playground equipment features great opportunities for net and rock climbing.
While You’re There: Another green space on the Eastern State Penitentiary property is Corinthian Gardens, which offers a natural play area with a sandbox for kids 0-5 (as well as some prime picnic spots).
The Museum of Art has great activities for kids. Photo by Liz Biall (@creativishmom)/Mommy Poppins
What Are the Top Family-Friendly Indoor Activities in Fairmount and Brewerytown?
From the free-for-kids Philadelphia Museum of Art to Brewerytown’s cozy indoor playspace Kith + Kin, these six spots keep little ones entertained on rainy days and school breaks alike.
Spring Garden St & Kelly Drive
A top destination not just for Fairmount but for the entire city, the Art Museum is a great choice for the whole family, especially since everyone under 18 is free. They also offer plenty of kid-focused programming for younger visitors, including Arts Kids Tours, drop-in Arts Kids Studios, and storytimes and activities for toddlers. This programming is usually offered during summers and on school year breaks.
While You’re There: If your kids enjoy their visit to the Art Museum, check out the other museums in the area too, including the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum (bonus: admission to the Rodin is included in your Art Museum ticket).
31st and Jefferson St
Brewerytown is home to one of the best indoor playspaces in the city for kids ages 0-5 years old. Kith + Kin offers flexible options for visiting (including drop-in rates, play passes, and memberships), and its 3000 sq ft space features plenty of awesome toys and play equipment (including a huge tunnel slide). Keep an eye on their website for special programming like music classes, art, yoga, and new parent groups.
Insider Tip: This is a great neighborhood spot to host your toddler’s birthday party, especially if they were born in a month that forces you to party indoors.
9. Free Library of Philadelphia
Multiple Locations
Foster a love of books and meet other families at your local library branch. Cecil B Moore, the branch serving Brewerytown, has a dedicated kids section, complete with rock-climbing wall, and family programming like storytimes and sensory playgroups. The closest branch to Fairmount is Parkway Central, which boasts a huge children’s department that offers a variety of storytime programming as well as special events like authors visits, STEM workshops, and snake parties.
Did You Know? Kids can get their own library cards, even as babies, making the book-borrowing experience even more special.
Behind the Art Museum
The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center is perfect for kids who love learning about nature and environmental science. They offer guided themed tours, rotating art exhibitions, and plenty of family-friendly drop-in activities and programming.
While You’re There: Visit the Mussel Hatchery Exhibition and Aquatic Field Station to learn about mussels and watch them propagate (they even offer a Mighty Mussel Virtual Experience to extend the learning at home).
24th and Fairmount Ave
Artistically-inclined kids will be thrilled to have Philly Art Center’s flagship location right in their own neighborhood. Kid and tween class offerings explore different mediums, including painting, ceramics, and fiber arts. For toddlers and preschoolers, there are creative playgroups, storytimes, and art and music classes.
Did You Know? In addition to the usual classes and workshops, this location also offers summer camp programming and hosts birthday parties.
27th & Girard Ave
For a truly unique experience, check out a cat cafe. At Le Cat Cafe, you can hang out and play with about a dozen cats as they interact with their toys, climb around, and lounge about. While the cat cafe is a fun choice for kids, they should always be supervised closely to ensure they’re playing gently and following the cafe’s rules.
Did You Know? All of the cats at Le Cat Cafe are available for adoption, so if you have a very convincing kid, you may end up with a new addition to your family.
What Outdoor Activities Are Available for Families Near Fairmount?
Between East Fairmount Park’s 2,000-plus acres, the Schuylkill River, and neighborhood community gardens, families have no shortage of ways to get outside together.
13. Enjoy Fairmount Park
Of course, the neighborhood’s namesake park is a great destination for outdoor activities. With more than 2000 acres, it’s not only the biggest park in Philly – it’s the largest landscaped park in the whole country! East Fairmount Park, which is the section of the park closest to the Fairmount neighborhood, includes lots of scenic nature spots worth checking out, including Lemon Hill Park, Sedgley Woods, and Glendinning Rock Garden.
Insider Tip: Because it was the site of World Cup Fanfest activities, Lemon Hill will be inaccessible in August due to event breakdown. But the playground is set to be renovated soon, so keep an eye on this spot for 2027 and beyond.
14. Go Fishing
Interested in fishing with the family? The Fairmount Dam near the Art Museum is a popular spot for fishing for catfish and bass. If you don’t have a license to fish in Philadelphia (or the equipment to do so), try a Family Fishing Day at Fairmount Water Works, where you’re provided with all the materials you need to fish under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Did You Know? The Fairmount Dam is home to a Fish Ladder, which helps fish migrate upstream instead of getting stuck at the dam. Kids who are curious about sealife will love learning more about this installation.
15. Watch the Boats
Kids and adults alike can admire the gorgeous buildings on Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River as well as the boats themselves in the river. Stop at Lloyd Hall Rec Center for excellent views, or rent one of the Boathouses yourself (talk about an epic birthday party). Keep an eye on the Regatta schedule to discover the prime viewing days.
Insider Tip: If you get hungry while watching the boats, check out Cosmic Cafe and Ciderhouse, a family-friendly spot on Boathouse Row that offers outdoor dining and a kids’ menu.
16. Take a Stroll, Walk, or Ride
One of the best ways to enjoy nature in this neighborhood is on foot or by wheels. The Kelly Drive Loop, which begins just behind the Art Museum, is a paved path that’s perfect for a family walk. Whether your kids are still in strollers or enjoying their new scooter or bicycle skills, it’s a scenic and easy route lined with beautiful cherry trees.
