Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
Smith Day Nursery Drive Philadelphia, PA, 19121
4.8 Average Rating
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse opened its doors in East Fairmount Park in 1899. Smith's beautiful, 24,000 square foot Playhouse was designed solely as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia's most prominent late 19th century architects, James H. Windrim. The Playground is situated on its original historic landscape of 6 1/2 acres of open fields, wooded terrain, and sloped hills, and is home to the century old Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, a treasured play experience for generations of Philadelphia's children, as well as other unique pieces of play equipment. Smith's mission is to provide children 10 and under from diverse backgrounds with free and accessible one-of-a-kind play experiences that meet their physical, behavioral, and developmental needs.
Use Your Words
Guest
over 3 years
ago
As a young child, my mother took me and cousins to Smith Playground at least twice a summer. We travelled by public transportation, seemingly forever, from south Philadelphia, armed with a picnic lunch to be enjoyed later under the huge trees; or on one of the porches. It was a magical place, with an indoor playroom equipped with "giant" blocks and other playthings. She always stressed that the Smith family had donated the grounds and the buildings; but I wish I knew more about the history. When I saw the picture of the wooden indoor slide, my heart leapt with joy. It's just as I remembered, if somewhat enlarged by a child's memory. :) Mother always found out about, and took us to everything within her means, and on week-ends Daddy would take us places as well: Fairmount and Pennypack Parks, the Art Museum, the Franklin Institute, trips down the Delaware River on the Wilson Line, to Riverview Beach Park, Willow Grove Park and more; but The Smith Playground was always a favorite, seventy-some years ago. :) Marie Magill
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For our hours and more information about Smith, please visit us at www.smithkidsplayplace.org