11 totally free things to do in Philadelphia
These fun and engaging things to do in Philadelphia happen to cost $0.
You don’t have to spend money to have a good time in Philadelphia as long as you know where to go. Read on for things to do in Philadelphia where you can experience music, movies, history, nature, and more—all without spending a dime.
Historic Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s most famous historic landmarks had to make the list of free things to do in Philly, as historic Old City’s charms have been attracting visitors for centuries—and most of these charms are free to enjoy! Gaze at the Liberty Bell and wonder when it last rang (answer: 1846!), explore the quaint 300-year-old residential street known as Elfreth’s Alley, and relax on the Once Upon A Nation benches, where in the summer months, you can hear trained storytellers weave tales about the antics of famous Philadelphians.
Community screenings with the Philadelphia Film Society
Each month, the Philadelphia Film Society hosts free community screenings where you can watch movies worth discussing. Each screening is followed by activities like a guided discussion or an art project related to the film. In March 2025, the Film Society Center theater is screening the 2001 Mexican comedy-drama “Y Tu Mamá También” and the 2003 American romantic comedy “Deliver Us from Eva.”
Free at Noon at World Café Live
Every Friday, WXPN and World Cafe Live host the lunchtime free concert Free at Noon, which you can hear both on the air with WXPN and in person at World Cafe Live. Past performers include Philly favorites like Slaughter Beach, Dog, as well as national acts like Adele and Lizzo. To attend the show at the World Cafe Live venue, simply reserve free tickets online.
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Dedicated to providing free educational experiences in the sciences, the Wagner Free Institute of Science charges no admission to view its exceptional exhibits of more than 100,000 natural history specimens, including mounted skeletons, fossils, and more. You just need to register online. The Wagner also sponsors a number of engaging programs and events, including free evening science education classes for adults.
Philadelphia Free Library
“Free” is in the name of the library system of Philadelphia, but it’s not just books (and movies and music) that you can access for free! Check out the numerous free programs that the library sponsors, whether you want to learn to crochet, make a zine, or improve your resume. You can also take free tours of the historic Parkway Central Library, which are conducted once a day, Monday through Thursday.
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
For more than 125 years, Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse has provided a free place for Philadelphia’s children to play and learn. The outdoor playground has more than six acres of playground equipment, including a popular and massive wooden slide built in 1905. But kids can also have fun at the Smith indoors—the playhouse is three floors of engaging, hands-on activities for kids.
United States Mint in Philadelphia
If you check any loose change lying around your house, you will likely find a small letter—such as a “P,” “D,” or “S”—engraved on the coin. That letter tells you where the coin was minted, and “P” stands for Philadelphia (with “D” meaning Denver and “S” meaning San Francisco). The United States Mint in Philadelphia has created roughly half of the coins circulating around the country today, and you can visit to learn how it’s done. Tours of the Philadelphia Mint are free and self-guided. So pocket that coin—you won’t need it!
Bartram’s Garden
Bartram’s Garden is the oldest botanical garden you can visit in the country! At the public park’s nearly 50 public park acres along the Schuylkill River, you can wander among wildflower meadows as well as beautifully landscaped gardens—for free! History abounds, such as John Bartram’s original 18th-century house and the oldest ginkgo tree in the U.S. Plus, during the warmer months, Bartram’s Garden regularly hosts free boat rentals so that you can explore the Tidal Schuylkill by kayak or rowboat.
Recitals at the Curtis Institute of Music
Some of the best musicians of tomorrow are currently studying at Philadelphia’s renowned Curtis Institute of Music. Fortunately, you can listen to their artistry for free, as the music school’s talented students regularly perform recitals that are free to the public. The institute hosts recitals on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, adding up to more than 100 free student recitals each year.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Though it is not far from the Philadelphia airport, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum seems to be part of another world, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The refuge is 1,000 protected acres of freshwater tidal marsh and woodlands and is a superb area for birdwatching, hiking, and biking. Indeed, the wildlife refuge has about 10 miles of trails, including some that are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Of course, enjoying nature at the refuge is completely free. Check out the helpful visitor’s center, where you may be able to borrow binoculars to help you spot some wetland birds.
Wissahickon Valley Park
It’s always free to take a stroll through Wissahickon Valley Park, a wooded oasis in Northwest Philadelphia. Parkgoers can explore the 2,000 acres of the valley park via 50 miles of winding trails. One of the most popular trails, the wide gravel-paved Forbidden Drive, used to serve as a turnpike, but vehicles were “forbidden” roughly a century ago. Today, hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, and fishers enjoy the urban park.
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