Schuylkill River Park — Attraction in Philadelphia

Love this place. Best dog park in Center City. It’s not huge but there is always enough room even when it’s packed with dogs. It does have separate enclosures for small dogs and big dogs which is super nice- the big dog park has more space as well and I’ve never seen space be a problem there.

For the most part the doggie parents here are nice too. I’ve met really nice people there.

I think it helps that people can decide what side is best for their dogs.

People share the toys they bring and are not uptight about it when other dogs play with their dog’s toys. So, if you bring a toy make sure you don’t mind other dogs playing with it.

Depending on when you go sometimes there is on street parking in the neighborhood. If there’s any other parking associated with the park I am unaware of it.

It’s open 24/7 and has small stadium style lighting and I’ve seen other people their with their dogs as late as midnight.

There is also seating for the parents and water for the dogs. The park is made of AstroTurf which is cool too because my dog gets less muddy here. Although, she still may get dirty it’s not as bad as other parks. The parents also all clean up after their dogs and it’s very clean.

Highly recommended if your dog loves playing with other dogs.

Just know that most dogs that come here like to wrestle, all in good fun. So, if you’re dog isn’t into that sort of off leash play than this is not be the park for you.

But, if your dog likes to rip around with other dogs in good supervised fun, then...

Whenever I'm in Philly, my running route is from Queen Village to the Schuylkill River Park. I always break stride of my elite 9 minute mile pace, pause the Watch the Throne album blasting in my ears, and walk through this park. It is a great moment to just take in the peaceful energy. I love this place and parks like it in general.

Everyone is just out enjoying life: Kids playing basketball, friends having picnics, people playing tennis, others reading a book or taking a calm walk with their airpods in, dogs running around the dog park while their owners watch from the sidelines, etc.

The kids playing basketball always gets me a little emotional because that used to be me and my friends before the responsibilities of adulthood caused my cortisol levels to go through the roof. All we cared about was playing basketball and having fun. It's like a little time portal to the past.

The FMC tower watches over the park, reflecting the sky. I always get fascinated with buildings like this and it makes me appreciate human beings. Like we just built that thing no problem. Wild.

I can't close out this review without shouting out running. I could be spiraling into the abyss of negative thoughts and force myself to go for a run, and it completely alters my brain chemistry. I feel like I can do anything after a run. It has done more for me than any drug ever could.

IG @jnov_ Tiktok...

I use it for the dog park. Fully enclosed dog run. It's a nice size and enough to get my guys running and worn out. There is a two gate entry to the run to reduce the chance of runaways if someone doesn't close or latch the gate fast enough. There is a water faucet with built in bowls for the pooches as well as a hose if you need to spray off or clean up anything. I believe the dog run "closes" at 10pm. There is okay lighting in the evening and usually a few other owners out.

Most of the regulars are nice and range from friendly and chatty to quietly pleasant. There have been a few owners who have aggressive dogs and they don't seem to care. It has been rare but it does happen.

Final note: There is a large, open grassy spot in front of the actual run. A number of owners like to let their dogs off leash in this area. While I understand the want to let the dogs "run free", there are bikes, families, loud trains and other city noises/hazards that are around. I don't think its wise to let your dog off leash and I have seen people tickets...