Tucked away at the south end of Broad Street is the Navy Yard, a former naval shipyard that had been in use for two centuries before the US Navy decommissioned it in 1996. That’s when ownership of the land was transferred to the City of Philadelphia, and the transformation from a shipyard into an industrial, residential and public complex began. Today, you can lounge in the parks, eat at one of the delicious restaurants or take your ship-loving kids to see the Navy ships still sitting in the bay. Here are six reasons you should walk through the iconic iron gate at the Navy Yard and explore this spot with your kids!
Lounge on the Central Green
Completed last year, this 4.5-acre park was designed by the same firm that worked on the High Line (NYC) and Race Street Pier (Philadelphia), and is completely designed for relaxation! The park features bocce ball courts, hammocks, lounge chairs, fitness stations and a running track around the perimeter. Relax in a hammock and watch planes take off and land from nearby Philadelphia International Airport, or challenge your child to a race around the track. The park is set back from the road (and quiet!), making it a great place to teach kids how to ride a bike.
See the ships
Is your child obsessed with ships? The Navy Yard is one of three Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facilities owned by the US Navy, where inactive ships are docked until further instruction. Walk along the side-walked perimeter of the Yard to discover multiple decommissioned ships, including aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy and USS Forrestal! Or, head straight to the Reserve Basin and make a game of counting the number of naval ships in the bay.
Take a walking tour
Go on a self-guided walking tour of the Yard, and take in the Yard’s rich history. Learn about the iconic gate into the Navy Yard, beautiful Georgian revival-styled buildings that served as the Admiral’s and Marine Corps officers’ quarters, and the significance of Building 6/Commandant’s Building. Start by downloading the Walking Tour and Visitor’s Guide on the Navy Yard site and follow the stops on the map. The tour is two miles long and takes about an hour to complete. And good news: there are plenty of benches and marked amenities on the map if the kids need a break!
Where to eat
Tried to call ahead to Tacconelli’s, the famed pizzeria in Port Richmond, and wasn’t able to reserve dough? You’re in luck—the Navy Yard is home to the second location of Mercer Cafe, the sister restaurant of Tacconelli’s, which houses the “unofficial” second location of the pizzeria. Order a pie from this “Best of Philly” award-winning and Zagat-rated pizzeria without worrying about calling ahead. Another option: The newest location of DiNic’s is located next to Mercer Cafe (try the roast pork with provolone and greens sandwich). The Navy Yard is also home to Lo Spiedo, the newest restaurant from Marc Vetri, as well as little cafes and food trucks for a quick bite.
Events and festivals
The Navy Yard hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. Visit in May during the Broad Street Run, the country’s largest 10-mile run, and cheer from the Navy Yard gates at the race’s 9.75 mile marker. Stop by the Marine Parade Grounds afterwards and participate in the large celebration after the race! The Philly Craft Beer Festival is also held annually every March at the Navy Yard. This festival brings together more than 75 different brewers and over 100 varieties of beer for one weekend. A portion of proceeds are donated to the Philadelphia Committee to Benefit the Children, an organization dedicated to providing treatment and support for children locally with cancer and blood disorders.
Most recently, the Navy Yard participated in Donkeys Around Town. This city-wide scavenger hunt held during the DNC placed colorful donkeys representing every state and United States territory throughout the city for participants to find and snap a picture with! Other events include free yoga on Tuesdays and fitness boot camp class on Thursdays (subject to change; check Navy Yard site for details)!
Proximity to stadiums
Only half a mile from Wells Fargo Center, Xfinity Live! and Lincoln Financial Field, the Navy Yard is a great spot (and alternative to the sometimes crowded FDR Park) to picnic or grab lunch before a game. Catch a train to AT&T Pavilion in the stadium district and walk the short distance over to the Yard. In addition to Central Green, there are three other parks to choose from, including Riverfront Greenway, a park that includes a dry dock with picnic tables and chairs that boasts views of the Delaware River and docked ships. The Yard also recently welcomed its first hotel in 2014, making it a great spot for a mini family staycation!
Tips for your visit:
• The Navy Yard is open to the public on weekdays from 6am to 8pm and on weekends from 7am to 5pm.
• Public bathrooms are located at the Courtyard by Mariott hotel (with a changing table!) and Building 543 (URBN’s—yes, that Urban Outfitters!—publicly accessible building).
• There are two free shuttle routes from the AT&T Pavilion (on Broad Street) and Center City for both employees and visitors, available Monday to Friday. Visit the Navy Yard website to download the shuttle schedule. The Yard is also accessible by car; there is both metered and free street parking, depending on where your car is parked.
• Because the Navy Yard is still primarily a business center, the majority of restaurants are open only for breakfast and lunch during the week. Both Mercer Cafe and DiNic’s are only open for breakfast and lunch hours Monday to Friday (7am to 4pm) and closed on weekends. Food trucks can be found during the week for lunch hours as well as certain weekends throughout the year. Lo Spiedo is open seven days a week.
Photo credits: Kristen Micucci
