If you are planning to visit Philadelphia, you will not want to miss taking in Fairmount Park and the things near and around it. It is one the largest city park systems in the whole world. It was founded in 1855. It is a total of about 9200 acres and has beautiful scenery. You can utilize 215 miles of great hiking paths throughout the park. You can ride bikes, take your pets along on leashes, and use strollers for the little ones that might be accompanying you.



There are plenty of historical sites to see close to the park and some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. There are several gorgeous mansions that you can see in the park such as The Hermitage Mansion and The Laurel Hill Mansion. Memorial Hall is located in West Fairmount Park and was built in the 1870's. It is now used as the Please Touch museum that was opened in 2007.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located just behind Fairmount Park on the Northwest side. This art museum is one of the largest in the country. They have both permanent collections and ever changing special exhibitions that are sure to thrill all types of art lovers. You will want to see this great museum while you are close by.

If you are interested in all things botanical, then The Horticultural Center is somewhere you will also want to visit. They house a variety of botanical life and have collected seeds from all over the world. They show permanent and seasonal plants of all kinds with over 2000 examples. Here you can see a replica of a 17th century middle class Japanese home for only $1.00.

Another interesting botanist site where for more than 250 years past is the restored home of one of America's first botanist, a Quaker farmer named John Bartram. He spent his life exploring and collecting to be able to better understand forms of nature. You can tour the grounds here as well as his home.

The Philadelphia Zoo is also located in the park. This zoo was one of the first like it in our country. It has some rare species that people love to see such as the white lion and panda bears. This will be a great day spent in the park especially if you have children.

To better plan your outing in Fairmount Park, check the internet for festivals and events that are always going on somewhere in the park. There may be some special activities going on that you will want to be a part of when you visit.