Kiddin' around : Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

The long: A 6 1/2-acre playground and 16,000-square-foot playhouse in East Fairmount Park built in 1899 with the sole purpose of encouraging kids to play.

The short: All the space to run and play that you're lacking in your Philly rowhouse.

The crowd: Inside, toddlers, preschoolers and grateful parents. Outside, kids of all ages (but mostly under 10).

The playground: Swings, seesaws, jungle gyms and more, including the historic Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide. Grab a potato sack and challenge your kid to a race.

The playhouse: The entire toddler section of Toys "R" Us, plus a giant wooden train for playing pretend. The perfect place to spend a rainy or chilly afternoon with your wee one.

Moment to yourself: Pull up a chair in the playhouse's bright and sunny (and quiet) reading room.

Refreshments: Are a no-no in the play areas, but there's a snack room in the playhouse for eating goodies brought from home.

Getting there: Drive and park for free in the parking lot or circular drive, or take SEPTA bus routes 3 or 32.

The basics: 3500 Reservoir Drive; winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday (playground), Tuesday-Sunday (playhouse); closed today for Veterans Day; free (donations accepted); 215-765-4325; smithplayground.org.