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Best of September: 20 Top Things To Do in Philly

There be dragons, big ones and baby ones, at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Photo courtesy of the faire via Facebook
There be dragons, big ones and baby ones, at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Photo courtesy of the faire via Facebook
8/29/25 - By Nicole O'Donnell

The start of September means last call for so many of our summertime favorites (bye-bye Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest!). But have no fear--harvest happenings and fall festivities are rolling in as fast as those back-to-school buses. FallFest at Shady Brook, Pumpkinland at Linvilla, and apple picking galore are some of this month's highlights. Plus, don't miss the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens. Free programs like Parkway Pals Storytimes are also back this September, so make time for some family fun amidst the return-to-school chaos. 

Still clinging to summer? Our fall activity guide for Philadelphia kids will have you craving a pumpkin spiced something-or-other in no time, or browse our favorite fall getaways for Philly families, guaranteed to get you excited for sweater weather.  

 

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Diggerfest includes admission to Diggerland plus additional fall festival and Halloween fun. Photo courtesy of Diggerland USA via Facebook
Diggerfest includes admission to Diggerland plus additional fall festival and Halloween fun. Photo courtesy of Diggerland USA via Facebook

Best things to do in Philly with Kids this September

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Manheim - Now through Sunday, October 26, 2025
It's time for the annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Estate. Guests can experience themed entertainment, foods, participatory contests, and activities. Tickets should be purchased in advance to guarantee admission. READ MORE

Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair

Glenmoore - Saturday, August 30 - Monday, September 1, 2025
Families can enjoy rides, games, face-painting, pony rides, a costumed pet parade, and car show at Ludwig's Corner Horse Show and Country Fair all weekend long.  READ MORE

Cannonball Kids Festival

Philadelphia - Monday, September 1 - Sunday, September 28, 2025
Dive into a treasure trove of back-to-back circus, dance, theatre, puppetry, music, and interactive installations all month long. Find FREE outdoor performances at Liberty Lands, plus sliding scale tickets for all shows at MAAS, Icebox, and Fidget.   READ MORE

Parkway Pals Storytime

Philadelphia - Tuesdays, September 2 - October 7, 2025
Join the Free Library of Philadelphia at Sister Cities Park for these storytimes designed for toddlers and their grown-ups. READ MORE

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll

Philadelphia - Thursday, September 4, 2025
Presented in association with the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA), Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll showcases its businesses with $1 bargains from neighborhood favorites. This event is held on University City’s Baltimore Avenue between 43rd and 52nd Street. READ MORE

Mushroom Festival

Kennett Square - Saturday, September 6 - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Kennett Square's annual mushroom festival promises culinary events, growing exhibits, children’s entertainment, vendors, and mushroom art. Don't miss the fall fun. READ MORE

32nd Annual Doylestown Arts Festival

Doylestown - Saturday, September 6 - Sunday, September 7, 2025
The Doylestown Arts Festival returns for its 32nd anniversary! This is not a weekend to miss, featuring over 150 independent artists, live music on five stages, and activities for all ages. READ MORE

Wings N' Wheels

Blue Bell - Saturday, September 6, 2025
Wings N’ Wheels offers an afternoon of antique cars and airplanes, kids’ activities, live music, scenic flights, and much more.  READ MORE

Philadelphia Honey Festival

Multiple Locations - Saturday, September 6, 2025
Get a sweet start to the fall season at the Philadelphia Honey Festival. Throughout the weekend, guests are invited to celebrate at two different locations featuring a variety of activities, including a honey tasting, children's carnival, and demonstrations. READ MORE

Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards

Media - Saturday, September 7 - Sunday, November 2, 2025
 Visitors to Linvilla Orchards can purchase the perfect pumpkin, pick apples, run through the corn maze or straw bale maze, try an apple sling shot, play pumpkin toss, see the barnyard animals, and take a hayride. READ MORE

Brazilian Day Festival

Penn's Landing - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Visitors to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing celebrate Brazil's Independence Day with food, music, and dance. The Brazilian Day Festival is presented as part of the PECO Multicultural Series.   READ MORE

Scarecrows in the Village

Peddler's Village - Monday, September 8 - Sunday, October 26, 2025
Peddler's Village hosts its annual Scarecrow Season, where the life-size creations are up for your vote across several categories. Over 100 scarecrows line the brick pathways of Peddler's Village. Some are inspired by famous characters, some are humorous, some are scary – but all of them are carefully handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations. READ MORE

FallFest at Shady Brook Farms

Yardley - Friday, September 12 - Thursday, October 30, 2025
Fall fun is now in season! Bring the family for a day or night down on the farm. There's endless fun including apple picking and sunflower strolls (while supplies last), pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a 5 acre corn maze, Eerie Illuminations Halloween light show, live music every weekend, campfires, 25+ activities for the kiddos, tasty food, and spirited drinks. READ MORE

Day Out with Thomas

Ronks - Multiple Days, September 13 to 21, 2025
Climb aboard the most famous train from the island of Sodor as Thomas the Tank Engine pulls into Strasburg Rail Road. Take in the beauty of the countryside during this 45-minute journey. Catch a live show featuring all your favorite Thomas songs after your journey. READ MORE

Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest

Philadelphia - Saturday, September 13, 2025
The Kimmel kicks off its arts and cultural season in collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra with a free, family-friendly festival highlighting more than 50 arts organizations and a full day of performances. READ MORE

Mexican Independence Day Festival

Center City - Sunday, September 14, 2025
Experience the ultimate celebration at this vibrant festival showcasing the rich culture of Mexico! Discover the wonders of traditional Mexican crafts, be mesmerized by outstanding performers from Mexico and the local area, and dive into a world of children's activities and endless fun. READ MORE

XPoNential Music Festival on the Camden Waterfront

Camden, NJ - Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
WXPN and the Camden County Board of Commissioners host the XPoNential Music Festival in Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront. The festival offers an opportunity to see established artists and discover up-and-coming bands. READ MORE

Diggerfest Fall Festival

Berlin, NJ - Saturday, September 27 - Sunday, November 16, 2025
Full-day admission to this annual seasonal celebration grants you access to all of the rides and attractions at Diggerland USA, plus additional fall festival and Halloween fun. READ MORE

Delaware River Festival

Camden - Saturday, September 27, 2025
This annual event brings people together and features a day of family-friendly fun, educational activities, and water-centered learning on the Camden and Philadelphia waterfronts. The Delaware River Festival offers something for the whole family: free ferry rides, museum visits, pedal boats, face painting, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and so much more! READ MORE

Festival of Fountains

Kennet Square - Now through Sunday, September 28, 2025
Relax and unwind amid stunning summer vistas at Longwood Gardens' Illuminated Fountain Performances. Soak up family time with Longwood's all-new Fountain Fest Weekends, and create unforgettable memories. READ MORE

Free Pass for Pre-K Kids at the Adventure Aquarium

Camden - Register through Sunday, October 26, 2025
Make every day an adventure for your little one with a FREE Pre-K Kid's Adventure Pass! Preschoolers between 2 and 5 years old can explore thousands of incredible aquatic animals from around the world, from cute and cuddly African Penguins to humongous hippos!  READ MORE

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About the Author

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.
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