Von Colln Playground

Von Colln Playground occupies a prime location in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood, adjacent to the athletic field just north of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If you're familiar with the iconic Art Museum steps (yes, the Rocky steps), Von Colln is in that same scenic pocket of the city — and it's completely free.

The playground equipment caters to a wide age range, making this a rare spot that genuinely works for mixed-age families. Younger kids have structures suited to their size while older grade-schoolers have room to challenge themselves. The adjacent athletic field provides the open space that organized playground equipment simply can't replicate — kids can sprint, kick a soccer ball, play tag, or just roll in the grass.

What makes Von Colln particularly valuable as a family destination is its location. Kelly Drive runs just nearby along the Schuylkill River, offering one of Philadelphia's best flat bike paths for family rides. The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk and its walking/running trail are accessible from this area, meaning you can combine a playground stop with a proper outdoor adventure without driving anywhere.

The Art Museum is a 10-minute walk away, offering the bonus of climbing the Rocky steps — a free and surprisingly fun activity for kids who have any concept of the movie. Boathouse Row with its historic rowing clubs is visible along the river and makes for a great backdrop.

Admission is free. Parking in the Art Museum-area lots is often available, especially on weekday mornings. If you're visiting Philadelphia with kids and want to combine outdoor exercise, free play, and a bit of iconic Philadelphia scenery, the Von Colln area ticks all those boxes in one stop.