Jenks delivers a ton of fun in Philly!

Jenks is a hidden gem in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia.  While officially part of John Story Jenks Elementary School, it is a community park loved by all. It is open to the public after school hours, on weekends and during daylight hours all summer long. You’ll see babies as young as 6 months old and kids as old as 12 years old enjoying themselves in this huge playground, full of wooden “castles” of all sizes. There are separate areas of the playground designed for different age groups. The tot lot includes swings, a very large sandbox with slides. The big kid area has large wooden structures, 3 big slides, swings and rope challenges to suit the adventurous and creative nature of kids! Families spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours here. There are also lots of parents to keep an eye on kids as they explore. A must-see in Chestnut Hill.

Metered street parking up and down Germantown Ave, free street parking on side streets (Gravers Lane and Hartwell Lane), and on Ardleigh Ave behind the school. The main entrance, on Germantown Ave,  is up a steep set of steps, but there is stroller access just past the main entrance towards Gravers Lane.

While in the neighborhood, head over to nearby Pastorius Park and soak in nature with beautiful green lawns, tall trees, a pond with turtles, a creek with a stone bridge and plenty of dogs to keep you entertained.

Market at the Fairway on Germantown Ave is also very kid (and adult!) friendly. Chestnut Hill Brewery serves delicious beer and brick oven pizza, Chikka Tacos has Asian fusion Korean tacos and noodle bowls, Poppy’s Cafe to get your mid-afternoon caffeine fix, and Barry’s Buns for something sweet.

If you saved room, head over to Bredenbeck’s Bakery for tasty Bassett’s ice cream, cookies and cakes galore!