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
Get ready to light up your 4th of July with some red, white, and BOOM! We've compiled a list of the best fireworks displays near Philly that will leave your kids dazzled and awestruck. Prepare for a night of wonder and amazement with the city's Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular, or watch the magic unfold in a suburban show complete with parades and festivals. Don't forget to bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and bug spray, and get ready for a night you won't forget!
For more summertime fun, browse our Summer Activity Guide or check out our Top Festivals for Philly Kids to keep that party going all summer long.
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.
Pages