It’s the last month of summer, and it’s sizzling outside. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and our partners host dozens of events across the city to help you cool off and have fun this summer.
This August we’re highlighting:
- Family field day.
- Saturday free boating.
- National Night Out.
- A ice cream social.
- Free outdoor movies, and more.
Check out these highlights and be sure to use the link at the bottom of the post to view even more events.
Family Field Day
August 3, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FDR Park–Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, 19145.
There will be:
- Youth sports for all ages.
- Giveaways.
- A disc jockey (DJ).
- Free ice cream.
- Food trucks.
- A balloon artist.
- Face painting.
Saturday Free Boating
August 3, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bartram’s Garden–5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, 19143.
Go kayaking and row boating on the Tidal Schuylkill River for free. Meet at the dock and community boathouse. No pre-registration or experience is necessary. Suitable for all ages and skill levels. Equipment, life jackets, and basic instruction for kayaking and row boating provided–first come, first served. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The program may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or unsafe river conditions. Learn more.
Free Family Festival Day
August 4, 2024
12 p.m.
Eakins Oval–across from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Don’t miss free family festival day at the Oval. Enjoy children’s music, craft making, storytime, face painting, caricatures, and more. Don’t miss a special “Touch a Truck” activity in partnership with Greene Towne Montessori School. Learn more and see details.
Public Archery Drop-in
August 5, 2024
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center–8600a Verree Road, 19115.
Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow from USA Archery certified instructors. PEC’s Stephanie Robinson for a hands-on introduction to archery. Instructors are USA Archery certified. They will teach young archers about equipment, shooting, safety, and more. Equipment provided.
Register for free.
National Night Out
August 6, 2024
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gorgas Park–6400 Ridge Avenue, 19128.
Celebrate National Night Out. There will be a dunk tank, bounce house, face painting, funnel cakes, music, games, food, resource tables and more. Rain date is August 7. Contact Police Officer Caggiano at 215-686-3052 or go to Facebook for more information.
Wildlife Walk & Talk with PGC
August 15
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center–8600a Verree Road, 19115.
Explore the nature sanctuary with PA Game Commission Education Specialist Haley Phillips. Visit Facebook for more information.
Friends of Wissahickon’s (FOW) Free Ice Cream Social
August 21, 2024
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Historic Rittenhouse Town–6035-6049 Wissahickon Avenue, 19144.
What’s better than ice cream on a hot summer afternoon? Free ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. Friends of Wissahickon hosts their 18th Annual Ice Cream Social. Enjoy dairy and non-dairy treats, free of charge, from Bredenbeck’s in Chestnut Hill. Register now for this free event.
Butterfly Count
August 24, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Discovery Center–3401 Reservoir Drive, 19121.
Join Audubon Mid-Atlantic for their annual butterfly count. Come learn about butterflies. Many species of butterflies call the center their home. Help search for butterflies. Butterfly nets, binoculars, and magnifying glasses will be provided. See more details and register for this free event.
Free Outdoor Movie: “Creed”
August 28, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Christy Recreation Center–728 S. 55th Street, 19143.
Parks & Rec is hosting free movie nights this summer. So, grab a chair or blanket and head to your local park or playground. Then watch a free outdoor movie with friends and neighbors. Movies begin at dusk and may be canceled due to rain or wind. Check this schedule for cancellations and rescheduled movies.
This PG-13 movie stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson. Johnson never knew his father boxing champion Apollo Creed. He died before Johnson was born. The young boxer seeks out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and asks the retired champ to be his trainer. Learn more.
Live@Love Music + Marketplace Series
August 30, 2024
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
JFK Plaza (Love Park)–Arch Street, 19102.
Stumble Media Group and Parks & Rec present this year’s captivating pop-up series, Live@Love Park. Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy. This free event at Love Park will unfold its magic every 1st and 3rd Friday. Enjoy your lunch outdoors while listening to local singers. Then find a special gift in the art bazaar. Sponsored by Mural Arts. See Parks & Rec’s event listings for more information.
RECURRING ACTIVITIES
Free Movies in Clark Park
August 2, 9, and 16, 2024
8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Clark Park–4301 Chester Avenue, 19104.
Sponsored by TD Bank. University City District and Parks & Rec present Free Movies in Clark Park. Bring a blanket or a chair.
August 02, 2024–“Men in Black”
August 9, 2024–“Barbie”
Stop by Parks on Tap in Clark Park before the film.
August 16, 2024–“Wonka”
Please note movies may be canceled due to inclement weather. See details.
