scp tunnellog 2022

Young visitors can explore nature in an urban setting in the Children’s Discovery Garden in Sister Cities Park. Inspired by Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley, the garden’s winding pathways, scalable rocks and meandering stream provide a setting for discovery and imaginative play. Children can hike the trail, summit the “mountain” and enjoy the view, while connecting with the natural and man-made environments surrounding them.

The Children’s Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park now has more play opportunities, including a playnet and platform, push-button water jets, a stream dam and a sensory-friendly twig nest. Learn more about these features in the park. The Children's Discovery Garden is opened daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tunnel Log

The tunnel log in Sister Cities Park’s Discovery Garden is a feature that provides a natural play experience for kids. The log came from a fallen silver maple tree in Philadelphia that was estimated to be between 150 and 160 years old. The log was rescued from the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. It was then hollowed and smoothed out and transported to Sister Cities Park for reuse in the Discovery Garden, along with stepping stone rounds and a smaller climbing log. The tunnel log is featured from late October through April, when it is replaced by the pond.

Pond

Enjoy the pleasures of wading in the Children's Discovery Garden pond on a hot day or bring a boat or water toy for hours of fun. The pond is open April through late October, when it is replaced by the tunnel log. 

Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop

The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop runs seasonally May through December. Hop on the Philly PHLASH and take it to Stop 6 to visit Sister Cities Park. Passes can be purchased for only $2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass. Purchase onboard with exact change (cash only). Children 4 and under and seniors always ride free. SEPTA key card and pass holders also ride free. For more details, current schedule and a route map, visit phillyphlash.com.

CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY GARDEN
Sister Cities Park
18th St & the Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Hours
Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pond
Operates seasonally, late April - October the same hours as the Children's Discovery Garden.

Tunnel Log
Hours
Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The tunnel log is now open for the winter season.
Operates seasonally, late October - April the same hours as the Children's Discovery Garden

Little Free Library
Operates year round. Located just south of the cafe.

Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop - STOP 
Hours

September 9 – December 30
Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Operates seasonally April through December. No service on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

For park updates, follow us on twitter @ccdphila.