Spend Passover with local cantor and some Sesame Street friends! Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Passover, Fountain Show, Gap-Con!, 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

End of Summer Bucket List: 25+ Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is in its final weeks at the Franklin Institute. Photo courtesy of the institute
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is in its final weeks at the Franklin Institute. Photo courtesy of the institute
8/5/22 - By Liz Baill

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 25 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.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Feed these gentle creatures at the Giraffe Encounter at the Philadelphia Zoo. Photo by Liz Baill
Feed these gentle creatures at the Giraffe Encounter at the Philadelphia Zoo. Photo by Liz Baill

Great Summer Things to Do with Philly Kids Before School Starts

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Center City - Now through August 14
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 15
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 16
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 - Wednesdays through August 17
Children can participate in creative movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet on select Thursdays throughout the summer. READ MORE

What We Have in Who We Are: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Wednesdays through August 17
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

The Oval XP

Ben Franklin Parkway - Now through August 21
Head to Eakins Oval across the street from the Art Museum to the reimagined public space this year called the Oval XP, featuring an outdoor beer garden, the world’s largest mobile Ferris wheel, family-friendly activities, and new musical guests each day. READ MORE

Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour

Philadelphia - Select Days through August 21
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 24
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 Aug 24
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

Family Fun: Nature Activities by the River

Philadelphia - Thursdays through August 25
Head to the field at Pleasant Hill Park ever Thursday for kid's field games like corn hole, horseshoes, hula hoops, giant Jenga and Connect 4, plus arts and crafts, nature activities and more. Each week has a different theme. READ MORE

Art Kids Summer Programming

Fairmount - Now through August 28
Visit the Art Kids Studio in the Philadelphia Museum of Art's South Vaulted Walkway and get creative as a family all summer long with art making and gallery tours. READ MORE

Sand Sculptures at Peddler's Village

Lahaksa - Now through August 28
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

Philly River Stroll

Waterfront - Tuesdays through August 30
Spend your Tuesday evening on the Waterfront at Philly River Stroll, featuring live entertainment, strolling circus performers, food specials, activity deals, and more.     READ MORE

Terrific Tuesdays at Winterthur

Wilmington - Tuesdays through August 30
Every Tuesday in July and August, children ages 3-10 can visit Winterthur for lots of exciting activities. Guests can expect hands-on crafts and games, as well as demonstrations highlighting skills and trades from the past and present. READ MORE

Stroll the Street in Manayunk

Manayunk - Thursdays through September 1
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

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit

Fairmount Park - Now through September 4
Visit the Toy Hospital in the new children’s museum exhibit based on Disney Junior’s award-winning series, Doc McStuffins. Kids will love the interactive, bilingual experience, where they can help Doc with her check-ups on toy patients. READ MORE

Family Fun Day Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Waterfront - Sundays through September 4
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 - Now through September 5
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 2023. READ MORE

Summer of Swings at Morris Arboretum

Chestnut Hill - Now through September 5
Morris Arboretum presents the exhibit Summer of Swings, featuring 10 swings placed strategically across the gardens. Visitors of all ages will love playing perched on a swing and taking in the scenery. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Waterfront - Now through September 5
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 - Now through September 5
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

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Center City - Now through September 18
The magic of Hogwarts™ comes to life at the Franklin Institute, where visitors can explore the Wizarding World through immersive environments and magical installations. Visitors can discover about the artistry and craftsmanship behind the blockbuster films and get an up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the movies. READ MORE

Summer Picnic Train Rides

West Chester - Sundays through September 18
Every Sunday through September 18, 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 Tooth Summer at Adventure Aquarium

Camden - August 4-September 5
Discover all things shark at the Adventure Aquarium, featuring for the first time the magical Scuba Tooth Fairy.  Enjoy Shark Chats, shark tours, and more.  READ MORE

Magic Railway Weekend at Morris Arboretum

Philadelphia - Aug 20 & 21
Thomas is always circling the Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum, but on Magic Railway Weekends, you can find him with all of his Sodor friends. READ MORE

Giraffe Feeding Encounter at Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia - Daily
Step right up and get up close with Philadelphia Zoo's family of giraffes. Stella, Abigail, and Bea love to chow down on their acacia, mulberry, and honeysuckle branches. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania