Hop on over to Linvilla's Hayrides to Bunnyland, opening this weekend. Photo courtesy of Linvilla Orchards
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Explore the Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park. Photo courtesy of Matt Stanley
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Kids get excited about Ramadan because it's a time of celebration! Photo by Nanausop, courtesy of Canva
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Hayrides to Bunnyland run all day. and remember to pickup your handmade Easter treats at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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Peddler’s Village has lots of Peeps, doing all sorts of things, on display in March! Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Disney100 will immerse guests in the beloved stories that have been dazzling fans since 1923. Photo courtesy of the Franklin Institute
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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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Philly's own Colugo creates strollers, carriers, and more for the modern parent.
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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Playing in the snow: a favorite winter activity for Philly kids
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Skate and enjoy Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Photo courtesy of the Delaware River Waterfront
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Nest's Hatchlings class is perfect for postpartum moms and new parents to build community. Photo by Liz Baill
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Smith Memorial Playhouse is always free, with space for kids to make their own crafts. Photo courtesy of Smith
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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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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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Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
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Harriet's Bookshop is full of titles that represent Black kids and kids of color. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Explore a house at PlayArts. Photo by the author
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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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Kith and Kin
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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
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Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
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Enjoy the wildflower meadow at Delaware Canal State Park near the Giving Pond. Photo courtesy of PA DCNR
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60+ Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer with Kids

Join a free Nature Playdate at Briar Bush. Photo courtesy of the center
Join a free Nature Playdate at Briar Bush. Photo courtesy of the center
6/3/22 - By Liz Baill

We've rounded up over 60 free things to do in Philly that will keep kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. When school's out and camp is only so many weeks, that leaves tons of time to kill and plenty of heat to beat. Armed with this list of free nature activities, arts and culture festivals, block parties, performances, movies in the park, and more, you'll never hear the dreaded "I'm bored" chorus this summer!

For other ways to spend the hazy, lazy days of summer, browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philly Kids. Read on to discover our favorite, free activities in Philly this summer—and be sure to check our events calendar as we're adding more free fun to it every day.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Gather at Malcolm X Park for the nation's largest annual Juneteenth celebration. Photo courtesy of the event
Gather at Malcolm X Park for the nation's largest annual Juneteenth celebration. Photo courtesy of the event

Free Summer Block Parties and Festivals for Philly Kids

Woofstock at Seger Dog Park

Tuesdays through August
Philadelphia
Woofstock is a free outdoor concert series presented by the Seger Dog Park every Tuesday evening in the summer, featuring special guests and community partners. READ MORE

Philadelphia Irish Festival

June 4, 2022
Philadelphia
The luck of the Irish has made its way to Philadelphia's Penn's Landing. Families can expect Irish musicians, famous dance schools, bagpipers, and of course shepherd’s pie. READ MORE

Pride at the Park

June 11, 2022
Narberth
Narberth's first annual Pride at the Park is a youth-led celebration featuring LGBTQIA+ and allied artists, performers, and organizations. Enjoy Drag Storytime at 12:30pm, live music and vendors throughout the day, and even a free bike valet. READ MORE

Islamic Heritage Festival

June 11, 2022
Philadelphia
Visit the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing to celebrate Islamic culture with live performances, family activities, and more. READ MORE

Odunde Festival

June 12, 2022
Philadelphia
Odunde Festival, the largest African American street festival in the nation, is back, covering 15 city blocks with two stages for live entertainment and an eclectic mix of vendors, food, jewelry, and African art.  READ MORE

Petapalooza in Chestnut Hill 

June 12, 2022
Philadelphia
Treat your fur children to a day of playing in doggie pools, pet caricatures, and puppy parkour. This family-friendly event features activities for young children including face painting and chicken feeding.  READ MORE

Stars & Stripes Saturday

June 18, 2022
Philadelphia
This daylong celebration is the signature, family-friendly event at the Betsy Ross House's Flag Fest. Highlights include old-time carnival games, performances by the Funicular Aerial Circus, and the magic of Ari Felber. READ MORE

Juneteenth Parade and Festival

June 19, 2022
Philadelphia
Gather at the historic Malcolm X Park for the nation's largest annual Juneteenth celebration, attracting over 25,000 attendees along the 1.5 mile-long parade route and featuring over 2,000 participants and 20 floats.  READ MORE

