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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The Best Free Things To Do in Philadelphia With the Kids

What's better than a trip to Philadelphia? One that won't cost you much! Here are activities that have free admission throughout the City of...

Why Philadelphia Is the Girls’ Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed

If the idea of planning a girls’ trip sounds too daunting, start by looking closer to home. On a recent spring weekend, my sister...

Philadelphia Zoo Just Unveiled Giant Animal Topiaries for Spring

Animal lovers who come to the Philadelphia Zoo for its 1,900 wild creatures will be treated to gorgeous topiaries this year as part of...

Spring Is Coming Early at the Philadelphia Flower Show

We're SO ready for spring and next month's Philadelphia Flower Show is exactly the preview of flowers and sunshine we need right now. The Pennsylvania...

Teachers Can Get Free Unlimited Visits to Sesame Place This Year

Here's some fun news for teachers: Sesame Place Philadelphia is once again offering its free Teacher Pass for unlimited visits throughout the 2025 season. Not...

10 Places to Explore in NYC and Philadelphia This Holiday Season

Bustling city sidewalks are at their most festive in December, an ideal time for a family day trip to New York City or Philadelphia....

Breakfast And Lunch at This South Jersey Brunch Spot Have a Soul Food Twist

Forget your traditional pancakes with eggs. A new brunch spot in South Jersey serves breakfast and lunch with a soul food twist, and it's...

It’s a Classic Case of Whodunit at ‘Golden Girls Murder Mystery Show’

As you walk into the Red Rum Theater, the lights are bright, the conversations are loud and the drinks are flowing. It doesn't seem...

Philadelphia Calendar of Events

NJ Events Calendar

  • Holidays on the Hill (Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia)

    Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Chestnut Hill is lighting up the season with its annual Holidays on the Hill celebration, from November 22 to December 25. The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens […]

  • Christmas Village in Philadelphia

    Christmas Village in Philadelphia

    Love Park 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, United States

    Running for its 18th season, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will transform LOVE Park and City Hall’s Courtyard and North Broad section into an authentic German Christmas market. Over 120 vendors will offer unique Christmas giftware and European food specialties spread across three city blocks. Highlights for 2025: German vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt features authentic German ornaments […]

    Free
  • Free Holiday Events at IKEA South Philadelphia

    IKEA South Philadelphia 2206 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    The following free events take place at IKEA South Philadelphia during December: Kids Eat Free Throughout December Two children 12 and under eat free at the Swedish Restaurant with the […]

    Free
  • A Wrinkle in Time

    F. Otto Haas Stage 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Arden Children’s Theatre invites families to journey across time and space with an adaptation of Madeline L’Engle’s beloved book, A Wrinkle in Time. The fantastical production features Meg Murry, who […]

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