10 ways to enjoy Philly parks this summer

Summer is upon us! Here are 10 ways to enjoy Philly parks this season with Fairmount Park Conservancy:

1. Find your peaceful place in a green space

Tai Chi + Sound Healing Meditation

Celebrate the recent summer solstice with an outdoor tai chi and sound healing program with Eunmi Chang in West Fairmount Park. ($35)

Saturday, June 29 | 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Yoga in the Park

Start your Sunday morning with an all-levels yoga class in the beautiful green space of East Fairmount Park at Lemon Hill Mansion, led by a rotation of local Tula Yoga instructors. ($15)

2. Watch outdoor movies

Over 35 Philly parks will host free movie nights this summer and fall, featuring family-friendly favorites like “Back to the Future,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Barbie,” “Shrek,” and many more! These screenings are organized by Philadelphia’s Park Friends Groups, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Conservancy. (free)

View the full schedule.

3. Volunteer

All are welcome to join Fairmount Park Conservancy for our Volunteer Workdays which keep our public spaces healthy through weeding, invasive plant removal, trash pick-up, trail maintenance, and more.

Farm Philly Weekly Volunteer Days at Carousel House Farm
Tuesdays | 5 – 7 p.m.

FDR Park Volunteer Clean-up
Thursday, June 27 | 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4. Take a Parkside walking tour

Join Michael Burch, founder of the Parkside Journal, for a 2.5-mile guided walk to learn about the history of the Parkside neighborhood and the Centennial District. ($15)

Saturday, July 27 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Saturday, September 7 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

5. Enjoy the sunset on the Schuylkill

Soak up beautiful views of the city skyline and sunset on a guided kayak tour on the Schuylkill River led by Hidden River Outfitters. (pay what you can $40-$60)

Wednesday, June 26 | 7 – 8:45 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17 | 7 – 8:45 p.m.
Wednesday, August 28 | 6 – 7:45 p.m.

6. Bailar en FDR

Want to learn how to dance salsa and bachata? ¡Vamos a Bailar en FDR! Join Fairmount Park Conservancy at the historic FDR Park Boathouse for an all-levels dance lesson from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. followed by a social dance from 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. hosted by DJ Val Flores & Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa. (free)

7. Pop by a play space

Anna C. Verna Pop Up Playground Events

Celebrate summer with a series of movement-based children’s programming at the Anna C. Verna Playground in FDR Park. (free)

Storytime with the Free Library
Tuesday, July 2 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Outdoor Olympics with Music Play Patrol
Saturday, July 20 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Yoga Storytime with Tula Yoga
Tuesday, August 6 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 6 | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Field Games with Kidokinetics
Saturday, August 17 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Visit our new Parkside Pop-Up Play Space

Stop by our new Parkside Pop-Up Play Space created with Tiny WPA in West Fairmount Park. The play space is near Welsh Fountain at West Memorial Hall Drive & South Concourse Drive. (free)

8. Explore the Southeast Asian Market

Experience FDR Park’s Southeast Asian Market with an expert guide. Explore dozens of food tents, with the chance to sample and buy Southeast Asian street food, fresh sugarcane juice, homemade spice blends, and so much more! ($20)

Saturday, July 13 | 9:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 17 | 9:45 – 11:30 a.m.