Monday

In the Park with Mister John’s Music

June 28, 10 am

Lemon Hill Park

Philadelphia’s favorite early childhood music class is taking it outside! Through music, rhythm, and movement, infants and toddlers learn about self-expression, teamwork, sharing, and empathy while rocking out to some favorite songs. BYO blanket and instruments. Tickets available online.

PlayMusic Family at Penn Treaty Park 

June 28, 10 am 

Palmer Park, Frankford Ave. and E. Palmer St.

PlayArts takes their popular family music class for kids ages 5 and under to the park! Little ones will play instruments, move their bodies, and learn musical foundations along the way. Pre-register online.

Creative Babies in the Park

June 28, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Share bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music. Meet at the Youth Services entrance and walk to the park together. Bring your own blanket. Free; pre-register online.

 Stories Under the Trees

June 28, 10 am

 Llanerch Park, Llandillo Rd, Havertown

Join Ms. Rachee for an in-person, socially distanced storytime, weather permitting.

Nest Outdoor Family Yoga 

June 28, 10:15 am

Rittenhouse Square

Nest Yoga Adventures uses creative storytelling along with an engaging flow of movement to support families looking to get in touch with their bodies and spirits. Kids ages 3-6 welcome. Pre-registration required.

Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library

June 28, 10:30 am

Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine St.

Join Miss Mary Mondays at 10:30 am at Shakespeare Park (across the street from the library on Vine St) for Baby Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and fun! This program is intended for kids ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Weather-permitting. Please check CCD’s social media for cancellations day-of.

Grow Up Green

June 28, 10:30–11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will take kids on an imaginative journey that emphasizes the importance of outdoor play with nature-inspired lessons and hands-on activities.

Baby Wordplay in Lilypad’s Backyard

June 28, 11 am

1234 S. Broad St.

Join Miss Pam in the Backyard at Lilypad for some fun bringing together stories and songs, reading and rhyme, all for family literacy fun. Pre-register online.

Crafts with Fabric Workshop and Museum at Sister Cities Park

June 28, 11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Join The Fabric Workshop and Museum to explore themes in their current exhibit, Hard/Cover. Kids will have the opportunity to create river prints, moon viewers, playful patterns, secret seed sculptures, and objects for a community table.

Go 4th and Learn: Bicycle Coalition

June 28, 2:30 pm

City Hall Courtyard

This event features interactive activities that celebrate healthy living through environmental and physical wellness. Plus, bring your own bike to participate in the Bike Safety Course.

Virtual Mindfulness Activity for Children and Families

June 28, 4 pm

Learn to self-regulate, improve emotional literacy, and manage big feelings through fun family activities each week via Free Library of Philadelphia’s Instagram and Facebook.

Virtual Our City, Your Orchestra: William Way LGBT Community Center

June 28, 7 pm

Our City, Your Orchestra is a series of free online concerts performed by small ensembles, recorded without audiences at iconic cultural locations throughout the region. This week’s free virtual performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra streams online from The William Way Community Center which encourages, supports, and advocates for the well-being and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community of Philadelphia through service, recreational, educational, and cultural programming. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.

Tuesday

Nest Family Music

June 29, 9 am

Rittenhouse Square

With the weather warming up, Nest classes are going outside! Drop in ($20 per family) for a fun music and movement class for ages 6 months to 5 years in Rittenhouse Square. 

Free Museum Day: American Swedish Historical Museum

June 29, 10 am—4 pm

1900 Pattison Ave.

The oldest Swedish museum in the United States opens its doors for a free day. ASHM is a community dedicated to preserving and interpreting material culture, and is alive with celebrations, exhibitions, and learning experiences.

Storytime at Starr Garden

June 29, 10 am

600 Lombard St.

Bring your own blanket for a free, outdoor family storytime. All adults and kids over 2 must be masked.

 Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library

June 29, 10 am

1935 Shunk St.

Join Miss Sunita for Storytime in the Donatucci Garden every Tuesday. Masks (for kids over 2) and social distancing required. Space is limited; first-come first-served. Ages 0-5. Bring Your Own Blanket. Weather permitting.

PlayArts Movement Lab

June 29, 10 am

Liberty Lands Park,  913 N. Third St.

Bring your own props and blanket for this class that explores basic dance concepts with lots of playful locomotion through songs, nursery rhymes, stories, and interactive games. Best for ages 2-4. Pre-register online.

Toddler Time in the Park

June 29, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Stories, finger plays, puppets, rhymes, dancing, and music liven the atmosphere as concepts such as colors, numbers, and letters are introduced. The program is about 20 minutes long. Free; pre-register online.

