Philadelphia’s best free gym is its riverfront. On weekends, the City closes a long stretch of MLK Drive to cars, and this month the Schuylkill Banks trail got a new bridge that links its two sides into one continuous route [1][4]. Here’s where to go, what’s closed right now, and how much to aim for.
At a glance
- MLK Drive car-free
- Weekends, Sat. 7 a.m. to Mon. 7 a.m., through Nov. 29, 2026 [1]
- MLK Drive green space
- 4.3 miles along the Schuylkill River [2]
- Schuylkill Banks
- Continuous 4.7-mile trail since Nov. 13, 2026 [4]
- Pennypack Park
- Footbridge south of Pine Road closed [5]
- John Heinz Refuge
- Free; 10+ miles of trails, some closed [8]
- Cost
- Free
Plan your week
| Moderate minutes brisk walk, easy bike | Vigorous minutes run, hard hike, class | Strength | |
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Based on the federal Physical Activity Guidelines for adults: 150 minutes of moderate activity a week (each vigorous minute counts as two), plus muscle-strengthening on at least 2 days. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan, especially if you have a health condition. Plug in the free Philadelphia spots from this guide.
MLK Drive: car-free weekends
The City closes Martin Luther King Drive to motor vehicles between the East Falls Bridge and the MLK Bridge/Eakins Oval every weekend in season, from Saturday at 7 a.m. to Monday at 7 a.m., for runners, cyclists and walkers [1]. The program has run since 1995 [1], and the drive gives you 4.3 miles of green space along the Schuylkill River [2].
The 2026 season ends with an extended Thanksgiving closure, Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, November 29 [1]. Gates are monitored by City staff during the day and locked overnight; report gate problems to OTIS@phila.gov [1]. On the two 2026 weekends the road stayed open to cars, for the Roots Picnic and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, the side path along MLK Drive stayed open to trail users [1]. The rebuilt MLK Drive Bridge now has a 10.5-foot shared-use path connecting to the MLK Drive Trail [2].
Schuylkill Banks: now one continuous trail
Schuylkill Banks is the tidal stretch of the Schuylkill River below the Fairmount Dam, including the trail along Center City, the Grays Ferry Crescent and Bartram’s Mile. It’s owned by the City and operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, with the nonprofit Schuylkill River Development Corporation helping maintain and program it [3].
On November 13, 2026, the Schuylkill Crossing swing bridge opened just south of the Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge, on the site of an old railroad crossing. It connects the east and west sections, creating a continuous 4.7-mile trail [4]. The nearest entrance to the new bridge is at Wharton Street and Schuylkill Avenue, by the Grays Ferry Crescent; SEPTA bus Routes 64 and 79 stop at 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue [4].
A simple plan: walk or run out from Center City and back, and turn around when you’ve used half your time.
Pennypack Park, Northeast Philadelphia
The Pennypack Trail is open, but Parks & Recreation says the footbridge south of Pine Road is completely closed to the public until further notice [5]. The Pine Road parking area is still open for the pavilion area [5]. To get onto the trail, use one of these trailheads instead [5]:
- Veree Road
- Krewstown Road
- Benton Avenue
- Winchester Avenue
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
At 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard in Philadelphia, the federal refuge is free to visit and has more than 10 miles of trails, including the 3.5-mile Wetland Loop [8]. Trails are open sunrise to sundown; from November through March the gate is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. [8].
Recreation centers and indoor options
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation runs neighborhood recreation centers, playgrounds, pools and athletic fields across the city. Its Finder at phila.gov lets you search by name, ZIP code or activity [6]. The department’s website doesn’t post a general membership price for recreation centers, so ask the center you want to use about fees for gym time and classes. Questions: parksandrecreation@phila.gov [6].
The City has also built more than 30 miles of trails since its 2013 Philadelphia Trail Plan, with more than 20 miles under construction or in planning [7].
For the Wissahickon, Parks & Recreation’s older adult centers and free state parks within driving distance, see BestPennsylvania’s Pennsylvania’s No-Fee Fitness Guide.
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [9]. One Philadelphia week that gets there: a 50-minute walk on MLK Drive on Saturday and on Sunday, plus two 25-minute brisk walks on the Schuylkill Banks during the week (150 minutes), and two short strength sessions at home with bands or body weight.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength days at home or in the park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, for squats, glute bridges and arm work on your two strength days, in a small carry bag. [10]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [10]
- 12-inch loops [10]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [10]
- Made of latex [10]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor work and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat for core work and stretching on a hard floor or on the grass by the river, with a strap for carrying it. [11]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [11]
- About 74 x 24 inches [11]
- Elastic carrying strap [11]
- Hand wash only [11]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Winter walks and runs after dark
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier to see on early-morning and after-work walks, runs and rides as the days get shorter. [12]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [12]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [12]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [12]
- Quick-release buckle [12]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- City of Philadelphia: City Announces MLK Drive Seasonal Weekend Closure for Recreation Will Return on March 28 (March 25, 2026)
- City of Philadelphia: City Celebrates the Re-opening of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Bridge (September 2025)
- Schuylkill River Development Corporation: Schuylkill Banks FAQs
- Schuylkill River Development Corporation: Schuylkill Crossing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (November 13, 2026)
- Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: Pennypack Trail Alert: Pine Road Footbridge Closed (August 18, 2026)
- City of Philadelphia: Find a playground or recreation center
- City of Philadelphia: Philadelphia Trail Plan
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
When is MLK Drive closed to cars in Philadelphia?
In 2026 the City closes Martin Luther King Drive to motor vehicles between the East Falls Bridge and the MLK Bridge/Eakins Oval from Saturday at 7 a.m. to Monday at 7 a.m. every weekend through November 29, ending with an extended Thanksgiving closure from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, November 29.
How long is the Schuylkill Banks trail?
With the Schuylkill Crossing swing bridge, which opened on November 13, 2026 just south of the Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge, Schuylkill Banks is a continuous 4.7-mile trail. It's owned by the City and operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Is the Pennypack Trail open?
Yes, but the footbridge south of Pine Road is closed until further notice. The Pine Road parking area is open. To reach the trail, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation suggests the Veree Road, Krewstown Road, Benton Avenue or Winchester Avenue trailheads.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.