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FRANKLIN SQUARE 2026
FACT SHEET 20th Birthday Season 6th & Race Streets, Philadelphia’s Historic District historicphiladelphia.org
Franklin Square, Philadelphia’s original green space, celebrates its 20th birthday in 2026 as a vibrant centerpiece of the historic district brought back to life through the vision and revitalization efforts of the non-profit Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI).
HPI raises funds for, manages, and operates the beautiful oasis of Franklin Square. First created as an open space by William Penn in 1682, the seven-and-a-half acre Franklin Square offers family fun in one of the city’s most charming historic parks filled with expansive lawns and shady trees. Award-winning Franklin Square features the Rendell Family Fountain, one of the country’s oldest public fountains featuring a daytime and nighttime water and light show, Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, swing along with the dancing water of the fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town.
Awarded one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style by Philadelphia Style for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and “Family Bonding.” In addition, Franklin Square was named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as “Best Family-Friendly Venue,” and is featured in the book 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die. The Travel Channel declared Philly Mini Golf as one of the 13 Best Mini Golf Courses in the Country and the Square was voted Top Ten Mini Golf in the United States for two years in a row (2026 and 2025) by USA Today as well as Top Ten Public Space in the U.S. in 2025. Afar declared that Franklin Square is an “urban goldmine.”
Attractions in Franklin Square
● Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. $15 adults/$12 children (3-12), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian
● Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $4 per person (adult or child), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian
● Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and FREE.
● Franklin Square Fountain Show: NEW SONG FOR 2026: “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John debuts May 23. The 187-year-old historic Rendell Family Fountain dazzles with a spectacular show featuring choreographed lights and water. Fountain jets dance magically with dramatic lighting and music as LED lights glisten for visitors. Guests visiting the park day or night can enjoy free choreographed “performances” that showcase the historic infrastructure of the fountain. Each performance is a selection of one of nine songs: “Levitating” by Dua Lipa; “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, Theme from Rocky; “Beautiful Day” by U2; “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong; “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men; “Firework” by Katy Perry, “Under the Sea” by Howard Ashman from The Little Mermaid, “Fun, Fun, Fun” by the Beach Boys, and the newly added “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John. April 18 – October 31, daily performances every 30 minutes, 12 - 2 pm and 5 pm until closing.
● SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious menu operated by Cescaphe. Food options include burgers, fries, and classic thick milkshakes including the legendary Original Cake ShakeTM made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®. A Shake-of-the-Month and Burger-of-the-Month are rotating specials. Hours vary by season, visit historicphiladelphia.org for schedule and full menu.
Special Events in Franklin Square 2026-27 Season
● Franklin Square Opening Day, Saturday, April 18, 11 am - 1 pm – Enjoy the return of the Franklin Square Fountain Show in the Rendell Family Fountain and take part in Earth Day activities including eco-friendly crafts. Experience the wonder and delight of Raptor Jawns by meeting majestic birds like a red-tailed hawk and an adorable Eastern screech owl up close, discovering their natural history and connecting with these predators in an unforgettable way. There will also be games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo. FREE. Free carousel rides for the first 100 guests.
● Tai Chi in the Square, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, year-round, 7:30 - 8:30 am – All are welcome to join the free Franklin Square Tai Chi Group. The club meets next to the Fountain in the center of the Square or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days.
● Storytime in the Square, Every other Wednesday, April 8 – October 21 (not available Sept. 9), 10 - 11 am – Join Ms. Chen from Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia for free storytime and crafts near the Pavilion. Stories, rhymes, and dancing explore different themes throughout the season ending with bubbles and fun crafts. All kids and their caregivers are welcome.
● Franklin Square Play Days, Saturdays, May 9 and 23, 1 - 3 pm – Free crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● Bark in the Park, Saturday, May 16, 11 am - 1pm – Bring a doggie family member to visit with various dog-related organizations and play games.
● Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 – Celebrate dad by playing a round of Philly Mini Golf together. Buy one ticket and get one free.
HPI raises funds for, manages, and operates the beautiful oasis of Franklin Square. First created as an open space by William Penn in 1682, the seven-and-a-half acre Franklin Square offers family fun in one of the city’s most charming historic parks filled with expansive lawns and shady trees. Award-winning Franklin Square features the Rendell Family Fountain, one of the country’s oldest public fountains featuring a daytime and nighttime water and light show, Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, swing along with the dancing water of the fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town.
