Meet Elsa and Anna during the Frozen sing-along event at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Photo courtesy of JBFC
Top Things To Do This Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids
Ice Castles New Hampshire makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 30 Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Create your own glow-in-the-dark sculptures at the Neuberger Museum of Art.
Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Kids under 1 are FREE hours at the Westchester Children’s Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with Westchester Kids
Westchester has sledding hills for everyone from tots to teens. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Visit the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum for all kinds of interactive fun during Family Free Nights. Photo courtesy of the museum
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Roam the the cedar walk and gardens at Caramoor for a free, fun outing. Photo by Gabe Palacio
70 Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.
50 Best Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids
GUIDE
Westchester & Hudson Valley Winter Vacation Guide
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Kids can run, swing, slide, and even make music at Sally’s Dream Playground in Montgomery. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
Top Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Worth Driving To
The Saugerties Lighthouse is a stunning getaway no matter the season.
Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Family Resorts and Hotels
Summer camps are a great way to make new friends and develop new skills
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids
The Play Place in Elmsford is one of Westchester's top indoor play spaces.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Westchester
Roam the the cedar walk and gardens at Caramoor for a free, fun outing. Photo by Gabe Palacio
70 Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids
Enjoy water sports at Westchester Summer Day in Mamaroneck. Photo courtesy of the camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Westchester for Kids
Palisade Center's Climbzone features themed rock walls as high as 40 feet. Photo courtesy of Climbzone.
20 Best Things To Do at the Palisades Center Mall with Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Poughkeepsie's Gravity Vault is an indoor rock-climbing gym with classes for kids as young as 5. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in the Hudson Valley
Mount Kisco's Grand Prix New York, a go-kart hot spot, offers birthday parties with racing, arcade play, and virtual reality.
17 Best Indoor Party Places for Kids in Westchester
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids
Learn how the seasons affect nature at Hudson Highlands Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center
School Break Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Days Off from School
At Moe's Southwestern Grill, kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Kids can peek into the marine life in the aquariums at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck. Photo by Susan Miele
22 Free Things To Do Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Castle Fun Center in Chester has a giant inflatable park, a rock wall, laser tag, and more. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
15 Family Fun Centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Grab a colorful treat at Harley's Sweet Shop in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the shop
25 Best Things To Do in Woodstock, NY, with Kids
Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs
32 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Touch the soft rabbits at the Greenburgh Nature Center's petting zoo in Scarsdale. Photo courtesy of the center
Best Animal Petting Zoos near Westchester and the Hudson Valley Where Kids Can Meet Animals
Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.
25 Best Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, with Kids
Explore what makes things fly with the Westchester Children's Museum's Wind Tunnel Design Challenge. Photo courtesy of the museum
Visiting the Westchester Children's Museum in Rye: New and Ongoing Exhibits
Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani
40 Best Things To Do in the Catskills with Kids
GUIDE
Classes Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids
Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.
Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Friends young and old enjoy the attractions and Legoland New York, the first major theme park in the Northeast in 40 years.
  VIDEO
Legoland New York: A Guide to Visiting the Hudson Valley Theme Park with Kids
Frost Valley YMCA offers a variety of day and overnight camps for kids ages 5-14. Photo courtesy Frost Valley YMCA
Best Affordable Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids love a birthday party filled with games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in Westchester
Create your own glow-in-the-dark sculptures at the Neuberger Museum of Art.
Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
These kids' movies are classic hits!
75 Best Movies for Kids: Top Family Movie Night Ideas
GUIDE
Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Westchester & the Hudson Valley
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

End of Summer Bucket List: 17 Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia
8/1/25 - By Nicole O'Donnell

It's time to take stock of all of those things you've been meaning to check out all summer but haven't quite gotten to yet. We've rounded up the top 20 must-do summer activities for Philly families before school's back in session. From outdoor movies, to free summer concerts, to festivals, keep scrolling for your end-of-summer bucket list.

