You may be familiar with the popular TV show, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, however, don’t let the name confuse you! It is definitely not always sunny in Philadelphia. Many people take advantage of Philly’s big snowstorms by grabbing a sled and hitting one of the hills on this list.
1. Lemon Hill
Location
Lemon Hill Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Lemon Hill is located in East Fairmont Park, which is just minutes away from downtown Philly. The sledding hill is just north of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is situated right by the infamous Lemon Hill Mansion.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
This awesome hill is close to the heart of Philadelphia both figuratively speaking and literally speaking. For many, Lemon Hill is their favorite place to sled. This hill is steeping and is located in a beautiful area. The open and bare slope emerges from the surrounding hilly/forested parkland and is a sledders paradise.
It gives a thrilling ride that will leave you hiking back up the hill as fast as you can so you slide down again.
Additional Things to Know
This is one of the most popular sledding spots in the city. Due to its popularity, there tends to be a good crowd of sledder after a good snowstorm.
Be sure to plan ahead for this and be prepared to wait your turn to slide down the hill. That being said, even if it is super busy, it is worth going!
As mentioned earlier, Lemon Hill is located in Fairmount Park. This park is massive and includes many other sledding spots (some of which will be mentioned in the list). You can easily jump to another sledding spot once you are done with Lemon Hill.
In addition to that, there is a lot of sightseeing that you can do in this park, especially if you want to learn more about the history of Philadelphia.
2. Walnut Lane Golf Course
Location
800 Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Walnut Lane Golf Course is just north of Fairmount Park in the Roxborough-Manayunk section of the city. The golf course is about 20 – 25 minutes (8 miles) from downtown Philadelphia.
Hours
Open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am to 7:45 pm and Friday-Sunday from 6 am to 8 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
During the summer, this golf course’s green hills are perfect for a round of golf. But, in the winter those rolling hills turn into a sledder’s paradise! There are tons of hills to choose from and unlike many other golf courses in the area, this one opens its doors to the public and allows sledding.
The hills in Walnut Lane Golf Course range in size, thus making it a perfect location to bring your family, no matter their age.
Additional Things to Know
This sledding spot does not appear to have any onsite facilities such as restrooms, warming huts, vending, etc. so be prepared to bring your own food and water. IF you do have to use the bathroom or warm-up, I suggest stopping by the Sunoco Gas Station, which is right down the road.
There are also some great eating places near this sledding spot, that are worth checking out.
3. Philadelphia Museum of Art
Location
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located near the center of downtown Philly and is technically park of Fairmount Park.
Hours
The Museum has hours of its own, but the sledding around the museum is technically available when the park opens and closes which is 7 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
You are not a true Philadelphian until you have sledded down the steps in front of the museum! Yes, you heard me right. This sledding spot is technically just steps. For many, these steps may be familiar. Rocky famously ran up these steps in his movie but you can slide down them in real life!
If sliding down steps isn’t your cup of tea, no need to worry. There are other hills located around the museum and in the park that you can try out.
Additional Things to Know
This sledding spot obviously requires a lot of snow to sled on and it is recommended that you go before the city workers shovel the steps (preferably at night). In addition to that, keep in mind that you are sliding down steps and be safe!
This is one legendary spot that you absolutely won’t want to miss out on.
4. Burholme Park
Location
401 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111
This sledding spot is located in Northeastern Philadelphia in the Fox Chase section of the city. The park is right across from Jeanes Hospital.
Hours
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
For those in northeastern Philly, this is the best place to go sledding! This park has been attracting thrillseekers for many years and does not disappoint. The hill in this park is notorious for its fun and adrenaline-induced ride.
You will be amazed at the speed you can get going down this large slope.
Additional Things to Know
The park itself is quite large (85-acres) and includes other activities besides sledding. There are tons of beautiful walking trails that take you through the forrested area. In addition to that, this place is a lot of fun during the summer and offers multiple fields for soccer and football.
There is also a driving range located near Cottman Ave.
5. Bartram’s Garden
Location
5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Bartram’s Garden is located 15 – 20 minutes southwest of downtown Philly on the banks of the Schuylkill River.
Hours
The sledding hills don’t have official hours, but Bartram’s Garden is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Very rarely do you find a business or a place that actually encourages sledding on their property. This is exactly what Bartram’s Garden is doing! There are tons of hills to choose from and each varies in size. It is a perfect place to take your kids and is conducive to all skill levels. Not to mention, at Bertram’s Garden you will be sledding on hills at America’s oldest living botanical garden.
Additional Things to Know
I highly recommend that you stop by the botanical garden, the welcome center, and walk the various trails located on this property. The tranquillity of the gardens and nature is amazing, even in the wintertime! This is perhaps one of the most beautiful places near the city.
6. Clark Park
Location
4300-4398 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
This park is fairly close to downtown and can be found between 43rd and 45th Streets near the University of the Science in Philadelphia. It is in the University City section of the city (southwest Philly).
Hours
Open 24/7.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Clark Park not only rhymes but it also contains an awesome bowl-shaped sledding area that is great for little kids. The slopes in this park offer a more mild and gentle slide, thus making them great for the little ones.
This area is also great for other snow activities, such as making snowmen, snow angels, or starting a good ole’ fashioned snowball fight.
Additional Things to Know
Clark Park can get crowded, but there is no need to worry, the bowl-shaped valley is quite large and offers plenty of space for each family.
Sledding isn’t the only thing that Clark Park has to offer. There is also a good-sized playground for your kids to play on and you can swing by on the weekends for the Philly’s largest year-round farmers market.
