Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is serene and picturesque, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Center City Philadelphia. This South Philly escape from time is full of recreational activities for parties of all ages and sizes. Multiple features are offered for free at the park, such as; 20 tennis courts, 8 baseball fields, a rugby field, a famous skate park under I-95, and a playground. The park and its 18-hole golf course, are surrounded and filled with natural wetlands and canals. If running, walking or biking is your thing, trails and paths are located surrounding the park and its lakes. Furthermore, as one of the only Coastal Plain areas left undeveloped in Pennsylvania, observing numerous species of waterfowl is an opportunity offered by this location. Fishing along the lakes is also permitted.

FDR Park is listed in Philadelphia’s Register of Historic Places and boasts some beautiful architectural features throughout the land such as The American Swedish Historical Museum. I enjoy grabbing a South Philly cheesesteak and heading to the park for a picnic on the gazebo or boathouse looking out toward Meadow Lake. Plenty of parking is provided, and the park is just across the street from the AT&T station on the Broad Street subway line.

Do not hesitate to bring your friends to fly a kite, play a sport, picnic in a field, or just bask in the beauty of FDR Park’s surroundings.