Stories on the Porch

June 29, 10 am and 11 am

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Children ages 0-5 are invited to join the library to sing, listen to stories, do movement activities and watch puppets on the covered porch. Free; pre-register online, as space is limited.

Virtual Kids’ Yoga Adventure

Join Ms. Amy from Jitterbugs Music and Movement, as she takes kids age 3 and up on a yoga storytelling adventure that consists of a warm-up, the adventure, and relaxation. During the story, children will work on 20-25 yoga postures. Free; pre-registration is required, and an email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program.

Toddler Tales: Summertime Series

June 29, 10:15 am

Helen Kate Furness Free Library, 100 N. Providence Rd., Wallingford

Bring a blanket and your 2- to 3-year-olds (and their siblings) to the front lawn of the library for stories, songs, fingerplays, movement, and more. Free; pre-register online.

Story Art at Sister Cities Park

June 29, 10:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

The Free Library of Phildelphia will bring their popular storytime program outdoors for a morning full of movement, songs, and imagination. Kids will receive a takeaway craft inspired by the day’s stories, while supplies last.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

June 29, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

Sandcastle Fun Co.’s “Fun-Structors” will guide kids ages 3-5 through all kinds of age-appropriate sports games. Drop-in passes available online.

Nature in the Park: Investigation Station

June 29, 11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and go wild with fun games, experiments, and unique activities! Learn how animals, bugs, and dinosaurs are affected by climate change.

Virtual At-Home Anthro: Create Your Own Tapa Cloth Design

June 29, 1 pm

Virtual New Parent Virtual Support Group

June 29, 1 pm

Kith + Kin’s new parent support groups are facilitated by trained doulas who help guide the transition into the new role of parenthood. Share stories, ask hard questions, and more. Pay what you can; join on Zoom via Kith + Kin’s website.

Little Warriors Family Yoga

June 29, 5:30 pm

McMichael Park, 3299 Midvale Ave.

Join Jai Vita Healing Arts for a 45-minute class appropriate for children ages 2-6. The five-class series begins Tuesday evening. Class is donation-based with a suggested donation of between $10-25 a class. 

Woofstock Summer Concert

June 29, 5:30 pm

Seger Park, 1020 Lombard St.

Enjoy weekly live music at Seger Dog Park. Stay and play at the playground!

Virtual Music, Bubble and Comedy Show with Turtle Dance Music

June 29, 6:30 pm

This performance celebrates famous children’s stories and songs about animals including a few written by adults on the autism spectrum. Kids will dance, sing, laugh, use their imaginations and connect with new friends. The show is crafted to be inclusive for all children, including children on the Autism Spectrum, and a great time for parents and caregivers. Each song in the show is accompanied by hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences designed to help kids learn and have fun at the same time. Free; registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

Virtual Princess Party with The Little Mermaid

June 29, 6:30 pm

The Little Mermaid is making a royal Zoom visit to her young friends of Ridley Township Public Library. Join Ariel for songs, stories, games, Q & A, and more. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

June 29, 7 pm

Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.

Philly @ the Drive-in: Shrek

June 29, 9 pm

Navy Yard

Enjoy a free drive-in movie at the Navy Yard (Pre-registration required) as part of Wawa Welcome America.

Wednesday

 Nest Family Music

June 30, 10 am

Rittenhouse Square

With the weather warming up, Nest classes are going outside! Drop in ($20 per family) for a fun music and movement class for ages 6 months to 5 years in Rittenhouse Square. 

Stories and Songs for Pre-Walkers

June 30, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

This gentle yet lively story time features bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music. Bring your own blanket and baby toys. This is for pre-walkers only. Free; pre-register online.

 Music and Movement with Free Library of Philadelphia

June 30, 10:30 am

Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine Street

Join Ms. Naomi at Shakespeare Park (across the street from the library on Vine Street) for songs, dance, and fun explorations of rhythm and movement! This program is intended for ages 6 and under and their caregivers. Adults and children over 2 must wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of social distance, and stay home if they are unwell.

Summer of Wonder Kick-Off featuring Bomplé

June 30, 10:30 am

Charles L. Durham Library, 3320 Haverford Ave.

The Charles L. Durham Library Branch will kick off their Summer Reading program with a Puerto Rican bomba music performance by Bomplé. Kids will be able to sign up for the summer reading games and get a delicious taste of the summer: water ice!

