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Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in July

Photo by J. Fusco courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Photo by J. Fusco courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
6/24/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

Philly families have lots to celebrate this July as the city comes alive with summertime fun. It all starts with a bang, and a boom, and a sparkle and a sizzle as Philly parents and kids celebrate America's birthday. There are plenty of free events that acknowledge the occasion. From free admission to museums to free parties, there is something for everyone in the family.

Later in the month, schedule time to watch a free outdoor movie or listen to a free concert under the stars. Avoid the summer slide by keeping young minds sharp with a trip to Big Blue Marble Bookstore or Doylestown Bookshop for a storytime session or check out educational programming opportunities at your local library in the city or in the suburbs. Escape the heat with a visit to Franklin Institute during its Community Day or hit the outdoors with a hike at Valley Forge Historic Park or boating adventure on the Schuylkill River.

Get some of these activities on your family calendar and make your July explode with free fun!

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Free Events

Story Art

July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2019
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Free Library of Philadelphia offer Story Art sessions at Sister Cities Park. Children can enjoy a nature-inspired story and craft at this workshop. READ MORE

Free Admission to the African American Museum in Philadelphia

July 2, 2019
Visitors can enjoy the African American Museum in Philadelphia for free courtesy of Wawa Welcome America. Guests can expect to experience the richness and vibrancy of African American heritage and culture in four exhibition galleries filled with exciting history and fascinating art. READ MORE

Music Monkey Jungle at Reading Terminal Market

July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2019
Sponsored by Reading Terminal Market, this music time with Music Monkey Jungle is free and open to the public. All ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities are welcome to participate and no registration is needed. READ MORE

Philly POPS @ the Mann

July 3, 2019
The 42-year tradition continues with a concert by The Philly POPS! Guests can expect an original program created and conducted by music director and principal conductor David Charles Abell, featuring Grammy & Tony nominee and Hamilton star Joshua Henry. READ MORE

Family Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History

July 4, 2019
National Museum of American Jewish History's Family Days offer guests the chance to enjoy educational and public programs, hands on projects, story times, and family-friendly activities for free. READ MORE

Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular

Home Depot Kids Workshop

July 6, 2019
Children ages 5-12 can build their own binoculars. Participants sand the wood, then glue and paint to customize it. READ MORE

Concilio's Hispanic Fiesta

July 6-7, 2019
The Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing features music, dance, entertainment, foods, and artisan crafts all celebrating Latinx culture and community. READ MORE

Saturday Free Boating

July 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2019
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

Swingin' Summer Thursdays

July 11, 2019
Families can enjoy a series of four great downtown festival events on Gay Street in West Chester. Hear live music, eat great food, watch silly clowns, and see extraordinary dancers. READ MORE

PECO Second Saturdays

July 13, 2019
PECO Second Saturdays at Second State Press is a free public program that allows families and students to come together and learn about printmaking every second Saturday of the month from noon to 2 PM. READ MORE

Wineberry Harvest

July 13, 2019
This event brings the family together for the harvesting of sweet and delicious wineberries at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. These bright summer gems are a delight to gather and eat – and they’re invasive plants, so visitors can help get them out of the forest. READ MORE

Arts in the Park

July 13, 2019
Bring a blanket or lawn chair each month to Glen Providence Park for a live performance. READ MORE

CANCELED: Community Night

July 15, 2019
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at the Franklin Institute's Community Night. Kids and parents alike can explore the museum's fun and educational science exhibits for free. The doors open at 5 PM and pre-registration is not necessary. READ MORE

Annual Beekeeping and Honey Festival

July 20, 2019
Reservations are required for this free event. Adults and children alike can try on bee suits, visit the hives, and help extract honey at this annual festival held at Harriton House. Learn about the importance of the honeybee to the landscape and food supply. READ MORE

Virtual Sundays on Stage

July 21 and 28, 2019
The Free Library of Philadelphia now offers Sundays on Stage virtually. Audiences can expect a celebration of diversity through music, dancing, and storytelling at these unique performances. READ MORE

Movies in the Park at Cedar Grove: Finding Nemo

July 24, 2019
Families can enjoy pre-show activities at 7 PM, then find a spot for the movie, which starts at dusk. READ MORE

Shakespeare in Clark Park

July 24-28, 2019
Head to Clark Park to watch Pericles: Prince of Tyre. Audiences can see this performance of adventure, love, and perseverance free nightly. READ MORE

Paw Patrol Party

July 27, 2019
Visit the Free Library at Media/Upper Providence for this speical event. Children can attend either the 11 AM or 12:30 PM session and experience Paw Patrol fun with Chase, Marshall, Ryder, and the rest of the gang. Activities include games, crafts, and treats. READ MORE

Pop-Up Naturalist Series

July 27, 2019
Newlin Grist Mill helps children learn about the nature that surrounds them at these special program sessions. Each month features a new theme and is free as well as open to the public. READ MORE

Freshwater Investigation

July 28, 2019
Led by a park naturalist, this event allows participants to explore Kepner Creek in search of aquatic insects, crayfish, salamanders, frogs, and fish. Guests should wear old sneakers or water shoes expecting to get wet. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

African American Museum in Philadelphia
Mann Center for the Performing Arts
National Museum of American Jewish History
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Free Library of Philadelphia/ Central Library
Free Library- Media/Upper Providence