Awarded one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style by Philadelphia Style for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and “Family Bonding.” In addition, Franklin Square was named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as “Best Family-Friendly Venue,” and is featured in the book 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die. The Travel Channel declared Philly Mini Golf as one of the 13 Best Mini Golf Courses in the Country and the Square was voted Top Ten Mini Golf in the United States for two years in a row (2026 and 2025) by USA Today as well as Top Ten Public Space in the U.S. in 2025. Afar declared that Franklin Square is an “urban goldmine.”
Attractions in Franklin Square
● Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. $15 adults/$12 children (3-12), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian
● Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $4 per person (adult or child), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian
● Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and FREE.
● Franklin Square Fountain Show: NEW SONG FOR 2026: “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John debuts May 23. The 187-year-old historic Rendell Family Fountain dazzles with a spectacular show featuring choreographed lights and water. Fountain jets dance magically with dramatic lighting and music as LED lights glisten for visitors. Guests visiting the park day or night can enjoy free choreographed “performances” that showcase the historic infrastructure of the fountain. Each performance is a selection of one of nine songs: “Levitating” by Dua Lipa; “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, Theme from Rocky; “Beautiful Day” by U2; “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong; “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men; “Firework” by Katy Perry, “Under the Sea” by Howard Ashman from The Little Mermaid, “Fun, Fun, Fun” by the Beach Boys, and the newly added “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John. April 18 – October 31, daily performances every 30 minutes, 12 - 2 pm and 5 pm until closing.
● SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious menu operated by Cescaphe. Food options include burgers, fries, and classic thick milkshakes including the legendary Original Cake ShakeTM made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®. A Shake-of-the-Month and Burger-of-the-Month are rotating specials. Hours vary by season, visit historicphiladelphia.org for schedule and full menu.
Special Events in Franklin Square 2026-27 Season
● Franklin Square Opening Day, Saturday, April 18, 11 am - 1 pm – Enjoy the return of the Franklin Square Fountain Show in the Rendell Family Fountain and take part in Earth Day activities including eco-friendly crafts. Experience the wonder and delight of Raptor Jawns by meeting majestic birds like a red-tailed hawk and an adorable Eastern screech owl up close, discovering their natural history and connecting with these predators in an unforgettable way. There will also be games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo. FREE. Free carousel rides for the first 100 guests.
● Tai Chi in the Square, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, year-round, 7:30 - 8:30 am – All are welcome to join the free Franklin Square Tai Chi Group. The club meets next to the Fountain in the center of the Square or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days.
● Storytime in the Square, Every other Wednesday, April 8 – October 21 (not available Sept. 9), 10 - 11 am – Join Ms. Chen from Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia for free storytime and crafts near the Pavilion. Stories, rhymes, and dancing explore different themes throughout the season ending with bubbles and fun crafts. All kids and their caregivers are welcome.
● Franklin Square Play Days, Saturdays, May 9 and 23, 1 - 3 pm – Free crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● Bark in the Park, Saturday, May 16, 11 am - 1pm – Bring a doggie family member to visit with various dog-related organizations and play games.
● Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 – Celebrate dad by playing a round of Philly Mini Golf together. Buy one ticket and get one free.
An Evening in Franklin Square presented by Parx, Tuesday, June 2, 5:30 pm – An Evening in Franklin Square annual fundraiser features the exclusive preview of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. This illuminating evening includes a silent auction, the Parx Square Derby carousel race, dinner, dessert, and dancing among the lanterns throughout the Square. The Parx Square Derby is a carousel “race” where guests place bets and race to the finish, a highlight of the night. The event takes place throughout Franklin Square so guests can be the first to enjoy the lanterns once darkness sets in. All proceeds from An Evening in Franklin Square benefit the operation, management, and free community programs in Franklin Square. Visit historicphiladelphia.org for ticket and sponsorship options or to bid on auction items.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, June 5 – August 16, daily, 6 - 11 pm (closed July 4) – In tribute to the Year of the Horse and the excitement of Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, this year’s Festival will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit. In celebration of the Year of the Horse – symbolizing energy, passion, freedom, and transformation – the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will glow from June 5 – August 16, 2026. The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk. All of the lanterns will be brand new, including some one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with themes of animals and flowers. In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., supporting the care, programming, and year-round free events that make Franklin Square a vibrant gathering place for all. Tianyu Arts and Culture is an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China – the world’s lantern capital.
● Red, White, & Blue To-Do, Thursday, July 2, 2 - 4 pm – Celebrate America’s birthday with free crafts and a free meet and greet with Wonder Woman.