Juneteenth Block Party at AAMP

June 19, 2022
Philadelphia
The African American Museum hosts Juneteenth Block Party: Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation. Join this daylong, outdoor festival, featuring live performances from international and local artists, a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, vendors, community partners, food trucks, and hands-on activities including art-making and line dancing. READ MORE

Rebuild Philadelphia Fishtown Pool Ribbon Cutting and Block Party

June 21, 2022
Philadelphia
Celebrate the ribbon cutting of the brand-new Francis Lederer Pool at Fishtown Rec (known as “The Swimmo” to locals), opening for the first time in 6 years. READ MORE

Avenue of the Arts Block Party

June 25, 2022
Philadelphia
Avenue of the Arts comes to life with amazing activities, including a 120-foot slide and 300-foot zip-line across Broad Street. Make chalk art with Mural Arts, watch live performances by Moulin Rouge: The Musical cast members, participate in a dance workshop set to music from The Lion King, enjoy an “instrument petting zoo," and so much more. READ MORE

PECO Go 4th & Learn: A Cultural Journey

June 28, 2022
Philadelphia
Performances, face painters, and storytellers fill Franklin Square. Hear the sounds of ancient Chinese instruments, learn about lantern-making with the Asian Arts Initiative, and take a tai chi class. Check out the larger-than-life lanterns filling the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival grounds.  READ MORE

Wawa Hoagie Day

June 29, 2022
Philadelphia
Get your free hoagie at Wawa's historic Hoagie Day, celebrating local heroes with seven tons of free Wawa Hoagies. Hoagies are served at noon at Independence Mall. Guests can enjoy a performance by the Six String Soldiers of The United States Army String Band and free admission to the Constitution Center. READ MORE

Celebration of Community & Culture at Esperanza Arts Center

July 2, 2022
Philadelphia
Enjoy a festive block party celebrating the vibrant Latin cultures found across our city, with food, music, and vendors, plus performances by Argentinian pianist Emiliano Messiez and dance lessons with members of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School. READ MORE

Colonial Field Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park

Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular

Concilio's Hispanic Fiesta

July 9 & 10, 2022
Philadelphia
The Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing features music, dance, entertainment, foods, and artisan crafts all celebrating Latinx culture and community. READ MORE

Pennridge Community Day

July 10, 2022
Perkasie
Guests can expect watermelon-eating contests, hayrides, clowns, games, canoe races, concerts, rides, a water balloon toss, a baby parade, and a magician at Pennridge Community Day. The day concludes with fireworks. READ MORE

East Passyunk Car Show and Street Festival

July 31, 2022
Philadelphia
South Philly's largest summer festival and block party is back! Bring the family to the 15th Annual Car Show & Street Festival, complete with live music and DJs on every block, family activities, crafters, food vendors, and up to 200 antique & classic cars. READ MORE

ACANA African Festival

August 7, 2022
Philadelphia
The African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. (ACANA) hosts a special African Festival at Penn's Landing featuring traditional dance, musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, and food. READ MORE

2nd Street Festival

August 7, 2022
Philadelphia
Held on the first Sunday in August every year, the 2nd Street Festival features live music, local vendors, crafts, food, and more. READ MORE

Give Back Festival

August 12 - August 13, 2022
Philadelphia
This annual festival at Nicetown Park provides educational and cultural entertainment meant to inspire the community to get involved and give back.  READ MORE

Festival of India

August 20, 2022
Philadelphia
This Penn's Landing festival celebrates India's Independence Day and shares with the community the vibrant culture of this beautiful country. During the free festival, guests can expect dancing, music, art, and Indian cuisine. READ MORE

Caribbean Festival

August 21, 2022
Philadelphia
Enjoy the sounds of reggae, roots international beat, soca, hip-hop, cool jazz, gospel, and creative dances at Penn's Landing's Caribbean Festival that celebrates 14 Caribbean Islands.  READ MORE

Brazilian Day Festival

September 4, 2022
Philadelphia
Visitors to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing celebrate Brazil's Independence Day through food, music, and dance. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer: Nature Activities

Schuylkill Saturdays: Family Nature Exploration

Every Saturday
Philadelphia
This free, weekly self-guided nature experience at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education engages families in nature exploration on the trails. Visitors pick up a nature exploration kit in the Visitor Center and the adventure begins. READ MORE

Wednesday Free Fishing

Wednesdays through August 24, 2022
Philadelphia
Perfect for youth and those who are new to fishing, this event allows participants to learn how to catch one of the 42 fish species found in the tidal Schuylkill. Rods, bait, and basic instruction are provided. READ MORE

