The heat is on, and summer is officially in full swing! If you are searching for free things to do with kids in the Philadelphia suburbs, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and around the Main Line, there are plenty of affordable family activities waiting for you. From outdoor movies and splash pads to free museum days and summer reading programs, there are still many weeks left to make unforgettable summer memories without overspending.
Many of these family-friendly summer activities are close to home, easy to plan, and perfect for entertaining kids of all ages.
Discount Movie Deals, Outdoor Movies, and Free Summer Concerts
Save on Summer Movies at Local Theaters
Summer movie deals are one of the easiest ways to enjoy affordable family entertainment.
Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express Deals offers several ways to save this season:
- Regal Crown Club members can enjoy $1 movie tickets and $3 off a Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies, and / or a cup of Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
- Membership is free to join.
- Summer Movie Express shows are offered Monday – Thursday, June 1 through August 13th.
Families can also save at AMC Theatres through AMC Summer Movie Camp. Free AMC Stubs members receive discounted tickets on select family movies on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 22nd – August 12th.
Another favorite option is Movie Tavern and their Kids Movie Magic series which allows families to enjoy participating summer movies for $3 per ticket, plus tax. For just $15, you can purchase a Kids Movie Magic Passport that gets you a ticket to all 10 titles in the series!
Free Outdoor Movies Near Philadelphia
Want to enjoy a movie under the stars? Summer is the perfect season for outdoor movie nights in local parks.
Many township parks and recreation departments throughout the Philadelphia suburbs host free Movies in the Park events all summer long. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for an easy family night out.
Check out our guide to free outdoor movies near you for schedules, movie titles, and locations.
Free Summer Concerts for Families
If live music is more your family’s style, many local parks and recreation departments also host free outdoor concerts throughout the summer. Families can enjoy performances by local musicians, tribute bands, and kid-friendly entertainers in community parks across the region.
See our guide to free summer concerts near Philadelphia for upcoming performances and locations.
Summer Festivals, Carnivals, and Community Events
Summer in the Philadelphia area also means peach festivals, sunflower festivals, street fairs, sandcastle displays, and neighborhood carnivals.
Many events are free to attend, while others offer discounted admission for children. Browse our Events Calendar to find:
- Family festivals
- Free kids activities
- Community fairs
- Seasonal attractions
- Weekend events near Philadelphia
Kids Bowl Free All Summer
Bowling remains one of the best affordable indoor summer activities for kids.
Kids Bowl Free allows children ages 15 and under to receive two free games daily all summer at participating bowling centers. Families simply pay a one-time registration fee, and optional family passes are available for adults and older siblings.
Free Summer Reading Programs and Library Activities
Local Libraries Offer Free Family Fun
Summer reading is practically a rite of passage, and local libraries are filled with free activities for kids all season long.
Most libraries throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia offer:
- Story times
- Crafts and STEM activities
- Reading clubs
- Teen programs
- Family game nights
- Guest authors and performers
Libraries also provide a cool indoor escape from the summer heat.
Borrow Museum Passes with Your Library Card
Many local libraries also offer Museum Pass Programs, allowing families to borrow passes to museums, gardens, and attractions for free with a library card.
Popular destinations may include:
- Please Touch Museum
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Barnes Foundation
Check with your local library for participating attractions and reservation details.
Free Streaming Apps Through Your Library
Your library card also unlocks free digital entertainment through apps like:
Families can stream movies, TV shows, audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines from nearly any device — perfect for vacations and road trips.
Splash Pads, Beaches, and Affordable Water Fun
Splash Pads and Spray Parks Near Philadelphia
When temperatures rise, splash pads and spray parks are one of the best free summer activities for kids.
These easy, low-commitment destinations allow children to cool off without spending an entire day at the pool. Browse our directory of splash pads and sprinkler parks near Philadelphia for locations throughout the suburbs.
Rent a Private Pool by the Hour
Looking for something unique this summer? Swimply allows families to rent private pools by the hour or day. Split the cost with friends or relatives for a memorable backyard pool experience.
Affordable New Jersey Beach Day Trips
A quick day trip “down the shore” is always a summer favorite. Many New Jersey beaches offer affordable daily beach tags ranging from $5–$10, while some beaches are completely free.
Check out our guide to the best beaches for day trips from Philadelphia before packing the sunscreen and beach chairs.
Discounted Water Park and Attraction Tickets
Before purchasing amusement park or water park tickets, check your township parks and recreation department websites. Many local municipalities offer discounted tickets for area attractions throughout the summer.
Explore the Great Outdoors This Summer
Free Hiking and Biking Trails Near Philadelphia
The Philadelphia region is filled with scenic hiking and biking trails perfect for family adventures.
Families can enjoy:
- Walking trails
- Bike paths
- Nature preserves
- Riverfront trails
- Wildlife observation areas
Explore our guides to the best family-friendly hiking trails and biking trails near Philadelphia.
Environmental Centers and Nature Programs
Nature centers throughout the tri-state area provide affordable outdoor fun and educational programming for families.
One great option is Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, where families can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and self-guided nature experiences.
Pennsylvania Waterfalls and Weekend Getaways
Planning a family day trip or overnight getaway? Pennsylvania offers incredible natural destinations within a few hours of Philadelphia, including scenic waterfalls, state parks, camping destinations, and charming small towns perfect for summer adventures.
Free Family Fishing and Boating in Philadelphia
Families can also try fishing this summer at Bartram’s Garden, which offers free fishing programs on Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m. Equipment, bait, and instruction are included, making it beginner-friendly for kids and adults alike. On Saturdays, families can enjoy free boating – open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adlut and all skill levels are welcome. Lifejackets are provided. See website for times as they vary through the summer.
Free Museum Days and Indoor Family Activities
Free Family Days at Please Touch Museum
Please Touch Museum hosts Free Family Days focused on wellness, learning, and play-based activities for children.
Advance registration may be required.
PECO Free First Sundays at the Barnes
Barnes Foundation offers PECO Free First Sundays featuring themed activities, art experiences, and family programming each month.
Reservations are recommended since spots can fill quickly.
Free Admission Opportunities at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art offers:
- Free admission for children under 18 every day
- Pay What You Wish admission on the first Sunday of each month
It is an excellent way to introduce children to art and culture at an affordable price.
Plan an Affordable Summer Full of Family Memories
Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, free concerts, splash pads, museums, beaches, or quiet afternoons at the library, there are endless free and affordable things to do with kids near Philadelphia this summer.
Now is the perfect time to start planning your next local adventure and make the most of summer break with your family.
Updated May 2026