Top Summer Activities in Philadelphia In 2024

Philadelphia is an exciting city with lots to see and do, especially in the summer! From outdoor concerts and festivals, to museums and historical sites, there are activities for all ages and interests. In this article we talk about Top Summer Activities in Philadelphia In 2024.

Attend an Outdoor Concert

There are several venues in Philadelphia that host outdoor summer concert series. The Dell Music Center (dellmusiccenter.com) has an affordable lineup of R&B, jazz, pop and classical concerts throughout the summer. The Mann Center for the Performing Arts (manncenter.org) draws big-name performers in its open-air venue. And Spruce Street Harbor Park (delawareriverwaterfront.com) puts on free live music several nights a week. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy great tunes under the stars.

Explore the Museums

Philadelphia has an astounding number of museums, many of which are air-conditioned escapes from the summer heat. The Philadelphia Museum of Art (philamuseum.org) and the Barnes Foundation (barnesfoundation.org) have world-renowned art collections. The National Constitution Center (constitutioncenter.org) brings the U.S. Constitution to life through interactive exhibits. The Franklin Institute Science Museum (fi.edu) has tons of hands-on science activities for kids. And the new Museum of the American Revolution (amrevmuseum.org) uses immersive experiences to showcase this pivotal time in history.

Wander Through a Public Market

Philadelphia has several indoor public markets that are vibrant, affordable and full of delicious eats. Reading Terminal Market (readingterminalmarket.org) has everything from Amish baked goods to authentic global cuisines. Chinatown’s Philadelphia Chinese Gateway (philachinatown.com) has Asian bakeries, produce stands and bubble tea shops. In West Philadelphia, The Enterprise Center’s (theenterprisecenter.com) community marketplace supports local makers, growers and chefs.

Relax on a Riverfront Trail

Get some exercise and fresh air on one of Philadelphia’s riverfront trails. The Schuylkill Banks trail (schuylkillbanks.org) winds through Fairmount Park with great views of Boathouse Row. Across the river, the Cherry Street Pier (delawareriverwaterfront.com) has a landscaped walkway out to the Delaware River. And the Delaware River Trail (delawareriverwaterfront.com) heads north along the waterfront into bucolic countryside. Pack a picnic or stop at a waterside cafe to refuel.

Check Out Some Public Art

Philadelphia has over 4,000 outdoor public artworks installed throughout the city. The famous LOVE sculpture (visitphilly.com), Robert Indiana’s iconic pop art piece, is a must-see photo op. Isaiah Zagar’s Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (phillymagicgardens.org) is a whimsical labyrinth of mosaics covering a whole city block. Many of the city’s public artworks can be discovered by wandering around Old City, Market East or the Gayborhood. Or take a guided mural tour (visitphilly.com) by foot, trolley or bike.

Have Fun at a Street Festival

From May through October, many Philly neighborhoods host lively street festivals with music, food, craft vendors and activities. The Roots Picnic (rootspicnic.com) in June brings top music talent to the Festival Pier. September’s Fringe Festival (fringearts.com) has hundreds of quirky performances. And the Night Market (asianartsinitiative.org) celebrates Asian and Asian American culture. Other popular festivals celebrate Caribbean culture, Middle Eastern cuisine, LGBTQ pride and more.

Explore Philadelphia’s Food Scene

Philadelphia’s dining scene is booming with inventive chefs putting creative spins on classic dishes. Reading Terminal Market (readingterminalmarket.org) is foodie nirvana with everything from Pennsylvania Dutch specialties to Indian samosas and tacos. Local favorites like roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels, water ice and cheesesteaks are must-try staples. Trendy neighborhoods like Fishtown and East Passyunk are lined with BYOB restaurants, craft breweries, distilleries and coffee shops. And the restaurant weeks held in March and September offer discounts at top tables.

Tour Historic Sites

Follow in the footsteps of America’s founders and explore Philadelphia’s historic sites. The Independence Visitor Center (phlvisitorcenter.com) is the official start for touring the Independence National Historical Park and seeing the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Other sites like Benjamin Franklin Museum (fi.edu/benjamin-franklin-museum), Betsy Ross House (betsyrosshouse.org), Christ Church (christchurchphila.org) and Elfreth’s Alley (elfrethsalley.org) provide insight into colonial life. Many locations offer student discounts or free admission on certain days.

Catch an Outdoor Movie

Watch classic flicks and blockbuster hits under the stars at Philly’s outdoor movie venues. The Walnut Street Theatre (walnutstreettheatre.org) screens old Hollywood favorites in Washington Square Park once a month. Parks on Tap (parksontap.com) pairs food trucks and craft beer with movies in different parks around the city. And the Awesome Fest Drive-in (theawesomefest.com) is a quirky film experience held in a near-secret location. Bring some snacks and snuggle up on a blanket to enjoy cinema magic.

Head to the Shore

Philly is just a short drive from great beach towns in New Jersey and Delaware. Historic Cape May (capemay.com) offers Victorian charm by the sea. Wildwood (wildwoodsnj.com) has amusement park thrills and a lively boardwalk scene. For family-friendly fun, check out Ocean City (oceancityvacation.com) or Rehoboth Beach (beach-fun.com). Many shore destinations are accessible by New Jersey transit trains and buses as well. Spending a day by the ocean is a refreshing summer treat!

With this diverse range of summer activities – from museums and markets to trails, festivals and historic sites – Philadelphia truly offers something for everyone. Get out and explore this vibrant city, and make the most of the sunny season. I sincerely hope you find this “Top Summer Activities in Philadelphia In 2024” article helpful.