As a city sandwiched between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, Philadelphia is closely tied to its bodies of water. These rivers and their tributaries:
  • Served as a transportation network for ships trading goods around the world.
  • Provided water to power the city’s industry.
  • Offered a source of drinking water for millions of residents.
As industry faded, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and our partners helped remake our riverfronts. We protected the city’s water supply by setting aside acres of land as watershed parks. We remade unused industrial brown fields into well-loved green spaces. We built miles of trails along our major waterways and their tributaries. Today, our watershed parks are the pride of many neighborhoods.
 

As we make our way into Spring, take some time to enjoy events like the ones below, occurring on or near the water:

1. Take Us To The River – Art Installation

When: Saturday, April 2, 2022—11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Lardner’s Point Park

When: April 16, 2022 — 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Dragon Boat Docks on the Schuylkill
Event partner: Fairmount Park Conservancy

Join in and learn about Chinese history while honing your paddling ability on the Schuylkill. No experience necessary, just dress appropriately and prepare for fun! Check the event Facebook page for RSVP information and more.

3. Frogs and Toads, Oh My!

When: April 19, 2022 — 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center

Investigate the reawakening amphibians around the namesake creek of Cobbs Creek Park. For more information on the event, check this Facebook page. 

4. Intro to Kayaking at FDR Park

When: April 23, 2022 — 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: FDR Park
Event Partner: Fairmount Park Conservancy

Learn the fundamentals of kayaking in FDR Park with an expert! After some instruction, you’ll be free to explore Pattison Lagoon, Edgewood Lake, and Hollander Creek. Learn more about this event on its Facebook page.

5. Volunteers Needed – Plant Trees Along the River

When: April 23, 2022—9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Pennypack on the Delaware
Event Partner: Riverfront North Partnership

Help plant trees along the Delaware River in Pennypack on the Delaware Park. Volunteers needed! All ages and abilities welcome. No experience required, we’ll provide all tools and training. Visit the Facebook event for more details.
Registration is encouraged.

6. Twilight Pond Walk

When: April 29, 2022 — 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center

Help staff at the environmental center document the flora and fauna emerging for Spring. All ages welcome at this free event! Learn more about this event and how to register.

7. Riverfront North Partnership Fish Fest

When: May 14, 2022 — 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Frankford Boat Launch
Event Partner: Riverfront North Partnership

Learn how to fish on provided equipment and engage in other fun activities like fish prints. Free food and refreshments available throughout the event. Learn more about this event and look out for possible future updates on the event Facebook page.

For other events, check out Parks & Rec's monthly events calendar.
You'll find a variety of events offered by our staff and partners at sites across the city.