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School may not be out quite yet, but the temperatures in the city have certainly reflected a hot summer so far.
And, with lots of free time coming up, there are a variety of free and low-cost resources to keep your kids entertained.
Whether your child is looking for a sporty activity, an artsy escape or new hobby to pick up over the summer, we’ve got you. Here is our summer guide for your kiddo.
School District Activities
The School District of Philadelphia is offering hundreds of programs for children this summer – including everything from entrepreneurial workshops for high schoolers to drumline and orchestra programs for elementary and middle schoolers.
There are also programs that focus specifically on English language learners, students who are looking to get involved in career and technical education, and special education students.
Students who are currently enrolled in K-12 education at Philly public schools are encouraged to apply for programs – space is limited and eligibility requirements vary. You can learn more on the district’s website.
Parks & Recreation Summer Camps
There are summer camps throughout the city focusing on all kinds of activities – including nature camps, gymnastics camps, performing arts camps and more.
Prices and timing vary, and you can find more information on the city’s website.
Summer Achievers Program
The city of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia also partner to provide subject-specific support, field trips, meals and activities through community organizations throughout the summer.
There are programs all over the city that have different subject area focuses and age requirements. Programming runs from June 22 to July 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can find programs and more information here.
Playstreets
The city’s Playstreets program has been around for over 50 years. The program shuts down city streets during the summer to provide children a safe place to play and receive free meals and snacks. You can learn more about the program here and stay up-to-date with streets that are planned Playstreets for this year.
Pools – Swimming & Job Opportunities
For all kiddos, the city’s summer pools are great options for play and chill time. There are over 60 pools in the city – with some offering free swim lessons and spraygrounds. Pools tend to open in late June. You can stay up-to-date on information here.
Older children have an opportunity to work as a lifeguard at one of the city’s pools. Children must be at 16 years or older to work as a lifeguard (although you only need to be 15 to attend a lifeguard screening).
To be eligible, lifeguard applicants must complete a lifeguard screening test and a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course. Interested candidates can attend a free training or screening at either Lincoln High School or Friends Select School.
Interested candidates can choose the pool they want to work at and contact the supervisor to begin the application process. Pay starts at $16.85 per hour, and lifeguards typically work 35 hours per week from June to August.
Summer Quest, Science in the Summer & Other Events at the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia offers daily, kid-focused programming at its different branches.
The Haverford Library hosts a “builder club” – allowing children to experiment with toys like Lego bricks and Magna-Tiles.
The Charles L. Durham Library (and many others) host a family storytime and playgroup – allowing children and families the chance to hear fun stories and get to know other families.
The Philadelphia City Institute hosts a nature club, which provides craft and activities for children with an emphasis on nature and sustainability.
‘Science in the Summer: Be A Chemist!’ is another free program the library will host this summer. Children that participate will be exposed to different careers in STEM, learning more about those who may create medicine, work in forensics or create materials for toys. Select libraries will host programming from June 8 to August 14. You can find library-specific event information here.
The Free Library is also hosting a self-guided initiative called “Summer Quest.” This program allows children to choose a character they resonate with (with options like ‘The Explorer’ and ‘The Scientist’), and do related activities. This includes attending related activities at the child’s local library, learning about things like science, poetry and history and doing activities like writing stories, journaling or completing a puzzle.
There are many options based on your child’s interests, age and nearest library that you can also explore.
Community Evening Resource Centers
The city’s Community Evening Resource Centers provide safe spaces for children and teens ages 10-17 to do activities, make new friends and participate in training for things like job readiness and violence prevention.
Centers offer activities such as sports, photography and cooking classes, community service projects and more.
Centers are open every night from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Children do not need to register or notify centers before they arrive. You can find more info on the centers here.
Police Department/Police Athletic League
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Police Athletic League offers free educational, athletic, recreational, character-building, and cultural programs for Philly kids ages 6-18 all summer long.
The program is year-round and runs Monday-Friday, but has extended hours for Philly kids from June through September.
Centers offer a variety of different programs that can range from math club, volleyball, ‘boys to men’ programs, photography and more.
You can learn more and apply for the PAL program here.
Philadelphia Police Explorers Cadet Program
The Philadelphia Police Explorer Cadet Program is perfect for 14 to 20-year-olds interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
The program provides mentoring, education, and hands-on training. There are several eligibility requirements – including no prior arrests or convictions on record, a passing behavior or character grade in high school, and ability to attend mandatory Saturday training sessions.
To apply, you can start by downloading the registration forms on the program’s website. From there, there is a physical assessment and two rounds of interviews.
Kids Bowl Free Summer Program
There are several places in Philly that you can bring your child on select days to bowl two free games each day.
Age eligibility depends on location – with Dave and Busters allowing kids ages 2-15, while Thunderbird Lanes allows kids ages 3-15. To register, you can fill out forms for any of the three locations – this includes the Dave and Busters in Franklin Mills, the Thunderbird Lanes on Holme Avenue in Northeast Philly, or the Thunderbird Lanes on Castor Avenue.
Free movies at Cira Green
Catch a show on the 60-foot screen on top of Cira Green in West Philly. There are a variety of options – with everything from Avatar and the Hunger Games to Zootopia 2, Pitch Perfect and Jaws. You can check out timing, movie options and dates here.
Smith Memorial Playground
Enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions with your family at Fairmount Park’s Smith Memorial Playground. There are playground structures and a giant wooden slide, an indoor playground with hammocks and toy cars/roads, indoor playspaces with artistic themes, building blocks and more. The space is always free to visit. You can plan your visit and learn more here.
Parks
There are lots of parks in and around the city. Here are a few options for kid-friendly fun this summer:
- Bartram’s Gardens – This Southwest Philly park is open daily and free to the public. They also host regular events – including free biking, boating and fishing that are kid-friendly. You can learn more on Bartram’s website.
- Wissahickon Valley Park – This park offers a green oasis slightly removed from the city – and its offerings are perfect for families. Explore guided hikes, horseback ride in Roxborough or Chestnut Hill, fish or bird watch or explore on your own with a picnic or scenic walk. There are a variety of offerings at the park from free events to lessons for a cost. You can explore more here.
- Spruce Street Harbor Park – Head over to the Delaware Riverfront this season for summertime fun with your family. The Spruce Street Harbor Park features free hammocks, Adirondack chairs and picnic tables perfect for a picnic, chill time or adult spot while children explore the park. There are various vendors that offer food and drink, and boats available for rent to further explore the riverfront. The park will also have music and events throughout the week that are free and open to the public – including a Friday night jazz performance series and Sunday craft days. You can learn more about the park here.
- Sister Cities Park – Philly’s Sister Cities Park represents the relationship between the city’s 11 sister cities – and it offers lots of free and fun activities for kids. Children can wade in the small pond at the Children’s Discovery Garden, splash in the Sister Cities Earth Fountain or join a storytime and crafts session in the park during the summer. You can learn more here.
- Dilworth Park – This park around the iconic Philadelphia City Hall features seasonal events, a cafe with drinks and bites and fountain spouts perfect for children to run around in when the weather is warm. You can learn more here.
- Franklin Square Park – Enjoy this Old City park this summer – with fountain shows, nature and Chinese Lantern Festival attractions. The park hosts the ticketed Chinese Lantern Festival daily from 6-11 p.m., but you can see the attractions in the daytime for free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a fee, you can also enjoy Philly Mini Golf on the park’s grounds, which allows children to put through favorite landmarks like the LOVE statue and Elfreth’s Alley, or enjoy the Parx Liberty Carousel. Learn more here.
