Philadelphia, PA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- General park hours
- 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Tot playground hours (Oct-Mar)
- 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tot playground hours (Apr-Sep)
- 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Fairmount Park System sites
- exempt, Sec. 15-201
- Hours extension
- only for approved City events
Summary
City parks and playgrounds are off-limits from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. under Philadelphia Code Section 15-601, with earlier closing times for tot playgrounds and an exemption for Fairmount Park System land.
No person shall be in any park or playground owned or controlled by the City, other than those playgrounds regulated by subsection (2), except between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., unless the Recreation Department extends such hours in connection with any particular facility because of a City sponsored or approved event or activity. ... Exception: The provisions of this Section shall not apply to parks and playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission pursuant to Section 15-201.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Code Section 15-601 bars anyone from being in a City-owned park or playground except between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., unless the Parks and Recreation Department extends hours for a City-sponsored or approved event. Playgrounds built for children under six close earlier: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October 1 through March 31, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April 1 through September 30. The rule does not apply to sites under the Fairmount Park Commission's jurisdiction listed in Section 15-201 (East and West Fairmount Park, Cobbs Creek Park, and dozens of other named parks), which are governed by separate Parks and Recreation regulations instead.
Violations & Fines
Being on covered park or playground grounds outside the posted hours violates Section 15-601 directly and can draw removal or citation by Police or Park Rangers as a trespass-type offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Philadelphia parks close?
Do Fairmount Park sites like East/West Fairmount Park follow the same curfew?
Are children's playgrounds open as late as regular parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
Compare Philadelphia to another location·View the Pennsylvania curfew laws overview
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