Burholme Park

A Woodland Haven in the City

Spread across 66 acres, Burholme Park is that perfect blend of natural beauty and fun activities that makes you forget you're still in Philadelphia. The name "Burholme" means "house in a woodland setting" - and honestly, that's exactly what you can find here.

Wandering through the park, you'll discover green spaces and quiet pathways that feel miles away from city life. The elevated location offers great views - on clear days, you can even spot Center City Philadelphia from the mansion's cupola. The tall trees provide welcome shade, and there's almost always a pleasant breeze flowing through, even during those sticky summer days.

A Gift from the Past

Behind this urban oasis is a pretty remarkable story of the Ryerss family, who were big names in old Philadelphia. The last family heir, Robert W. Ryerss, did something extraordinary - he gave this entire property to Philadelphia to be used as a public park, museum, and lending library that would be "Free to the people forever."

After Robert passed away, his wife Mary Reed Ryerss made sure his wishes came true. On May 14, 1910, the estate - including the stunning mansion built in 1859 - opened its doors to the public. It's one of those rare instances where a wealthy family's generosity created something beautiful that everyone can enjoy more than a century later.

Step Back in Time

The Ryerss Museum and Library sits at the heart of the park in the family's former mansion. It's like stepping into a time capsule filled with paintings, sculptures, family treasures, and an impressive collection of Asian art and artifacts that the family gathered during their travels.

If you're looking to add a bit of cultural exploration to your park day, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Philadelphia's past. It's a great complement to a day outdoors - especially if the weather takes a turn.

Play Ball (Or Whatever Sport You Like)

For the active crowd, Burholme doesn't disappoint. The park is dotted with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a football field that host local leagues and pickup games year-round.

Come winter, the park transforms as its large hill becomes the unofficial sledding championship venue of Northeast Philadelphia. Locals will tell you it's the best sledding spot in this part of the city - just one of those simple joys that makes Philadelphians look forward to snowfall.

Kid-Approved Fun

The playground here isn't your average swings-and-slides setup. It features modern equipment that keeps kids of all ages entertained, including some cool musical elements that little ones love to explore. The historic stone elephant sculpture preserved from the old playground has become a familiar landmark for regular visitors.

Need to refuel? Scattered within the park are picnic areas with tables and benches where you can enjoy lunch with a view. For bigger gatherings, the large pavilion provides much-needed shade and has hosted many birthday parties and family reunions. Some families have been gathering here for generations.

Beyond the Park Boundaries

Right next to Burholme you'll find Jeanes Hospital and the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center. There's also the Burholme Golf Center, which offers more than golf. You can practice your swing at the driving range with automatic tees (no bending down to place your ball!), take some cuts in the batting cages, or challenge friends to a round on the affordable and well-kept 18-hole miniature golf course.

With so much packed into and around this historic park, you can easily spend a full day moving from nature walks to sports to mini-golf - all within walking distance. It's this versatility that makes Burholme a treasured green space in Northeast Philly.