"AL DIA Picks" features places or things that we think Philadelphians should know about. This week's picks are parks and playgrounds. Send in your picks on Instagram @ALDIANews #ALDIAPicks

1. Roberto Clemente Park and Playground

Photo: Samantha Madera/AL DIA NEWS

Roberto Clemente Park and Playground rests in the heart of the Fairmount community. The Park is an explosion of color, from the mural that brightly depicts gardens and townhouses, to the green spongy ground that supports jungle-gyms  and swing sets. The playground is adjacent to full-size basketball courts and a baseball field. Kids can cool off in the heat under a towering flower that shoots streams of water. Even the Fresh Prince of Bel Air thought Roberto Clemente Park was the place to be--the theme song for the show was filmed here.

2. Eastern State Penitentiary Playpen

Hiding in the back of Eastern State Penitentiary is another kind of pen--a playpen. At the end of a vast stretch of grass, against the backdrop of the foreboding penitentiary walls, is a mini playground for Fairmount's youngest. While the playpen is small, it offers a water mister, swings and mini forts. It's a bright addition to the towering walls of the penitentiary.

3. Liberty Lands Park

From the sidewalk, Liberty Lands Park might look like another grassy lot, but this community-owned park is full of gardens, cobbled paths, wildflowers and art. With its natural and unmanicured appearance, Liberty Lands is a welcome escape from the city.

4. Norris Square Park

Amid dense rows of townhouses is the welcome grassy expanse of Norris Square Park. The thick-trunk trees are perfect for leaning against while reading and the playground built for hours of climbing and swinging.

5. Three Bears Park

If you've never wandered down Delancey Street, you've probably missed Three Bears Park. Guarded by thin trees like the edge of a mini forest, the park offers a toddler playground with multiple slides and its signature stone bear statue.

6. Sister Cities Park

Despite its location right on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, most people have not wandered past Milk and Honey Cafe into the secluded mock-nature trail of Sister Cities Park. To a child, the park is a mountain, a lake, a boardwalk and a creek. Just climb to the summit and look up to see that you're actually in a wilderness of skyscrapers. Off the sidewalk, a splash fountain made just for kids provides relief from hot summer days.

Send in your picks on Instagram @ALDIANews #ALDIAPicks