From the expansive Fairmount park system to a panoply of historical attractions, from the Philadelphia Orchestra's community concerts to readings at the library, Philadelphia is filled with no-cost fun for kids. The following list of free things to do with kids in Philadelphia includes dozens of ways to keep the kids in your life – and you – active, educated and (most importantly) entertained.
1. Visit a Free Museum or Historical Attraction
Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC
From chemistry to arts and culture to history, several of Philadelphia's museums are free to both adults and children.
2. Programs at the Free Library
“Free” is in the Philadelphia library system's name, and it has all sorts of great offerings for kids, including author events, science classes, homework help, reading contests and more.
3. Tour the United States Mint
The U.S. Mint offers self-guided, family friendly tours every weekday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
4. Explore the Fairmount Park System
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
From the hiking and biking trails of the Wissahickon to the playgrounds that dot Philadelphia's neighborhood parks, Fairmount has acres and acres of land for kids to explore.
5. Free Concerts
Several groups and venues across Philadelphia offer free concerts, especially in the summer. A few to check out include neighborhood concerts from the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Free at the Kimmel series and the free summertime concerts at Penn's Landing.
6. Outdoor Movies
Similarly, summertime offers several free outdoor movie screenings, many of which are kid-friendly. Check out programs in Northern Liberties and Old City, or along the Schuylkill Banks.
7. Enjoy the Visual Arts
Photo: Meg Favreau
Children can enjoy free mural arts walking tours, a family friendly First Friday scene and even free art classes at the Fleisher Art Memorial.
8. Take a Walking Tour
Explore the city by foot, learning as you go.
9. Recreation Centers
Philadelphia's city-run recreation centers offer several free and inexpensive children's activities, including athletics, art classes and after-school programs.
10. Linvilla Orchards
Photo: Meg Favreau
This suburban Philadelphia pick-your-own farm offers some free activities, including an area to look at farm animals.
11. Visit the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
According to the refuge's website, it's "the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetland" in Pennsyvania. Entrance is free to all, and opportunities are available for hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, animal watching and environmental education.