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39 Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer with Kids

Kids learn why water is an important resource and how to keep it clean with the Parkway Pals Program at Sister Cities Park. Photo by Beaumonde Orginals Photography via Center City District
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5/26/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

Summer in Philly can get expensive. With vacations, summer camps, and pool memberships, you're going to need some free activities in your back pocket. We've rounded up 39 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.

 

More Free Summer Fun in Philly

Free Concerts | Free Outdoor Movies | Free Summer Festivals

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Free Summer Block Parties and Festivals for Philly Kids

Shady Brook Farm Party on the Patio

Weekends through Sunday, September 1, 2024
Yardley
Enjoy the laid-back vibes on the Patio at the Farm Market Saturdays and Sundays with live acoustic music. Grab a locally brewed beer, Rose Bank Winery wine, cocktails from the Stone’s Throw Pub, a bite from the Farm Market, or a hand-dipped cone from Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream. Bring the whole fam… there’s a playground to keep the kiddos busy, and it’s FREE!  READ MORE

Strawberry Festival at Brecknock Orchard

Saturdays, June 1- 15, 2024
Mohnton
Frolic through five-acres of strawberry fields and enjoy family activities, wagon rides, strawberry picking, and more.  READ MORE

Strawberry Festival at Shady Brook Farms

Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
Yardley
Over the course of two weekends, Shady Brook Farms celebrates the bright red strawberry at its strawberry festival. Guests can expect inflatable attractions, pedal go-karts, rubber duck races, a new cow train, a playground, an animated chicken show, and backyard games. READ MORE

Family Fun Fest

Sunday, June 7, 2024
Newtown
Stop in for an open-house celebration with winter play activities, music, art and more. For kids of all ages and their caregivers.  READ MORE

Upper Darby Pride Festival

Saturday, June 8, 2024
Drexel Hill
Upper Darby's Pride celebration is back, with kid-friendly activities including face painting, nail painting, and more. Enjoy local vendors, live music, a DJ, dancing, and other surprises. READ MORE

Odunde Festival

Sunday, June 9, 2024
Philadelphia
Odunde Festival, the nation's largest African American street festival, 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

Narberth Music and Arts Festival

Sunday, June 9 and Sunday, September 8, 2024
Narberth
Gather in downtown Narberth for a mainline favorite, the Narberth Music and Arts Festival, featuring music, vendors, food, and a dog parade kickoff. READ MORE

Pride at the Park

June 15, 2024
Narberth
Pride at the Park is a youth-led celebration featuring LGBTQIA+ and allied artists, performers, and organizations. Enjoy Drag Storytime, live music and vendors throughout the day, and even a free bike valet. READ MORE

Juneteenth Parade and Festival

June 16, 2024
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

Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party and Free Museum Day at AAMP

June 19, 2024
Philadelphia
The African American Museum hosts its 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

Concilio's Hispanic Fiesta

June 22 & 23, 2024
Philadelphia
The Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing features music, dance, entertainment, foods, and artisan crafts all celebrating Latinx culture and community. READ MORE

Wawa Hoagie Day

June 27, 2024
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

Party on the Plaza

June 29, 2024
Philadelphia
This is the ultimate family-friendly event to jumpstart your summer fun! Get ready to experience an unforgettable day of lively activities, jam-packed with exciting attractions, all designed to create amazing memories with your friends and family. The festivities include giant inflatables, an incredible DJ playing the hottest summer tunes, airbrush tattoos, interactive LIVE science, games, and more! READ MORE

Kutztown Folk Festival

June 29 - July 7, 2024
Kutztown
Everything old is new again! The oldest continuously-operated folklife festival is back with a week full of entertainment for families, offering a window into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. READ MORE

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

July 3, 2024
Camden, NJ
Celebrate Independence Day at the Freedom Festival, presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the City of Camden. Families can expect patriotic fun, live music, and an amazing fireworks show over the Delaware River. READ MORE

Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular

July 4, 2024
Philadelphia
Hit the Parkway for the party of the summer and enjoy a day-long extravaganza of entertainment, games, food trucks, and giveaways, culminating in the city's signature fireworks display. READ MORE

Colonial Field Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park

July 6, 2024
Washington Crossing
Kids can try popular colonial games at Washington Crossing Historic Park during this free event. Games from the 18th century include cup and ball, Jacob’s Ladder, hoop and stick, and graces.  READ MORE

Pennridge Community Day

July 7, 2024
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

2nd Street Festival

August 4, 2024
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

Petapalooza in Chestnut Hill 

September 2, 2024
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. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer: Nature Activities

Little Explorers Toddler Program

First Wednesdays
Philadelphia
Encourage your little one’s curiosity about the natural world through the Little Explorers Program designed especially for toddlers ages 2-4. These virtual lessons vary by month.  READ MORE

Saturday Free Boating

Saturdays through October 12, 2024
Philadelphia
Families can explore this quiet stretch of the Schuylkill River by using Bartram Garden's kayaks or rowboats. No registration or boating experience is necessary to participate and all ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

Schuylkill Saturdays: Family Friendly Guided Hikes

Every Saturday in June
Philadelphia
Start your morning with a guided hike led by an environmental educator and learn about the marvels of our 365 acre forest. Please note that this hike will be about an hour long and the trails are not stroller-friendly. Hikes will start from the Visitor Center. READ MORE

Wednesday Free Fishing

Wednesdays through August 28, 2024
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

Investigation Station: Parkway Pals Program

June 26 - August 14, 2024
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

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

Creative Movement: Parkway Pals Program

Thursdays through August 15, 2024
Philadelphia
Children can participate in creative movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet on select Thursdays throughout the summer. READ MORE

West Park Arts Fest

June 8, 2024
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

Art Garden: Parkway Pals Program

Tuesdays, June 11 - August 13, 2024
Philadelphia
Grow your own Art Garden with The Fabric Workshop and Museum. Use natural and recycled materials to create drawings, weavings, paintings, and prints inspired by the current exhibition, John Jarboe: The Rose Garden. Schedule is weather permitting and subject to change. READ MORE

Manayunk Arts Festival

June 22 - June 23, 2024
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

Free Summer Outdoor Movies in Philly for Kids

Walnut Street Bridge Movies

Thursdays June 13 - August 22, 2024
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

Outdoor Movie Night at Peddler's Village

June 21, July 19, August 15 & September 13, 2024
Lahaska
Enjoy an evening outside by taking the whole family out to Peddler's Village to watch movies under the stars. READ MORE

Movies in Clark Park

Fridays August 2 - 16, 2024
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

Concert and Movie Night at Fischer's Park

August 16, 2024
Lansdale
Families can gather at Fischer's Park for a concert and a movie. Start off with concessions featuring Weber's Backyard BBQ and Kona Ice. Then find a spot to listen to a concert by Lolly Hopwood. Finish off the evening by watching Puss in Boots The Last Wish under the stars. READ MORE

More Free Activities for Families in Philly

Family Fun Day Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park

First Sundays
Philadelphia
Enjoy free family crafts and activities from Pop-Up Play every Sunday this summer at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This program occurs every first Sunday in the summer. READ MORE

Story Art: Parkway Pals Program

Tuesdays June 11 - August 13, 2024
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

Franklin Square Fountain Show

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

Wawa Free Museum Days

June 19 - July 4, 2024
Philadelphia
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a bang in Philadelphia! Before the city's 4th of July festivities, Wawa is sponsoring two weeks of free museum days across the city. Enjoy the best of Philly's educational institutions with free admission. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday festivities and explore the city's rich history and culture.   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 of a public health awareness campaign, with themes like, "Feeding Minds and Bodies" and "Ready to Learn." READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

African American Museum in Philadelphia
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Independence Mall & National Constitution Center Lawn
Connecticut Science Center
Corner of Germantown and Highland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19118 
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Various Locations

About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
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