Anna C. Verna Playground
4.9(29)4.9 out of 5 stars, 29 reviews Philadelphia, PA
About Anna C. Verna Playground
Anna C. Verna Playground offers a unique and world-class play experience, particularly distinguishing itself with challenging spiral cargo net climbs that lead to long tube slides. It features brand new, diverse equipment including high-speed slides, extensive wooden and 'birdcage' climbing structures, and a wide variety of swings (360, wrap-around circular, single, and multi-rider). Beyond the play structures, it provides significant value with free, all-family activities like music, crafts, and storytimes on weekends.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with older children (e.g., 7+) who enjoy challenging climbs and fast slides.Families seeking a unique playground experience beyond standard offerings.Playdates or family outings where bringing a picnic or snacks is desired.Parents looking for free, structured weekend activities for the whole family.Birthday parties or private events, with a rentable covered pavilion.
Why families love it
- Features unique spiral cargo net climbs leading to long tube slides, offering a different experience than most playgrounds.
- Boasts awesomely high and fast slides, appealing to children seeking thrills.
- Provides extensive and challenging climbing structures, including wooden climbers and a 'huge birdcage climb' area.
- Offers a wide variety of swings, including a cool 360 swing set, wrap-around circular swings, and single/multi-rider options, with at least 5 different styles.
- Host to free, all-family activities such as music, crafts, and storytimes on weekends, year-round.
- Recently underwent all kinds of improvements, resulting in brand new equipment and an 'incredible play area'.
Insider tips
- Bring your own snacks and drinks to utilize the numerous picnic benches and tables available.
- Consider visiting on a 'cool weekday afternoon' for a potentially less crowded and enjoyable experience.
- If planning a special event, inquire about renting the covered open pavilion.
- Look for the free family activities like music, crafts, and storytimes offered on weekends for additional entertainment.
- Be aware that the 'huge birdcage climb and slide area' can be very busy, so plan accordingly if your children prefer less crowded play zones.
Good to know before you go
- There are no specific 'avoid' times mentioned, but be prepared for the 'huge birdcage climb and slide area' to be busy, especially during peak times like weekends.
- The 'huge birdcage climb and slide area' was observed to be the busiest spot, suggesting it can get crowded.
- Crowds
- The 'huge birdcage climb and slide area' was specifically noted as being the busiest.
- Value
- Entry to Anna C. Verna Playground is entirely free. The value proposition is exceptionally high, as it offers brand new, world-class, unique play equipment, ample amenities (picnic areas, water fountains, portapotties), and free, year-round family activities on weekends. While a covered pavilion is available for rent, no pricing details for this or any other potential hidden costs were mentioned, making it a very cost-effective family entertainment option.
- Food
- Outside food and snacks are highly encouraged, with numerous picnic benches and tables available.
- Accessibility
- Features single and multi-rider swings suitable for 'all ages', suggesting some basic level of accessibility in swing options.
- Safety
- Reviewers 'felt safe' during their visit on a midweek afternoon.
What parents say
"Excellent play space especially for older kiddos! There were some awesomely high slides that go fast! There are also some great climbing structures and a cool 360 swing set. It had a few different types of swings! There are also a number of picnic benches so it's a great place to bring some snacks and enjoy in between playing."
a year ago
"It was great to see lots of families enjoying this world-class FDR Park playground on a cool weekday afternoon. There are single and multi-rider swings for all ages to enjoy. I counted at least 5 different swing styles. The huge birdcage climb and slide area was the busiest. There is free parking nearby and they're set up to have water fountains running for people and dogs. There are picnic tables and portapotties nearby. Year-round, they offer free, all-family activites like music,crafts and storytimes on the weekends. There is a covered open pavillion with picnic tables that you can rent fo"
10 months ago
"It's really nice!! There have been all kinds of improvements lately and it's quite good. There is also a very nice young man that works there in the morning!!"
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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