You can also browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philadelphia Kids, filled with lists of the best day trips, swimming pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, and free activities to make the most of your summer homestretch.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Great Summer Things to Do with Philly Kids Before School Starts

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia - Now through Sunday, August 31, 2025
The can’t-miss illuminated fest in Philadelphia’s Historic District hosts dozens of massive, intricate, handcrafted lanterns such as dragons, tigers, rabbits, and more. Guests can expect to see new culturally-inspired lanterns and performances as well. READ MORE

Investigation Station: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Wednesdays through August 13, 2025
FREE
This summer at Sister Cities Park, kids learn why water is an important resource and how to keep it clean. Budding scientists love the weekly experiments led by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. READ MORE

Story Art: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Tuesdays through August 12, 2025
FREE
The Free Library of Philadelphia brings storytime outdoors for a morning of movement, songs, and imagination. Kids receive a to-go craft inspired by the day’s stories. READ MORE

Creative Movement: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Thursdays through August 14, 2025
FREE
Children can participate in creative movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet on select Thursdays throughout the summer. READ MORE

Art Garden: Parkway Pals Program

Ben Franklin Parkway - Tuesdays through August 12, 2025
FREE
Grow your own Art Garden with The Fabric Workshop and Museum. Use natural and recycled materials to create drawings, weavings, paintings, and prints inspired by the current exhibition, John Jarboe: The Rose Garden. Schedule is weather permitting and subject to change. READ MORE

Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour

Philadelphia - Select Thursdays and Sundays through September 28, 2025
Take a one-hour river tour of the Schuylkill River and learn its secrets while taking in amazing views and discovering its impact on Philadelphia. Tours run on select Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during warm weather months. Tours depart from and return to the Walnut Street Dock, located under the Walnut Street Bridge on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. READ MORE

Wednesday Free Fishing

Philadelphia - Wednesdays through September 24, 2025
FREE
Perfect for youth and those who are new to fishing, this event allows participants to learn how to catch one of the 42 fish species found in the tidal Schuylkill. Rods, bait, and basic instruction are provided. READ MORE

Art Kids Summer Programming

Fairmount - Friday to Sundays, through August 24, 2025
Dive into the many wonders of mythical creatures through looking at and creating art. Art Kids summer programming offers families a summer of fun and learning through unique hands-on activities in a comfortable, playful, and imaginative setting.    READ MORE

Safari in Sand at Peddler's Village

Lahaksa - Now through August 31, 2025
FREE
This summer, adventure awaits at Peddler’s Village during Safari in Sand, a FREE Village-wide display of majestic sand sculptures featuring iconic scenes straight from the Serengeti. Gather ’round the watering hole with a hippopotamus, spot a lion in the grasslands, and keep your eyes peeled for a surprise around the next corner.  READ MORE

Terrific Tuesdays at Winterthur

Wilmington - Tuesdays through August 26, 2025
Discover how the old influences the new with crafts, games, and demonstrations inspired by the artists and makers of the Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur exhibition as they introduce design, history, and craftsmanship to kids ages 3‒10 and the adults they bring along. READ MORE

Family Fun Day Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Waterfront - Sundays through September 28, 2025
FREE
Enjoy free family crafts and activities from Pop-Up Play on select Sundays this summer at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This program occurs every first Sunday in the summer. READ MORE

Paddle Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing - Fridays & Saturdays through August 31, 2025
Families can paddle around the Penn's Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, swan, or dragon this season. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Waterfront - Now through September 1, 2025
Stop by Blue Cross RiverRink for Summerfest. In addition to roller skating, families can play mini-golf, go on rides, play games, and eat delicious treats.  READ MORE

Breakfast with the Giraffes

Norristown - Saturdays & Sundays, August 9 through October 19, 2025
Enjoy breakfast in the company of some long-necked friends at Elmwood Park Zoo. Eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, fruit, waffles, OJ, and coffee are on the menu. After breakfast, kids get to hand-feed the giraffes. READ MORE

Summer Picnic Train Rides

West Chester - Sundays through September 28, 2025
Every Sunday through September 22, families can enjoy a relaxing 90-minute train ride on the West Chester Railroad. Be sure to pack lunch to have during a stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove.  READ MORE

Festival of Fountains

Kennet Square - Now through September 28, 2025
Relax and unwind amid stunning summer vistas at Longwood Gardens' Illuminated Fountain Performances. Soak up family time with Longwood's all-new Fountain Fest Weekends, and create unforgettable memories. READ MORE

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia - Now through Sunday, August 31, 2025
The can’t-miss illuminated fest in Philadelphia’s Historic District hosts dozens of massive, intricate, handcrafted lanterns such as dragons, tigers, rabbits, and more. Guests can expect to see new culturally-inspired lanterns and performances as well. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
Recent Articles By Nicole O'Donnell:
Read more articles by Nicole O'Donnell.