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The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
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The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
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End of Summer Bucket List: 17 Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia
8/1/25 - 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.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Great Summer Things to Do with Philly Kids Before School Starts

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia - Now through Sunday, August 31, 2025
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 - Wednesdays through August 13, 2025
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 12, 2025
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 14, 2025
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 - Tuesdays through August 12, 2025
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 28, 2025
Take a one-hour river tour of the Schuylkill River and learn its secrets while taking in amazing views and discovering its impact on Philadelphia. Tours run on select Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during warm weather months. Tours depart from and return to the Walnut Street Dock, located under the Walnut Street Bridge on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. READ MORE

Wednesday Free Fishing

Philadelphia - Wednesdays through September 24, 2025
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 24, 2025
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

Safari in Sand at Peddler's Village

Lahaksa - Now through August 31, 2025
FREE
This summer, adventure awaits at Peddler’s Village during Safari in Sand, a FREE Village-wide display of majestic sand sculptures featuring iconic scenes straight from the Serengeti. Gather ’round the watering hole with a hippopotamus, spot a lion in the grasslands, and keep your eyes peeled for a surprise around the next corner.  READ MORE

Terrific Tuesdays at Winterthur

Wilmington - Tuesdays through August 26, 2025
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

Family Fun Day Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Waterfront - Sundays through September 28, 2025
FREE
Enjoy free family crafts and activities from Pop-Up Play on select Sundays 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 August 31, 2025
Families can paddle around the Penn's Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, swan, or dragon this season. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Waterfront - Now through September 1, 2025
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 9 through October 19, 2025
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 28, 2025
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

Festival of Fountains

Kennet Square - Now through September 28, 2025
Relax and unwind amid stunning summer vistas at Longwood Gardens' Illuminated Fountain Performances. Soak up family time with Longwood's all-new Fountain Fest Weekends, and create unforgettable memories. READ MORE

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia - Now through Sunday, August 31, 2025
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

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About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
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