With two rivers — the Schuylkill and the Delaware — plus more than 60 public pools, and 95 (!) spraygrounds, families can find plenty of summer water activities in Philadelphia. The rivers are great for boating, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding, and the pools and spraygrounds offer safe water play across the city.

Though summer is the obvious time to enjoy water activities, many of these options are available through the beginning of fall. Your family still has plenty of time to paddle downstream, pick up a fishing rod, or go for a dip.

Water Activities in Philadelphia for the Whole Family

Whether you prefer to be on or in the water, there is something for everyone. Get hands-on with fishing, dive into the deep end at a pool, or kick back on a guided riverboat tour.

Boating

Explore the Schuylkill, Delaware, or FDR Park’s lakes on your small craft of choice.

Bartram’s Garden Free Boating

5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia

Southwest Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden offers free boating on the Schuylkill River on Saturdays from 3 pm – 7 pm through August, and 10 am – 2 pm in September and October. They are open to all ages and skill levels and provide all necessary equipment.

FDR Park

1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street, Philadelphia

Head to FDR Park in South Philly for Free Community Boating days on select Saturdays through October. Whether you want to try kayaking, row boating, or canoeing, instruction will be provided and all ages are welcome.

Paddle Penn’s Landing

211 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia

Penn’s Landing has a fleet of paddle boats at the Independence Seaport Museum available for family fun. Explore the Delaware River in a small boat for two or a large boat for four.

Schuylkill Riverboat Tours

Walnut Street Dock (north side of the Walnut Street Bridge near 24th Street), Philadelphia

Discover the secrets of the Schuylkill River on a fun and educational riverboat tour courtesy of Schuylkill Banks while seeing amazing views of Philadelphia. Learn about the past, present, and future of the tidal Schuylkill River and its impact on the city.

Hidden River Outfitters Kayak Tours

Walnut Street Dock (north side of the Walnut Street Bridge near 24th Street), Philadelphia

Hidden River Outfitters hosts kayak tours geared towards ages 12 and up along the Schuylkill River. The tour gives a unique view of iconic Philly spots including the Fairmount Dam, the Philadelphia Art Museum, Fairmount Water Works, and the city skyline.

Philadelphia Canoe Club

4900 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Canoe Club offers classes and trips to get people involved in canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddle boarding.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Your kids will love paddle boarding, and you can take this activity to the next level for yourself — paddle board yoga, anyone?

Aqua Vida

The Waterfront at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia
AKA University City, Philadelphia

Aqua Vida is a local clean water lifestyle company that offers floating stand up paddle boarding fitness and yoga classes at a few locations around the city. While their classes are geared towards adults, they also have a kids clinic that not only teaches kids how to paddle board, but also about the fundamentals of water ecology and caring for the environment.

Fishing

Philadelphia is a great place to introduce kids and beginners to fishing, with multiple free options that even include equipment and instruction.

Bartram’s Garden Free Fishing

5400 Lindbergh Boulevard

Bartram’s Garden also offers free catch-and-release fishing on the Schuylkill River through September. It’s great for beginners, and they provide all the equipment.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia

John Heinz offers free fishing rods to borrow at the visitor’s center. They also host a number of family free fishing events throughout the year that do not require a fishing license.

Learn to Fish with Tacony/Takoony-Frankford

Various locations in Northeast Philadelphia area

All ages are invited to learn to fish for free with TTF Watershed at multiple locations in the Northeast Philly area with workshops for all. Rods, tackle, bait, and basic instruction will be provided by the Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoors Partners.

Swimming & Spraygrounds in Philadelphia

Some kids want to fish, others want to be fish. Find your neighborhood pool and jump on in. Just want to get wet on a hot day? Visit one of the city’s many spraygrounds and sprinklers for an instant cooldown.

Public Pools

Various locations in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Parks & Rec has opened over 60 public pools this summer. Since the Philadelphia Water Department does not recommend swimming in natural waterways due to potential bacteria and safety issues, the pools are a great safe alternative option for an easy cool down.

Spraygrounds

Various locations in Philadelphia

The city also boasts more than 90 water-based play spaces including spraygrounds, splash pads, and spray parks open until Labor Day weekend. Some Parks & Rec sites are home to a single sprinkler, spray jet, or mister. Other sites have bigger water play areas.

Cool Off With Water Activities in Philadelphia

With Philadelphia’s two rivers and abundance of pools and spraygrounds offering everything from free fishing lessons to paddle board yoga, there’s no shortage of ways for families to beat the heat and create lasting summer memories.

Looking for water activities outside of the city? Cool down in Bucks County, or head to the Main Line Parent for pools and splash pads in the suburbs. Happy splashing!

Know about other spots in Philadelphia where you can enjoy the water? Let us know in a comment below! 

Lead photo courtesy of Bartram’s Garden. This piece was updated by Eliana Martel and Sarah Heyman.