Interesting Things To Do In Philadelphia

Dive Into History At Valley Forge Park

Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia

Just a half-hour from Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park is 3500 acres of trees, meadows, and monuments to the Revolutionary War. The area is most famous as the site where George Washington and the Continental Army camped over the winter of 1777-1778. You can see Washingtons Headquarters, replica soldiers huts, and memorials, or simply walk the trails and enjoy the outdoors.

Penns Landing A Place With Lots Of Things To Do In Philly

One of the coolest places to go in Philly is Penns Landing. Its comprised of several piers that stretch along the Delaware River and you can always find something going on here. Youll find outdoor spaces for festivals and concerts, such as Great Plaza, Rivers Casino, the artsy Cherry Street Pier, and Race Street Pier.

Penns Landing is also home to the RiverLink Ferry, the historic Moshulu ship and floating restaurant, and the Independence Seaport Museum, where you can learn more about the Delaware Rivers maritime history. This ticket includes admission to the museum and aboard the USS Olympia, and its a fun thing to do in Philly with kids.

8. Penns Landing, a place with lots of things to do in Philly

Also, the Blue Cross RiverRink hosts winter and summer festivals with all kinds of amusements. If you visit in the summer, you must stop by Spruce Street Harbor Park, a colorful spot with hammocks, board games, food vendors, and lovely views of the Delaware River Waterfront.

If you follow the boardwalk below Ben Franklin Bridge, you will arrive at Morgans Pier, my favorite place to have a beer on a hot summer day. And if youre up for it, you can walk the hour to Graffiti Pier, a sort of urban art gallery and one of the most unique places in Philadelphia.

The Ultimate List Of Completely Free Things To Do In Philadelphia

Jim CheneyDisclosure:

Philadelphia is one of my favorite places in the world to visit. And, while there are many great tours, historical sites, and museums in Philly that cost money, there are also a ton of great things to do for free!

When Im planning my trips to Philadelphia, Ive found that there isnt a complete list of free things to do in Philly. Some sites list a handful of free activities, while others pad their list with a few cheap things to do.

However, this list that I have made up has more than 70 completely free things to do in Philadelphia. Look below for fun things to do in Philadelphia for couples, unusual things to do in Philadelphia, things to do in Philadelphia at night, and more.

So, whether you are looking for a free museum, a free outdoor activity, or free things to do with kids in Philly, theres something for everyone on our list.

So, without further ado, heres UncoveringPAs ultimate list of free things to do in Philadelphia:

Independence Hall Not only is Independence Hall one of Phillys most well-known buildings, but its completely free to visit! Tour the building and learn about the Founding Fathers who once roamed its halls and the Declaration of Independence which was agreed to in this very building. Find out more about visiting on UncoveringPA.

Public Swimming Pools Philly is home to over 70 outdoor swimming pools, all of which are free to swimmers during the summer month. To find out the location of Phillys free pools, .

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The Pavilion In The Trees

Instagrammable Spot in Philadelphia

The Pavilion in the Trees in Fairmount Park is an underrated beautiful spot in the city — and is one of the most instagrammable locations in Philadelphia. The pavilion is particularly beautiful during the springtime when it is surrounded by blooming flowers.

  • Lansdowne Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
  • Things To Do In Philadelphia: Mural Arts Program Tour

    The Mural Arts Program is a mural program that aims to transform places, individuals, communities and institutions through the preservation and presentation of contemporary and modern forms of art. The Mural Arts Program is home to the worlds largest collection of outdoor public art, which includes the world-renowned History of Immigration mural, which is over 600 feet in length.

    Visitors can enjoy guided tours around the Mural Arts Program, which includes a detailed insight into the artistic process behind each mural, the artists involved and the history of the communities so closely linked to this unique art form. Public and private tours are led by professional guides and include walking, trolley or train options.

    Mural Arts Center, Thomas Eakins House, 1729 Mt Vernon St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phone: 215-685-0750

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    Things To Do In Philadelphia

    Travel Responsibly: As the region recovers from COVID-19, safety guidelines have evolved at attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels. Philadelphia requires masks or proof of vaccination at all indoor public spaces. Advance tickets or reservations remain recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.

    Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia has a ton of awesome things to do no matter what time of year you want to visit.

    Cultural, culinary, artistic and multicultural treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside.

