Best Things to Do in Philadelphia – Events & Attractions

Philadelphia is considered the birthplace of America, and has dozens of historical sites, museums, park areas and outdoor adventures to celebrate the best of Philly, then and now. Discover the best things to do in Philadelphia, PA!

STAFF PHOTO / City Hall

? Top AttractionsReading Terminal Market, Philadelphia City Hall, Otherworld Philadelphia, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Eastern State Penitentiary, The Philadelphia Zoo, Arden Children’s Theatre, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin Square, Dilworth Park, LOVE Park, Rittenhouse Square, The U.S. Mint, The Met, Wanamaker Organ, The Morgan Library

? MuseumsThe Museum of American Revolution, The Franklin Institute, Please Touch Museum, National Constitution Center, National Liberty Museum, Benjamin Franklin Museum, Penn Museum, Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Science History Institute Museum & Library, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, Fireman’s Hall Museum,Rodin Museum

? Historical Sites Independence Visitor Center, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Betsy Ross House, Congress Hall, The Arch Street Meeting House, Free Library of Philadelphia

? Outdoor AdventuresTreetop Quest Adventure Park, Fairmount Park, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center

? RestaurantsPat’s, Geno’s, Sonny’s Famous Steaks, Oh Brother, The Franklin Fountain, Shane Confectionary, The Red Owl Tavern, Las Bugambilias, Bolo,
Liberté Lounge

? Hotels & AccommodationsKimpton Hotel Monaco, The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, The Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, The Thomas Bond House Bed & Breakfast, Sofitel

? Upcoming EventsPhiladelphia Marketplace at Dilworth Park, Christmas Village, lineup at Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philly Coffee Festival, Philadelphia Flower Show, House of Coffee Music Festival, Homecoming 250

? Nearby AttractionsSesame Place, Longwood Gardens

Whether you’re searching for “things to do in Philly this weekend,” kid-friendly activities or seasonal events, we’ve got you covered. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings and plan your perfect Philadelphia adventure!

Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

A Free ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Adventure Just Opened in Philly – And We Got a First Look

The buzz around Florida's Universal Epic Universe theme park is continuing much closer to home: Comcast unveiled a new How to Train Your Dragon:...

Philly is Ready to Host The MLB All Star Game & The Ultimate All-Star Village Fan Fest

Philadelphia has an all-star summer coming up: the FIFA World Cup games start on June 14, July 4 will mark America's 250th birthday, and...

Sesame Place Renews Its Status as a Certified Autism Center

This Pennsylvania destination is worth the trip, especially for special needs families.

Why Spring Blooms Is the Most Beautiful Time to Visit Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital - and the Spring Blooms festival...

These 4 Nearby Spots Just Made TIME’s World’s Greatest Places List (+ One Is in NJ)

TIME just released its World’s Greatest Places of 2026 list, and four of the picks are right here in the tri-state area, including one...

Inside Netflix House Philadelphia: A Day Trip to King of Prussia, PA

Spring break is almost here, and if you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids that feels a little different, Netflix House:...

Spring Is Coming Early at the Philadelphia Flower Show

We're so over winter, and this weekend's Philadelphia Flower Show is exactly the mix of flowers and sunshine we need right now. The Pennsylvania Horticultural...

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition Opens in Philly: Here’s Why the Kids Will Love It

Movies like "Jaws," "Jurassic Park," and the Harry Potter and Minions series never get old. But have you ever wondered how your favorite movies...

Ticket Sales Announced for The Franklin Institute’s Universal Theme Parks Exhibit

There's still a ton of hype surrounding Universal Epic Universe, which opened in Orlando in May, and a new immersive exhibit is bringing the...

Your Family’s Guide to Celebrating America’s 250th — From New Jersey to Philly and Beyond

Cities across the U.S. are preparing for once-in-a-generation celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. Throughout 2026, families can experience Revolutionary reenactments, heritage festivals, tall ship...

A Festive German Christmas Village Comes to Philadelphia This Weekend

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is taking over downtown Philly for a weihnachtsmarkt-like winter wonderland. This is the 18th year that LOVE Park, City Halls Courtyard...

The World Cup, All-Star Game, and America250 Celebrations Are Coming to Philadelphia in 2026

Philadelphia has a big year coming up: in 2026, not only will the birthplace of American democracy be engrossed in America250 celebrations, but FIFA...

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps in Camden and Philly

Ahead of next year's 250th birthday of America, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will celebrate the 250th anniversary of their founding next week...

Wander Through a Haunted Prison at Night, If You Dare: Halloween Nights Returns to Eastern State

Halloween is supposed to be scary—but would you step inside a haunted prison at night, with eerie characters and ghostly inmates lurking around every...

The Best Things to Do in Philly—Whether You’re There for a Day or the Weekend

Directly over the Ben Franklin Bridge from Camden County, Philadelphia offers a quick day trip for southern Jerseyans, or a great weekend away for those...

Otherworld Philadelphia is an Out-of-This-World Immersive Experience

  There's an out-of-this-world experience in Philadelphia that will have your kids over the moon. Otherworld is a large-scale immersive art and entertainment experience with 55...

Philadelphia Calendar of Events

NJ Events Calendar

  • Philadelphia’s Historic Germantown Celebrates America’s 250th

    Historic Germantown Philadelphia, PA, United States

    As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Historic Germantown is unveiling a neighborhood-wide series of experiences designed to welcome visitors, history lovers, and curious travelers from across […]

  • A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future

    Eastern State Penitentiary 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    In honor of the 250th birthday of the United States, Eastern State announced a yearlong slate of free, inclusive public programming. A Time for Liberty will explore the evolving meanings […]

  • Elmo’s Springtacular at Sesame Place Philadelphia

    Sesame Place Philadelphia 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA, United States

    Sesame Place welcomes back Elmo’s Springtacular, a celebration of spring with meet-and-greets, music, magic, pirate adventures and fireworks. April 11 Celebration Kickoff Meet-and greets with children’s entertainer Blippi, and a […]

  • Historic Germantown’s Green Space Stamp Rally

    Historic Germantown Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Historic Germantown’s Green Space Stamp Rally returns with a new theme and scavenger hunt. This year, Stamp Rally focuses on The Trees of Germantown, allowing participants to explore the neighborhood […]

    Free
  • Franklin’s Key

    Pig Iron Theatre Company 1417 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Pig Iron Theatre Company produces its Barrymore Award–winning sci-fi adventure Franklin’s Key, presented at Plays & Players, from June 11 to 28. The critically acclaimed adventure reimagines Benjamin Franklin’s legacy […]

  • Father’s Day Weekend Fan Fest at Sesame Place Philadelphia

    Sesame Place Philadelphia 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA, United States

    Sesame Summer Splash kicks off during Father's Day weekend, with: ·       Father’s Day Fan Zone – Guests can play games, rock out to sports jams, and kick soccer balls with Phang, […]

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