Fairmount Park050

Fairmount Park, one of the largest landscaped city parks in the world, covers includes 9,200 acres of park land with 5,600 acres of wood, streams, meadows, and wetlands.

More than 200 historic properties are located in Fairmount Park, the site of the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Several buildings from that earlier fair still stand, notably Memorial Hall. Fairmount Park is home to the oldest zoo and disc golf course in the US, Boathouse Row, Robin Hood Dell, an outdoor venue for soul-filled summer singers, The Mann Center for Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra's summer amphitheater, 139 picnic sites, tennis courts, and The Fairmount Water Works, the nation's first municipal water supply - an engineering marvel - with a free interpretive museum that's fascinating for kids.

The Schuykill River is often dotted with rowers and scullers, and makes a magnificent backdrop for a family day outdoors.

Roughly 100 miles of bridle paths meander through the gorgeous greenery, offering lovely riding and strolling (though if you're walking, do watch where you step).

Park maps and visitor guides are available through the Fairmount Park Conservancy by phone at 215.988.9334 or via email to .