Our Top Pennsylvania Skateparks: Philadelphia & More

Pennsylvania is home to some of the best skateboarding opportunities on the east coast. In fact, one of the best skateparks in PA (Love Skatepark in Philadelphia) hosted the X-games back in 2001 and 2002! Unfortunately, Love was shut down by the city for being a bit too extreme of a park for the general public. But the community that built Love into what it was still exists in Pennsylvania, which is very apparent in any of the skateparks that you visit! 

Since there is such a vibrant skating scene in PA, we compiled a list of our top 5 picks for skateparks in the major metro areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. If you’re new to the area or are just visiting, be sure to take some time to check each one of them out.

And when you do decide to go skate, be sure that all of your gear is in good working order. Check your helmet for cracks and replace it if you see any as a cracked helmet is a dangerous helmet. Make sure your skateboard is clean too so that way you keep the park nice for everyone else. And always be sure to follow the rules posted at the park to ensure that you’re being respectful of all riders. Do these things and you’ll be sure to have an awesome experience no matter which park you go to!

FDR Skatepark

Location: Broad and Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: Free

Hours: 24/7

Best for: Intermediate to advanced riders

When Love was shut down, the skating community in Philly decided to create a skatepark that rivaled its legendary status and FDR Skatepark was born! Located underneath the I-95 freeway, this gem of a park has all the features skaters need to challenge themselves. FDR has attracted world famous skaters like Bam Margera, Willy Akers, and Chuck Treece, so you know that it has to be a quality spot to shred! The graffiti and echoes of music bouncing off the concrete give FDR a vibe like no other. You’ll love skating here!

Skate the Foundry West Philly Skatepark

Location: 888 N 40th St. Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $15 for 4 hours

Hours: Variable. Check Website

Best for: Beginners

A fantastic spot to learn how to skateboard while inside a temperature-controlled environment is Skate the Foundry West Philly. The staff here are super friendly and welcoming, which will make you feel right at home as soon as you enter. If you’re new to skateboarding, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take lessons with highly qualified instructors that are happy to help grow the skating community in Philadelphia. And if you’re feeling pretty confident on a skateboard already, you’ll get a generous skate session for a small fee of just $15! 

Grays Ferry Crescent Skatepark

Location: 3600 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA

Cost: Free

Hours: 24/7

Best for: Beginners to advanced

A great all-around park for all levels of riders can be found under the overpass of Grays Ferry Ave. There’s plenty of room to try out any of the features here, which is ideal for beginners. Plus, there are some interesting lines you can take that are sure to challenge the intermediate and advanced riders who visit as well. The views of the Schuylkill River and the ample parking with shops nearby make this an ideal location to skate outdoors when visiting Philadelphia!

Polish Hill Bowl Skatepark

Location: 450 30th St. Pittsburgh, PA

Cost: Free

Hours: 6am-dusk

Best for: Intermediate to advanced riders

Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, the first place you have to ride is Polish Hill Skatepark. You’ll find a fun bowl to flow through and a few minimalist features to progress through. It’s a great spot for intermediate riders to challenge themselves to take faster and more creative lines through the bowl and for advanced riders to create flows between the bowls and small features that consistently change each time you visit! 

Switch and Signal Skatepark (Indoor Skatepark) 

Location: 7518 Dickson St. Swissvale, PA

Cost: $12 for 2.5 hours

Hours: Variable. Check Website. 

Best for: Beginners

One of the best places to learn how to skateboard is at Switch and Signal Skatepark. This massive 12,000 square foot indoor facility is great for beginners as all of the concrete is smooth and level, which is sure to give you the proper surface to focus on balancing and mastering the basics. There are several features throughout the park that are sure to help you progress each time you visit! And if you’re in need of professional help to either start your skateboarding journey, or help take it to the next level, you’ll find plenty of highly motivated and skilled instructors ready to help out. 

Pennsylvania is full of some of the best skateparks in the country. The industrial history of cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have really aided in growing a thriving skating community in the metro areas that surround the cities as well as the rest of the state. Be sure to take plenty of time to visit each skatepark on this list and let us know how you liked them!

Find a park that we didn’t mention here? Let us know by dropping a comment below! We’d love to hear about any other hidden gems in PA to share out and grow the skating community!