Creative Movement with Pennsylvania Ballet

June 30, 10:30–11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Instructors from the Pennsylvania Ballet will teach young children how to express themselves through the art of dance! These outdoor movement classes will include African dance and ballet movement.

Discover the Declaration

June 30, 11 am

Independence Library, 18 S. Seventh St.

Kids 6-12 and their caregivers are welcome to meet in front of the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia for stories and crafts inspired by the Declaration of Independence.

 CantiCuentos: Spanish Songs and Stories for Kids

June 30, 11 am

420 S. Perth St.

Babies and toddlers (ages 0-5) will learn Spanish songs and stories at this weekly outdoor playgroup. Bring your own blanket! $10 per family.

Summer Reading 2021 Giveaways

June 30, 11 am

Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Ave.

Whitman Library staff will be tabling in the back patio area with new & free books (for adults, teens, and children) and summer reading activity packets (for teens and children).

Crafts in the Garden

June 30, 1 pm

West Oak Lane Library, 2000 E. Washington Lane

Meet outside the library and decorate bird houses or bird feeders. Space is limited and pre-registration is suggested.

 Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

June 30, 1–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Elmwood Park Zoo is inviting dog owners to bring their furry friends to visit the zoo on select days this spring! Pre-registration is required, and guests must complete an online waiver and submit required documents to attend this and all Dog Days events.

Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog

June 30, 3 pm

Read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS for people on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop confidence and skills for reading aloud! Register online to reserve your timeslot.

Clay, Play, Read!

June 30, 4 pm

Kensington Library, 104 West Dauphin St.

The Clay Studio hosts a free, six-week clay and early literacy program for children ages 3-8 and their families. This is a hybrid program: every other week the program will be held outdoors and in person; the remaining sessions will be held on Zoom. Free; pre-registration required. Participating families will receive art kits, activities, books, and to-go meals provided at in-person workshops.

Storygami: Penguins & Pandas

June 30, 4 pm

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Gather on the library’s covered porch to listen to stories about some favorite black and white friends, and make cute origami bookmarks! Best for ages 6-9. Free; pre-register online.

Kids’ Yoga in Linwood Park

June 30, 4 pm

Linwood Park, Ardmore

Join Andi and Aparna, two of Hummingbird’s wonderful teachers, for kids’ yoga and stories at the park. Free; donations accepted.

Virtual Kids’ Cooking Class: No-Churn Ice Cream

June 30, 4:30 pm

Use the season’s best fresh fruits to create delicious sweets and treats. Kids will work step-by-step to prepare a unique snack with a chef instructor via Zoom.  Pre-register online. 

Arts on Center Stage: The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble

June 30, 5:30 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

Philadelphia’s robust network of arts and culture organizations, large and small, will be celebrated every week as they hold free performances at Dilworth Park this summer. 

Free Outdoor Movie: ‘Hidden Figures’

June 30, 7 pm (movie at 8 pm)

Cherashore Playground, 851 W. Olney Ave.

Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy an exciting jazz performance by Philadelphia’s Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble at 7 pm, prior to a free screening of Hidden Figures, a true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history at 8 pm.

Virtual Eyes of the Wild

June 30, 7 pm

Meet five new animals from the Eyes of the Wild Rescue every Wednesday. Sign up for all the events so you can learn how to learn about, help, and care for 30 animals over the course of the summer months! Free; pre-register online.

Thursday

Outdoor Movement Class at Lilypad

July 1, 9 am

Lilypad, 1234 S. Broad St.

Join Anne, a local pediatric occupational therapist and dancer for an outdoor movement class in the backyard at Lilypad! Attendees will learn stretches, yoga poses, dances, and explore other types of active movement with music and imagination play in an outdoor setting. Class is most appropriate for children ages 3-5. Email ambeckettf@gmail.com or contact @annemaija89 on Instagram to sign up.

Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement

July 1, 9:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

From shakers to tambourines and drums, choose your favorite musical instrument to join the band and rock out with Sandcastle Fun Co. as they take kids ages 1-5 on a rock and roll journey. Drop-in passes available online.

Free Museum Day: National Constitution Center

July 1, 10 am—5 pm

525 Arch St.

Engage with interactive programs and exhibits while learning about the constitution in a fun way. Don’t miss the interactive Independence Day show, exploring the history of the Declaration of Independence and how the definition of “We the People” has expanded. Reserve free tickets online.

Storytime Fun in Shakespeare Park

July 1, 10:30 am

1901 Vine St.

Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to join the Free Library of Philadelphia in Shakespeare Park every Thursday during Summer of Wonder for a fun and exciting in-person, socially distanced storytime activity.

