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Water wonderland

Philly's fountains are a great place to take kids. Try a tour!

The Swann Memorial Fountain sprays cascades of water in Logan Square. (LAURENCE KESTERSON / Staff Photographer)
The Swann Memorial Fountain sprays cascades of water in Logan Square. (LAURENCE KESTERSON / Staff Photographer)Read more

So what can city folks do to entertain their kids on an uninspired weekend afternoon? Break out the sneakers, pack some drinks, and hit the road for a Philadelphia Fountain Tour.

From Society Hill toward West Philadelphia, you can follow a trail of spectacular, serene, and charming fountains around town. You'll find all sorts of people relaxing by fountains - office workers eating lunch, construction guys sitting on the ground, parents with toddlers in tow, retirees reading, visitors mugging for the camera.

May is the month when the city begins turning on its fountains, allowing arcs of water to spiral into the sky. A balmy afternoon attracts throngs of fresh-air freaks to Rittenhouse Square. That's where you can often find Jaclyn Mason and her 3-year-old daughter, Lyla, hanging out near the fountain among friends.

"Pitching pennies and making wishes are what she likes best about it," Mason said.

On weekends, the crowds thin out and the fountains become tranquil places of respite. Grab some sandwiches, pick a fountain, and enjoy a picnic. Here's just a sampling of Philadelphia's larger fountains. Be on the lookout for some amazing sculpture, too.

Society Hill Towers Fountain (Second Street, north of Spruce Street) A circular fountain decorated around its perimeter with colorful seasonal flowers welcomes home residents of Society Hill Towers. In the courtyard, a series of large sculptures by Leonard Baskin called Old Man, Young Man, The Future is worth pondering.

Washington Square Fountain (Center of Washington Square, Seventh and Walnut Streets) This high-spewing fountain offers a terrific shower when it's windy. The famous square is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.

City Hall Fountain (East side of 15th Street, south of Market Street) Move west toward Center City and smack dab in the middle of City Hall Plaza stands City Hall Fountain. It's not an exquisite fountain, but nearby, across Market Street, is the outdoor artwork installation called Your Move, in the form of chess pieces, Monopoly pieces, and dominoes scattered around the plaza at the Municipal Services Building.

Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial Fountain at LOVE Park (JFK Plaza between 15th and 16th Streets, JFK Boulevard, and Arch Street) Perhaps one of the most photographed fountains in the city, this one is the centerpiece of LOVE Park and, of course, contains the famous Robert Indiana sculpture of the same sentiment.

One Logan Square Fountain (Northwest corner of 18th and Cherry Streets behind the Four Seasons Hotel) Here, a little drawbridge leads to a cascade of water falling down steps. If you're lucky, you can peek in on a wedding reception taking place on the Four Seasons' back terrace.

Swann Memorial Fountain (Center of Logan Square, 19th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway) One of the city's best known, the Swann Memorial Fountain is in memory of Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society. It consists of three large figures representing the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and Wissahickon Creek, plus a number of frogs and turtles. The fountain shines resplendently at night.

Three Logan Square Fountain (formerly Bell Atlantic Tower) (Southeast corner of 18th and Cherry Streets) Very Zen-like, with lots of places to poke around and a huge circular pool. During the day it's packed with folks enjoying lunch, but on the weekends it's a peaceful escape.

Chestnut Park (The 1700 block of Chestnut Street, north side) Recently renovated, this little urban park, tucked between two buildings, serves up an unexpected surprise to pedestrians. Ornamental gates, featuring 13 little birds, frogs, and insects, open into the fountain area, surrounded by several concrete beams suggesting a city skyline. Look for little sculptured frogs and birds inside.

Rittenhouse Square Fountain and Duck Girl (Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut Streets) A kid magnet and the centerpiece of Rittenhouse Square, the fountain is appealing even when empty. From early fall until late spring, kids play inside the fountain - an enclosed rectangle where parents are happy to let the little ones run wild. You can't leave Rittenhouse Square without a quick stop at (and on) the goat, officially known as Billy, by Albert Laessle.

Welcome Fountain (Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square) This lovely fountain greets guests at the Rittenhouse Hotel. Ask Joe the doorman for a penny to pitch into the fountain. Don't forget to make a wish. (Good stop for a bathroom break.)

Commerce Square Fountain (South side of Market Street between 20th and 21st Streets) This circular beauty is a winner from every angle. A hot spot at lunchtime.

Eli Kirk Price Jr. Fountain (West end of Eakins Oval, 24th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway) Situated in front of the Art Museum, a bit off the tour path. You'll see kids hopping in and out of it all summer.

Water Works Fountain (Schuylkill Banks, near the Spring Garden Bridge) Walk along the Schuylkill Banks into the south garden and you'll spot it just before the Water Works. The view of the river and Boathouse Row is a spectacular sight. Look for wedding parties posing for photos on the overlook above the river.

Drexel University Main Quad Fountain (Drexel University, 33d and Chestnut Streets) A must-see. Water jets shoot upward from the ground in a symphony of light and color. Each jet is individually programmable and lighted at night, creating a three-dimensional display. Who can resist running through the brightly colored streams of water? Not my kid. Off he went, followed by a shower at home.