● National Carousel Day, Saturday, July 25, 10 am - 5 pm – Celebrate the history and majesty of the Parx Liberty Carousel. Buy one ticket and get one free.
● Red, White, & Blue To-Do, Thursday, July 2, 2 - 4 pm – Celebrate America’s birthday with free crafts and a free meet and greet with Wonder Woman.
● National Carousel Day, Saturday, July 25, 10 am - 5 pm – Celebrate the history and majesty of the Parx Liberty Carousel. Buy one ticket and get one free.
Franklin Square 20th Birthday Celebration, Saturday, July 25, 10 am - 12 pm – Benjamin Franklin celebrates the Square’s 20th Birthday with free cupcakes, crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● Dog Days of Summer, Saturday, August 1, 10 - 12 pm – Fun, free doggie-friendly activities.
● 52 Weeks of Firsts - First Selfie Firstival, Saturday, August 22, 11 am - 1 pm – Long before camera phones and filters, local innovator Robert Cornelius snapped the world’s very first selfie right here in 1839, with a homemade camera in his own backyard, no less. One bold pose and a flash of genius changed photography forever. 52 Weeks of Firsts, produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee, shines a light on Philly-born “firsts” each Saturday. The First Selfie Firstival features a brief opening ceremony at 11 am, a Once Upon A Nation storyteller sharing the true tale of the First Selfie, family activities, giveaways, music and entertainment, selfie stations, special presentations, and the opportunity to yes, take a SELFIE, with the #1 Sculpture representing that milestone created by Mural Arts Philadelphia artist Alana Bograd.
● Franklin Square September Play Days, Saturdays, September 12 and 26, 11 am - 1 pm – Free crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● National Mini Golf Day, Monday, September 21, 10 am - 8 pm – Celebrate the award-winning iconic Philly Mini Golf with buy one ticket and get one free all day.
● Spooky Mini Golf, October 1 – 31, both day and evening, 10 am until 10 pm – Philly Mini Golf is transformed into popular spooky fun for the season featuring theatrical fog, strobe lights, colored and spooky lighting, and festive decorations. Spooky Mini Golf offers a family-friendly experience suitable for all ages, offered both day and evening. ($15 adults, $12 children). Includes theatrical fog, strobe lights, and reduced lighting. Timed tickets are required on select days, advanced ticket purchase requested. Also enjoy the Boo-zy Bar Thursday-Sunday, 5-10 pm, with spirits in the eerie outdoor setting adjacent to Spooky Mini Golf.
● Pumpkin Patch, Saturday, October 17, 11 am - 1 pm – Pick a pumpkin out of the Pumpkin Patch and decorate it to take home, FREE for children 10 and under. Group reservations and participation not available.
● Trick-or-Treat Street, October 24, 11 am - 1 pm – The annual Trick-or-Treat Street in Franklin Square is all about fun. Children follow Trick-or-Treat Street and receive treats at houses along the way. FREE for children 10 and under. Group reservations and participation not available. Advance tickets are recommended and are available at historicphiladelphia.org. Capacity is limited.
● Bark-or-Treat Trail, Sunday, October 25, 11 am - 1 pm – Celebrate with a favorite canine for this pup-tastic Halloween event. Dogs are encouraged to dress in costume, follow a trail of treats, and collect helpful information for their owners. Enjoy music, photo opportunities, and a place to play and run in the Square. (Giveaways while supplies last.) FREE.
● Holidays in Franklin Square featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, November 19 – January 3, 2027 – Experience the magic of the holiday and celebrate traditions new and old at Holidays in Franklin Square. Dazzle in the lights of the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, while gathering around the fire pits to warm up with hot beverages (spiked versions for adults) and seasonal food favorites.
o Franklin Square Street Curling returns this winter in an adaptation of the Olympic team sport where players slide stones of granite towards a target on a sheet of ice. Street Curling is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (Rocks) across the curling surface toward the target (The House). At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session.
o Chilly Philly Mini Golf (through January 31) transforms Center City’s only outdoor miniature golf course both daytime and evenings. Experience lights, seasonal music, and larger than life wintertime friends throughout the course.
o Jingle and Mingle with Santa (November 27 and 28, December 5, 12, and 19, 5-7 pm) and bring pets for Santa Paws (December 12, 5-7 pm). Stories, Cookies, and Milk with Santa includes treats inside the heated tent while visiting with guests and posing for photos (December 19, 11 am - 1 pm, tickets required).
o Other special holiday events include Philadelphia Dance Academy performing scenes from The Nutcracker (November 29, 5 pm), Hanukkah (December 6), and Kwanzaa (December 29) celebrations.
o Gift-Making, December 5, 5 - 7 pm Children can create gifts for their families with The Clay Studio. FREE.
o Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown, Thursday, December 31, 5 - 8 pm – will ring in the New Year with the most family-friendly celebration in town. Crafts and the famous Square Drop at 6 pm plus the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square.