Virtual Baby Storytime

July 1, 10:30 am

Books, songs, and rhymes for infants and toddlers. Posted on Instagram @LillianMarreroLibrary

Storytime at Franklin Square

July 1, 11 am

Sixth and Race streets

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia at the Franklin Square Pavilion (6th and Race) for a special outdoor storytime. This program is intended for ages 5 and under and their caregivers.

Storytime at DiSilvestro Park

July 1, 11 am

1701 S. 15th St.

Join the Free Library, socially distanced outdoors at DiSilvestro Park, for outdoor storytime for little ones. Free, no registration required.

Land of Ladybugs: Stories and a Craft

July 1, 11 am

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Listen to stories about these beautiful bugs and make a fun craft on the library’s covered porch! Best for ages 4-7. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Summer of Wonder: Shark Attack!

July 1, 11 am

Are sharks really the ferocious eating machines they seem to be in movies? Learn the truth – often more fascinating than fiction! – about these special fish in this entertaining presentation from the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium. This program will take place on Facebook Live via the Youth Services and Programs page  (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices) and the video will be available for one month. 

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

July 1, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

Sandcastle Fun Co.’s “Fun-Structors” will guide kids ages 3-5 through all kinds of age-appropriate sports games. Drop-in passes available online.

Wawa Hoagie Day

July 1, noon—2 pm

Independence Mall and National Constitution Center Lawn, 525 Arch St.

Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day tributes to our local heroes, free Wawa Hoagies, and a performance by the Ambassadors Jazztet of The United States Army Field Band. Before or after enjoying your hoagie, you can head to the National Constitution Center for free admission all day long. And, over 920 stores chainwide will celebrate Hoagie Day in their local communities by building and donating more than 50,000 hoagies to local first responders and healthcare heroes.

Join Mr. Bob from GOALS Martial Arts as he demonstrates martial arts moves and techniques. For ages 3 and up. Free; pre-register online. An email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program.

Virtual  Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

July 1, 1 pm

Kith + Kin moves their group online so you can continue on your journey while you’re home. Facilitated by an international board-certified lactation consultant who can help answer your questions and provide tips for success, the group meets on Zoom (call-in info in the link in title); pay what you can over Venmo.

Fireworks Art

July 1, 4:15 pm

Upper Darby Library – Sellers Branch, 76 S. State Rd., Upper Darby

Kids in preschool through second grade are invited to create colorful bursting firework using chalk pastels outside. Free; pre-register online.

Live at Sister Cities Park

July 1, 5–8 pm

210 N. 18th St.

Live at Sister Cities Park brings local singer-songwriters together for a season-long party on the Parkway! A variety of snacks will be available for purchase at Sister Cities Café, including beer and wine (Please note, this program is not BYOB). Everyone is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Kids are free to frolic in the Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat Pond, which will stay open late.

Friday

Free Museum Day: National Liberty Museum

July 2, 10 am—6 pm

321 Chestnut St.

Interact with incredible stories of heroes and a collection of contemporary art with themes of freedom, civic engagement, and diversity. Plus, check out their new exhibit, Graphic Content and Caretoons. Get free admission with timed ticketing and pre-registration here.

Stories on the Porch

July 2, 10 am and 11 am

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Children ages 0-5 are invited to join the library to sing, listen to stories, do movement activities and watch puppets on the covered porch. Free; pre-register online, as space is limited.

Outdoor Storytime at Veterans Memorial Park

July 2, 10 am

354 Lawrence Road, Broomall

Weekly outdoor storytime in the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park on Lawrence Road. Stories, songs, rhymes, wiggles, and fun! Recommended for kids ages 5 and under, but all are welcome.

Art Kids Studio: Crafting Cosmos

July 2, 10:30 am–7 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

In this drop-in program for families, create your own universe inspired by shapes used by contemporary artist Howardena Pindell.​ Artists of all ages are welcome. Included with admission (kids under 12 are always free at the art museum). This event is part of the Art Kids and Friday Nights program series.

Outdoor Storytime

July 2, 10:30 am

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

Gather on the steps of Logan Library for stories, songs, and fun. For preschoolers and their families.

Virtual: Art Playdate at Home: Under the Sea

July 2, 10:30 am and 3:30 pm

In this live virtual program, engage in playful discussions, sketching challenges, and other fun activities with the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Dive into the collection for underwater scenes and splashy seascapes. Best for ages 4–7. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Storytime for Babies and Toddlers

July 2, 11 am

Bring your little one for lap time with stories and songs posted on West Philadelphia Library’s Facebook.

