Outdoor Things To Do In Philadelphia

Explore The Grounds Of Longwood Gardens

Christmas Decoration Ideas Outdoor at Festi-Bus | Things to Do in Philly

The holidays are one of the most popular times to visit Longwood Gardens. The grounds of this 1000-acre garden come alive with displays, lights, and special offerings for Christmas.

Around the property, more than 500,000 lights illuminate the trees and plants alongside unique light sculptures. Inside the Conservatory, there are dozens of Christmas trees decked out for the seasonmany in unexpected ways.

Other highlights include fire pits, holiday treats, and a visit to the Peirce-du Pont house that dates from 1730. Dont miss the fountain show where the water and lights move in time with Christmas music. See the displays from November 19 through January 9, 2022.

Location: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

Jewelers Row Holiday Lights

If you are holiday lights-obsessed and seeking Christmas lights in Philadelphia, consider taking a stroll down Jewelers Row for a festive glow with a taste of history. This string of jewelry stores marks the historic Diamond District the oldest diamond district in the US .

During the season, youll find twinkles of Seasons Greetings strung from street lamps and posts, making your jewelry shopping session extra special.

  • Address: Between 7th and 9th st. | 701 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

  • Dates: December

  • Admission: FREE

Wanamaker Grand Court Organ

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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

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Holidays At Reading Terminal Market

During the holidays, Reading Terminal Market transforms from an already eclectic food and goods landmark to a festive one! There are different events planned with local vendors and lots of colorful holiday decor.

Check out the Reading Terminal Market holiday guide for a full overview, and be sure to check out their Gingerbread Candyland, hanging snowflakes, and more.

  • Address: Reading Terminal Market,51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

  • Dates: day after Thanksgiving – December 31

  • Admission: FREE

Rittenhouse Square Holiday Park

A beautiful neighborhood year round, Rittenhouse Square and its adjacent blocks light up during the holidays with an annual tree lighting event that then illuminates every night throughout the month of December.

While there, you can enjoy the tree-lined landscape of the relaxing park, splurge at the many surrounding shops, or indulge in fine dining experiences in the area.

  • Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103

  • Dates: December

  • Admission: FREE

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Enjoy Plenty Of Treats At Candytopias Halloween Celebration

The incredibly sweet, immersive, and Insta-worthy world of Candytopia at the Fashion District Philadelphia which recently announced an extended run through December 31, 2021 invites candy enthusiasts of all ages to a special Halloween celebration and theme days from October 22 through November 1. Candytopia: Halloween Sweets & Treats adds Halloween-themed decorations throughout each of its interactive, candy-coated spaces, with Candytopia team members sporting their own playful and spooky costumes as they hand out extra candy to young costumed visitors. Tickets are on sale now. To learn more and plan your visit, .

Operate A Bulldozer At Diggerland Usa

Out of all the things to do in Philadelphia, this takes the cake for most unique.

At Diggerland USA, a construction-themed amusement/water park children and adults can drive, ride, and operate all kinds of heavy machinery, all with safe supervision of course.

On those toasty summer days, the adjacent water park provides a much-appreciated chance to cool off after all that digging.

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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.

Venture To Bucks County And Explore The Grounds Of A Historic Riverfront Estate

Italian Market | Things to Do in Philadelphia in Fall

Found just a short drive north from Philadelphia in nearby Bucks County, the Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, and Arboretum is the ancestral home of the Biddle family, a National Historic Landmark, and a picturesque destination in the fall months as autumn leaves fill the over 800 trees on the 100-acre property. 50 acres of gardens and the elegant Big House a historic mansion that is considered one of the finest and earliest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the nation are open for tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays through October. The estate will also be offering three Open Saturdays in the fall , allowing the public to enjoy self-guided tours of the grounds on the weekends. To learn more about Andalusia and to plan a visit, .

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Walk In The Footsteps Of The Founding Fathers At The Independence National Historical Park

A wonderful nod to a pivotal point in American history, the Independence National Historical Park features Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence the Liberty Bell and the Benjamin Franklin Museum, which tells the story of Americas first Postmaster General.

