Each summer, our family sets a goal for ourselves: 2013 was the summer of 25 playground visits while last summer we explored 25 different libraries. Raising a large family on one income inspired us to call this year “The Summer of 25 Free Things!”
You’d be surprised at how many things you can actually do at little-to-no cost. Both near and far, free activities are everywhere.
#1 – Sister Cities Park (210 N. 18th St.) – A city park by the Franklin Institute with a 10-geyser fountain, a Children’s Discovery Garden, and a toy boat pond. It’s our favorite spot to soak up the action of our city.
#2 – Elfreth’s Alley (126 Elfreth’s Alley) – Found in Olde City, America’s oldest street is full of family-friendly (and free!) charm.
#3 – Erie Lanes (1300 E. Erie Ave) – Thanks to Kids Bowl Free, we have enjoyed our fair share of strikes this summer.
#4 – 2nd Street Festival (2nd Street in Northern Liberties) – Arts and crafts, live music, and an endless amount of people watching created a superb afternoon for all.
#5 – Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.) – An art program where the kids created beautiful Mandalas was a creative highlight for everyone.
#6 – Pastorius Park (8434 Germantown Ave.) – A true urban oasis! Located in Chestnut Hill, this park is a must-see for all families. We brought along nets for scooping up minnows.
#7 – Shakespeare in the Park (1341 N. Delaware Ave.) – “The Tempest” was performed by Commonwealth Theater at Penn Treaty Park. Our kids first brush with Shakespeare was a wonderful one.
#8 – Philadelphia Soul Game (3601 S. Broad St.) – Tickets to our arena football team were a reward for the completion of a Soul-sponsored parent/child bowling league that our family participated in.
#9 – Palmyra Cove (1335 Route 73 South, Palmyra, NJ) – Right across the bridge in New Jersey, this cove is a perfect spot to get up close and personal with nature.
#10 – Second Street Press (1400 N. American St. #103) – Second Saturdays, sponsored by PECO, were a highlight of our summer. Printmaking with various local artists in a stunning warehouse atmosphere was awesome.
#11 – Ontario Street Comics (2235 E. Ontario St.) – Our favorite comic shop is a great spot to visit on a rainy day.
#12 – Lowe’s Build and Grow (3800 Aramingo Ave.) – Held on select Saturdays, the Avenger’s themed summer projects were a great way to keep the kids busy.
#13 – Christ Church (20 N. American St.) – Founded in 1695, the outdoor seating area is the perfect backdrop for a summer picnic.
#14 – Chikara Wrestling – Chikara Pro wrestling is an affordable and entertaining way for fans to get their family-friendly wrestling fix.
#15 – Fireman’s Hall Museum (147 N. 2nd St.) – A trip to this restored firehouse includes a chance to dress up in full firefighter gear.
#16 – Hershey’s Chocolate World – We skipped the amusement park and thoroughly enjoyed this tour of how Chocolate is made (free samples, too!)
#17 – Tall Ships Arrival – We set up camp on Columbus Boulevard and watched the magnificent ships roll in.
#18 – Apple Camp – Apple Stores offer free iMovie camp for a few select weeks in the summer for kids 8+.
#19 – Cione Pool (2600 Aramingo Ave.) – A quick dip in the neighborhood on a 95-degree day is just what we needed.
#20 – Franklin Mint – Self-guided tours through the nation’s first coining press are free!
#21 – Mann Music Center (5201 Parkside Ave.) – “The Three Kings” performance, part of the Young People Concert Series, was so well done that we can’t wait for next year.
#22 – Indigo Arts Gallery (1400 N. American St. #104) – Right in the ‘hood, a beautiful gallery showcasing folk and contemporary art.
#23 – Movie in the Park (1341 N. Delaware Ave.) – Despicable Me 2 at Penn Treaty Park was a perfect family night.
#24 – Palmer Cemetery – We remembered those who fought for our country by placing a flag on all of our Veteran’s graves.
#25 – Six Flags Great Adventure (1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ) – Six Flags Read to Succeed program rewards readers with a free pass to the park. This was a fabulous reward for all of us!
