Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Q: What is the cost to visit Smith?
A: Smith is free for individual families to visit, donations are gratefully accepted.
Q: Can we grill or BBQ at Smith?
A: Grilling and BBQing are prohibited at Smith for safety reasons.
Q: Is there a pool at Smith?
A: No, there is no pool at Smith.
Q. Is there a preschool program at Smith?
A. Smith’s preschool program ended in 2010.
Q: Is there parking at Smith?
A: Smith has a free parking lot in front of the Playhouse. If the lot is full, street parking on Reservoir Drive is free and legal as well.
Q: Can I get to Smith using public transportation?
A: Smith is easily accessible from SEPTA bus #32 or #3. The #32 stops at N. 33rd and Oxford Streets, and the #3 stops at N. 33rd and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
Q: When are Smith’s hours?
A: The Playground is open April 1–September 30 , Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00am–6:00pm. October 1-December 31, the Playground is open Friday-Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm. April 1-September 30, the Playhouse is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am–4:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays until 6:00pm. October 1-March 31, the Playhouse is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm.
Q: Why is Smith not open all the time?
A: Smith was happy to expand its hours for the 2012 season to be more accessible for play after school and work. Smith is a non-profit that relies primarily on donations for general operating costs. Funding is not currently available for the extra staff and upkeep that more extended hours would require. It is a goal of ours. Help by becoming a member.
Q. How do I get to Smith?
A. Smith is located in East Fairmount Park just above Kelly Drive near 33rd and Oxford Streets. There is plenty of free parking on site and Smith is also easily accessible by public transportation.
From Center City Philadelphia:
Take Kelly Drive away from Center City
- Turn right at the equestrian statue of General Grant (Fountain Green Drive)
- Take first right onto Mt. Pleasant Drive
- Turn right at stop sign onto Reservoir Drive
- Bear right into Smith’s circular drive
From 76 (Schuylkill) East or West
- Take the Girard Avenue/Zoo exit
- Cross over the Girard Avenue Bridge
- Turn left at the end of the Bridge onto 33rd Street
- Proceed to the next traffic light and make a left (33rd and Oxford)
- Drive 1/3 mile and turn left into Smith’s circular drive
Public Transportation
Take SEPTA bus #32 to 33rd and Oxford. Walk 1/3 mile into Fairmount Park. Smith will be on your left.
OR
Take #3 bus to 33rd & Cecil B. Moore walk one block south to 33rd & Oxford St. Walk 1/3 mile into Fairmount Park. Smith will be on your left.
Q: I can’t find an address on your website, what is it?
A: Smith is located on Reservoir Drive in East Fairmount Park, but does not have a building address. Our mailing address is:
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
East Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA 19121-1095
To get to Smith using GPS, input the intersection of N. 33rd and Oxford Streets. This will lead you to the park entrance closest to Smith. Enter the park and we’ll be 1/3 mile down the street on the left, look for the blue and green Smith banners and the big mansion!
Q: What is Smith planning for the future?
A: Smith is always working towards raising funds for new improvements. An extensive renovation of the exterior and first floor of the Playhouse was completed in Spring 2011. The next phase of renovations will include a Sprayground, relocating the parking lot, and a new gateway.
Birthday Parties
Q: Can I have a birthday party at Smith?
A: Smith has 3 spaces available for parties. The Party Room is available year-round and can accommodate up to 15 children. The Party Room is ideal for children 5 and younger. Two Side Porches are available April – October and can accommodate up to 20 children each. April through September, parties at Smith take place on Saturdays and Sundays from either 10:00AM to 12:00PM, 1:00 to 3:00PM, or 4:00 to 6:00PM in either the Party Room or Side Porches. In October, the Party Room and Side Porches are available 10:00AM to 12:00PM or 1:00 to 3:00PM. December through March, the Party Room is available 10:00AM to 12:00PM or 1:00 to 3:00PM.
Q. How do I reserve a birthday party?
A. Call 215.765.4325 to make a birthday party reservation. A deposit of $150 is due at time of booking to hold the date. The remaining balance will be due by one week before your party date. Reservations are suggested at least two months in advance to secure your preferred date.
Q: How much do parties cost?