    What makes Philadelphia so memorable is its unique blend of experiences that must be discovered in person. By day, explore four centuries of history and architecture, beautiful neighborhoods, remarkable museum collections and endless shopping. After the sun sets, the city heats up with acclaimed performing arts, amazing dining and vibrant nightlife.

    Check out the articles below for some hand-picked highlights of fun things to do this season in the City of Brotherly Love.

    Learn The History Of Phillys Mummer Community At The Mummers Museum

    If youve never visited Pennsylvania or Philadelphia, you may not have heard of the Mummers.

    While Mummers exist all over the world, they are very well known in Philadelphia and much of PA.

    But the Scandinavian immigrants of Philly really embraced the Mummer tradition and now Phillys Mummers Day Parade is an iconic event.

    At The Mummers Museum, youll learn all about the history of Philadelphias Mummer community.

    From the origin of the Mummer throughout the world to costumes, and oral traditions, youll learn all about the colorful community.

    Its a museum that is one of the most interesting things to do in Philadelphia and is very unique to Philly.

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    Every city has a street that is known to have the best shopping.

    In Philadelphia Pennsylvania, that street is South Street.

    On South Street, youll find some of the most iconic Philly restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

    There are shops full of wares from different cultures, oddity shops, boutiques, and more.

    It is also where you can find a few of the iconic Philly Cheesesteak restaurants.

    Many of the shops and restaurants on South Street have been there for decades.

    Theyve built up a loyal group of customers, many of whom come back year after year.

    Its especially festive all lit up during the holidays.

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    Eastern State Penitentiary A Famous Place To See In Philadelphia

    The Philadelphia Penitentiary, which operated from 1820 to 1971, is one of the most famous prisons in the world. Here, some of the most notorious criminals were imprisoned, such as bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone, who was here for a few months.

    4. Eastern State Penitentiary, a famous place to see in Philadelphia

    Currently, only ruins remain, but pavilions and watchtowers have been preserved and its considered a National Historic Monument. Its haunting atmosphere has made it one of the things to do in Philly that you cant miss. Here, the current incarceration system was refined and served as an example for more than 300 prisons built at the time.

    If you plan to visit it, I recommend buying your ticket in advance here to enjoy a $3 discount and a guided tour. However, you can get an even bigger discount when using the Sightseeing Flex Pass or the Sightseeing Day Pass.

    If youre interested in the darker side of Philadelphias history, you cant miss this grim history tour with twisted facts that will give you goosebumps.

    Philadelphia Museum Of Art

    New Carnival Rides 2021 | Family Fun | Things to Do in Philadelphia

    Samuel Borges Photography / Shutterstock

    Dont just pretend youre Rocky Balboa and call it a day.

    The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the top art museums in the country.

    Inside are hundreds of thousands of pieces, many made by people who could be comfortably called masters.

    Artists with works on display at this amazing Philly museum include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Jasper Johns.

    You might not be able to see every piece in one visit, but you can definitely feel very enriched by what you are able to experience in the museum.

    The Philadelphia Museum of Art deserves its recognition as a great institution.

    Its open Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.

    Admission is $12 for adult guests, $11 for seniors, $7 for students, and free for guests 18 and younger.

    Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

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    Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

    Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

    Your children can have outdoor fun at its finest when you take them to Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse.

    This Philadelphia play area gives them every opportunity possible to let their energy run rampant.

    As a parent, you can sit back while you give your kids room to roam.

    Just be steadfast about keeping a close eye on them.

    Part of Fairmount Park, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse has been a Philly institution for more than a century.

    With all the classic playground equipment, such as slides and swings, offered at the highest quality, its a great place to visit.

    Your kids can have lots of fun here, especially if theyve been noticeably restless during their trip.

    If youre near downtown Philadelphia and want to show your kids a very fun time, you should come to Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse.

    Its one of the top playgrounds in the world, and it offers ample amounts of entertainment.

    This playground is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Address: 3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121, United States

    Grab A Scoop At Franklin Fountain

    Franklin Fountain is one of the best places for ice cream. Its so popular that on summer weekends the line for its old-timey flavors and excellent sundaes can stretch around the block.

    The handmade ice cream at Franklin Fountain comes in 25 flavors, including vanilla bean, peanut butter, and my favoriteFranklin mint chip. Some flavors change seasonally and almost all have an historic or local tie, such as their apple butter ice cream that includes local apples and apple butter from a Pennsylvania company founded in 1892. In addition to ice cream, you can also find homemade sodas, egg creams, and milkshakes.