Franklin Square is free and open to the public, with the exception of the Parx Liberty Carousel and Philly Mini Golf, which require paid tickets.
Getting to Franklin Square
Limited on-street parking is available surrounding Franklin Square. SpotHero offers nearby discount parking options at a discount, providing a donation to Historic Philadelphia as part of the partnership. Book directly from the link above (rather than booking through the app) to allow a donation to Historic Philadelphia from SpotHero.
PATCO’s Franklin Square Station offers convenient access to Franklin Square from both Center City Philadelphia and South Jersey. Fares vary by distance and station: one-way tickets range from $1.40 to $3.00, and round-trip fares range from $2.80 to $6.00. Schedules are available at PATCO Stations & Fares.
The Square is accessible via SEPTA and is walkable from SEPTA Regional Rail via Jefferson Station at 11th & Market Streets or the SEPTA Market-Frankford Blue Line via 8th Street or 5th Street stops. SEPTA Bus Route 47 stops near the Square as well, as does NJ Transit.
2026-2027 Franklin Square Operating Hours:
April 1 – 30: daily, 10 am-7pm
May 1 – 22: daily, 10 am-9 pm
May 23 – June 1: daily, 10 am-10 pm
June 2 – 4: daily, 10 am-5 pm
June 5 – August 16: daily, 10 am-5 pm
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival hours: daily, 6-11 pm
August 17 – September 7, 10 am-10 pm
September 8 – 30: daily, 10 am-8 pm
October 1 – 31: daily, 10 am-10 pm
November 1 – 18: daily, 10 am-5 pm
November 19 – January 2, 2026: daily, 10 am-9 pm (closes 8 pm on December 24 & 31; closed November 26, December 25, January 1)
January 7 – February 28: Thursday - Sunday, 10 am-7 pm (also open January 18 and February 15 for holidays)
SquareBurger hours: follows schedule above, 12 pm to park closing.
Hours are subject to change and are dependent on weather.
Funders and partners for Franklin Square are Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Parx, PECO, William Penn Foundation, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House; Once Upon A Nation storytelling, History Makers, and immersive walking tours; and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI on Facebook at Historic Philadelphia or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at @historicphilly or @franklinsquarephilly.
All events, prices, and dates are subject to change.
● Dog Days of Summer, Saturday, August 1, 10 - 12 pm – Fun, free doggie-friendly activities.
● 52 Weeks of Firsts - First Selfie Firstival, Saturday, August 22, 11 am - 1 pm – Long before camera phones and filters, local innovator Robert Cornelius snapped the world’s very first selfie right here in 1839, with a homemade camera in his own backyard, no less. One bold pose and a flash of genius changed photography forever. 52 Weeks of Firsts, produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee, shines a light on Philly-born “firsts” each Saturday. The First Selfie Firstival features a brief opening ceremony at 11 am, a Once Upon A Nation storyteller sharing the true tale of the First Selfie, family activities, giveaways, music and entertainment, selfie stations, special presentations, and the opportunity to yes, take a SELFIE, with the #1 Sculpture representing that milestone created by Mural Arts Philadelphia artist Alana Bograd.
● Franklin Square September Play Days, Saturdays, September 12 and 26, 11 am - 1 pm – Free crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● National Mini Golf Day, Monday, September 21, 10 am - 8 pm – Celebrate the award-winning iconic Philly Mini Golf with buy one ticket and get one free all day.
● Spooky Mini Golf, October 1 – 31, both day and evening, 10 am until 10 pm – Philly Mini Golf is transformed into popular spooky fun for the season featuring theatrical fog, strobe lights, colored and spooky lighting, and festive decorations. Spooky Mini Golf offers a family-friendly experience suitable for all ages, offered both day and evening. ($15 adults, $12 children). Includes theatrical fog, strobe lights, and reduced lighting. Timed tickets are required on select days, advanced ticket purchase requested. Also enjoy the Boo-zy Bar Thursday-Sunday, 5-10 pm, with spirits in the eerie outdoor setting adjacent to Spooky Mini Golf.
● Pumpkin Patch, Saturday, October 17, 11 am - 1 pm – Pick a pumpkin out of the Pumpkin Patch and decorate it to take home, FREE for children 10 and under. Group reservations and participation not available.
