May is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Parks & Rec and our partners have fun activities for the entire family. Soak up some sun by going on a nature walk, hike, or planting trees in your neighborhood park.
Young naturalists: city nature challenge
May 1, 2023
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center – 860,0A Verree Road, 19115.
Young naturalists, ages 8-12, are invited to take part in the final day of the City Nature Challenge. Attendees will take photos of a variety of animals, plants and insects. Learn more on Facebook.
Sign up to run the Wissahickon Trail Classic
May 1, 2023
8:30 a.m.
The Cedars House Cafe – Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive, 19118.
Celebrate National Trails Day. Sign-up to walk or run the Wissahickon trail on June 3, 2023. Register before May 24, 2023, for this 10k or one-mile nature walk. See more details.
CBS3 Mental Health Reset
May 3, 2023
4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Love Park – 1501 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 19102.
Check back for more details.
Moonset-sunrise hike
May 5, 2023
5:15 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center – 8600A Verree Road, 19115.
Begin your day with a hike in the forest under the light of the full moon and rising sun. Come enjoy some time in nature. Register on Eventbrite.
Introduction to birding
May 6, 2023
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House) – 300 W. Northwestern Avenue, 19118.
Are you new to birding, or interested in learning? Learn the basics of identifying birds using field guides and phone apps. Learn the best places to see birds in the city. Then go outside for a bird walk in the forest and meadow. More details.
Mommy and me paint night
May 11, 2023
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
East Passyunk Community Center – 1025 Mifflin Street, 19148.
Celebrate Mother’s Day early. Show off your artistic skills while you paint a beautiful butterfly with your child on canvas. Register on Facebook.
Love Your Park Spring Service Day signature event
May 13, 2023
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Malcolm X Park – 5100 Pine Street, 19143.
Help plant trees, collect leaves for compost, and clean up trash and litter. Sponsored by Parks & Rec, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Friends of Malcolm X Park. Register for this free fun event.
Love Your Park clean up
May 13, 2023
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park – 3600 N. 11th Street, 19140.
Show your park some love. Volunteer to help clean this neighborhood park. Register at GivePulse.
Create still life drawings
May 13, 2023
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Glen Foerd – 5001 Grant Avenue, 19114.
Create still life drawings with the Tacony LAB Community Arts Center. Draw inspiration from the beauty of Glen Foerd. This class is guided by artist Bob Dix. Students will create a still-life drawing using pencil and paper. Register on Glen Foerd’s website.
Birds of the meadow walk
May 19, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House) – 300 W. Northwestern Avenue, 19118.
Enjoy a family-friendly evening walk. Late May is the end of spring migration. Look for late migrants and returning birds that nest in Andorra Meadow. Read more about this free event on Facebook.
Party on the Playground
May 20, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse – 3500 Reservoir Drive, 19121.
The 15th annual Party on the Playground is back. Come enjoy food and drinks, music, a live auction, and more. Learn more and buy tickets.