There are actually a whopping 55 acres of land that make up Independence National Historical Park down in Old City. Down in the shadow of 500 Walnut, what was briefly rumored to be Beyonce and Jay Z's future Philadelphia pied-a-terre, are the so-called "Secret Gardens of Independence Park," a series of rose and magnolia gardens created by the National Park Service. It's a perfect place to get out of the office for a spell, or escape the summer tourist tsunami, to stroll, read, or let your kid tumble down a very tumble-friendly hill next to Carpenter's Hall.

This little park used to be the home of the "Spring Garden Water Works,' built in the mid 1840's. The foundation still stands, now overgrown with flora. There are some steps that take you into the woods adjacent to the park, and there is a pond, waterfalls, and probably some of the best secluded picnic spots in all of Philly.

This park has quite the backstory. According to legend, Native Americans met William Penn under an elm tree at Shackamaxon, the site of present day Penn Treaty Park, just north of Penn’s Landing. Traditionally, the encounter included words of friendship and maybe the purchase of land. Per the Friends of Penn Treaty website: "While such a “Great Treaty” meeting may never have occurred, it symbolized the desire for peace on the part of both the Delaware (Leni Lenape) Indians and William Penn." Today, this riverfront park hosts a bevy of activities such as "Champagne in the Park" and the seasonal "Fishing Derby," and there's new playground equipment for the kiddos. (Image: Friends of Penn Treaty Park)

Wander the Tacony Creek Trail as it winds through Northeast Philadelphia and offers a that perfect escape from the city. (Image: Plan Philly)

Hunting Park in North Philly is over 80 acres and begs you to get outside! It offers a tremendous rec center, swimming programs, a new baseball field and tennis courts. A Farmers' Market is also held on Sundays and a community garden was established in 2011.

Nestled in the densely-packed Northern Liberties, this park has it all - a community garden, awesome events, places to chill, spaces to play and wonderful landscaping. (Image: nlna.org)

This is the place to go for a quiet lunch/coffee getaway, especially if you work in Center City. It features lovely fountains and beautiful works of public art, highlighted by Christopher T. Ray's amazing Wissahickon Gate that fronts Chestnut Street. (Image: ccdparks.org)

Deep in West Philly, Malcolm X Park offers plenty of space to relax and play. Take in some free jazz sessions or historical readings during their free summer events! (Image: zoraplays.com)

The entrance is a sliver of bike trail near the US Coast Guard Station. WAG offers a beautifully landscaped environment that pays homage to the wildness of the Delaware River. It's secluded trail is perfect for walking, running or biking and connects to Pier 70. You'll forget you're in the city! (Image: DRWC)

Where else could you take a picnic lunch and gaze upon retired Naval ships? Perhaps you'd like to take in some cool events like old-timey baseball, food truck Thursdays and beer festivals? It's the perfect park for a long lunch break. So, grab some lunch at URBN and hang out! (Image: amanlypastime.blogspot.com)

You've seen the signs as you fly by on I-95 past the airport, but have you ever ventured out of your way to find it? You should, especially if you dig walks through nature, birding, hiking, canoeing and stunning views of urban marshlands. Try and snap a pic of the Great Blue Herron while your there! (Image: Wikipedia)

This 275-acre park runs between the Boulevard and Poquessing Creek in the very far Northeast. It’s a largely undeveloped park, save for a large community garden. It's popular with hikers, bicyclers, birders and wildlife enthusiasts, and there's a large area devoted to flying radio controlled model airplanes. (Image: PA DCNR)