What comes to mind when you think of Philadelphia?
- Independence Hall, the Continental Congress, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and other historic sights?
- 76ers, Phillies, Flyers & Eagles … and their loyal fanbase?
- Rocky bounding up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art?
Well, Philly is known for all of them, but don’t stop there. Consider this collection of other fun things to do in the City of Brotherly Love. Listed here are indoor and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy the city, beyond the list above, no matter what the weather brings.
1. Visit Museums
There are plenty of museums in Philly, but our favorites are the three listed below: The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Museum of the American Revolution. Click here for a full list of museums in the city.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has a vast display of American, European, and Asian art. The museum encompasses more than one building. Just off-site are the Rodin Museum, the Perelman Building, and some homes from colonial times. Their visitor guide has suggestions for a visit spanning a couple of hours to a few days. Buying your tickets ahead of time online will save a few dollars. The Rocky statue (as in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky movies) sits to the right of the steps leading up to the museum entrance.
Barnes Foundation
Originally located in the suburban town of Merion (outside center city) in the mansion of its founder Dr. Albert Barnes, the Barnes Foundation moved to its present location in 2012 (on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway). It’s just a short walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The collection includes works by artists including Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh. In addition, you can view African sculpture, Native American ceramics, and metalwork.
Check out the website for current ticket information. It’s highly recommended that you purchase tickets online prior to visiting, as the museum does limit the number of guests visiting any given day.
The Museum of the American Revolution
A relatively recent newcomer to the city’s museum community, The Museum of the American Revolution focuses on the causes, the battles, and the lasting impact of the war for independence in the 18th century. Check out this museum guide to plan your trip. This museum presents the information well; you’ll be pondering some issues relating to the American Revolution long after your visit.
2. Walk, run, or bike the Schuylkill River Trail
This paved trail winds past the famous university rowing boat houses along the Schuylkill (SKOO-kill) River, which offers relaxing vistas. The Philadelphia section of the trail is about 10 miles and is well marked (see marker photo) though it does extend beyond the city.
People enjoy the Schuylkill River Trail in a variety of ways:
- Walk, run, or bike along the river. The paths are paved, so it’s easygoing no matter how you enjoy the views.
- Enjoy a pre-packed picnic under a tree or on a bench overlooking the river with the Philadelphia skyline in view.
- Relax in the sun on some of the large grassy areas near the banks of the river. You may just be treated to some energetic rowers gliding silently on the water’s surface.
You can rent adult and kid bikes along with surreys (that will hold several people) at Wheel Fun Rentals and you can be on your way.
3. Venture Inside the Eastern State Penitentiary
Home to some notorious inmates (including Al Capone and Willie Sutton), the Eastern State Penitentiary is an interesting spot to visit. It opened in 1829 and operated for 142 years. It was the first of its kind in the United States, and in the beginning, prisoners could not talk with anyone; they were kept separated from each other. The thought was that the silence and separation would induce prisoners to repent for their crimes.
You can view several of the cell blocks (including Mr. Capone’s) along with other major parts of the prison. The audio tour and exhibits help explain life in the prison for inmates and guards. Buying tickets online in advance of your visit can save you some money.
4. Relax at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park is a spring, summer, and fall outdoor park on the banks of the Delaware River. It is a part of the larger Philadelphia waterfront, is a great place to walk around, and is adjacent to the Old City neighborhood. There are many local restaurants selling versions of their signature dishes from repurposed storage containers, along with multiple beer and wine stands throughout the park. In summer, there is a floating beer garden tightly tethered to the docks, complete with hammocks that hang over the water to relax in. On many weekends there are also local musicians softly playing music in the background.
5. Sip Some Brews at Pop-Up Beer Gardens
The pop-up beer gardens were started by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS). They take over abandoned lots and transform them into urban gardens, usually repurposing discarded materials to create unique tables, seating, and shelters. These beer gardens sell draught and canned beer, wine, and limited spirits along with a small menu of food items by Jose Garces, a James Beard award-winning chef, and an Iron Man chef.
At these beer gardens, you will have to join the PHS the first time you go, but all they need are your name and email address. Membership is completely free, and you will receive a card that will work at any PHS Beer Garden. Don’t worry, they do not send a lot of emails. The PHS Beer Gardens are dog-friendly.
There is also an unrelated pop-up beer garden worth mentioning which is Parks On Tap. This is a traveling beer garden that goes to a different city park every week throughout the spring and summer. Thus, is not as built up as the beer gardens run by PHS since it moves every week. It is also dog-friendly.
6. Revel in Street Festivals & More
There are many street festivals throughout Philadelphia in the spring, summer, and fall months. The organizers usually shut down a medium to large thoroughfare in the neighborhood which is hosting it. There are always plenty of independent food trucks and those associated with staple Philadelphia restaurants. Many bars in the neighborhoods will also set up stands outside of their establishments to sell refreshments, adult and otherwise, to festival goers.
Bringing cash is not as necessary as it used to be with the advent of handheld credit card readers, but it is still nice to make sure to have some, just in case. Also, at many festivals, you will find local shops and artists selling their goods and artwork. Depending on the festival’s size, there is usually at least one band playing. Remember to wear sunscreen for these street festivals since they are in the streets — most offering little to no shade.
Nearby Attractions
Consider visiting some other great places in Pennsylvania:
- Big Pocono State Park, Poconos
- Bushkill Falls, Poconos
- Colonial PA Plantation, outside Philadelphia
- Covered Bridges of Bucks County
- Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley
- Gettysburg Visitor Guide
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Lehigh Valley
- Hickory Run State Park, Poconos
- Housenick Park, Lehigh Valley
- Jacobsburg State Park, Poconos area
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, outside Philadelphia
- Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
- National Museum of Industrial History, Lehigh Valley
- Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Philadelphia: Fairmount Park’s Unique Colonial Mansions & Their Stories
- Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide
- Promised Land State Park, Poconos
- Ricketts Glen State Park, Poconos
- Ridley Creek State Park, outside Philadelphia
- Tyler State Park, Bucks County
- Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
- Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County
If you have time while in Philly, consider visiting Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania — just under 35 miles away. Here you can tour historic buildings to learn more about when General George Washington’s Continental Army was encamped in the area. From this site he commanded his troops in the historic crossing of the Delaware River on a stormy Christmas night in 1776 — and then a surprise attack on the British-backed Hessian soldiers the next day in Trenton. From the top of Bowman’s Tower, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the Delaware River and parts of the park itself. There’s also a canal towpath to walk or bike on and a lovely setting for relaxing idle time on the bank of the Delaware River behind the visitors’ center.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia offers so many options for just about every interest and taste. Check out this site for up-to-date details on street festivals and happenings in different neighborhoods. You can search by events, dining, nightlife, art, shopping, and music. Here’s another great online guide to events in Philadelphia.
Comments?
Do you have other ideas about fun things to do in Philly? If so, please share your suggestions. 🙂
