With a boom, a sparkle, and a sizzle, the first weekend in July unleashes its many patriotic celebrations, perfect for every Philly family.

Eat a traditional Fourth of July BBQ with Elmo, Zoe, and the gang from Sesame Street at Sesame Place. Or, indulge in a Red, White, and Blue BBQ Bash at Peddlers' Village. Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Constitution Center, Brandywine River Museum, or The Barnes Foundation for free. Celebrate our nation's birthday by stepping back in time to learn how to write with a quill pen or to see how soldiers lived during the Revolutionary War. End the weekend with firework fun at Ridley Park, Nottingham County Park, or Longwood Gardens.

Navigate through our event calendar by filtering for age, location, and tags. Now, keep reading for additional family fun.

With the arrival of summer, Philly parents may be wondering how to keep children engaged in fun without breaking the bank. This week's top picks are all FREE and are sure to put a smile on your face and your wallet.

First, stop into your local library for free programming such as Parkway Central Library's Baby and Toddler Story Time, Wissahickon Library's Guitar Story Time, Fumo Family Library's Mindful Meditation, or Media Library's Captain Underpants Party. Then, make crafts at Linvilla Orchards or Monkey Fish Toys. Dance and sing along at a free outdoor concert at White's Road Park, Debarth Amphitheater, or Narberth Park. Best yet, Wawa Welcome America arrives in town this week! During the festival, young and old can take advantage of free museum admission, Go 4th learning opportunities, and free hoagies, too.

However you spend the week, keep it fun and keep it free! Read on for additional no-cost activities below.

Summer officially arrives this week in Philadelphia! What better way to celebrate the new season than with some of the amazing activities found in our event calendar.

To recognize the longest day of the year, Riverbend hosts its Summer Solstice Celebration complete with live animal demonstrations, puppet shows, and pond exploration. Wolf's Hollow County Park offers the chance to participate in a Summer Solstice Hike. And, Delaware Art Museum allows visitors to wander about and take in the beauty of nature at its Summer Solstice Labyrinth. In addition to summertime events, many venues throughout the Delaware Valley are featuring deeply discounted admission such as the Franklin Institute, the Brandywine Zoo, and the Delaware Children's Museum. Once nighttime arrives, view landmarks such as Glencairn Museum, Cairnwood Estates, and Bryn Athyn Cathedral set aglow, or see the first flashes of lighting bugs at Green Lane Park.

Keep reading for our top picks for the week and get ready for a great summer!