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Philadelphia on a Budget: Free Family-Friendly Events

Discover how to maximize family fun in Philly with our guide to the top free attractions and events.

Philadelphia is a city brimming with history, culture, and adventure, and you don’t have to break the bank to experience it with your family. Whether you’re locals looking for new ways to explore the city or visitors 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!

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s 7th Annual Night of Lights

Germantown Ave. 9601 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is thrilled to bring back the much-loved Night of Lights streetscape exhibition for a lucky seventh time. The event will occupy a section of Germantown Avenue from Thursday, Oct. 3 to Wednesday, Oct. 9. The seven-evening run, spotlighting architecture, archives, and local history along Germantown Avenue, […]

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s 7th Annual Night of Lights

Germantown Ave. 9601 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is thrilled to bring back the much-loved Night of Lights streetscape exhibition for a lucky seventh time. The event will occupy a section of Germantown Avenue from Thursday, Oct. 3 to Wednesday, Oct. 9. The seven-evening run, spotlighting architecture, archives, and local history along Germantown Avenue, […]

Fall Festival at the Philly J

Kaiserman Jewish Community Center 45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA, United States

Join us for a community wide celebration welcoming the Fall Season!This year's event is FREE to enter, with exciting activities for all ages. Some activities may require tickets or a wristband, and pre-registration is now open to help speed up check-in. Enjoy live music, obstacle […]

Event Series Saturday Free Boating

Saturday Free Boating

Bartram's Garden 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Bartram's Garden free public boating programs are suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. They provide all equipment and instruction for kayaking or rowboating. No registration or experience is required. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. See their Boating FAQ for complete details.

Fall Art Supply Exchange

Utility Works Creative Community 32 E Baltimore Ave., Lansdowne, PA, United States

Do you have art supplies that you no longer need, but are still in working condition? Would you love to find free materials that you do need? Then come to Lansdowne’s Fall Art Supply Exchange! At this event, you can bring art supplies you no […]

Indigenous People’s Day Celebration

Bartram's Garden 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend with  dance performances, live music and lectures, vendors, family activities, and more!

PECO Family Jams: Wright Character Studies

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Colorful figures fill the artwork of Stephen Wright. In Wright’s longtime London home — the Art Environment known as the “House of Dreams Museum” — these characters emerge from the walls, ceilings, and floors. They can be made of tile, fabric, paint, beads, or castoffs […]

Scarecrow Design Contest/Display at Morris Arboretum | Daily Event

Morris Arboretum 100 E Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

We're in our VILLAIN era at this year's 17th Annual Scarecrow Design Contest! We can't wait to see your comic book and cartoon references, your sports nemeses, your wrongfully maligned historical figures. Scarecrows will be on display throughout the Morris October 1 – October 31. […]

Event Series Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

Dilworth Park 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join the fall festivities at Dilworth Park and celebrate the coming of fall! As in years past, the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market with vendors from Philadelphia and the tri-state area will set up shop for the weekend of October 18 - 20, 2024 to […]

Philly Bike Ride 2024

Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Philly Bike Ride is thrilled to announce the third annual event, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024. The recreational ride offers a festive atmosphere with iconic views, snacks, drinks and live music along the way as you pass through historic landmarks and neighborhoods such as […]

Event Series Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

Dilworth Park 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join the fall festivities at Dilworth Park and celebrate the coming of fall! As in years past, the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market with vendors from Philadelphia and the tri-state area will set up shop for the weekend of October 18 - 20, 2024 to […]

Fall Fest at the Philly J

Kaiserman Jewish Community Center 45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA, United States

Join us for a community wide celebration welcoming the Fall Season!This year's event is FREE to enter, with exciting activities for all ages. Some activities may require tickets or a wristband, and pre-registration is now open to help speed up check-in. Enjoy live music, obstacle […]

Harvest Fest With A Touch of Honey!

Bartram's Garden 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Celebrate the season’s harvest and honey with this autumnal festival at Bartram's Garden. Come for free educational bee-themed activities, cider pressing, wellness workshops, seasonal planting, crafts, and more!

Event Series Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

Dilworth Park 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join the fall festivities at Dilworth Park and celebrate the coming of fall! As in years past, the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market with vendors from Philadelphia and the tri-state area will set up shop for the weekend of October 18 - 20, 2024 to […]

Fire & Spice Fall Fest

Love City Brewing 1023 Hamilton St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

A celebration of heat, spice, and everything nice! Sunday, October 20 from 2-8pm at Love City Gardens. Bringing together your favorite fall activities with a spicy twist! Hot drinks & eats: delicious hot cocktails and a beer flip (hot poker into your beer), spicy foods […]

Scarecrow Design Contest/Display at Morris Arboretum | Daily Event

Morris Arboretum 100 E Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

We're in our VILLAIN era at this year's 17th Annual Scarecrow Design Contest! We can't wait to see your comic book and cartoon references, your sports nemeses, your wrongfully maligned historical figures. Scarecrows will be on display throughout the Morris October 1 – October 31. […]

Bears’ Big Screen – Featuring Paddington

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy 8891 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Norwood-Fontbonne Academy is hosting a free outdoor movie night! The Bears' Big Screen will be featuring family classic Paddington on Friday, October 25. Make sure to click the link below to RSVP beforehand.

Fall Bird Walk

Riverbend Environmental Education Center 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA, United States

In collaboration with Bird Town, PA, Riverbend invites you to a Fall Bird Walk. New for the Fall of 2024: Riverbend is offering separate start times for adults and families. Adult Bird Walk (12 and up): 9:00am - 10:30am Family Bird Walk Led by Suzanne […]

Event Series Halloween at the Seaport Museum

Halloween at the Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Get ready for all treats and no tricks as the Seaport Museum comes alive with Halloween fun! From 11am to 5pm on Saturday, enjoy free General Admission to the Museum, which will be packed with festive activities for all ages. Throughout the day take part […]

Stenton: Halloween Harvest Festival

Stenton Museum 4601 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Stenton Museum on Saturday, October 26th, 1-3pm, for an afternoon of family friendly fall fun! All ages are welcome to enjoy games, crafts, face-painting, pumpkin painting, spooky storytime with Logan Library, and a spooky cellar tour! Light refreshments and cider will be served. Event […]

East Falls Halloween Parade & Block Party

Rutabaga Toy Library 3426 Conrad St c2, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Welcome to the East Falls 5th Annual Halloween Parade and Block Party, hosted by Rutabaga Toy Library on  Saturday, October 26 (rain date Sunday, October 27th)! This event is a collaborative effort of the community, celebrating the spirit of Halloween and our wonderful neighborhood. Halloween […]

Event Series Halloween at the Seaport Museum

Halloween at the Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Get ready for all treats and no tricks as the Seaport Museum comes alive with Halloween fun! From 11am to 5pm on Saturday, enjoy free General Admission to the Museum, which will be packed with festive activities for all ages. Throughout the day take part […]

Scarecrow Design Contest/Display at Morris Arboretum | Daily Event

Morris Arboretum 100 E Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

We're in our VILLAIN era at this year's 17th Annual Scarecrow Design Contest! We can't wait to see your comic book and cartoon references, your sports nemeses, your wrongfully maligned historical figures. Scarecrows will be on display throughout the Morris October 1 – October 31. […]

Event Series Halloween at the Seaport Museum

Trick or Treating at the Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

On Thursday for Halloween evening, stop by the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street and Bowne & Co. Stationers at 211 Water Street to show off your costume and get your treats! From 11am to 5pm, the Museum will be open for you to enjoy Pay What […]

Family Focus Media Publishing Intern | Marketing Student at the University of South Carolina

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