Parks & Rec: A Field Guide to Outdoor Activities in Philly
It is sunny and nearly 70 degrees today in Philadelphia so my hopes for taking in warm-weather activities are at an all-time high. Cold breezes and wet rain have been bringing me down and with a rowhouse back patio constantly teasing me, any bit of sunshine and warm weather is much welcome.
Below, a few of my favorite ways to spend time outdoors in Philly.
The Philadelphia Flower Show
In 2022, the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) hosted its annual Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors at FDR Park in South Philly. The Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual celebration of beauty, joy, and all things horticulture and the “In Full Bloom” theme this past year was a stunning example of how to transform landscape and parks for the public good — a much-needed public service in Philly. The beautiful garden and landscape displays took visitors on a journey to explore the restorative and healing power of nature and plants. It was hard not to see how positive social and environmental change promotes good health, positive well-being, and a passion for life that culminates in a gorgeous and colorful spectacle. The Flower Show is not just for spectators as home and garden tutorials and competitions invite people to get their hands dirty, literally, see breathtaking exhibits, learn about plants, and talk with experts — there are plenty of opportunities for beginner and seasoned gardeners to grow their skills here. Plus, there’s interactive activities for guests of all ages including a kids play corner, walk-through aromatic sprinklers, vendor square for plant and flower shopping, and a food bazaar populated by local food makers, including the Southeast Asian Market community who setup shop every weekend at FDR Park. Impressively, the Flower Show is accessible by bike, on foot, stroller and wheelchair plus extensive shaded/covered seating, bathrooms, and water stations for all.
Andalusia Gardens
Nothing beats getting in the car and hitting the road on a warm, sunny day. Now that we’re dog parents, we’re constantly seeking out dog-friendly adventures and luckily there are plenty of options within a short drive including breweries and wineries, beach towns, and even horticultural destinations.
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum is a stunning, lush property overlooking the Delaware River. The 65-acre picturesque estate contains the Biddle family's early 19th-century Greek Revival home, surrounded by native woodlands and spectacular formal gardens. This Bucks County riverfront estate and National Historic Landmark, located just 13 miles from Philadelphia, is an ideal day trip for those looking to spend time outdoors with plenty of space for social distancing.
Philly Cider Fest & Philly Cider Week
Philadelphia is one of the best drinking cities and in recent years has cultivated a rabid fanbase of drinkers who are craving more than craft beer. Craft distilleries and cideries are quickly on the rise throughout the region thanks to the accessibility and willing collaboration with nearby farms and heritage products. The annual events that showcase the abundance of southeastern Pennsylvania’s farm-fresh ingredients turned fermented innovations are Philly Cider Fest followed by Philly Cider Week, celebrating the “ever-growing world of cider” and raising “awareness of the diversity of this historical beverage.” At the end of summer, cider fans congregate at various historic houses across Fairmount Park to taste the newest concoctions of local cideries, enjoy folk music and soulful jazz bands in the background, and play outdoor games in the sun. Food trucks and vendors offer snack breaks, the Fairmount Park Conservatory hosts tours throughout five mansions, and educational hands-on demos allow attendees to learn more about apples’ offerings. That excitement is carried through in a week-long cider crawl around Philly with dozens of participating bars, restaurants, and cideries opening their doors to unique tasting events with chef-centric pairings and fundraising. It’s the most delightful way to soak in the last bit of warm weather outdoors.
Schuylkill River Trail
Philadelphia is stepping up its public green space game, and the Schuylkill River promenade is a great example of this. An excellent way to take in the sights is to walk, run, skate, or bike the riverfront. In the summer, I admire families and couples who picnic on the lawn before taking a roundabout walk home in the evening when the lights sparkle along the water. For a bonus warm-weather outdoor adventure, I highly recommend taking the 1 mile+ bike ride from the Schuylkill River Trail up north to Manayunk. Enjoy the scenery, lined with beautiful boathouses, gardens, fountains, and historical mansions.
Streets Dept Excursions
Have we talked about how much free arts and culture Philadelphia has to offer? Walking this city is the best way to immerse yourself in the growing arts scene, now more diverse and inclusive than ever. Local arts and public space activist, Conrad Benner and their team, document and celebrate street art and muralism across Philly, and now you can join him on walking tours all over the city to meet the artists and community organizations you may not have been exposed to otherwise. Pre-pandemic I joined his South Philly street art tour and was blown away at how much art we pass by on a daily basis without knowing the artist, the story behind it, or even realizing it's a work of art! From tile work to graffiti to yarn bombs to stickers to stained glass, there's such a beautiful community of mission-minded people who are covering this city with meaningful artwork and activism. Enjoy some of my favorite pieces below. You can also purchase Artseeing — a new booklet from Streets Dept that offers self-guided tours of Philly’s art world and sign up as a Patreon member here.