For history buffs, a guided tour of this iconic area is one of the essential things to do in Philadelphia.

La Fava Restaurant And Barglen Mills

Inspired by Italian, Greek, Spanish, and Provencal cuisines, La Fava Restaurant and Bar offers a variety of unique dishes that patrons can enjoy in a “bubble.” Reservations for an outdoor bubble dining must be made by phone and held via credit card. Outdoor bubbles require a two-person minimum and can hold up to six people. Each has its own heater. La Fava Restaurant and Bar is open daily.

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At Hersheypark

Chocolate lovers, unite! Get your chocolate fix at Chocolate Town, ride roller coasters, and check out the water rides at this sweet amusement park!

As a little bonus, tickets also include admission to ZooAmerica, a wildlife park with more than 200 North American critters.

Dont have time to fit everything in one day? No worries! You can book a serviced room at any of the three official Hersheypark resorts!

Tour The Science History Institute Museum

Open Thursdays to Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the Science History Institute Museum has free admission. Learn about inventors, scientific discoveries, chemistry, life sciences, and engineering, and more for free! This museum offers a chance to discover scientific objects with rich histories, old fine art, photographs, and rare books that tell the story of todays science.

Where: 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Tour The Eerie Eastern State Penitentiary

Once the largest, most expensive public structure in the country, the formerly-abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary which was operational from 1829 to 1971 housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton.

Now a National Historic Landmark, true crime-loving visitors can tour the creepy wagon-wheel-shaped facility in all its former glory, checking out art installations and listening to the Steve Buscemi-narrated self-guided audio tour along the way.

Hot tip: for the best bang for your buck, book a hop-on-hop-off bus pass that includes penitentiary entry!

Visit Amish Country An Interesting Thing To Do Near Philadelphia

Last but not least, visiting Amish Country is one of the most popular things to do near Philadelphia, and its well worth the drive.

The Amish are a religious group that stands out for their rejection of modern technology and the use of electricity, which is why they practically live like theyre in the 17th century. The second-largest Amish congregation in the United States lives in Lancaster County, just an hour and a half from Philadelphia. You might hear the area be referred to as Dutch Country or the Pennsylvania Dutch. This is a nod to the Amish, who are descendants of early German immigrants to Pennsylvania and, as such, primarily speak German.

25. Visit Amish country, an interesting thing to do near Philadelphia

If you visit the outskirts of Lancaster, particularly along Highway 30 or 340, you will almost certainly come across horse carriages Amish dont use cars to get around. In addition, their clothing is very unique. Men wear long beards and hats, and women wear black or white head coverings called kapps.

Of course, if you want to take a trip back in time, visiting Amish Country is the best thing to do near Philadelphia. If you do it on your own, I recommend stopping by the Amish Farm House Museum to learn more about the ways of life and cultural aspects of this society. If you dont have your own vehicle to get there, I recommend this tour.

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Explore The Barnes Foundation

A city full of fine art wouldnt be complete without a collection of the most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings.

All of this, alongside African masks, Native American jewelry, and Greek antiques, makes the Barnes Foundation an art-lovers dream.

With tickets starting at $5, theres no excuse not to stop by!

Orlando Museum Of Art

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Orlando Museum of Art introduces and educates people about the wonder and importance of art. Events and exhibitions seek to make people think about the world in new and exciting ways. OMA is part of Museums on Us and is free the first weekend of each month. Admission is always free for military, kids ages 5 and under, and museum members.

Visit Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden the first weekend of each month for free. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Where Do You Want To Go

Bucks Countycovered bridgescastlesRinging RocksChester CountyLongwood GardensAmerican Helicopter MuseumWharton Esherick MuseumDelaware CountyBrandywine River MuseumBrandywine BattlefieldCaleb Pusey HouseMontgomery CountyValley Forge National Historical ParkGlencairn MuseumPhiladelphia Countybirthplace of Americagreat museumsBarnes MuseumPhiladelphia Museum of Artmany delicious breweriescheesesteaks

Top Things To Do At Nightview All

Night owls and party people wont tire of a night out in this hoppin city. Fill up on food at a well-loved restaurant before cheering on dancers in a cabaret performance. Full of things to do in Philadelphia at night, your hours of darkness will be filled with adventure.

