Bounce, slide and dance your way through a surreal, candy-colored wonderland at Bounce the City. Photo courtesy of the event
Fall Festivals, Bounce the City, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend
Head to Medford for pumpkin picking at Johnson's Corner Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Pumpkin Patches for Philly Kids That Are Worth the Drive
Treat your family to Halloween festivities at Hersheypark. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark
41 Top Halloween Events in Philly: From Not-So-Spooky to Haunted Happenings
Dilworth Park transforms into its own fall festival with Harvest Weekend. Photo courtesy of Center City District
Best of October: 36 Top Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Frolic through Pumpkin Playground at Longwood Gardens. Photo courtesy of the Gardens
Best Fall Festivals Near Philly: Harvest Fests and Fall Family Festivities around Philly
Kids and parents will love the fresh ingredients and delicious flavors in the ice pops and pies and pies at Lil' Pop Shop..Photo courtesy of the shop
21 Top Things To Do with Preschoolers in Philly
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
Ultimate Archery is a great experience for families looking to have some fun together!
Ultimate Archery Review: Family-Friendly Archery Dodgeball in NJ
Franklin Square Features Center City's only miniature golf course. Photo courtesy of Historic Philadelphia
Best Mini Golf Courses Near Philadelphia
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
32 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
Bass River State Forest. Photo courtesy NJ State Park Service
Best Swimming Lakes near Philadelphia
Explore the Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park. Photo courtesy of Matt Stanley
The Ultimate Guide to Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers
At Johnson's Corner Farm, it's all about the berries.
Where To Go Strawberry Picking near Philadelphia
Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Fishtown with Kids: 9 Things To Do in the Fishtown Neighborhood of Philly
Kith and Kin
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones for Philly Area Kids
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids
Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
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
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
Join the Phillies Kids Club, just in time for the home opener!
How to Join the Phillies Kids Club and Root for the Home Team All Season
Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
13 Best Coffee Shops in Philly to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine
Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum
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Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Smith Memorial Playhouse is always free, with space for kids to make their own crafts. Photo courtesy of Smith
11 Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids: Indoor Playgrounds, Libraries, and More
Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings
Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey
Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
Great Stroller Walks and Stroller Hikes near Philly
Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers
Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots
Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up
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
Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Harriet's Bookshop is full of titles that represent Black kids and kids of color. Photo courtesy of the shop
Black-Owned Restaurants, Shops, and Landmarks to Discover in Philly
Explore a house at PlayArts. Photo by the author
38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia
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
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families
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
Best PA State Parks with Kid-Friendly Hikes and Attractions

45 Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer with Kids

Bring the family to the first annual Rail Park Block Party where Noble Street will bustle with activities. Photo courtesy of the event
Bring the family to the first annual Rail Park Block Party where Noble Street will bustle with activities. Photo courtesy of the event
6/2/23 - By Victoria Fox

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 over 40 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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The Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular is back this summer! Photo courtesy of the event
The Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular is back this summer! Photo courtesy of the event

Free Summer Block Parties and Festivals for Philly Kids

Shady Brook Farm Party on the Patio

Weekends through June 25, 2023
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

Sand Sculptures at Peddler's Village

June 1 - August 31, 2023
Lahaska
Peddler's Village showcases spectacular sand sculptures that pay homage to stories and characters revered for generations: Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mother Goose stories, Alice in Wonderland, and more. READ MORE

Philadelphia Irish Festival

June 4, 2023
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

Islamic Heritage Festival

June 10, 2023
Philadelphia
Visit the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing to celebrate Islamic culture with live performances, family activities, and more. READ MORE

Rail Park Block Party

June 10, 2023
Philadelphia
Bring the family to the first annual Rail Park Block Party, bringing together more than 1,500 people throughout the day from the ten neighborhoods that border the current and future parks. Noble Street bustles with activities, live performances, and public displays representing each neighborhood’s identity at this free, family-friendly event. READ MORE

Upper Darby Pride Festival

June 10, 2023
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

June 11, 2023
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

June 11 & September 10, 2023
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

Juneteenth Parade and Festival

June 18, 2023
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, 2023
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

Pride at the Park

June 24, 2023
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

Concilio's Hispanic Fiesta

June 24 & 25, 2023
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 28, 2023
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

Avenue of the Arts Block Party

July 1, 2023
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

Colonial Field Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park

July 1, 2023
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

Kutztown Folk Festival

July 1 - 9, 2023
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

Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular

July 4, 2023
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

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

July 4, 2023
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

Pennridge Community Day

July 9, 2023
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 6, 2023
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 9, 2023
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
Schuylkill Saturdays offer free Family Friendly Guided Hikes. Photo courtesy of Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Schuylkill Saturdays offer free Family Friendly Guided Hikes. Photo courtesy of Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

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 14, 2023
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
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 30, 2023
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

Parks After Dark: Bat Night

June 3, 2023
King of Prussia
Families can spend an evening out in nature helping to inventory bats at Valley Forge. Globally, bats support many ecosystem services through pest consumption, plant pollination, and seed dispersal; park staff demonstrate a stationary acoustic survey and talk about bats and how we can help support populations.  READ MORE

Investigation Station: Parkway Pals Program

June 13 - August 16, 2023
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 July 20, 2023
Philadelphia
Children can participate in creative movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet on select Thursdays throughout the summer. READ MORE

West Park Arts Fest

June 10, 2023
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

What We Have in Who We Are: Parkway Pals Program

Wednesdays June 14 - August 16, 2023
Philadelphia
Head to Sister Cities Park to participate in a session with The Fabric Workshop & Museum. Celebrate the current exhibition "Henry Taylore: Nothing Change, Nothing Strange" and explore printing, painting, assemblage, collage, map making, and mending. READ MORE

Creepy Tales Tour at Children's Book World

June 16, 2023
Haverford
Everything is coming up CREEPY at this fun in-store story time experience featuring a meet and greet with Jasper, the Rabbit! Kids are invited to dive into the pages of Jasper Rabbit’s delightfully creepy world with craft activities and a storytime that showcases the humorous and spooky messages of bravery found in the creepy tales series from author Aaron Reynolds. READ MORE

Manayunk Arts Festival

June 24 - June 25, 2023
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
University City District presents free outdoor movies at Clark Park. Photo courtesy of University City District
University City District presents free outdoor movies at Clark Park. Photo courtesy of University City District

Free Summer Outdoor Movies in Philly for Kids

Walnut Street Bridge Movies

Thursdays June 15 - August 24, 2023
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

Wharton Street Esplanade at the Grays Ferry Crescent Movies

June 15 & 22, July 20 & 27, August 17, 2023
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

Concert and Movie Night at Fischer's Park

June 20, 2023
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

Outdoor Movie Night at Peddler's Village

Select Saturdays June 24 - October 21, 2023
Enjoy the summer weather by taking the whole family out to Peddler's Village to watch movies under the stars. Screenings feature Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, Shrek, Hook, and more. READ MORE

Free Outdoor Movie Nights at Cira Green

July 8 & 15, 2023
Philadelphia
Enjoy free movies on the 60-foot screen at Cira Green. Candy and popcorn are available for purchase. READ MORE

Movies in the Park at Miles Park

Wednesdays, July 29-August 16, 2023
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

Movies in Clark Park

Fridays August 4 - 25, 2023
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

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 13 - August 15, 2023
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, 2023
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:

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