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With mini golf, a carousel, a playground and SquareBurger, Franklin Square is the only one of Philadelphia’s five original squares dedicated entirely to fun. (Clockwise from top: J. Holder for GPTMC, R. Kennedy for GPTMC, J. Smith for GPTMC)

Franklin Square, one of the most family-friendly and fun-filled of Philadelphia’s five original public squares laid out by William Penn, officially reopens for the 2011 season on Friday, April 1.

They’ll be special opening Day festivities all day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

And, of course, you can play Philly Mini Golf, take a ride on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, access the award-winning playgrounds, and, last but not least, have a delicious meal at Stephen Starr’s awesome SquareBurger hamburger shack, conveniently located in the center of the park.

That’s right burger fans — SquareBurger will be opening for the season on Friday, April 1 as well.

Returning to the SquareBurger menu this year will be the popular Tastykake milkshake, The Cake Shake, and the Krimpet-filled Butterscotch Sundae. Also returning will be their delicious hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs — including the salami-wrapped Philly Dog — chicken fingers, french fries, salads and more.

And new this year is the Birthday Bonanza Sundae, celebrating five seasons of fun in Franklin Square: one scoop vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, one scoop chocolate ice cream with caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Squareburger opens at 11 a.m. every day and always closes one hour before Franklin Square closes. See below for more information, including Franklin Square’s hours of operation and a mouthwatering photo of some SquareBurger treats.

Carousel tickets are $2.50 per person (free for children under 2), and golf tickets are $8 for adults (13 and up) and $6 for children (3-12).

Some interesting history: originally named “North East Publick Square,” the 7.5-acre green was renamed in honor of Benjamin Franklin in 1825. The centerpiece fountain is thought to be the oldest surviving fountain in William Penn’s five historic squares.

Franklin Square remains open through December. We’ve got a long season ahead!

Franklin Square Hours From April 1 – May 26, the square will be open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. From May 27 – September 5, it will be open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily and until 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. September 6 through December 31, hours shorten (full schedule here).

The famous Cake Shake and Krimpet-filled Butterscotch Sundae will be returning to SquareBurger's menu for another delicious year. (Photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

Franklin Square
6th and Race Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org