If you haven’t made it to the FIFA Fan Festival yet, this is your sign. Running through July 19, the Fan Festival is completely FREE and has quickly become one of our family’s favorite summer outings.
⚽ Watch World Cup matches on giant outdoor screens
⚽ Meet mascots and enjoy live entertainment
⚽ Grab food from local vendors
⚽ Explore sponsor activations throughout the festival
One of the biggest highlights for families is Beckham’s Backyard, created by Home Depot.
Kids can test their soccer skills with interactive games and challenges while parents relax in shaded lounge seating before catching all the World Cup action on giant screens. Throughout the day, you’ll also find free family activities, giveaways, and hands-on experiences that make this one of the most kid-friendly spaces inside the festival.
Whether your little ones are future soccer stars or just looking for somewhere fun to play, Beckham’s Backyard is absolutely worth adding to your visit.
If you’re planning one free family outing this week, make it this one.
Here is the link to register for this event: https://phillyfwc26.com/
📍 KidFriendlyPhilly Tip: Admission to the FIFA Fan Festival is FREE, making this one of the best free things to do in Philadelphia with kids this summer.
Now through August 16
One of the most beautiful summer events in Philadelphia is back at Franklin Square.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival features breathtaking illuminated lantern displays, live cultural performances, a choreographed fountain light show, delicious food vendors, mini golf, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the evening.
While it’s beautiful during the day, we highly recommend visiting after sunset when the lanterns truly come to life.
Get tickets here: https://kidfriendlyphilly.com/events/philadelphia-chinese-lantern-festival-in-franklin-square/2026-06-21/
Now through September 7
Summer is officially here at Sesame Place Philadelphia!
Families can enjoy water slides, splash zones, family rides, summertime stage shows, character meet-and-greets, and special seasonal celebrations all summer long.
Celebrate July 4 at Sesame Place:
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with Elmo and friends before ending the evening with the spectacular “C is for Celebrate” Fireworks show at 9 PM.
More info here: https://kidfriendlyphilly.com/events/sesame-summer-splash-at-sesame-place-philadelphia/
Looking for another way to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup?
Head to Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia for free World Cup watch parties featuring giant screens, immersive sound, delicious food, drinks, and the exclusive PHANZONE experience.
Admission is free.
More info here: https://kidfriendlyphilly.com/events/world-cup-watch-parties-at-hard-rock-cafe-philadelphia/2026-07-04/
July 4 | Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
If fireworks aren’t your family’s favorite tradition, this peaceful alternative is worth checking out.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is hosting a low-sensory outdoor family movie night that’s perfect for young children, families with sensory sensitivities, and anyone looking for a quieter way to celebrate Independence Day.
More info here: https://kidfriendlyphilly.com/events/stars-stripes-low-sensory-movie-night/
Looking for free indoor activities in Philadelphia?
Head to the Comcast Technology Center to experience DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon: Flight Academy, an immersive adventure where kids can “fly” alongside Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Stormfly.
Best of all? Admission is completely FREE.
Register here: https://kidfriendlyphilly.com/events/dreamworks-how-to-train-your-dragon-flight-academy/2026-07-05/
July 9
Back for another summer, Manayunk Stroll After Hours transforms Main Street into a lively outdoor night market every Thursday evening.
Browse local vendors, shop small businesses, enjoy live entertainment, grab dinner, and experience one of Philadelphia’s favorite summer neighborhoods after dark.
Admission is free.
July 1 through July 5
Here’s your chance to experience the brand-new Francis J. Carey Bear Country for less!
Use promo code 4JULY25 to save 25% off admission and meet Turbo and Alba, the zoo’s Andean bears, along with the new sloth bear habitat.
If you haven’t visited Philadelphia Zoo’s newest exhibit yet, now is the perfect time.
Sign up here: https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/events/july-4th-week/
July 1 through August 30
Calling all dinosaur lovers!
Spend the summer discovering fossils, digging for dinosaur bones, participating in hands-on activities, enjoying storytimes, and exploring one of the country’s best natural history museums.
💡 KidFriendlyPhilly Tip: Admission is just $10 every Thursday through the end of August.
More info here: https://ansp.org/experience/events/dino-mite-summer
July 5
The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts its monthly First Sunday Family Festival, featuring pay-what-you-wish admission.
Families can enjoy crafts, games, live performances, hands-on art activities, and explore the museum together during one of Philadelphia’s best family-friendly museum events.
Link to event: https://press.philamuseum.org/art-kids-summer-returns/
Looking for free things to do on the Philadelphia waterfront?
Head to Spruce Street Harbor Park, where kids can build boats, create puppets, launch working catapults, and participate in hands-on make-and-take activities.
This weekly event is free and perfect to pair with lunch, roller skating, or a walk along the Delaware River.
More info here: https://www.popupplay.net/upcoming-events
One of our family’s favorite summer traditions is back!
Spend the day roller skating, playing boardwalk games, riding attractions, enjoying mini golf, grabbing delicious treats, and taking in beautiful waterfront views along the Delaware River.
🎟️ Save on your visit!
Use my exclusive discount code KIDFRIENDLYPHILLY250 when booking through my link below to save on Summerfest admission.
Link to get tickets: https://events.leapevents.com/tickets/rollerskating/tag/26BCRRSF_Skate_kidfriendlyphilly
Before you head out on your next family adventure, here’s a little home inspiration! If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your home this summer, I can’t recommend Heiler Painting enough. They recently transformed our home, and the entire experience was incredible from start to finish. Their team is professional, detail-oriented, and truly treats your home like it’s their own.
Whether you’re planning to repaint your interior, refresh your exterior, or give your kitchen cabinets a whole new look, Heiler Painting makes the process easy and stress-free.
Exclusive for KidFriendlyPhilly families: Mention KidFriendlyPhilly or Brittany Delgado when you schedule your project and receive 10% off your painting project, up to $500 in savings.
Summer calendars fill up quickly, so if you’re planning a home refresh before the holidays, now is a great time to book your estimate.
Thank you to Heiler Painting for sponsoring this week’s Family Fun Guide and supporting free local resources for Philly families!
Link to inquire: https://www.heilerpainting.com/
Here are some photos from my recent Heiler Painting project:
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