● Trick-or-Treat Street, October 24, 11 am - 1 pm – The annual Trick-or-Treat Street in Franklin Square is all about fun. Children follow Trick-or-Treat Street and receive treats at houses along the way. FREE for children 10 and under. Group reservations and participation not available. Advance tickets are recommended and are available at historicphiladelphia.org. Capacity is limited.
● Bark-or-Treat Trail, Sunday, October 25, 11 am - 1 pm – Celebrate with a favorite canine for this pup-tastic Halloween event. Dogs are encouraged to dress in costume, follow a trail of treats, and collect helpful information for their owners. Enjoy music, photo opportunities, and a place to play and run in the Square. (Giveaways while supplies last.) FREE.
● Holidays in Franklin Square featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, November 19 – January 3, 2027 – Experience the magic of the holiday and celebrate traditions new and old at Holidays in Franklin Square. Dazzle in the lights of the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, while gathering around the fire pits to warm up with hot beverages (spiked versions for adults) and seasonal food favorites.
o Franklin Square Street Curling returns this winter in an adaptation of the Olympic team sport where players slide stones of granite towards a target on a sheet of ice. Street Curling is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (Rocks) across the curling surface toward the target (The House). At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session.
o Chilly Philly Mini Golf (through January 31) transforms Center City’s only outdoor miniature golf course both daytime and evenings. Experience lights, seasonal music, and larger than life wintertime friends throughout the course.
o Jingle and Mingle with Santa (November 27 and 28, December 5, 12, and 19, 5-7 pm) and bring pets for Santa Paws (December 12, 5-7 pm). Stories, Cookies, and Milk with Santa includes treats inside the heated tent while visiting with guests and posing for photos (December 19, 11 am - 1 pm, tickets required).
o Other special holiday events include Philadelphia Dance Academy performing scenes from The Nutcracker (November 29, 5 pm), Hanukkah (December 6), and Kwanzaa (December 29) celebrations.
o Gift-Making, December 5, 5 - 7 pm Children can create gifts for their families with The Clay Studio. FREE.
o Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown, Thursday, December 31, 5 - 8 pm – will ring in the New Year with the most family-friendly celebration in town. Crafts and the famous Square Drop at 6 pm plus the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square.
Franklin Square is free and open to the public, with the exception of the Parx Liberty Carousel and Philly Mini Golf, which require paid tickets.
Getting to Franklin Square
Limited on-street parking is available surrounding Franklin Square. SpotHero offers nearby discount parking options at a discount, providing a donation to Historic Philadelphia as part of the partnership. Book directly from the link above (rather than booking through the app) to allow a donation to Historic Philadelphia from SpotHero.
PATCO’s Franklin Square Station offers convenient access to Franklin Square from both Center City Philadelphia and South Jersey. Fares vary by distance and station: one-way tickets range from $1.40 to $3.00, and round-trip fares range from $2.80 to $6.00. Schedules are available at PATCO Stations & Fares.
The Square is accessible via SEPTA and is walkable from SEPTA Regional Rail via Jefferson Station at 11th & Market Streets or the SEPTA Market-Frankford Blue Line via 8th Street or 5th Street stops. SEPTA Bus Route 47 stops near the Square as well, as does NJ Transit.
2026-2027 Franklin Square Operating Hours:
April 1 – 30: daily, 10 am-7pm
May 1 – 22: daily, 10 am-9 pm
May 23 – June 1: daily, 10 am-10 pm
June 2 – 4: daily, 10 am-5 pm
June 5 – August 16: daily, 10 am-5 pm
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival hours: daily, 6-11 pm
August 17 – September 7, 10 am-10 pm
September 8 – 30: daily, 10 am-8 pm
October 1 – 31: daily, 10 am-10 pm
November 1 – 18: daily, 10 am-5 pm
November 19 – January 2, 2026: daily, 10 am-9 pm (closes 8 pm on December 24 & 31; closed November 26, December 25, January 1)
January 7 – February 28: Thursday - Sunday, 10 am-7 pm (also open January 18 and February 15 for holidays)
SquareBurger hours: follows schedule above, 12 pm to park closing.
Hours are subject to change and are dependent on weather.
Funders and partners for Franklin Square are Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Parx, PECO, William Penn Foundation, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House; Once Upon A Nation storytelling, History Makers, and immersive walking tours; and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI on Facebook at Historic Philadelphia or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at @historicphilly or @franklinsquarephilly.
All events, prices, and dates are subject to change.
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