As a sports destination, Philadelphia has it all. Pennsylvania’s largest city is home to teams in the four major US sports leagues – the Phillies (MLB), Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA) and Flyers (NHL) – and is also well known for its association with boxing’s most famous fictional fighter, Rocky Balboa.
As well as the major league sports, Philly is also a great outdoorsy city which boasts a huge urban park system and extensive walking, running, and cycling trails. Here we look at the activities and things to do in Philadelphia for a healthy and active city break.
Outdoors
Philadelphia boasts one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world. Taking up more than 2,000 acres, Fairmount Park incorporates more than 60 individual parks, as well as more than 200 historic buildings, an impressive collection of public art and the country’s first zoo and more, all within its borders.
An extensive system of trails winds throughout the city, making it easy to get around without the need for transportation.
Running
Philadelphia is built for runners, with a huge number of running trails throughout the city which you can explore alone at your own speed. Alternatively, you can join a group run, these are organised by one of Philadelphia’s many running clubs and take place most weekdays and weekends. Most are free to join and no advance reservation is required.
The Philadelphia Marathon is one of the top ten marathons in the United States and includes a full marathon, half marathon, 8K and kids fun run. In 2023 the marathon weekend will take place from 17-19 November.
Running tours
Visitors can enjoy an informative tour of the city while at the same time doing cardiovascular exercise. SeePhillyRun’s tours pair fitness with history, as tour groups follow the guide on all-levels running trails throughout the city, stopping along the way to learn more about historical sites, cultural institutions, and public art. No running tour would be complete without an obligatory run up the “Rocky Steps” – the 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous by fictional character Rocky Balboa during his training in the movie Rocky.
Cycling
Indego is Philadelphia’s affordable and convenient bike share program, offering more than 130 stations throughout the city with both classic and electric bikes available.
At Fairmount Park you can cycle on or off-road for miles. Don’t miss Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park where you can take in amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline.
The Schuylkill River Trail is a paved scenic trail ideal for cycling. It stretches along the river for 25 miles from South Philadelphia to Manayunk and winds past Boathouse Row along Kelly Drive into the Countryside of Philadelphia.
Skating
Lace up your skates, stretch out your legs, and enjoy some fresh air at one of Philadelphia’s popular outdoor skating rinks.
Skate beside Philadelphia City Hall at the Rothman Orthopaedics Rink in Dilworth Park, at the heart of the city. Starting in the spring, usually in April and continuing into the summer through July, the rink offers daily roller-skating sessions. Then, during the winter months – typically from November through February – the rink transforms into an ice-skating rink where visitors are encouraged to embrace the cooler temperatures and warm up with a skating session.
For another rink option, head to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink along the Delaware River Waterfront, a 12,000-square-foot riverside rink which offers ice skating during its annual months-long Winterfest and roller skating during its annual months-long Summerfest.