Nature Playdates at Briar Bush

June 5 & 18
Abington
Join a free Nature Playdate at Briar Bush, where kids of all ages enjoy unstructured nature play with special materials, facilitated by staff and volunteers. ​ READ MORE

Investigation Station: Parkway Pals Program

June 13, 2022 - August 15, 2022
Philadelphia
This summer at Sister Cities Park, kids learn why water is an important resource and how to keep it clean. Budding scientists love the weekly experiments led by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. READ MORE

Fridays in the Field at the Wagner

June 17, 2022 - August 5, 2022
Philadelphia
Stop by the Wagner's teaching garden for outdoor activities and play. Find and identify birds, go on a rock scavenger hunt, observe bugs, bees, and butterflies, sketch from nature, and use a dichotomous key to identify tree types. READ MORE

Tinkergarten Summer Celebration at Kerr Park

June 21, 2022
Downingtown
Tinkergarten celebrates summer with family-friendly activities, including decorating nature crowns, collaborative community nature art, song and movement activities, and more. READ MORE

PECO Go 4th & Learn: Sports, STEM, Music ,and More

June 22, 2022
Philadelphia
Play soccer with the Philadelphia Union, drum with the Sixers Stixers, garden with Penn Food and Wellness Collaborative, bug out with the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion, and much more at this morning celebrating sports and fitness. READ MORE

Bat Bonanza

July 22, 2022
Doylestown
Learn how bats adapt to their environment during this free event at Peace Valley Nature Center.  READ MORE
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens invites families to get creative together. Photo courtesy of Magic Gardens
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens invites families to get creative together. Photo courtesy of Magic Gardens

Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer: Arts Activities

Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day

First Sunday of the month
Philadelphia
On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors with a full day of family-friendly activities. Themes change monthly, with new art activities, performers, and guest artists each month. READ MORE

Family Festival at the Art Museum

First Sunday of the month
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art's Family Festivals highlight new collection areas each month with art-making in the South Vaulted Walkway and around the museum. Meet and make art alongside local artists, watch performances, take tours of the collection designed just for kids, and make art as a family. READ MORE

PECO Family Jams at Magic Gardens

Second Sundays of the month
Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens invites families to get creative together on the second Sunday of every month. Each month features a different theme and art project inspired by the iconic gardens, which are covered by magical mosaics and found objects. READ MORE

Creative Movement: Parkway Pals Program

Wednesdays through August 17, 2022
Philadelphia
Children can participate in creative movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet on select Wednesdays throughout the summer. READ MORE

Our History of Art: Parkway Pals Program

Wednesdays through August 17, 2022
Philadelphia
Head to Sister Cities Park to participate in a session with The Fabric Workshop & Museum. Celebrate the current exhibition “Jayson Musson: His History of Art” and engage in creative play with puppets that you'll create. READ MORE

West Park Arts Fest

June 11, 2022
Philadelphia
Head to West Fairmount Park for an afternoon of music, live dance, and art activities for the whole family. Activities are led by community partners including Mural Arts, the Please Touch Museum, Shofuso, Franklin Institute, and more. READ MORE

Organ Day at the Kimmel

June 11, 2022
Philadelphia
Audiences of all ages can experience “Fred," the largest mechanical pipe organ in a concert venue in the nation, as part of a six-hour music marathon. Come and go any time during this free day of drop-in performances. Experience jazz, ballet, classical, opera, and the unique experience of "Organ Pumps," where audience members can lie on the stage of Verizon Hall and feel the powerful vibrations of the organ. READ MORE

Barnes on the Block

June 19, 2022
Philadelphia
Bring the family to the Parkway for a Barnes Foundation block party, featuring visual art displays, family-friendly art making, live performances, food trucks, and even a beer garden. READ MORE

Family Fundays at the Kimmel Center: Flaco's Dance Factory

June 19, 2022
Philadelphia
Gather in the Kimmel Center's plaza for a free morning of interactive performance, dance, and movement led by Flaco’s Dance Factory. READ MORE

Manayunk Arts Festival

June 25 - June 26, 2022
Philadelphia
This rain-or-shine event is an annual tradition in Manayunk. Visitors can expect to see a variety of artists and exhibitors featuring jewelry, glass, ceramics, mixed media, paintings, photography, wood, and sculptures.  READ MORE
Pictures in the Park returns to Dilworth Park. Photo courtesy of Center City District
Pictures in the Park returns to Dilworth Park. Photo courtesy of Center City District

