Looking for something fun to do in Philadelphia this summer? Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and our partners have something for everyone.
1.) Make a splash at one of the City’s 92 water-based play spaces. Learn more about our spraygrounds, splash pads, and sprinklers.
2.) Go swimming in the pool. This year Parks & Rec expects to open all 60 available public pools. All pools offer free swim lessons for children. See the schedule of pool opening dates or find a pool near you.
3.) Explore the great outdoors. Parks & Rec has 10,200 acres of parkland. Go hiking, walking, running, or biking on the trails. Don’t have a bike? Wheel Fun Rentals at Lloyd Hall rents bicycles, segways and other equipment.
4.) Enjoy a day on the water and go kayaking, boating, or fishing. Discovery Pathways and Friends of FDR Park host free boating days at FDR Park. Kayaks or boats are available for free for 30-minute slots on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fairmount Park Conservancy and Hidden River Outfitters.
5.) Watch a movie in the park under the stars. See a list of free summer movies organized by Park Friends Group. The Fairmount Parks Conservancy and Parks & Rec. organized these events. Be sure to check your local Park Friends Group for any schedule changes. View screenings sponsored by Parks & Rec in partnership with the Philadelphia Film Society and their Movies on the Block Series. Don’t know what movie to watch? Grab some popcorn and head to the Smith Recreation Center for a free screening of “Men in Black” at 8:15 p.m. on July 26, 2024.
6.) Quench your thirst with a local beer in your neighborhood park. Parks on Tap is the traveling community beer garden that gives back to Philadelphia Parks. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and fun in a natural green space.
7.) Attend a concert in the park such as the Sounds of Summer Concert Series in West Fairmount Park.
8.) Enjoy a picnic or barbecue with friends and family in the park. Parks & Rec offers many sites where you can host a picnic or watch the sunset on the city at Belmont Plateau. The plateau provides one of the best views of the Philadelphia skyline. Check out these 11 tips for the perfect picnic this summer.
9.) Visit a historic house. Fairmount Park is home to six historic houses known as the park charms. The Charms are considered among the most significant architectural examples of this time period in the United States. See more details.
10.) Enjoy native dishes, produce, and products from local entrepreneurs at the Southeast Asian Market. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in FDR Park.
11.) Volunteer this summer with your local Park Friends Group or help restore the City’s natural lands by volunteering on Second Saturdays.