Insider Tip: You can rent adult and child bicycles as well as multi-passenger quadricycles (with child seats) at Wheel Fun Rentals on Boathouse Row.
The Spring Gardens has neighborhood programming like yoga.
17. Participate in Community Gardening
In Fairmount, check out The Spring Gardens on 19th and Wallace (across from Roberto Clemente Playground). You can join the gardening community or visit during public visiting hours on Saturdays, and they also host neighborhood programming like Yoga in the Garden. In Brewerytown, there’s Brewerytown Garden on 27th and Master St, which offers a community composting program, CSA subscriptions, and special family programming on Sundays.
Did You Know? Due to its many beautiful gardens, Philly has earned the distinction of “America’s Garden Capital.” If visiting your local community garden sparks an interest in your child, consider checking out some of our favorite arboretums and gardens in Philly.
What Restaurants and Cafes Are Best for Families in Fairmount and Brewerytown?
From brewpub comfort food at Bar Hygge to ice cream sandwiches at Fairmount Flavors, these six restaurants and cafes welcome kids with high chairs, dedicated menus, and patient servers.
17th & Fairmount Ave
This Fairmount brewpub offers elevated comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great choice when you want delicious food and craft beer at a spot that accommodates kids too (there’s a dedicated kids menu, high chairs, booster seats, and changing tables).
Favorite menu item: Create your own Hygge board, where you can mix-and-match kid-friendly classics like pretzel bites or cheese curds with more sophisticated items like salmon nigiri and chicken liver mousse.
23rd & Fairmount Ave
For family-friendly modern Mexican food, check out Fairmount fave Cantina “Calaca” Feliz. It’s kid-friendly with high chairs as well as an unofficial children’s menu offering quesadilla and taco options. The outdoor seating in the back courtyard is perfect for dining out with kids.
Favorite menu item: Be sure to get the “Esquites” Guacamole to share with the whole family before your entrees, featuring grilled corn atop traditional guac.
Multiple Locations
These sister sandwich shops (in Brewerytown and Fairmount, respectively) are popular neighborhood destinations for good reason. The delicious sandwiches and salads are perfect for picnicking in one of the area’s many beautiful parks, or you can stay and enjoy them on site (there are high chairs available).
Favorite menu item: The Santa Monica – a take on a B.L.(A.)T. – is great on its own, but even better with the optional addition of turkey.
28th & Girard Ave
If brunch is your favorite meal, look no further than Green Eggs’ Brewerytown location. Since it’s usually abuzz with people, noisy kids will blend in well. The decadent sweet and savory dishes appeal to children and adults alike (the French toasts are practically like having dessert for breakfast). It’s cash only, so be prepared.
Favorite menu item: The French Toast board is a great option for sharing and sampling several yummy options without having to commit to one.
21st & Fairmount Ave
Looking for a coffee shop option with kid-friendly vibes? Check out Warehouse Cafe, which offers all-day breakfast, lunch, and smoothies in addition to coffee. The huge space means plenty of room for strollers (though be prepared for a couple of steps to get inside).
Favorite menu item: While the pastry and tart selection varies each day, there’s always something delicious to be found.
20th & Fairmount Ave
For a sweet treat, head to beloved ice cream shop Fairmount Flavors, where you’ll find homemade ice cream, huge sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, water ice, milkshakes, and ice cream cakes. They also have baked goods like cookies, waffles, and pretzels.
Favorite menu item: Make your own ice cream sandwich by choosing your favorite flavor between any two homemade cookies. We love strawberry cheesecake ice cream between butter sugar cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living With Kids in Fairmount and Brewerytown
Q: Is Fairmount a good place to raise kids?
A: With so many family-friendly attractions, activities, and restaurants nearby, Fairmount is a great place to live with young kids, which is why you’ll see so many families strolling around the neighborhood.
Q: What’s the best way to travel around Fairmount and Brewerytown?
A: This locale, just like most of Philly, is highly walkable, so if you live in the neighborhood, that’s the best way to get around. The area can also be accessed via public transit through the 7, 32, 33, and 48 SEPTA bus routes, the Route 15/G Trolley, and the Fairmount stop on the Broad Street Line. Driving is another option, though the parking situation can be hit-or-miss.
Q: What is the parking like in this neighborhood?
A: The parking in this area is mainly street parking. If you live in the neighborhood, you can purchase a yearly parking permit so that you don’t have to pay more for street parking. Otherwise, most street parking is going to be metered, and some residential zones may be limited to two-hour parking for non-permit holders.
Q: Is the Fairmount neighborhood the same as Fairmount Park?
A: No, they are not the same. Fairmount Park is a 2,050-acre park that spans both sides of the Schuylkill River. The neighborhood of Fairmount is the area of Philly directly east of East Fairmount Park and west of Broad, with Girard Ave and Spring Garden St generally considered the North and South boundaries.
Q: What free activities are available to families in this neighborhood?
A: There are many playgrounds in this neighborhood (including the incredible “destination playground” Smith Memorial Playground), all of which are free. In addition, the art museums in the area offer free admission to children every day, and free admission to all on the first Sunday of the month, usually featuring lots of free family-friendly programming on those days as well.
Q: What seasonal events take place in Fairmount and Brewerytown?
A: Some popular annual events in this area include the Fairmount Art Crawl (April), Francisville Sidewalk Social (April), Girard Ave Street Fest (May), Taste of Fairmount (November), and Brewerytown Night Market (December). In addition, the pop-up traveling beer garden Parks on Tap visits several parks in the area between April-October, including Azalea Gardens, Water Works, Spring Gardens, and Lemon Hill.
Unless noted, photos by the author