Best of Philly

Best Outdoor Activity

2023 Best Place to Kill a Whole Afternoon

Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Did you know that Pennsylvania has an official state arboretum? It does, and it’s this 92-acre gem in Northwest Philadelphia that’s been flaunting flora for 90 years now. Some of the Delaware Valley’s biggest trees are here, as is the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in all the continent. When you go, don’t miss the recently renovated rose garden, which is simply spectacular. Kids especially will enjoy the Garden Railway, an elaborate outdoor model train that stays up through the end of summer. Read More »

100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Website

2023 Best Flower Show

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

The name is fairly self-explanatory: acres upon acres of positively gorgeous wildflowers. Plus, fun nature activities like the Shinrin-yoku nature therapy walk on August 11th and a family-friendly look at spiders on August 25th. Like what you see growing in the beds? Visit Bowman’s Native Plant Nursery to buy some for yours. Read More »

1635 River Road, New Hope, PA Website

2021 Best Thing We Hope They Bring Back to Dilworth Park

Rothman Roller Rink

Sure, the wintertime ice-skating at Dilworth is great and all, but we simply loved the retro roller rink that debuted this spring. It closed in July, but we’re hoping for an encore this fall. Read More »

One South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA

2021 Best New Way to Run Through Philly

Rundiscover

If you’re in a running rut and in need of views other than the Schuylkill River Trail, this virtual running challenge sneaks your routes through some of the area’s hidden gems — Wissahickon Valley Park, historic Valley Forge, the streets of West Philadelphia, and Brandywine Creek State Park. Read More »

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2021 Best Obstacle Course

Treetop Quest Philly Treetop Obstacle Course

Hidden in the trees of Fairmount Park less than half a mile from the horse stables, this rope and zip-line course ranges from gentle and chill to downright treacherous and terrifying — especially from 60 feet in the air. Read More »

51 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia, PA Website

2019 Best Place to Learn How to Skateboard

Skate the Foundry

If you’ve always thought the kids kick-flipping at Paine’s Park look really cool but worry that you’d break your neck, the answer is the four-week beginners’ course for adults at this rad indoor skatepark. From $78 including skateboard, pad and helmet loaners. Read More »

894 North 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-954-0750 | Website

2019 Best Outdoor Activity—November

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Awe-inspiring fall foliage. Plus: November marks the peak season for spotting many of the hawk, eagle, and other migratory raptor species that fly through. Read More »

1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA | 610-756-6000 | Website

2019 Best Outdoor Activity—April

Grounds for Sculpture

The month that things really start to bloom at this one-of-a-kind outdoor sculpture museum in Jersey. Simply gorgeous. Read More »

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ | 609-586-0616 | Website

2019 Best Man-Free Fun

Wanderfully Wild

Women hiking, kayaking and yoga-ing in the wilderness. Sometimes with wine. Name a better combination. Read More »

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2019 Best Dirt Bike Track

Philly Pumptrack

If you haven’t been on a dirt bike in years, don’t worry; there’s a beginners-only section of this city-owned BMX-style bike track. There are also days set aside for kids five and under and “WTF” slots open only to those who identify as women, trans or femme. Cost: free, and they provide the bike and helmet. Parkside Avenue, next to the Parkside Evans playground. Read More »

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