James G. Kaskey Memorial Park

James G. Kaskey Memorial Park — known locally as the Penn Biology Pond — is a small, serene botanical garden on the University of Pennsylvania campus in West Philadelphia. It's a hidden gem that most Philadelphians don't know about, and families who stumble upon it or seek it out are rewarded with a peaceful, beautiful pocket of nature in an otherwise urban campus.

The centerpiece is a naturalistic koi pond surrounded by native plantings, seasonal wildflowers, and thoughtfully designed garden beds. In warmer months, resident painted turtles are frequently visible sunning on logs near the pond's edge — a reliable source of quiet wonder for young children. The koi fish are visible and large enough to be impressive even to toddlers.

The garden is free and open to the public, though it exists primarily as a campus resource. Hours are 7AM-5PM daily. It's a brief visit — 30-45 minutes is typically right — but a perfect complement to the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which is a short walk away and one of the most underrated family museums in Philadelphia.

This is a particularly good destination for a gentle morning outing with toddlers and young children who respond to fish, turtles, and natural settings. University City has excellent dining options nearby for a post-garden lunch.