Best Free Activities for Kids in Philadelphia

Shila said:  The fountain at Dilworth Park is covered by a thin scrim of water with programmable three-foot-high spouts that create a dancing water feature throughout.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  East Falls Glassworks is the only public access glassblowing studio in Philadelphia. Visitors can see artists working with 2000 degree molten glass and creating unique pieces. This is exciting and magical for children to see real artwork being created right before their eyes!

It is free to visit the studio. Call in advance to make sure someone is there to see them in action, even though they are typically there during the day Monday - Friday.

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence. Come learn about the two individuals who made the bell, Pass & Stow, figure out why there is a crack in the bell and how it came to have its historic meaning.

Shila said:  Throughout the summer, you will find 13 benches with professional storytellers ready to wow you with fun, historical facts about Philadelphia's past! Pop in to hear more about Betsy Ross, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. Each story time runs a brief 5 minutes.

Kids collect stars at each bench, and can redeem them for a free carousel ride at Franklin Square.  The 13 signature benches are clearly marked with "Once Upon A Nation" and are located on a walking journey throughout Independence National Historic Park. You can locate each bench spot online, and verify hours. Free!

Continuous Times on Select Days: Memorial Day - Labor Day

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Located just a few blocks from the Liberty Bell, Franklin Square offers a fun interactive playground for kids to play and explore. Open year round, the playground has something for everyone!

While the playground is free, Franklin Square offers mini golf, carousel and restaurant for an additional fee. Franklin Square also holds special family-friendly events throughout the year.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The United States Mint in Philadelphia is the Nation's First Mint and produces circulating coins, medals, commemorative coins and coin sets. It features exhibits on coin making on the self guided tour and visitors can view coins being made in the production facility. There is a short film on the history of coin making. The Mint also features the historic Tiffany Glass Mosaics.

Photography is not permitted inside the US Mint.

Admission is Free.

Vanessa M. said:  Spruce Street Harbor Park is a unique gathering space that comes alive in the summer months. The park is filled with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful lights, refreshing beer gardens, and food from popular Philly restaurants. The boardwalk boasts swings, hammocks, bocce courts, ping pong, shuffleboard, arcade games, and hammock lounges for a relaxing time together. Click here for hammock reservations.

Open May-September

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Learn about the life and literary works of Edgar Allan Poe at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. Located in Old City, take a tour of his historic home, listen to his work narrated by famous actors, discover how his work influenced writers including Stephen King, and more. Kids can become a Junior Ranger and earn a badge by downloading and completing an activity book from their website.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Mr. B's Coffeehouse & PlayZone, located inside Calvary Church, is a great place to meet with friends & watch the kids play in our indoor PlayZone. Kids up to 54 inches tall can jump and slide to their hearts content.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  It is always in season to experience the holiday magic at Byers' Choice. On weekdays, you can go on the observation deck to view artisans hand-crafting, painting and decorating carolers and other exclusive Byers' Choice figurines. The museum and display areas are open year round where it always feels like Christmastime. The Creche Room offers over 200 nativity scenes from around the world. Visit the gift shop to purchase your own figurine as a memento of your tour. Note: the display figurines are breakable and within children's reach.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  This epic spot in Doylestown is one of the best playgrounds near Philadelphia, and is worth a drive to check out! The centerpiece is a multi-level wooden castle that kids love to explore, but there's plenty of modern equipment, too. You'll find a zipline, electronic game station, and play structure that's inclusive of all abilities.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Warminster Community Park boasts a Safety Town depicted as a miniature town of Warminster complete with businesses, traffic signs and more. Kids can play and ride scooters, big wheels and tricycles throughout the fenced-in mini town. There are also playground structures, climbing equipment, spring animals and a basketball court.

Tim Ponisciak said:  This is a great spot northeast of the city to go sledding! You can also enjoy ice skating and cross country skiing if you want to make a whole day of winter activities!

Shila said:  Terhune Orchards Farm offers pick-your-own produce (e.g. apples, berries, pumpkins). Kids will enjoy the pedal tractors to play on, as well as meeting the many farm animals who live there year round... sheep, goats, donkeys, ducks, geese and chickens!

Joni Monacell said:  Mt. Loretto Unique Area offers more than 200 acres of forest, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shoreline on the southern shore of Staten Island. This beautiful area has three hiking trails to explore: the Wetlands Trail, Grassland Trail, and Beach Loop.

Just North of this area is another North Mount Loretto State Forest which has 5 more hiking trails, one of which is paved and wheelchair accessible.

There is parking, the area is accessible via public transportation, and bathrooms are available.