Once Upon a Nation is perhaps most known for its unique brand of historical storytelling on the 13 free storytelling benches scattered throughout Philadelphia's Historic District. Now that Franklin Square has opened, new stories will be told in a shady spot to capture audiences with stories of Franklin Square's varied past, Chinatown, and other communities touched by the Square.
In addition, a Franklin Square fun brigade will play colonial and modern games with children; while some of Once Upon a Nation's free daily programming will entertain visitors in Franklin Square throughout the summer.
Franklin Square is free and open to the public, with the exception of the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel and Philly Mini Golf, which require paid tickets. Franklin Square is open seven days a week through October 31.
Hours of operation for Franklin Square’s 2007 season are:
March 31 - May 24:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sundays - Thursdays
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fridays - Saturdays
May 25 - September 3:
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., daily
September 8 - December 16:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
October 8 & November 23:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December 22 - January 1, 2008:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., daily (closed Christmas Day)
Convenient parking for Franklin Square is available at the underground lots below the National Constitution Center (enter from Race Street between 6th and 5th Streets) and at the Independence Visitor Center (enter from 5th or 6th Streets, between Arch and Market Streets). There is a fee for parking.