70 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia: Best Attractions & Family Fun

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, is a place where history meets culture, food, and adventure. Whether you are a new visitor or a local, Philadelphia has so much to offer. From exploring famous landmarks to strolling through the charming neighborhood, there are many things to do in Philadelphia. Its recreational spots, riverfronts, urban boardwalks, and local cuisines are equally enjoyable for couples, kids, and adventure seekers.

With so many parks, festivals, and free attractions, Philadelphia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations for one to explore. Here's a complete guide on fun, free, and adventurous things to do in Philadelphia for you, so you and your family can enjoy a truly memorable trip.

Things to Do in Philadelphia This Weekend

Looking for exciting plans this weekend? Philadelphia always has something happening. Here are ten ideas:

1. Enjoy live shows at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts.
2. Roam through the Italian market and have a taste of local delicacies.
3. Check out Reading Terminal Market and explore food from around the world.
4. Take a look around the vibrant murals of Philadelphia streets.
5. Take a stroll at Spruce Street Harbor Park, an urban boardwalk, for hammocks, food stalls, and a radiant waterfront.
6. Cheer on the Phillies, Eagles, or Sixers if a game’s in town.
7. Enjoy the Philadelphia Orchestra if you love classical music.
8. Visit the weekend farmers' market and meet local vendors.
9. Visit Cherry Street for an art exhibit and seasonal pop-ups.
10. Enjoy cocktails on the rooftop while enjoying the view of the city skyline.

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Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is more than just history—it’s a hub of fun activities that make every visit memorable.

1. Run up the rocky trail and explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
2. Taste the Philly cheesesteak at Pat's and Geno's.
3. Have a spooky ghost tour in Old City.
4. Visit Barcade and enjoy playing vintage arcade games.
5. For science geeks, the Franklin Institute offers many science exhibits.
6. Wander through Magic Gardens, a dazzling mosaic art space.
7. Take a ride on the RiverLink Ferry for great views.
8. Spend a night at Punch Line Philly for stand-up comedy.
9. Go axe-throwing at Kick Axe Philly.
10. Rent a bike and cruise along the Schuylkill River Trail.

Free Things to Do in Philadelphia

Traveling on a budget? No problem—Philly has tons of free attractions.

1. Snap photos at the Liberty Bell.
2. Walk through Independence Hall grounds.
3. Explore LOVE Park and its famous sculpture.
4. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.
5. Take a free tour at the United States Mint.
6. Enjoy the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk.
7. Wander through Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the U.S.
8. Attend a free outdoor concert in the summer.
9. Visit the Rodin Museum’s sculpture garden (free admission days).
10. See murals through the Mural Arts Program self-guided tours.

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Things to Do in Philadelphia With Kids

Philly is an awesome city for families with little explorers.

1. Visit the Please Touch Museum, designed for kids.
2. Spend a day at the Philadelphia Zoo.
3. Watch the fish at Adventure Aquarium across the river in Camden.
4. Play at Franklin Square’s carousel and mini-golf.
5. Learn about dinosaurs at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
6. See giant Lego structures at Legoland Discovery Center.
7. Have fun at Smith Memorial Playground.
8. Explore Sesame Place (just outside the city).
9. Take a duck boat tour for a mix of land and water fun.
10. Enjoy kid-friendly exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Things to Do in Center City Philadelphia

Center City is Philly’s beating heart—perfect for exploring on foot.

1. Visit City Hall and climb the tower for panoramic views.
2. Shop along Walnut Street and Chestnut Street.
3. Stop by Rittenhouse Square for people-watching.
4. Explore Reading Terminal Market’s food stalls.
5. Admire the architecture of the Academy of Music.
6. Take a guided walking tour of the historic district.
7. Browse boutiques in Midtown Village.
8. Catch an independent film at the Ritz Five.
9. Relax with a coffee at a trendy café in Washington Square West.
10. Visit the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

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Things to Do in New Philadelphia, Ohio

Although not the same as Philly, New Philadelphia, Ohio, also offers fun for a weekend trip.

1. Visit Tuscora Park for rides and family fun.
2. Explore the Warther Museum with hand-carved masterpieces.
3. Take a scenic walk at the Norma Johnson Center trails.
4. Shop antiques in downtown New Philadelphia.
5. Go bowling at Boulevard Lanes.
6. Attend local festivals and parades.
7. Explore Schoenbrunn Village, a reconstructed historic site.
8. Enjoy a show at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University Tuscarawas.
9. Play golf at Oak Shadows Golf Club.
10. Taste local eats at family-run diners.

Family Friendly Things to Do in Philadelphia

Families visiting Philly will never be short of choices.

1. Take a ferry ride to Camden for Adventure Aquarium.
2. Visit Penn's Landing, a vibrant riverfront public space, for seasonal events and ice skating in winter.
3. Visit fun playgrounds and fountains at Franklin Square.
4. Enjoy pizza-making workshops at Pizzeria Vetri.
5. Go kayaking on the Schuylkill River.
6. Tour the Betsy Ross House.
7. Enjoy rollerblading across the Blue Cross RiverRink.
8. Explore the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion.
9. Attend a Phillies game for baseball excitement.
10. Walk along Boathouse Row at sunset.

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FAQs

What are fun things to do in Philadelphia?

1. Run up the rocky trail and explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
2. Taste the Philly cheesesteak at Pat's and Geno's.
3. Have a spooky ghost tour in Old City.
4. Visit Barcade and enjoy playing vintage arcade games.
5. For science geeks, the Franklin Institute offers many science exhibits.

What are family activities to do in Philadelphia?

1. Take a ferry ride to Camden for Adventure Aquarium.
2. Visit Penn's Landing, a vibrant riverfront public space, for seasonal events and ice skating in winter.
3. Visit fun playgrounds and fountains at Franklin Square.
4. Enjoy pizza-making workshops at Pizzeria Vetri.
5. Go kayaking on the Schuylkill River.

What are free things to do in Philadelphia?

1. Snap photos at the Liberty Bell.
2. Walk through Independence Hall grounds.
3. Explore LOVE Park and its famous sculpture.
4. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.
5. Take a free tour at the United States Mint.