Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse — Attraction in Philadelphia

Nestled in the heart of our community lies a true treasure: Smith's Playground. As a parent seeking enriching experiences for my children, I can confidently say that Smith's Playground surpasses all expectations. It's not just a playground—it's a haven of joy, creativity, and boundless exploration.

Let's start with the playground itself. Spread across acres of lush greenery, Smith's Playground is a wonderland of play structures, slides, swings, and more. From towering forts to winding tunnels, every corner offers a new adventure waiting to be discovered. The equipment is not only safe and well-maintained but also designed to spark imagination and encourage physical activity. Whether my children are scaling a climbing wall, zipping down a slide, or swinging high into the sky, their laughter and excitement are a testament to the magic of this place.

But Smith's Playground is more than just a collection of play equipment—it's a haven for creativity and exploration. One of the highlights for my family has been the imaginative play areas scattered throughout the park. From pirate ships to fairy tale castles, these themed zones transport children to fantastical worlds where anything is possible. Watching my children embark on epic adventures, whether they're battling imaginary foes or rescuing damsels in distress, fills my heart with joy and nostalgia. It's a place where imagination knows no bounds and dreams take flight.

What truly sets Smith's Playground apart, however, is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The playground features ramps, adaptive swings, and sensory-friendly elements that ensure children of all abilities can join in the fun. As a parent, knowing that my children can play side by side with their peers, regardless of their differences, is truly heartwarming. Smith's Playground isn't just a place where children play—it's a place where friendships are forged, barriers are broken, and everyone feels welcome and included.

But the magic of Smith's Playground extends beyond its play structures and amenities. It's a place where families come together to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether we're picnicking on the grass, enjoying a leisurely stroll through the gardens, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, every visit to Smith's Playground is a bonding experience for my family. And with community events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities offered throughout the year, Smith's Playground isn't just a park—it's a vibrant hub of community life.

In conclusion, Smith's Playground is more than just a place to play—it's a sanctuary of joy, creativity, and togetherness. From its diverse play areas to its commitment to inclusivity, every aspect of this park is designed to inspire and delight. If you're looking for a place where your children can unleash their imagination, make new friends, and create cherished memories, look no further than Smith's Playground. Trust me—you won't be disappointed.

NOT...

I appreciate that Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a free space open to the public for children to enjoy, but I also want to share my honest feedback based on my personal experience.

As a free playground, it does offer a lot, but there are significant downsides, likely due to funding limitations.

One major concern is the lack of management or clear warnings in areas that pose potential dangers, such as the potato sack slide. While there is a sign advising against running up the slide, some parents allow their children to disregard this rule, putting others at risk.

From the outside, the building is beautiful, and the playground is large, but the interior is outdated and not very clean. While I understand that it’s a free facility reliant on donations, these issues are hard to overlook.

Yesterday was my first time bringing my child to play here, but unfortunately, she was injured on the potato sack slide. She fell and twisted her right knee after trying to avoid three unsupervised young children who were running up the slide, completely ignoring the posted rules. As a result, we had to rush her to urgent care, where she was treated for a twisted knee and a bruised face. After the incident, those children continued to run wild on the slide, causing other parents and kids to avoid it until they left.

What I find unacceptable is the lack of proper management:

Many people don’t check in and simply enter through gaps in the fence. There is no supervision or clear warnings in dangerous areas, nor did I see any security cameras. The facility indoor is not very clean, and there’s a general sense of uncleanliness in the air.

I deeply regret bringing my daughter to Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse. Due to the negligence of some adults in supervising and educating their children, a few kids were able to completely disregard the rules, endangering others. My daughter’s injury yesterday is a prime example of this.

I appreciate again that you’ve provided a free, open space for children to play. I understand that your intentions are good, and I’m grateful for your efforts. However, as society changes over time, if funding issues lead to increasing lapses in management, creating potential dangers for children, it might be better to either temporarily close or restructure certain areas that cannot be safely managed.

I strongly recommend donating to help maintain the park’s cleanliness, safety, and overall management, particularly in areas with potential hazards. However, unless significant improvements are made, as for myself, I won’t be bringing...

Wonderful playground! Excellent individual structures with a setup that had my Very Strong and 'never quits" 7yr old granddaughter going from one piece of equipment to the next without any need for encouragement! My late husband used to Cherish the Right to help polish the giant wood slide when he was a kid in the 1950s. When it was neglected due to the cost of up keep etc through the years he was very sad. He was Vietnam vet, with all the pain conflict that he had, it was Wonderful for us to visit the slide with our kids in late 1990s. They were able to slide, not in the Grandeur of his childhood. Saturday when I took my granddaughter the slide was in Beautiful Condition! The playground around it has soft landing material all around the structures. My husband used to laugh about how in our day jungle gyms were all metal pipes, built tall with concrete all around them so we could 'crack' our heads open! It was a perfect day in our Memorial Weekend! (Be sure to go inside to see pics of history on all 3 floors, it is a good opportunity to teach kids how things have changed and how they haven't). Also, they need donations to fix the bathrooms, just FYI... It was a perfect little trip! We were a little busy so I guess I didn't get a pic...