PHILADELPHIA — Franklin Square is turning 20, and Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is inviting families to celebrate with a free birthday party packed with activities and entertainment.
The Franklin Square 20th Birthday Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the historic park at 6th and Race streets. The free event will feature birthday-themed crafts, temporary tattoos, music, giant bubbles, games and a Chinese Lantern Festival scavenger hunt.
The celebration also coincides with National Carousel Day, giving visitors a chance to take advantage of buy-one, get-one-free rides on the Parx Liberty Carousel through 5 p.m.
Children can join entertainer YoYo for music, fitness activities and games during the morning. At 10:30 a.m., Benjamin Franklin will lead a special "Happy Birthday" singalong, with free treats available while supplies last.
The festivities conclude with the Franklin Square Fountain Show at noon in the historic Rendell Family Fountain. Choreographed performances combining water, lights and music continue every 30 minutes through 2 p.m. and again beginning at 5 p.m.
Songs in the rotating playlist include "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John, "Gonna Fly Now" from "Rocky," "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong and several other favorites.
Visitors who complete the free Chinese Lantern Festival scavenger hunt will receive a complimentary ticket for the Parx Liberty Carousel.
The milestone celebration marks two decades since Historic Philadelphia, Inc. began managing Franklin Square, transforming what organizers describe as a neglected and unsafe park into one of the city's most popular public spaces.
Twenty years ago, the park's fountain was inoperable, its playground was deteriorating and the square had become an unwelcoming space for nearby neighborhoods, according to Historic Philadelphia.
Since then, the nonprofit has restored the historic fountain, added the popular fountain show, expanded family-friendly amenities, and created signature attractions including the annual Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival and holiday light show.
The birthday celebration comes as the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival continues nightly in Franklin Square through Aug. 16.
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