Families are invited to an all-new, first-of-its-kind, kid-centric event at CoComelon Party Time. Photo courtesy of Cocomelon
Earth Day, Spring Festival, CoComelon, Open Mic, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend
Join your favorite furry friends at Sesame Place for a delicious, fun-filled feast including family-friendly menu options! Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Philly with Kids April 2024
The annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the cultural ties between Philadelphia and Japan. Photo courtesy of the festival
Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in Philly for Families
The largest piece of the exhibit, this dinosaur was made of over 80,000 bricks!
The NEW Lego: The Art of the Brick Exhibit at the Franklin Institute is the Best Ever
Summer camps help your child develop new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Summer Camp Guide for Philadelphia Kids
Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
100 Free Fun Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center
Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids
Skate and enjoy Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Photo courtesy of the Delaware River Waterfront
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Philly for Kids and Families
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
31 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
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
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!
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
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
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
14 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philly: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
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
Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
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.
GUIDE
Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
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

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in May

Photo courtesy of Center City District Parks
Photo courtesy of Center City District Parks
4/30/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

The month of May provides perfectly mild weather, the kind of weather that puts even the grumpiest toddler or moodiest teen in a pleasant, hopeful mood. Similarly, Philly parents are sure to be delighted with both the weather and the free (or nearly free) events that can keep the entire family entertained. From playground trips to picnics at city and suburban parks, families can make lasting memories while being budget-friendly.

We have rounded up some of our favorite economical options including free admission festivals, nature exploration opportunities, musical experiences, and deeply discounted museum discovery. Of course, we can't forget about Mom so be sure to carve out some time mid-May to celebrate Mother's Day by making an art project together or hiking through scenic Lorimer Park. At the end of the month, it's time for the red, white, and blue! Honor those who have served at local Memorial Day parades in Warminster, Downingtown, or West Grove.

Free fun is always best with family and friends, so gather up the crew and get ready to entertain on a budget!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Photo of West Grove Memorial Day Parade courtesy of the author
Photo of West Grove Memorial Day Parade courtesy of the author

Free Events

Free Admission to Benjamin Franklin Museum

May 2, 2019
Visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum for free! Visitors can view the exhibits that reflect the contributions of this Founding Father for free on certain dates throughout the year. READ MORE

Music Monkey Jungle at Reading Terminal Market

Tuesdays in May
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

Story Time at Linvilla Orchards

Tuesdays in May
Children are entertained as Linvilla Orchards staff reads stories to them about animals, the outdoors, and more. This story time is geared towards preschoolers but all ages are welcome to attend. READ MORE

May the 4th Be with You

TBD
Head to the Lego Store at King of Prussia to participate in a Tantive Make and Take. Children can build this exclusive model for free; however, participants must register in advance as space is limited. READ MORE

Earth Day at Croydon Woods Nature Preserve

May 4, 2019
Spend time at Croydon Woods Nature Preserve to celebrate Earth Day. Volunteers can help by removing vines and invasive plants to allow native trees to grow as well as collect trash from the grounds. READ MORE

Home Depot Kids Workshop

May 4, 2019
Children ages 5-12 can build their own binoculars. Participants sand the wood, then glue and paint to customize it. READ MORE

South Street Fest

May 4, 2019
Enjoy a day filled with music, food, crafts, and a kids' zone spanning South Street from 2nd through 8th. READ MORE

POSTPONED: PNC Grow Up Great

May 4, 2019
The Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza hosts an hour-long interactive event for kids in which children learn the basics of jazz and musical theater. ILL Doots hosts this free event. READ MORE

Children’s Earth Day Forest Festival

May 4, 2019
Celebrate Earth Day at this special event. Children can expect to make natural toys, dig in the 'trash graveyard', and meet the Plastic Bag Monster at Lower Merion Conservancy. READ MORE

Science Carnival

May 4, 2019
Part of the Philadelphia Science Festival, this carnival held on the Ben Franklin Parkway features stage performances, live science shows, and pop up demonstration. The event is rain or shine. READ MORE

Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day

May 5, 2019
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

Schuylkill Saturdays: Family Friendly Guided Hikes

May 11, 18, and 25, 2019
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

Annual May Fair

May 11, 2019
Spruce Hill’s annual May Fair offers plenty of family fun. Guests can expect a bounce house,obstacle course, live music, games, food, raffles, prizes, and more. READ MORE

PECO Second Saturdays

May 11, 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

Family 2nd Sundays

May 11, 2019
On the second Sunday of each month, the Delaware Art Museum features a variety of activities designed especially with families in mind.  READ MORE

Parkway Pals Music Program

May 18, 2019
Families are invited to Sister Citiies Park to listen to local singer-songwriters perform. Parents and kids can expect Emily Drinker, an award-winning musician from Philadelphia, who blends folk, soul, and pop with a ukulele. READ MORE

Open Arms- Family Evenings

May 19, 2019
Explore the Garden State Discovery Museum and meet families with children on the autism spectrum at this special program that offers a safe, interactive opportunity for children to socialize and engage with others, as well as enjoy the museum. READ MORE

CANCELED: Community Night

May 20, 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

History at Work

May 25, 2019
Learn about a variety of historical trades at Newlin Grist Mill. Visitors can experience how people did ordinary tasks from Colonial times. Themes vary by month. READ MORE

Lansdale's Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2019
Sponsored by The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 32, The Virgillio Schembri Battavio Post No. 23 and the American Legion William Hare Post No. 206, Lansdale Memorial Day parade and ceremony honors those who have served our country. READ MORE

Radnor Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2019
Celebrate Memorial Day at this special Memorial Day parade. Onlookers can expect marching bands, fire trucks and more.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: