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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
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In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
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51 Things We Are Excited To Do with Philly Kids This Summer

5/17/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

The dog days of summer are almost here! With less rigid schedules and more daylight hours, Philly families have time to create their own personalized Summer 2019 Bucket List, unique to their family. But, don't think you have to go it alone. Mommy Poppins has rounded up a ton of exciting summer activities such as nature programs, outdoor concerts, theater productions, educational opportunities (Bonus: The kids won't even realize they are learning) and free movies. There will be no time for children to be bored!

Be sure to browse our ultimate bucket list, 100 Things to Do with Philly Kids Before They Grow Up. Make this summer the best one yet.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

  1. Roller skate outdoors at the Blue Cross RiverRink's Summerfest on the Delaware River Waterfront.
  2. Play a round of Philly Mini Golf and take a twirl on the Parx Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square.
  3. Rock out to some great kids' music at Smith Memorial Playground's Kidchella.
  4. Hear a story at one of Morris Arboretum's storytimes.
  5. Check out the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens and then play in the indoor and outdoor children's gardens.
  6. Eat some local food truck fare at one of the city's Night Markets.
  7. Plan a patriotic daytrip to a nearby historical location.
  8. Honor fallen heroes at a Memorial Day Parade.
  9. See the animals at the Philadelphia Zoo.


     
  10. Experience history in your own backyard with a visit to Historic Philadelphia.
  11. Build with little bricks at the LEGOLand Discovery Center.
  12. Splash about at one of Philly's many Pop-Up Pools.
  13. Fill up the water bottles and go for a family hike at one of the area's many parks.
  14. Spread out a picnic blanket and listen to a free concert under the stars.
  15. Visit the aquatic animals at Adventure Aquarium.
  16. Swing in the hammocks at Spruce Street Harbor Park.
  17. Head to a nearby orchard or farm to pick fresh strawberries or other yummy seasonal fruit.
  18. Enjoy dinner al fresco along State Street in Media every Wednesday night.
  19. Take the kids out to a baseball game.
  20. Put on your fairy wings and fly to Winterthur to explore their magical garden and Terrific Tuesdays activities.
  21. Gaze at the stars at the Franklin Institute's monthly series, Night Skies in the Observatory. 
  22. Celebrate the 4th of July with Wawa's Welcome America festivities.
  23. Load up on sunscreen and head to the beach for some surfing and sand castle-building.


     
  24. View fireworks in the nighttime sky.
  25. Pretend to be a superhero and visit Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at Franklin Institute.
  26. Bounce around at The Big Bounce America at MarpleSports Zone.
  27. Connect with tweens and teens by taking them to one of our top ten tween/teen activities.
  28. Splurge on a visit to a water park.
  29. Explore the garden and playcenter at Camden Children's Garden.
  30. Learn more about the diverse cultures that make up Philadelphia at the PECO Multicultural Festival Series.
  31. Camp! Whether in your own backyard or an organized facility, there's nothing like sleeping in the great outdoors.
  32. Dig up some fun at Diggerland.
  33. Pack up the car and take a day trip.
  34. Hone in on a sports skill, explore nature, or learn a new craft at a summer camp.
  35. Try out a destination playground.


     
  36. Feed the giraffe and the bison at the world's first zoo to be a Certified Autism Center, Elmwood Park Zoo.
  37. Ride Oscar's Wacky Taxi at Sesame Place.
  38. Use your imagination at the Crayola Factory.
  39. Celebrate the red, white, and blue during Flag Fest.
  40. Eat outside at a kid-friendly restaurant.
  41. Stop by the local library and sign up for a summer reading program.
  42. Allow the kids stay up a little later and watch a movie in the park.
  43. Join a Kids Bowl Free program at a nearby bowling alley and children can play two free games per day all summer. Some lanes are now charging a registration fee, but it's still a great deal.
  44. Run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like Rocky and then experience the Museum.
  45. Pedal along with a bike ride using cycles from one of Ride Indego's bike share stations.
  46. Splash about in your own backyard or at a sprayground or splash pad! From sprinklers to water balloons to a slip n' slide, there are so many fun ways for kids to cool off.
  47. Drive Lancaster County to visit the trains, science museum, and amusement park.
  48. Zoom away by helicopter with a visit to the American Helicopter Museum.
  49. Participate in hands-on activities at the Please Touch Museum. On First Wednesdays, admission is free.
  50. Wander throughout Philadelphia's new Rail Park, three miles of unused rail lines that are being transformed into public green space.
  51. Experience a world of Mythic Creatures at the Academy of Natural Science.

Photos courtesy of Kristen Sullivan