Free Philly Family-Friendly Events for Philadelphia on a Budget
Discover how to maximize family fun in Philly with our guide to the top free attractions and events.
There are always free Philly family-friendly events and things to do in Philly. Philadelphia brims with history, culture, and adventure. For families on a budget, finding new things to see and do can add up fast. But it’s possible to make memories as a family without breaking the bank.
Best of all, these free Philly events and activities are in and around the city. Get to know where you live or love where you visit.
Whether you’re a local looking for new ways to explore the city or a visitor wanting to make the most of your trip, Philadelphia offers a wealth of free activities and events that cater to all ages. From captivating museum days to outdoor movie nights, there’s always something exciting happening.
Dive into our guide to discover the best free family activities in Philadelphia, ensuring fun-filled days without the cost. Hungry for more? Browse free Main Line events and activities made for families.
Fun and Free Philly Family-Friendly Events and Activities
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Yoga On The Pier
Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Languages of Philadelphia: French
Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHave you ever wanted to learn another language? Come together at Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special French storytime! Part of the Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers.
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Open Gym at Design Gym
Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCome to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If youโve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Open Gym at Design Gym
Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCome to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If youโve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]
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Mister John’s Music Adult Cabaret Performances
Mister John's Music 761 S 8th St., Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaJoin Mister John's Music at The School on the evenings of December 15th, 18th, and 19th for heartfelt end-of-session performances from their Adult Cabaret Classes, featuring work developed throughout the fall. These free performances showcase personal storytelling through song and are available on a first-come, […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Open Gym at Design Gym
Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCome to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If youโve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]
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Allied Gaymer Forces at The Attic Youth Center
The Attic Youth Center 255 South 16th St, PhiladelphiaFun competitive gaming sessions on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Ages 14-23
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Mister John’s Music Adult Cabaret Performances
Mister John's Music 761 S 8th St., Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaJoin Mister John's Music at The School on the evenings of December 15th, 18th, and 19th for heartfelt end-of-session performances from their Adult Cabaret Classes, featuring work developed throughout the fall. These free performances showcase personal storytelling through song and are available on a first-come, […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Free Victorian Ornament & Holiday Card Workshop (bonus: meet Santa!)
Historic St. George's Museum & Archives 326 New St., Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCreate Victorian ornaments & holiday cards for FREE at Historic St. George's Museum! Seal your cards at their wax seal station. PLUS, meet Santa from 2-3PM. This event is for ALL ages. Please consider bringing a book to donate to Tree House Books in North […]
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Tโwas the Night of Rewriting with LEDCโs Art Committee
20*20 House 20 Lansdowne Court, Lansdowne, PA, United StatesStorytellers are invited to share their creative twists on beloved holiday tales, from Christmas and Kwanzaa to Diwali and beyond, in this festive evening of reimagined classics. Participants will have five minutes or less to present their unique takes on traditional stories, with theatrics and […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Family Funday with PopUpPlay
Spruce Street Harbor Park 401 S Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesActivities include boat building, puppet making, and even constructing a working catapult. Each week promises captivating experiences for kids of all ages with a new make-and-take activity. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Family Storytime at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library 10199 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesOn Tuesdays at 11 AM, Bustleton Library hosts a family storytime. Bring your babies, toddlers, and older siblings for stories, songs, and play!
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Yoga On The Pier
Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Bill of Rights Trivia Night at the National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCelebrate the season and the Bill of Rights at the National Constitution Center on Saturday, December 27, with free admission and free food. This features an evening of historically-themed Quizzo, with prizes for the top three teams. Entry to the trivia contest is free and […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Family Funday with PopUpPlay
Spruce Street Harbor Park 401 S Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesActivities include boat building, puppet making, and even constructing a working catapult. Each week promises captivating experiences for kids of all ages with a new make-and-take activity. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Family Storytime at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library 10199 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesOn Tuesdays at 11 AM, Bustleton Library hosts a family storytime. Bring your babies, toddlers, and older siblings for stories, songs, and play!
Free -
Yoga On The Pier
Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Boathouse Row Light Display
Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Yearโs Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]
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Family Funday with PopUpPlay
Spruce Street Harbor Park 401 S Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesActivities include boat building, puppet making, and even constructing a working catapult. Each week promises captivating experiences for kids of all ages with a new make-and-take activity. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on […]
Freebie Events and Activities in Philadelphia
Make a day of it. Wander the city or plan it out ahead of time. Explore Philly bike trails, play at the playground, or search for a splash pad. Try a new restaurant or food truck. Keep it inexpensive (and memorable), and pack up a picnic for the park. Find something to do near the free event for a full day of family-focused fun and connection.
Check back often for new things to see and do all around the city. Banish boredom fast with the easy-to-use events calendar. This free calendar of Philadelphia activities and events is constantly updated and always maintained all year long. Don’t miss a single freebie thing โ ever.
Need more ideas? Jump over to the Best for Families Guide for top-rated Philly activities and businesses from readers in the area.