By Melissa S. Treacy
Smith Memorial Playhouse and Playground offer free play each day for children in and around Philadelphia. From a giant wooden slide, to foam blocks, the location is a long-time favorite for kids.
Free play at Smith Playhouse
These days, how many places can you go, for absolutely free, and really have a good time with your family? Well, if you have a child, ages 10 and under, I have found a place I think you will agree is one of the best on that list. Pending the season, the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is a fantastic place to spend the day, really having some kid-friendly fun, without spending a dime in the city of Philadelphia.
Founded July 23, 1899, the playground and playhouse have always had the goal to be free. In memory of their son, Stanfield, the Smiths wanted to create something all children could enjoy.
Never used as a residential house, the Smith Playhouse was created, from the very beginning, for the sole purpose of fun. The mission of the house and playground is to “provide a safe, creative, fun and accessible recreational facility free of charge to the children of the Philadelphia area,” said the brochure for the organization.
Living in North Philadelphia, though a wealthy Philadelphian, Smith wanted to be sure he could provide a fun place for all children, but especially those “with limited financial and social opportunities,” said the brochure.
Today’s operation, for children of all ages, races, social backgrounds or locations, is truly a place to see. From the playground's boulders to climb on, spinning jungle gyms, giant see-saws and net climbers, to the playhouse's train, foam block room, play kitchen, house and activity center, the two spaces offer so much to do and see.
The outdoor playground, opened annually from April 1 to Oct. 31, is designed for supervised children ages 10 and under. One of the greatest features of the playground, however, is its Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, which is over 100 years old.
The playhouse, a fully indoor operation opened year round, is only for children 5 and under.
The highlight, at least for my kids, of the indoor play area is “Smithville.” Located on the basement floor of the very large house, Smithville offers kids a make-believe town, complete with stop lights, a gas station and parking meters. Tiny tots can cruise around the town in their choice of plastic cars, tricycles, bicycles or riding animals, all provided at the playhouse.
Following a marked-out “street” design, the youngest of your family can feel free to visit any part of town they wish, all while driving themselves around the mini city.
Expansive shade trees, the rolling hills and the vast assortment of equipment make Smith a must-see for all children of the city.
The Smith Playhouse and Playground is free to all, though groups of five or more or planned parties (such as birthday) are asked to call ahead for reservations.
The Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse are located in East Fairmount Park, just off the intersection of 33rd and Oxford streets, in Philadelphia. For directions, visit the site at www.smithplayhouse.org or call the Playhouse at 215-765-4325.
The Playhouse is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, year round. It is closed on Mondays. The playground is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in April, May, June, September and October, but from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. It too is closed on Mondays.
While free, the non-profit organization does operate, via a trust set up by the Smith family, entitled Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, Inc., through the support and donations of the community. While situated in the city, as part of Fairmount Park, it is not a government entity.
To make a contribution to the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, feel free to visit it online at www.smithplayhouse.org. Checks, made payable to Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, may also be sent to the organization at East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 19121.