Free Summer Outdoor Movies in Philly for Kids

Free Outdoor Movie Nights at Cira Green

Wednesdays through October 12, 2022
Philadelphia
Enjoy free movies on the 60-foot screen at Cira Green. Candy and popcorn are available for purchase. READ MORE

Walnut Street Bridge Movies

June 16 & 30, July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18, 2022
Philadelphia
Get ready to watch movies on the big screen under the stars along the banks of the Schuylkill River at Walnut Street Bridge. Start times vary depending on the film. READ MORE

Concert and Movie Night at Fischer's Park

June 21, 2022
Lansdale
Families can gather at Fischer's Park for a concert and a movie. Start off with concessions at 5pm, featuring Grilly Cheese Food Truck and Kona Ice. At 6pm, find a spot to listen to a concert by Lolly and YoYo. Finish off the evening by watching Sing 2 under the stars. READ MORE

Wharton Street Esplanade at the Grays Ferry Crescent Movies

June 23, July 14, July 28, August 11, 2022
Philadelphia
Families can watch movies at Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade. Food and drink will not be available, so guests should bring their own. READ MORE

Philly @ The Movies: Rocky

June 23, 2022
Philadelphia
As part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration, guests can enjoy watching Rocky with family and friends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  READ MORE

Pictures in the Park

July 22 & 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2022
Philadelphia
Bring your blanket to Dilworth just outside City Hall on Friday evenings and watch a film under the stars and skyscrapers. READ MORE

Movies in Clark Park

August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2022
Philadelphia
University City District presents free outdoor movies at Clark Park. Guests can expect to see the park transformed into an outdoor amphitheater thanks to a partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Friends of Clark Park. READ MORE

Movies in the Park at Miles Park

Wednesdays, July 20-August 17, 2022
Lafayette Hill
Throughout the summer, a variety of movies are shown on the upper field at Miles Park beginning at dusk. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair as well as bug spray. READ MORE

Roxborough Movie Nights

Select Fridays
Philadelphia
BYO blanket for an outdoor movie night in Roxborough Pocket Park. New Ridge Brewing Co. will be onsite selling grown-up beverages, with food for sale from local restaurants. READ MORE

More Free Activities for Families in Philly

Storytime at Smith

Every Wednesday
Philadelphia
Gather round at Smith Playground for a free outdoor story session. READ MORE

Family Fun Day Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park

First Sundays
Philadelphia
Enjoy an interactive tightwire performance and participate in a circus experience of your own by walking across a real tightwire, guided by trained professionals. READ MORE

Story Art: Parkway Pals Program

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays through August 17, 2022
Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia brings storytime outdoors for a morning of movement, songs, and imagination. Kids receive a to-go craft inspired by the day’s stories. READ MORE

Paws for Reading

Last Thursday of June, July, Aug
Philadelphia
Read a story to a puppy at the cutest literacy workshop there is. Kids are invited to read stories to therapy animals to improve reading and communication skills. READ MORE

Franklin Square Fountain Show

Daily through August
Philadelphia
Every half-hour starting at noon, the Franklin Square fountain comes to life featuring choreographed lights and water. READ MORE

Sand Sculptures at Peddler's Village

June 8, 2022 - August 28, 2022
New Hope
Peddler's Village showcases 12-foot-tall sand sculptures that honor Bucks County’s history and landmarks. Families love the sandboxes available to play in throughout the property. READ MORE

PECO Go 4th & Learn: A Great Debate

June 30, 2022
Philadelphia
Play a role in discussing stories of the past and how they impact today. History comes to life for kids to gain a new perspective through the lens of 18th-century Philadelphians. READ MORE

Wawa Free Museum Days

July 1 - 3, 2022
Philadelphia
In the two-week lead-up to the city's July 4th festivities, Wawa sponsors free museum days across the city, where Philly's cultural institutions offer free or pay-what-you-wish admission. READ MORE

Free Community Days at the Please Touch Museum

Select Sundays
Philadelphia
Visit Please Touch Museum for free on four Sundays this summer as part a new public health awareness campaign, with themes like, "Eating for Energy" and "Understanding Feelings." At each community day, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is onsite offering a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic for eligible children and adults. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Corner of Germantown and Highland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19118 
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Independence Mall & National Constitution Center Lawn
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Kimmel Center - Commonwealth Plaza
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
Various Locations