Ring in 2025 by attending the annual Mummers Parade on January 1! Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Philly: Fireworks, Parades, Countdowns to Noon, and More
Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park
21 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids
The amazing Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular.display is back! Photo courtesy of the venue
24 Best Things to Do in Philly December 2024 with Kids
Santa roams Philadelphia's Christmas Village all season long. Photo courtesy of Kory Aversa for Christmas Village.
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philadelphia
Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia
Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Philly
The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids
Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.
The Giant Heart is Back and Better Than Ever at the Franklin Institute
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More
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
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
School Calendars 2024-2025: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District
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
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!
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
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
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
15 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philadelphia: Free Places To Play Indoors 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 and is 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
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
Presented by Pages to Pirouettes, The Nutcracker returns to the Free Library stage! Photo courtesy of the event
Kwanzaa Celebrations, Snowflake Trains, Gingerbread Competition, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

End of Summer Bucket List: 20 Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
7/26/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

It's time to take stock of all of those things you've been meaning to check out all summer but haven't quite gotten to yet. We've rounded up the top 20 must-do summer activities for Philly families before school's back in session. From outdoor movies, to free summer concerts, to festivals, keep scrolling for your end-of-summer bucket list.

You can also browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philadelphia Kids, filled with lists of the best day trips, swimming pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, and free activities to make the most of your summer homestretch.

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Great Summer Things to Do with Philly Kids Before School Starts

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Center City - Now through August 18, 2024
The can’t-miss illuminated fest in Philadelphia’s Historic District hosts dozens of massive, intricate, handcrafted lanterns such as dragons, tigers, rabbits, and more. Guests can expect to see new culturally-inspired lanterns and performances as well. READ MORE

Investigation Station: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Mondays through August 14, 2024
FREE
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

Story Art: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Tuesdays through August 13, 2024
FREE
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

Creative Movement: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Thursdays through August 15, 2024
FREE
Children can participate in creative movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet on select Thursdays throughout the summer. READ MORE

Art Garden: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Wednesdays through August 13, 2024
FREE
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

Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour

Philadelphia - Select Thursdays and Sundays through September 29, 2024
Take a one-hour river tour of the Schuylkill River and and learn its secrets while taking in amazing views and discovering its impact on Philadelphia. READ MORE

Hot S'more Nights at Briar Bush

Abington - Wednesdays through August 14, 2024
Gather round the campfire and ask for s'more at Briar Bush and join educators in games, live animal shows, guided hikes, and more relating to the theme of the night. READ MORE

Wednesday Free Fishing

Philadelphia - Wednesdays through August 28, 2024
FREE
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

Art Kids Summer Programming

Fairmount - Friday to Sundays, through August 25, 2024
Dive into the many wonders of mythical creatures through looking at and creating art. Art Kids summer programming offers families a summer of fun and learning through unique hands-on activities in a comfortable, playful, and imaginative setting.  READ MORE

Sand Sculptures at Peddler's Village

Lahaksa - Now through August 31, 2024
FREE
Peddler's Village showcases spectacular sand sculptures celebrating favorite ways to “chill” and have fun during the summer: camping, playing games and solving puzzles, traveling to special places such as the Amalfi Coast in Italy, watching baseball, and hanging at the beach (with Santa!) and tasty treats. READ MORE

Terrific Tuesdays at Winterthur

Wilmington - Tuesdays through August 27, 2024
Discover how the old influences the new with crafts, games, and demonstrations inspired by the artists and makers of the Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur exhibition as they introduce design, history, and craftsmanship to kids ages 3‒10 and the adults they bring along. READ MORE

Stroll the Street in Manayunk

Manayunk - Thursdays through August 29, 2024
FREE
Stroll down Main Street in Manayunk every Thursday evening in the summer, featuring live entertainment, food and shopping specials, and art activities, with changing themes each month. READ MORE

Family Fun Day Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Waterfront - Sundays through September 29, 2024
FREE
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

Paddle Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing - Fridays & Saturdays through September 2, 2024
Families can paddle around the Penn's Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, swan, or dragon this season; the four-seater flamingo and yellow duck are new additions to the fleet for 2024. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Waterfront - Now through September 24, 2024
Stop by Blue Cross RiverRink for Summerfest. In addition to roller skating, families can play mini-golf, go on rides, play games, and eat delicious treats.  READ MORE

Breakfast with the Giraffes

Norristown - Saturdays & Sundays, August 10 through September 15, 2o24
Enjoy breakfast in the company of some long-necked friends at Elmwood Park Zoo. Eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, fruit, waffles, OJ, and coffee are on the menu. After breakfast, kids get to hand-feed the giraffes. READ MORE

Summer Picnic Train Rides

West Chester - Sundays through September 22, 2024
Every Sunday through September 22, families can enjoy a relaxing 90-minute train ride on the West Chester Railroad. Be sure to pack lunch to have during a stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove.  READ MORE

Shark Summer at Adventure Aquarium

Camden - Now through Sunday, August 18, 2024
Shark Summer at Adventure Aquarium offers plenty for guests to take a bite out of, including jaw-some activities and shows, behind-the-scenes tours, and daily dives featuring the Scuba Tooth Fairy, who helps to collect the fallen teeth of the largest collection of sharks in the northeast. READ MORE

Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens

Philadelphia - Now through Monday, September 30, 2024
Little ones love to view the trains at Longwood Gardens. Just at eye level, children can be amazed by the G-scale locomotives rumbling over almost 400 feet of track in this beautifully appointed and landscaped display.  READ MORE

THE ART OF THE BRICK: The World’s Largest Display of LEGO® Art

Philadelphia - Now through Monday, September 2, 2024
Named one of CNN's Top Ten "Global Must-See Exhibitions," The Art of the Brick exhibit by artist Nathan Sawaya is a critically acclaimed collection of inspiring artworks made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world: the LEGO® brick. READ MORE

Under The Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest

Philadelphia - Now through Sunday, September 1, 2024
Travel to the most diverse ecosystem on the planet! Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest is an immersive exhibition introducing you to the fascinating world of rainforests and the animals that inhabit them. READ MORE

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