American Legion Playground

Devereux and Torresdale streets. A little rundown, two big-kid swings, two baby swings, so I wouldn't want to go when it's crowded. There's also a second frame for a swingset, but no swings. It's surrounded by fields and a street hockey rink.

Little kids playset

Rec center, it was Sunday, so I didn't even check if it were open. 

Smallish swimming pool, looks like it's been closed for years. 

Spider climber

Holmesburg Playground

I like to call this the "One Exit Playground" because, if you have two monkeys who are constantly running in opposite directions, and you have to decide which one you love the most: the one running toward the boulevard, or the one running toward Pennsylvania's only quarry guarded by wild dingo, it's nice to have a playground where all you have to do is guard one exit.

This playground on Rhawn and Ditman streets, is smallish, and is shaped in an arc, so you can always keep an eye on the kids. It's also very clean since they lock it up overnight to keep the rabble out. It's also attached to a rec center that's open most of the time and has clean bathrooms. There's even a smallish parking lot. My only complaint is it has absolutely no shade.

Playground is surrounded by baseball and football fields, but they're locked up except for organized play.

Plenty of swings, no waiting.

The big kid playset

Grassy area to run around, it's separate from play area though.

Little kid playset

Benches, but it's going to be a few years before those trees provide shade.

Extra exits padlocked, woo hoo! Double check though, some days if they're cutting the lawn, the gates are open.

Roosevelt Playground

Walker and Hellerman streets. Big  but not too big, lots of stuff for kids to do. Surrounded by basketball courts, baseball, and football fields that are open. Not too many exits. Standard amount of litter. When I was there on a Thursday morning the rec center building was locked tight.

Smaller kids playset

Bigger kids playlet

The elephant was once a sprinkler, pretty sure it's now just something to climb on. Four big-kid swings in the back.

And four baby swings.

Lots of shady benches very close to play area.

Pelbano Recreation Center

Playground is split up into part for big kids, and a smaller fenced in area for toddlers. Rec center has generous hours, clean bathrooms, and signs for early morning drop-off and after school pick up.

Tot lot, includes two baby swings

Big kid lot

Only two swings!

Sprinkler hours posted in the rec center

Ramp Playground

Local street urchins enjoy the swings. The playground boasts two sets of swings, one with four big-kid swings, the other with two big-kid swings and two baby swings.

Little kid play station

It has an out-of-the-way location at Solly and Rowland, across the street from Father Judge High School, but it's no secret to the locals. It's medium sized so you can keep an eye on your monkeys, and two of the entrances are padlocked, leaving only one entrance. The litter is at a minimum.

Big kid play station

Street hockey rink, also used to teach kids how to ride bikes.

This is a sprinkler. The nice woman on the phone said they would turn it on if asked.

This place gets lots of points for shade.

Football field on one side, but they just installed pricy fake turf, so they lock it up good when not it use. 

Basketball courts on other side.

Rec center runs pre-school, is open most of the time, features super friendly staff, and has a bathroom.

Lower Mayfair Playground

My son calls it The Dinosaur Playground because of this mural

This playground is on Hawthorne, between Levick and Robbins, sitting in the shadow of Ethan Allen Grade School. It's spread out, very big. If your monkeys like to run around they could spend all day here.

Area includes basketball courts, a street hockey rink and a running track.

Minuses include a high litter content, and it's bordered on Hawthorne by a grassy hill that people use to walk and not clean up after their dogs.

For a post-play lunch, check out nearby Tony's Place for their incredible tomato pies.

Play station for big kids

Play station for little kids

Pretty view of St. Tim's steeple across the street.

A shady spot to sit, but it's away from the play areas.

Four baby swings, four big kid swings

Bathrooms available, I was there Sunday and the doors were locked. I'll check back on a weekday.

Inevitable picture of my monkey