Free Things to Do with Kids in Philadelphia
12 free kid-friendly activities in Philadelphia. No admission fees: parks, playgrounds, trails, and more, with age-fit and planning notes.
Highest rated: Von Colln Playground, Wagner Free Institute of Science, James G. Kaskey Memorial Park. 1 listing is indoor. 9 listings are outdoor. Qualified listings include age ratings, stroller access, and practical planning tips.
How to use this free activities list
Use this list when you need a low-cost anchor stop or a quick add-on between meals. KidPaths is currently tracking 12 indexable picks for this page in Philadelphia, PA, with details for cost, age fit, stroller access, weather backup, and parent logistics.
Quick fit
6 for infants, 11 for toddlers, 11 for little kids, 12 for big kids.
Weather and access
3 indoor or mixed-weather picks. 11 outdoor or partly outdoor picks. 10 stroller-friendly stops. 2 rainy-day backups.
Cost scan
12 free picks. Open the cards for family-of-4 cost notes and savings tips when we have them.
Top Picks
Von Colln Playground
5 starsVon Colln Playground sits adjacent to the scenic Von Colln Athletic Field near the Philadelphia Museum of Art area, giving kids both playground equipm
Wagner Free Institute of Science
4.8 starsThe Wagner Free Institute is a Victorian natural history museum that has barely changed since 1865, and that's the point. The enormous collection of m
James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
4.8 starsThe Kaskey Memorial Park (the 'Penn Biology Pond') is a favorite spot on the University of Pennsylvania campus, a small botanical garden with a koi po
Kids Castle Central Park
4.8 starsKids Castle is a beloved community playground in Bucks County with a massive wooden castle-themed structure that has delighted generations of kids. Th
Anna C. Verna Playground
4.8 starsThis well-maintained South Philadelphia neighborhood playground offers a clean, safe space to play in the heart of a family-friendly residential area.
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeVon Colln Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
Tours & ExperiencesFreeWagner Free Institute of Science
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up
Tours & ExperiencesFreeJames G. Kaskey Memorial Park
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesFreeKids Castle Central Park
Ages: 2-12
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeAnna C. Verna Playground
Ages: 2-10
Tours & ExperiencesFreeJenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesFreeSister Cities Park
Ages: Best for ages 0 to 9
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeFitzpatrick Playground
Ages: 2-12
Zoos & AquariumsFreeJohn Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Ages: Ages 4 to 12 for wildlife watching, short trails, binoculars, and hands-on nature learning
Tours & ExperiencesFreeAwbury Arboretum
Ages: All ages
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeEast Fairmount Park
Ages: All ages
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeChampions Park Playground
Ages: 2-12
Common Questions
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Philadelphia?
- Philadelphia has 12 free family-friendly activities. Top-rated picks include Von Colln Playground, Wagner Free Institute of Science, James G. Kaskey Memorial Park, Kids Castle Central Park, Anna C. Verna Playground. All are free admission; no tickets needed.
- Are there free outdoor activities for kids in Philadelphia?
- Yes. 9 of the 12 free activities in Philadelphia are outdoors, including parks, playgrounds, and trails.
- What free activities in Philadelphia are good for toddlers?
- 11 free activities in Philadelphia are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Von Colln Playground, James G. Kaskey Memorial Park, Kids Castle Central Park.
- How many free activities in Philadelphia are stroller-friendly?
- 10 of the 12 free activities in Philadelphia are fully stroller-friendly.
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