Enjoy picking and other family-friendly activities at Linvilla Orchard. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Apple Picking near Philly: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
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Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
32 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
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!
Ultimate Archery is a great experience for families looking to have some fun together!
Ultimate Archery Review: Family-Friendly Archery Dodgeball in NJ
Franklin Square Features Center City's only miniature golf course. Photo courtesy of Historic Philadelphia
Best Mini Golf Courses Near Philadelphia
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Kids and parents will love the fresh ingredients and delicious flavors in the ice pops and pies and pies at Lil' Pop Shop..Photo courtesy of the shop
21 Top Things To Do with Preschoolers in Philly
Philly families will find tons of great things to do with kids this summer around the city and the state
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Ultimate Philadelphia Kids Summer Vacation Guide
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions Photo courtesy of the Delaware-River-Waterfront
40 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Philadelphia for Kids
University City District presents free outdoor movies at Clark Park. Photo courtesy of University City District
Free Outdoor Movies in Philly this Summer with Kids
Bring the family to the first annual Rail Park Block Party where Noble Street will bustle with activities. Photo courtesy of the event
45 Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer with Kids
Bass River State Forest. Photo courtesy NJ State Park Service
Best Swimming Lakes near Philadelphia
Explore the Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park. Photo courtesy of Matt Stanley
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At Johnson's Corner Farm, it's all about the berries.
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The Pocono Mountains are a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of the Lehigh River by Mommy Poppins
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Kith and Kin
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Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones for Philly Area Kids
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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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
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Join the Phillies Kids Club, just in time for the home opener!
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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Smith Memorial Playhouse is always free, with space for kids to make their own crafts. Photo courtesy of Smith
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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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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
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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
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Harriet's Bookshop is full of titles that represent Black kids and kids of color. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Explore a house at PlayArts. Photo by the author
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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
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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
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Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
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Enjoy the wildflower meadow at Delaware Canal State Park near the Giving Pond. Photo courtesy of PA DCNR
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Don't miss closing weekend of Disney100, the magical world premiere exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Photo by @Disney
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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.

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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