1. Tell Me a Story

Gather 'round one of Historic Philadelphia's eight Once Upon a Nation storytelling benches spread throughout the Historic District to enjoy a free, five-minute story about Philadelphia's rich history told by professional storytellers. (Bonus: kids who make their way to all eight benches will receive a free Parx Liberty carousel ride in Franklin Square!) Be sure to regularly check Historic Philadelphia's website for additional free programming. 

2. Find Family-Friendly Activities at the Barnes Foundation

Enjoy free admission to the Barnes Foundation every first Sunday of the month, courtesy of PECO. Choose from a variety of family activities, special performances, and more, based on the season or monthly theme.

Photo courtesy of Woodmere Art Museum

3. Explore the Arts

Children and students with ID can visit Woodmere Art Museum for free. In addition to viewing the exhibits, families can participate in art sessions and story times as well as seasonal special events such as the holiday tree lighting party.

4. Check Out the Free Library of Philadelphia's Many Events

Today's libraries don't just offer storytimes. From Middle Grade Book Club to Movie Nights to Crafternoons, the Free Library of Philadelphia has a calendar of events that's jam-packed with free activities for kids of all ages.

5. Get Artsy with the Entire Family  

Head to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for one of their Family Arts Academy workshops on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 pm These free, family-friendly programs will be sure to bring out everybody's artistic side with local artist meet-and-greets, art projects, and creative games. 

6. Learn How Money Is Made

Take the 45-minute self-guided tour through the U.S. Mint. Every weekday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (and also on Saturdays during the summer), you can take a walk from 40 feet above the factory floor and watch the coin-making process in action.

7. Do a Philadelphia Playground Crawl

What better way to spend the day than burning some energy at one of the city's many playgrounds? Take the Philly Playground Crawl challenge and see how many you can make your way to in one day! 

8. Discover Nature at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Free for all ages every day of the week, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide range of nature-filled activities the whole family can enjoy such as 10+ miles of hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife observation, and environmental education. 

9. Smith Memorial Playground. Need We Say More?

Visit the huge, free outdoor play space that is Smith Memorial Playground. With two different play areas spanning across 6.5 acres, one for kids ten and younger and one for kids five and younger, all of the kids will be sure to have a blast. And when the weather is not perfect, the playhouse offers three floors of imaginative play.

10. Run the Art Museum Steps à la Rocky Balboa 

Kids can put themselves in the shoes of the famous Rocky Balboa and run up the "Rocky steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As an added bonus, you can visit the museum on the first Sunday of the month from 10:00 am -5:00 pm for Pay What You Wish admission for another budget-friendly family outing. 

11. Be inspired at the National Museum of American Jewish History

Admission for children and adults is always free at the National Museum of American Jewish History. Families can learn about Jewish American people such as Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Barbra Streisand, Harry Houdini, and their impact on history. Throughout the year, the museum hosts Family Days that are free for everyone.

12. Take the Kids Bowling for Free

Sign up for two free bowling games every day of the summer through the Kids Bowl Free program. Choose from several Philadelphia-area locations of the 1,200+ participating bowling centers.

Photo courtesy of the Kimmel Center

13. Experience the Arts at Ensemble Arts

Ensemble Arts, formerly the Kimmel Center, provides kids an opportunity to experience and appreciate music during its free programming. At its free events, families can learn from musical and theatrical performances or enjoy a high-energy block party. 

14. Find your Shoes!

You may not be able to locate your kid's shoes when you are rushing out the door, but you will find plenty of shoes at The Shoe Museum on the campus of Temple University. If making a trip, go to the website to schedule a visit.

15. Pretend to Be a Firefighter

The Fireman's Hall Museum appeals to all ages and is always free. The centerpiece of the museum is its collection of historical fire engines and firefighting memorabilia. On the second floor, kids can try on fire coats and boots and steer a fire boat. 

Writer Alyce Wilson contributed to the 2025 update.