Five Free Philly Summer Activities

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 20 marks the first day of summer and there are so many fun activities going on in Philadelphia. I put together a list of my top five things to do this summer in Philly! Think twice about escaping the city and heading ‘down the shore’, Philly has so many exciting things to do. Plus, this list includes all free activities! 

1.) Manayunk Art Festival – June 23 & 24 (This weekend!)

This annual festival on Main Street is something that I look forward to each June. There is no cost to enjoy strolling and taking in the creative inspiration. Artist near and far gather to showcase their artwork and creative products and most are for sale. I have been going for the past three years and can't get enough of it. Check out my full recap of last year's fest to learn more.

Main Street on 2011 Manayunk Art Festival

2.) People watching in Rittenhouse Square

Grab a bench and just take it all in. Rittenhouse Square's central location downtown that is always bustling with people either walking dogs, sun bathing or going for a walk or taking a coffee break. It’s a very scenic atmosphere with a fountain and grassy areas to enjoy on a nice day. 

3.) Schuylkill River Loop 

Run, ride or walk the nine-mile loop around Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. It's a great place to spend summer mornings or afternoons. On Saturdays and Sundays the west side of the river loop, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, is closed to traffic except for bicycles so you walk, run or ride on the safe, car-free road. Don't forget your helmet if you are riding a bike!

4.) Waterworks Museum

The Waterworks Museum in the basement of the elegant Waterworks Restaurant and Lounge is a hidden treasure, just behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is the perfect place to cool off after a walk a Kelly Drive. It is a free museum that maps out the history of the water system in Philadelphia. Even if modern day plumbing doesn’t fascinate you, you will be surprised how interesting it is to see the evolution of the city’s sophisticated water system.

Inside the museum

View of Waterworks from behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art

5.) Wawa Welcome America – July 4^th Concert

On the 4^th of July music lovers rejoice at the free public concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway. This the finale of the Wawa Welcome America festivities that run for ten days in the city of brotherly love celebrating our freedom. The concert features The Roots, Queen Latifah and Common. And what’s not more American than a display of fireworks after the concert? Following the concert there will be a firwork display!