A: The cost to rent the Party Room is $225, and the cost to rent the Side Porch is $275.
Q: What does the cost of the party include?
A: The cost for the party includes the space rental, a t-shirt and crown for the birthday child, a set of printable directions to Smith, and a staff member to assist with set-up, check in with you throughout your party, and help dispose of trash bags at the conclusion of your party.
Q: What happens if there is inclement weather?
A: In the case of inclement weather, including rain or excessive heat, the Playground Manager will assess the safety of the Playground and determine whether the Playground will close or stay open. The Party Room is indoors, and the Side Porches are covered from the rain. If the forecast predicts inclement weather please bring along games to entertain your guests in your party space.
Q: Can I bring food?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring food or have food delivered. Keep in mind that chafing dishes and grilling are not permitted, and there are no electrical outlets on the Side Porches. Most parties have pizza delivered, or bring cold sandwiches or snacks.
Q: Can I decorate the Side Porch/Party Room?
A: Decorations are permitted for party rentals, but all decorations must be affixed with string. The Weekend Playhouse Manager will have a hole-punch and string for your decorations. Tape or any other adhesive is prohibited as Smith is a recently restored historic property and adhesives damage the finishes.
Q: Do the guests have to leave after my party ends?
A: The time slot you reserved for your party is for the space rental. The children and their caregivers are welcome to continue their time in the Playhouse or Playground until closing. Please be mindful of being cleaned up and out of the space when your party time has ended, as there are often other parties or after-hour rentals that need to set-up after yours.
Q: Can I plug in an appliance or stereo?
A: There is no electricity on the Side Porches, there is an outlet in the Party Room. Battery operated stereos are permitted, but are asked to be kept at a volume that does not disturb other visitors, and to play age-appropriate music.
Q: Can I have more children attend my party?
A: No, the number of children allowed in each space is the maximum number of children the spaces can accommodate.
Q: How many adults can attend the party?
A: The Side Porches have standing room for around 35 adults, and the Party Room has standing room for around 10 adults.
Q: What’s the difference between the “Playground Side” and “Woods Side” Side Porches?
A: The Side Porches are identical, but are on opposite sides of the building. If you are facing the Playhouse, the “Playground Side” is on the left of the house, and the “Woods Side” is on the right.
Q: Can I have a party on the front lawn?
A: Individual families are welcome to picnic on the front lawn on towels or blankets. Decorations, grilling, sound equipment, or any furniture is not permitted on the front lawn to preserve the environment for all families.
Group Visits
Q: How can my group visit Smith?
A: Reservations are required in advance for groups who wish to visit Smith. Groups may visit on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays from either 10:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00 – 3:00pm. Please call 215.765.4325 to make a reservation.
Q: How far in advance should I reserve?
A: We suggest booking your group visit at least two months in advance. If you intend to visit in the summer months, or have a large group, we suggest reserving three or four months in advance.
Q: What is considered a group?
A: A group is any daycare, recreation center, summer camp, church group, school, or Moms Club of 8 or more children.
Q: How much does a group visit cost?
A: The cost of a group visit is based on the number of children in your group. Up to 25 children is $25, 26-50 children is $50, and 51-100 children is $100.
Q: When is the payment due?
A: Payment is due one month prior to your visit date. If your payment is not received by the due date, your visit may be cancelled to allow other groups the opportunity to visit Smith. Groups that arrive without sending prior payment will be charged an additional $25 walk-in fee.
Q: Can my group eat lunch or snacks at Smith?
A: Yes, groups are welcome to use the picnic tables on the side porches if there is space, or picnic on the grass on the front lawn. Groups are asked to bring their own trash bags and take their trash with them, as Smith is a carry-in/carry-out facility.
Q: What if there is inclement weather?
A: If the Playground is closed due to inclement weather, Smith will call the primary contact on the group reservation form between 9:00 – 9:30am to discuss rescheduling. If the group is unable to reschedule, they will receive a credit valid for one year. If the children in the group are 5 and younger, they may still visit the Playhouse.
Q: How many chaperones are needed?
A: A minimum ratio of 5 children to 1 adult is required, additional chaperones are welcome. There is no fee for chaperones.
