Just Do It

Play-A-Palooza

by Natalie Hope McDonald

Sat., April 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., free, Smith Memorial Playground, East Fairmount Park, 215-765-4325, smithplayhouse.org

Unplug the video games, put down the bag of chips and grab your sneakers, kiddos. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse opens for the season this Saturday with Play-A-Palooza, a free event for kids under 10 (and their big people) complete with clowns, story time, snacks and face painting.

Founded in 1899 by Richard and Sarah Smith in memory of their son, Stanley, the playground provides a place for city children to play safely in East Fairmount Park. New this year is the Liberty Labyrinth, a mazelike setting free of walls. The littlest ones can enjoy their own hideout in the playhouse, a 24,000-square-foot space just for children 5 and under. The six-and-a-half-acre playground, open weekly in the summer Tuesday through Sunday, also features a giant wooden slide, net climber, swings and a popular spinner.

After the season opening, the playground will host special events throughout the summer, including a visit from Mr. Potato Head, jump rope, checkers, chess, relay runs and bubble-blowing.