Fall Happenings in Historic Philadelphia
See what fall fun is in store for 2026!
The Rendell Family Fountain at Franklin Square
As the centerpiece of Franklin Square, the Rendell Family Fountain has become the place for guests to meet up at the park.
Governor Ed Rendell and family at the dedication ceremony for the Rendell Family Fountain at Franklin Square
History of Franklin Square
Throughout the centuries, the park has been used for a wide - and colorful - variety of different purposes.
Historic illustration of the Franklin Square fountain when it was originally installed
Franklin Square’s Community Connections
Creating a welcoming, open space where diverse communities can gather has been an essential part of the Franklin Square mission.
A boy putts a ball on a hole at Franklin Square Philly Mini Golf, with replicas of Philadelphia landmarks
Stewards of Franklin Square
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. oversees a comprehensive strategic plan to make the park a recreational resource for the community and maintain it as a heritage site.
A wide angle view of the Franklin Square park fountain with a sign in the foreground that says
The History of the Parx Liberty Carousel in Franklin Square
A ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel is really a ride through a rich but relatively unknown part of Philadelphia’s past.
Two horses make up just some of the characters you can ride on the Franklin Square carousel
Historic District Museums
Philadelphia is home to some of the premier museums in the United States, including a number of significant museums that provide an experience that cannot be found anyplace else. Here's a list of institutions in and around the Historic District where you will find inspiration, enlightenment, and entertainment.
Two patrons walk outside of the African American Museum of Philadelphia
Support
The fountain show at Franklin Square with flowers in the foreground
Park Rules
Young children lean over fence to watch the Franklin Square fountain show
Event Rentals
Tables set with colorful party supplies at the Franklin Square Pavilion room
Photo of a man putting into a replica of the liberty bell on the Spooky Philly Mini Golf Course in Franklin Square.
Spooky Mini Golf
Photo of a Betsy Ross actress holding a fake human skull.
Bloodletting & Burials Tours
A photo of Franklin Square's seasonal Pumpkin Patch.
Franklin Square Pumpkin Patch
Photo of children waiting for their candy to come down the chute at Trick-or-Treat Street in Franklin Square
Trick-or-Treat Street
Bark-Or-Treat Trail

Spooky Mini Golf

Daily, October 1 – November 1. 10am-10pm

Tee up for a night of ghoulish golf at Franklin Square . . . if you dare. Grab your putter and try for a haunted hole-in-one as you weave your way through the spooky décor, eerie fog, music, and lighting that adds a touch of seasonal spookiness to Center City’s only 18-hole mini-golf course. After you’ve braved the tricky final green, enjoy some post-putt munchies at the award-winning SquareBurger. If ghostly thrills aren’t your thing, Mini Golf is also open for fright-free daytime putting.

Adults:  $15

Kids:  $12 (3-12)

 

Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, October 17. 11 am – 1 pm

A pumpkin a day keeps the ghosts and goblins away. We supply the pumpkins and all the decorations that kids need to design their own one-of-a-kind Halloween pumpkin. Franklin Square’s Pumpkin Patch is free for the 10-and-under, but reservations are strongly recommended. Reserve your spot here. Group and party reservations are not available for this event.

 

Trick-or-Treat Street presented by Fox Rothschild

Saturday, October 24. 11am – 1 pm

Sweet tooth alert! Franklin Square’s Trick-or-Treat Street presented by Fox Rothschild is a must-do event for the 10-and-under crowd. Young ghosts and goblins can follow the pumpkin trail, gathering sweet treats courtesy of Mars Wrigley. This daytime event is free, but advance tickets are recommended. Click here to reserve your spot. Group and party reservations are not available for this event.

Bark-or-Treat Trail

Sunday, September 25. 11am – 1pm. 

Celebrate with a favorite canine for this pup-tastic Halloween event. Dogs are encouraged to dress in costume, follow a trail of treats, and collect helpful information for their owners.

 

Spooky Twilight Tours at the Betsy Ross House

Saturday evenings in October. 5:30 & 6:45pm.

The lights are low. The excitement is high. And as you wind your way through the Betsy Ross House your costumed History Maker guide will regale you with some ghoulish and ghastly tales of life in 18th century Philadelphia when leeches, bloodletting and ingesting smashed snails were the height of medical care. You‘ll hear how Betsy’s mortal remains were moved from graveyard to graveyard before resting at her Arch Street home. Purchase your $12 timed tour ticket here.