Outdoor Game Day

July 2, 1 pm

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St.

Gather outside the library for giant board games and other outdoor fun! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

 Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

July 2, 1–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Elmwood Park Zoo is inviting dog owners to bring their furry friends to visit the zoo on select days this spring! Pre-registration is required, and guests must complete an online waiver and submit required documents to attend this and all Dog Days events.

Virtual Storytime with Miss Sunita

July 2, 3 pm

Explore exciting new worlds through stories, songs, and interactive crafts in this weekly storytime. Free on Facebook Live.

First Friday at Cherry Street Pier

July 2, 4–9 pm (performance at 7 pm)

121 N. Columbus Ave.

Enjoy the river views, see the Pier’s resident artists at work in their studios, and treat yourself to some on-site concessions. Plus, gather the family for a fun paint night with resident artist Portside Arts Center (pre-registration required for the class).

Friday Night Dinos & Bites at Philadelphia Zoo

July 2, 5–8 pm

3400 W. Girard Ave.

To make our summer even more dino-riffic, the zoo has extended Friday night hours with the dino-themed food and fun of Big Time! Tickets available online.

Friday Night unWINEd

July 2, 5:30 pm (music starts at 6:30 pm)

Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

Enjoy live music in the Festival Field every Friday evening this summer at Shady Brook Farm. Bring the whole family for kids’ activities, lawn games, food, drinks, and fun. Kids under age 2 are free. Tickets available online.

Our America Now & Barnes on the Block with Mural Arts Philadelphia

July 2, 6—10 pm

Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

This free block party celebrates diverse multi-sensory stories and offers something for visitors of all ages—from a variety of food trucks and a beer garden to art-making demos, a film screening by BlackStar Film Festival, and live performances by several notable poets. Guests can also enjoy free admission to the Barnes collection (pre-registration required).

First Friday Movies under the Stars and Stripes: ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’

July 2, 8:45 pm

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., Philadelphia

Enjoy $7 admission, a tour of the Betsy Ross House, and a 1950’s campy sci fi movie in the courtyard! Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited, and you may bring food and a bottle of wine to watch the movie. Buy tickets here.

Weekend Events

Wawa Welcome America

Celebrate Freedom (and Philly) all week long! Check out our guide to the festival and all our top picks.

People Speak Weekend at National Liberty Museum

July 3–4, 10 am–5 pm

321 Chestnut St.

NLM celebrates our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with a weekend of special programs and activities for all ages. Plus, the first 50 visitors on both Saturday and Sunday will receive a free treat from Federal Donuts. Come on Saturday for Drag Queen Storytime!

Rothman Roller Rink at Dilworth Park

Through July 11

1 S. 15th St.

In place of the ice rink, Dilworth is debuting a new feature this spring: roller skating! Enjoy the retro-inspired design and pop-up grille and beer garden (with snacks for the kids), too! Hour-long sessions should be reserved online. Limited in-person sales may be offered, but sellouts are likely due to reduced capacity, so preorder to save your spot. You can rent skates and reserve lockers on site. 

‘The Pigeon Comes to Philadelphia! A Mo Willems Exhibit’ at the Please Touch Museum

Through September 12

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

Your favorite books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, the Elephant and Piggie series, and more will come alive in a new interactive exhibit that will give children the opportunity to make art that is inspired by these beloved books and to learn about the social and emotional lives of the author’s popular characters. Capacity will be limited, and online reservations are required for your desired “session.” The museum is open Thursdays – Sundays with morning sessions (9 am – noon) and afternoon sessions (1:30 – 4:30 pm) with a midday closure for cleaning and sanitizing. 

Pirates at Adventure Aquarium

June 18–July 9

1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ

Arrgh! Pirates have invaded Adventure Aquarium seeking treasure for a limited-time, fun, and interactive family experience. The crew will teach you to walk and talk like a pirate as you play games, make crafts, hunt for Darkbeard’s treasure and learn about parrots! Included with admission.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park

Through September 26

Delaware River Waterfront

After a shortened season turning the roller rink into a socially-distanced “beach” last year, the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is open for 2021 in all its former glory. Enjoy skating, rides, food, games, and more! Plus, SSHP is now open for the season with food, games, and hammocks! Timed tickets required for skating; other activities are open to the public pay-as-you-go. Details in our preview!

Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition at the Franklin Institute

Through July 18

222 N. 20th St.

A highly colorful and interactive exhibit makes its debut at the Franklin Institute. Crayola IDEAworks is an immersive experience that uses state-of-the-art technology to challenge visitors, expand creativity, and hone problem-solving skills. Even cooler, with more than 150 physical and digital inquiry-based interactive experiences and challenges, guests can track their progress on an RFID wristband and receive a customized summary of their unique creative strengths discovered on their journey! Read more details in our preview.\

Sunday

Bala Cynwyd Fourth of July Celebration

July 4, 9 am

Bala Cynwyd Fire House, 149 Montgomery Avenue

So many ways to celebrate! Assemble at the Union Fire Association at 8:45 am and depart at 9:30 am to march in the parade. Join in a brief patriotic ceremony around 10:30 am at the Bala Cynwyd Playground. Then, enjoy music, pony rides, petting zoo, exotic animals, rock wall, and refreshments. 

Penn Wynne Fourth of July Car Parade

July 4, 9:30 – 10:30 am

Penn Wynne Park, 1214 E. Manoa Road, Wynnewood

Meet in the Penn Wynne Elementary School parking lot, in your decorated car, at 9:30 am. The parade will begin at 10 am.

Llanerch Civic Association 4th of July Parade

July 4, 9:45 am

Parade leaves from the Llanerch Fire House parking lot, 107 West Chester Pike, Havertown

Decorate your bikes, scooters, strollers, and even your dogs! Parade through the neighborhood, ending at Llanerch Park (entering from Moewyn Road) for refreshments and patriotism.

July 4th at Fort Mifflin

July 4, 10 am–4 pm

Fort Mifflin and Hog Island Roads

Celebrate American Independence at an intact Revolutionary War battlefield! Learn the story of the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution during guided tours, enjoy musket and cannon demonstrations, and a Revolutionary War Soldier Life display. Hands-on living history activities return with an opportunity to play with 18th-century toys and learn to drill with a wooden musket. Hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud at 1 pm then discuss: does the language match the lived experience of the time? BYO picnic to enjoy in the shaded, riverfront picnic area. Tickets available online.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers “Pay What You Wish” admission every first Sunday, including during Welcome America.

Barnes Foundation Free First Sunday Family Day

July 4, 10 am-5 pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

It’s the first Sunday of the month, so families can get free admission to the Barnes Foundation! Online registration is required for free admission to the Barnes Foundation; tickets are not available on-site. Masks are required for all visitors over age 2. If you can’t make it to the museum, they’re also offering free virtual activities and inspiration to enjoy at home.

 Celebration of Freedom Ceremony

July 4, 10:30 am

Independence Hall (and broadcast live on NBC 10 at 6 pm)

With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th with remarks by Mayor Jim Kenney and a variety of notable guest speakers, an inspiring reading of the Declaration of Independence, and musical performances by the Philly POPS. Attend in person, or watch live on NBC 10 or online at 6 pm.

4th of July at Sunset Social

July 4, noon

129 S. 30th St.

Ride the elevator to the top of the city, and gather on Cira Green to celebrate July 4th with food and drink specials, Wawa Welcome America playing on the big screen, face painting, and more. 

Norristown Fourth of July Festivities

July 4, 1 pm

1325 Harding Blvd, Norristown

After COVID-19 canceled out July 4th events in 2020, Norristown is back and ready to party at Elmwood Park! The day will start at 1 pm with a whole bunch of fun leading up to a fireworks display at night. All events are free and open to the community.

Sunday Fun Day at Awbury Arboretum

July 4, 1–4 pm

The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh St.

Every Sunday is a Fun Day at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum! Free family-friendly activities every weekend: See the goats and chickens, take wellness classes, go on farm tours, and more. All events are free.

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert

July 4, 7–9 pm

The Mann Center, 5200 Parkside Ave.

The free annual concert moves to The Mann, and features Bebe Rexha, with a special performance by Flo Rida, and a feature performance by the Philly POPS. In-person FREE tickets are limited and pre-registration is required.

Tredyffrin Township’s Fourth of July Celebration 

July 4, 7:15 pm (fireworks begin at dusk)

Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Wayne

Camden Fireworks

Wawa Welcome America Fireworks Spectacular

July 4, 9:45

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Guests are invited to gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle beginning at 8 pm to watch the fireworks spectacular over the Art Museum. This is obviously asking a lot for small kids who have early bedtimes, don’t like standing in crowds all night, and are scared of loud noises, so if this isn’t for your family, you can catch the show live on NBC 10 and TeleXitos from the comfort of your home.

Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.