Nighttime activities near Philadelphia include:

  • Splurge on a night of authentic Peruvian cuisine at Vista Peru
  • Hold your putter in one hand and your beer in another at Keystone Mini-Golf & Arcade
  • Head to Passyunk Avenue to visit the Manatawny Still Works tasting room for a sip of locally brewed beer
  • Socialize around the firepit after a quirky cabaret show LaPeg
  • Enjoy smooth jazz and shrimp po boy at SOUTH restaurant

Unwind with one of Phillys many indoor activity options. Eat fresh pasta and cannolis at Termini Brothers or book a relaxing spa treatment at Ame Salon and Spa.

Philadelphia things to do indoors include:

  • Discover The Dream Garden, a giant mural that covers an entire wall within the Curtis Center
  • Wine and dine at Bank and Bourbon inside the opulent Loews Hotel
  • Learn how the constitution came to exist at the National Constitution Center
  • Tour the city and learn its history on a trolley that allows riders to bring their own booze
  • Belay with a friend up the indoor climbing walls at Go Vertical

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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.

Visit Independence National Historical Park A Must

Independence National Historical Park, also known as Americas most historic square mile, is where youll find several famous Philadelphia attractions, including the Liberty Bell.

Here, you can see Independence Hall, a Gregorian-style building constructed in 1753 to house the Pennsylvania colonial government. The most important historical moment that took place in this building was the debate and signing of the United States Declaration of Independence by the nations Founding Fathers. You must book a guided tour to go inside same-day passes are free but sell out quickly, and advance tickets are just $1.

2. Visit Independence National Historical Park, a must-do in Philadelphia, PA

Some other important buildings at Independence National Historical Park include Congress Hall, Old City Hall, and the National Constitution Center. If you love history, some nearby places to visit in Philadelphia include the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and the Museum of the American Revolution. This walking tour will take you to all the major landmarks, as well as some hidden historical places you might miss otherwise. But in case you want to visit the area at your own pace, you can book here your ticket to the Museum of the American Revolution.

There is a lot to see in this area, so if you need a break, stop by the Independence Beer Garden next to the Liberty Bell Center.

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Things To Do In Northeast Philadelphia

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Northeast Philadelphia is a beautiful, large area about 25 minutes away from Center City Philadelphia. Well-appointed neighborhoods with beautiful houses , excellent shopping access, diverse world-class eateries and pubs, and extensive green open spaces.

Whether you are coming to town for a visit or already live in the area, check out this article for a list of fun things to do in and around Northeast Philadelphia.

The Best Outdoor Activities In Philadelphia

Home » Attractions » Outdoors » The Best Outdoor Activities in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an incredible city with lots of wonderful attractions. But sometimes you just want to be outside, soak up the sunshine and breathe the fresh air. Dont fret! There are some great outdoor activities in Philadelphia and the region to keep you occupied.

When it comes to things to do outside in Philly, there are no limits to the number and diversity of activities. From hiking to lounging on the beach, you can fill your days with adventureor just do nothing at all.

Here is our list for all of the great outdoor things to do in Philly:

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Relaxing At Spruce Street Harbor Park

Since 2014, Spruce Street Harbor Park has been one of the best urban beaches in America. Located on the bank of the Delaware River, this is the spot to come and hang out on the water in downtown Philly. Whether you swing in a hammock, recline in an oversized chair, or perch yourself at a table, there is just something relaxing at being this close to the water.

Add in food trucks, cool LED lights at night and watching the passing boats on the river, this spot has everything you need to kill an afternoon. Bring a book, grab some tacos, and enjoy Philadelphia outdoors in the summer!

Van Leeuwen Ice Creamphiladelphia

Holiday Garden Railway | Christmas in Philly | Things to Do in Philadelphia

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started out as a food truck on the streets of NYC, and since then theyve expanded across the country. This summer they opened their first location in Center City, Philadelphia. Some fast favorites are the strawberry lavender donut, created in partnership with Federal Donuts, and their Kraft Macaroni & Cheese flavored ice cream.

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