A Whole City at Play!
48th and Woodland Spray Ground. Installation photo courtesy of PLL
About The Play Place
Created for America’s 250th anniversary, The Play Place transforms Philadelphia into a citywide celebration of creativity, discovery, and neighborhood pride. Families and kids can explore hands-on installations infused with learning goals and the power of play! Welcome to the world’s first Playful Learning City!
Start at the Launch Pad.
The adventure begins in Sister Cities Park at the Launch Pad. This interactive hub is inspired by the revolving door, a little-known Philadelphia invention. Here, visitors encounter nine Philadelphia-born “firsts” alongside MADE BY KIDS!, a showcase of imaginative ideas dreamed up by young inventors across the nation. The Launch Pad is designed as a portal to the past and a gateway to future innovation. Think big, get curious, and imagine what you might invent next.
Follow the Fun!
Families can explore 10 additional Play Places across the city, from the Philadelphia Zoo to Elfreth’s Alley. Each site celebrates the culture, history, and spirit of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods through joyful installations inspired by real Playful Learning installations already woven into communities citywide. Spin a story at Love Park...Make a critter at the Zoo...Move to the groove across the Benjamin Franklin Parkway....Launch an invention at Sister Cities Park!
Play More. Learn Everywhere.
The Play Place shows how play can transform everyday city life. By bringing Playful Learning into public spaces, streetscapes, and community destinations, the project sparks curiosity, strengthens connections, and proves that learning can happen anywhere.
F U N F A C T !
Philadelphia is home to more than 70 Playful Learning installations!
A Collaboration
Central to Playful Learning is collaboration between developers, designers and the community to ensure each installation reflects neighbors’ experience, history, culture and values. 


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The Play Place would not be possible without the following:
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FUNDERS
PROJECT PARTNERS
SPECIAL THANKS
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Drexel University Playful Learning by Design Students
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Kristin Lilley
“Philadelphia truly is the world’s Play Place... because the concept has been championed here by community groups, city officials, funders, developers and architects.”
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, Temple University Professor and Brookings Institution Sr. Fellow
About Playful Learning
Playful Learning combines the joy of play with goal-driven learning to promote cognitive, social and emotional growth in children ages 0-8. When integrated into everyday spaces like parks, bus stops, libraries and sidewalks, Playful Learning increases access to high-quality learning and closes gaps in school readiness and academic performance. By design, Playful Learning uses science-based principles to engage parents and caregivers in this joyful experience with their children, enhancing shared time together. 


A vacant lot reimagined in Kensington, photo courtesy of PLL