7. Belmont Plateau
Location
1800 Belmont Mansion Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
This perfect sledding spot (like many of the others) is located in Fairmount Park. You will find the sledding hill on the east side of the park near the Underground Railroad Museum.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
There is a long-running debate on which hill in Fairmount Park is the best. There are many who claim that the hill located on Belmont Plateau is the best. One of the reasons this is a great place to go sledding is because it provides good views as well. You will get to see the Philly skyline, a sight that is second-to-none! You will for sure want to bring your camera.
Additional Things to Know
As mentioned earlier, Fairmount Park is stock full of museums, historical sights, and much more. This part of the park (near Belmont Plateau) is no exception.
Right next to the sledding hill, you will find the Underground Railroad Museum, the Ridgeland Mansion, and a Cross Country Course. This park literally has something for everyone.
8. Fernhill Park
Location
4600 Morris St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Fernhill Park is located in the Germantown part of the city, which is about 15 minutes north of downtown Philly. This rectangular park is in the crossroads of W Abbottsford Ave, Morris St., Roberts Ave, and Wissahickon Ave.
Hours
Daily from 6 am to 6 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
If you are looking for a less crowded sledding spot, this is the place to go. Fernhill Park offers a mixture of both big and small hills. It is great for the whole family to go sledding at this location and offers something for everyone.
Additional Things to Know
This park is a little bit smaller than the other ones mentioned, but it offers a variety of other activities, especially during the summer months. There is a great playground for kids and loads of walking trails. Fernhill Park is a great place to visit, even if sledding isn’t on your agenda.
9. Thomas Mansion (Tommy’s Hill)
Location
6245 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
This sledding spot is located in the Blue Bell Hill area, which is 20 minutes northwest of the metro area. Thomas Mansion/Tommy’s Hill can be found in Clifford Park and is right next to the Walnut Lane Golf Course.
Hours
N/A
Cost
Free.
More Info
Right by Thomas Mansion, which looks almost like the house in Casper, you’ll find a sledding hill that has affectionately been named “Tommy’s Hill”. This is a wonderful sledding hill that is long and moderately steep.
No joke, this is the hill to sled on if you are looking for a long and semi-fast paced ride. The sledding here is so much fun and should not be skipped over this winter!
Additional Things to Know
After you are done sledding, you can go for a visit/tour of the historic Thomas Mansion. This mansion was recently restored and is ready for visitors.
If you get sick of Tommy’s hill, you can head on over to the sledding hills located in the Walnut Lane Golf Course and Fernhill Park. Both of these are just minutes away from Tommy’s Hill.
10. The Water Tower at Chestnut Hill
Location
200 E Hartwell Ln Philadelphia, PA 19118
This sledding hill is located a good 20 to 30 minutes north of central Philadelphia in the Chestnut Hill Area.
Hours
N/A
Cost
Free.
More Info
Near this local landmark, you will find a variety of sledding hills. These sledding hills are enjoyed by sledders of all ages and levels of experience. They are sure to entertain you and your family for hours! Be sure to dress warm and bring your favorite sled.
Additional Things to Know
After a fun-filled sledding session, you can head on over to one of the various restaurants and cafes located on Germantown ave. No matter which place you choose, you are bound to find a warm and relaxing environment.
11. Wissinoming Park
Location
5773-5945 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135
Wissinoming Park is located in northeastern Philadelphia near the Delaware River. The park is right next to the Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Locals in this area love this park! Many of them grew up sledding the hills located in Wissinoming Park and have fond memories. This could be the case for your kids as well! The hills in this park are obviously unforgettable and provide ample fun for anybody.
That being said, you might run into a couple of other families out on the hill. Try to get to the spot early after a heavy snowfall to make sure that you get the best-powdered snow.
Additional Things to Know
Wissinoming Park is a gorgeous park. After a snowstorm, this tree-lined park turns into a winter wonderland. It is a great place to get away from the business of life and is even more beautiful during the warmer months.
12. Juniata Golf Club
Location
1391 E Cayuga St, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Juniata Golf Club can be found in the Frankford and Feltonville sections of Philly. It is about 20 minutes northeast of downtown.
Hours
Daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Golf courses turn out to be amazing sledding spots. The is 85-acre course is no exception! Its rolling greens make for great sledding spots once the flakes fall. The best part is that it is open to the public and no fees are charged. This is one sledding spot you will not want to miss.
Additional Things to Know
If you get cold from sledding you can warm your hands and feet up at the local Dunkin’ Donuts. The freshly brewed coffee will not only thaw out your chilled body but may also give you the oomph needed to sled some more.
13. Saint Joseph’s University
Location
5600 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Saint Joseph’s University is located in northwestern Philly (namely the Wynnefield area).
Hours
N/A
Cost
Free.
More Info
You don’t have to be a university student to know a good sledding hill when you see one. This hill is located on Saint Joseph’s campus and has been nicknamed “Hawk Hill”. Hawk Hill is a heck of a ride! It may not be suitable for younger kids but is perfect for the older kids and adults in the family. The slopes at this spot are steep and give you a fast slide to the bottom of the hill. So whether you’re a college student or an enthusiastic sledder, Hawk Hill is the spot for you.
Additional Things to Know
If you are worried about getting in the way of the college kids, no need to fear. Most of the students are happy to have you join in on the fun. Who doesn’t like a good sledding hill anyways?!
Check out Our Sledding Page Before you go Out for Some Fun!