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.
Latest posts by Nicole
Summer in Philly can get expensive. With vacations, summer camps, and pool memberships, you're going to need some free activities in your back pocket. We've rounded up 35 free things to do in Philly that will keep kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. When school's out and camp is only so many weeks, that leaves tons of time to kill and plenty of heat to beat. Armed with this list of free nature activities, arts and culture festivals, block parties, performances, movies in the park, and more, you'll never hear the dreaded "I'm bored" chorus this summer!
For other ways to spend the hazy, lazy days of summer, browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philly Kids. Read on to discover our favorite, free activities in Philly this summer—and be sure to check our events calendar as we're adding more free fun to it every day.
Summer concerts in Philly on a grassy lawn are an unforgettable family experience. But imagine all that without paying a single penny! That's right, free concerts are happening all over the Philly area, and you don't want to miss it. The whole family can enjoy the long days and warm weather while the kids dance to the rhythm of summer. So grab some chairs, blankets, and bug spray and get ready for a night of fun under the stars with free outdoor concerts in the city and suburbs.
Looking for more free Philly fun? This summer is full of Festivals and Fairs in the Philadelphia region. If you're looking for even more summer fun, don't miss our Ultimate Summer Fun Guide.
Get ready for summer vacation! June in Philly brings festivals for Pride, Juneteenth, Father's Day, berry picking, and maybe even some early fireworks.
June is packed with fun and engaging activities for families in and around Philadelphia! Kick off the month at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, where kids can enjoy horse competitions, guided back-barn tours, and the adorable Itty Bitty Tea Party. Head to Fairmount Park for the West Park Arts Fest and immerse your family in music and then visit Shady Brook Farms for their Strawberry Festivals. Don’t miss the Roots Picnic at Fairmount Park for a weekend filled with music, art, and culture. Celebrate the stars and stripes at Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House with daily interactive flag raisings and family activities. Cap off your June adventures at the Manayunk Arts Festival, where you can explore art from around 300 local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Find more top fun on our lists of Free Outdoor Movies in Philly This Summer With Kids, and Best Water Parks Near Philly for Kids.
We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.
You don't have to leave Philly to enjoy everything summer has to offer! Whether you’re looking to cool off in the city, take a day trip to the shore, or explore new local events, this list will help you make the most of your family’s summer break.
Read on for our top summer activities for kids to plan out a summer the entire family will enjoy. And don't forget to check out our Summer Guide for hundreds of more ideas.
Summer fairs and festivals are back in Philly! If there's one thing this city loves besides a cheesesteak, it's a summer festival. Our summer calendar is chock-full of fairs, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals to get you out and about while school's out. Read on for our top festival picks to keep Philly families partying all summer.
For more summer fun, check out our Summer Activity Guide. Heading to the shore this summer? We've got you covered with 70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore.
Moms are incredible multi-taskers who deserve more than just one day of recognition! Our special list of activities and brunches around Philadelphia has something perfect to make Mom feel extra loved this Mother's Day, plus a few additional days in case you want to celebrate a little longer. A lavish brunch or unique museum outing, a fun family bonding opportunity like fishing, or some quality time together trying new eats in Old City—there are so many ways for Philly families to show appreciation for their wonderful moms!
Find more seasonal fun moms will love in our Spring Fun Guide, don't miss our Mother's Day Brunch list, and get gift inspiration on our list of Mother's Day Gifts Moms Actually Want.
Free outdoor movie magic is happening all around Philly this summer! With warm nights and late sunsets, the atmosphere is just perfect for a family-friendly movie night under the stars. At dusk, experience an amazing cinematic experience with loved ones. Get there early to get the best viewing spot, and bring some snacks, a blanket, and some bug spray. Now all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the show!
For more of the best summer activities in Philly for kids, check out our Summer Activities Guide. Looking for more no-cost family entertainment? Browse our guide of Free Fun for Philly Kids.
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