Free Philly Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on

Hit the Parkway for the party of the summer! Photo by G. Widman/Visit Philadelphia

Summer concerts in Philly on a grassy lawn are an unforgettable family experience. But imagine all that without paying a single penny! That's right, free concerts are happening all over the Philly area, and you don't want to miss it. The whole family can enjoy the long days and warm weather while the kids dance to the rhythm of summer. So grab some chairs, blankets, and bug spray and get ready for a night of fun under the stars with free outdoor concerts in the city and suburbs.

Looking for more free Philly fun? This summer is full of Festivals and Fairs in the Philadelphia region. If you're looking for even more summer fun, don't miss our Ultimate Summer Fun Guide.

16 Best Lazy Rivers in Orlando for Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

The JW Marriott Grande Lakes features a newly renovated water park, including the refreshing lazy river. Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Grande Lakes

Lazy rivers offer a tranquil and leisurely escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Orlando water parks and attractions. Orlando lazy rivers meander through lush tropical landscapes, inviting families to unwind on inflatable tubes as gentle currents carry them along. Whether you’re visiting an outdoor water park in Orlando or looking for awesome Orlando hotels with lazy rivers, these idyllic retreats promise a refreshing experience for guests of all ages.

Free Outdoor Movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Summer 2025 for Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Catch free summer flicks in Yonkers at Ridge Hill's movie nights. Photo courtesy Ridge Hill

Summer offers up looser schedules and later bedtimes, and FREE outdoor movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a great way to take advantage of those seasonal perks. 

We've rounded up an assortment of venues offering summer movies for kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, often with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or sand in your shoes. Some of these outdoor movie series offer additional amenities like pre-film kid-friendly activities, live music, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun! 

For another way of enjoying outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide or Family Activity Calendar.

Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for New Jersey Families Summer 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield

Outdoor concerts are a summer staple throughout New Jersey, and going to one is the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Luckily for us, it's possible to take in FREE live music nearly every night of the week in New Jersey, so get ready to go concert-hopping at the local parks, downtown areas, and beaches we've listed below. 

Find more summer freebies with our guide to Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids and our rundown of free summer outdoor movies in New Jersey. We also have lots more ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

Free Outdoor Movies in NYC Summer 2025 for Kids

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Enjoy the popular Movies With a View series at Brooklyn Bridge Park in July and August. Photo by Etienne Frossard

When the summer sun goes down in NYC, the town lights up outdoor movie screens in all five boroughs, and these free outdoor movie screenings are perfect for kids and families.

We keep an eye on these special outdoor summer movie screenings all season long, including the Movies Under the Stars series, which offers screenings in some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and annual favorites like Bryant Park Movie Nights, the Summer on the Hudson Pier I Picture Show, and Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Read on for our favorite free outdoor summer movies in NYC and bookmark our NYC Kids' Summer Fun Guide for more free things to do with kids all season long.

LA's Epic Summer Bucket List: 44 Things to Do in Los Angeles This Summer

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Splash and play at summer camp, Kidspace style. Kidspace Campout photo by Jamie Pham

There are endless things to do in Los Angeles in the summertime. Even though, it feels like summer all year round! Right now, people are wishing they could surf the LA coastline, enjoy the walk of stars, or hike in the Hollywood Hills. As a local, every summer can be a postcard-perfect, sunshine-fulled vacation.

It might be hard to know where to start because of the overwhelming amount of things to do in LA during summer vacation. That's why we've created an excellent bucket list for you. Refer to this ultimate summer bucket list for Los Angeles whenever the kids run downstairs to ask "What are we going to do today?" Now, you have plenty of great answers. Happy summer from our team at Mommy Poppins! 

Looking for more fun ideas for "school's-out season"? Check out our LA Beach Guide, our Los Angeles Summer Fun Guide, and our Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide for LA Kids for endless summer fun! 

Hamptons with Kids: Enjoying the East End Without Emptying Your Wallet in 2025

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on

Nothing beats family fun at the white sandy beaches in the Hamptons. Photo courtesy Discover Long Island

Long Island’s East End is an ideal summer destination for vacationers and residents alike. And, despite the Hamptons' hoity-toity reputation, it's easy to find family fun while on a budget.

From beautiful beaches to interactive playgrounds to museums and historic lighthouses, the Hamptons offer something special for everyone in the family. 

Read ahead for our incredible list of free and affordable Hamptons activities for kids. For even more summer fun, check out our Family Guide to the Hamptons and North Fork, and our story on Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hamptons and on the North Fork.

Fun & Messy Backyard Science Experiments for Kids This Summer

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

Make bubbles strong enough to catch and bounce in with fun science experiments for kids.

If we had to list our top parent-approved pastimes, backyard science experiments for kids are a hot contender for the #1 spot because kids have fun learning while soaking up a little vitamin D in the great outdoors. Instead of your house becoming the lab, with these 15 messy science experiments, all that measuring, mixing, and tinkering can take place on the grass, driveway, or a stretch of sidewalk.

Kids can learn to harness the power of the sun or water, and learn concepts ranging from molecular chemistry to basic physics in these outdoor science activities for kids. Several experiments are easy enough for even young children to do independently, but parents might want to get in on the (re)action, too! Find more science activities for kids in our STEM Guide for Kids, our big list of science experiments to do at home, and loads more summer fun on our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas with 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids.

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