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    National Museum Of American Jewish History

    Beyond My Ken / CC BY-SA

    A specific and very important part of our nations story can be learned about at the National Museum of American Jewish History.

    Coming here is one of the best things to do in Philly for understanding how Jewish individuals have made their stamp on our country.

    You can learn so much about their indelible impact.

    The National Museum of American Jewish History has had some very impactful exhibitions.

    Among these are Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music and 1917: How One Year Changed the World.

    This is one of the top activities if youre wanting to learn more about the contributions of one particular group.

    If you have Jewish roots, this can be a very powerful experience.

    Going to the National Museum of American Jewish History is what to do for a mentally and emotionally stimulating experience in Philly.

    Its open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    There is free admission to the museum.

    Address: 101 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

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    Save Money With A Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

    Visitors who want to maximize their time and money in Philly should think about getting a Philadelphia tourist pass.

    These services provide heavy discounts at some of the most popular attractions in the city when you buy the pass upfront.

    Here are a few of the sites you can visit with various discount passes:

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    Wanamaker Grand Court Organ

    Fernando Garcia Esteban / Shutterstock

    It might seem hard to believe, but the largest functioning musical instrument in the world is at a Macys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ is the embodiment of the word incredible.

    You must check it out if youre looking for amazing things to see in Philadelphia.

    With an astonishing 29,000 pipes, this instrument still sounds beautiful.

    Operational since 1911, the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ continues to be played.

    A shopping trip can turn into something much more profound when youre being treated to lovely compositions played on such a gorgeous instrument.

    Classical works can be heard emanating through the walls and make you swoon.

    Seeing and hearing the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ is one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    If youre in downtown Philadelphia and want a great experience, head into the Macys to witness this beauty.

    This is what to see if youve got a love for music.

    Address: 1300 Market St Macys, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

    Browse The Italian Market And Chinatown Another Fun Thing To Do In Philadelphia

    The Philadelphia Italian Market is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country. It originated in South Philadelphia in the 19th century, and although it has changed a lot since then, its still an interesting place to visit in Philly. The stalls sell meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and other imported products. In addition, there are many gourmet shops with cheeses, oils, chocolates, and pasta brought from Italy.

    20. Browse the Italian Market and Chinatown, another fun thing to do in Philadelphia

    A few years ago, some of the stalls were still run by descendants of the first Italian immigrants to the neighborhood. However, nowadays, Italian restaurants share sidewalks with Mexican taquerias, Vietnamese restaurants, and Korean barbecue places, among others. If it werent for the colorful decoration on the facades and the posters of the original grocery stores that still remain, you wouldnt be able to tell that this is the Italian quarter of the city. Mind you, its still the best place to eat pasta in Philly! And with this walking tour,you will learn more about it.

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    Get Buzzed On A Brewery Tour

    Its not exactly a secret that Pennsylvanians love their beer, so why not take the chance to tour four fabulous Philly microbreweries at all once?

    On brewery-hopping adventures, thirsty travelers can see how each brewery makes their signature suds, taste up to 15 award-winning frothies, and make a few friends along the way.

    Meals are often included on the tours, and you may very well need them to soak up all of that ice-cold, hoppy goodness.

    If You Are Not Fully Vaccinated And Allowed To Travel To The United States By Air Through An Exception

    Philadelphia Pennsylvania: Cool Things To Do // Destinations Explained

    • Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
    • Stay at home or in your hotel room and self-quarantine for a full 7 days, even if you test negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
    • Isolate if your test result is positive or you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
    • If you intend to stay in the United States for 60 days or longer, you must become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the United States or as soon as medically appropriate, unless you have a medical contraindication or are too young to be vaccinated.

    Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.

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    Experience Amish Country On A Day Trip

    The city is great, sure, but sometimes you simply need an escape from the hustle and bustle. Enter: Amish Country!

    A stark contrast from the typical Philly vibe, Amish culture is best experienced on horse-drawn carriage, giving an authentic insight into the lifestyle, traditional markets, and handmade goods.

    On your way out of town with any of these tours, you might as well make a couple of pit stops to see the Liberty Bell and run up the famous Rocky Steps.

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