Summer is in full swing, and July is packed with family fun all across Philadelphia! From fireworks and festivals to outdoor movies, concerts, and splash-worthy adventures, there’s something exciting happening every week. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or enjoy some sunshine, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly events to help you make the most of this vibrant summer month in the city. Mark your calendars — July is bursting with ways to play!
Wawa Welcome America July Events:
Vet Fest: July 1st, 12 PM
Movies on the Mall: Independence Day: July 1st, 9 PM
All American Block Party: July 2nd, 3 PM
Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band: July 2nd, 7 PM
Red, White and Blue To-Do: July 2nd, All Day
Pops on Independence: July 3rd, 7 PM
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony: July 4th, 10 AM
Salute to Independence Parade: July 4th, 11 AM
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks: July 4th, 7 PM
Additionally, FREE Museum Days are offered daily!
Wagner Free Institute of Science: July 1st
Carpenters' Hall: July 1st
Paul Robeson House and Museum: July 1st
Mütter Museum and Historical Library: July 2nd
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts: July 3rd
Historic St. George's Museum and Archives: July 3rd
Cliveden of the National Trust: July 4th
Fireman's Hall Museum: July 4th
Arch Street Meeting House: July 4th
Other Special Events
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival: Daily through August 31st, 6 - 11 PM
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest: Open Daily
Spruce Street Harbor Park Pop-Up Festival: Every weekend Friday-Sunday!
Family Fun Day with Pop Up Play at Spruce Street Harbor Park: Sundays from 1 - 4 PM!
$5.00 Open Swim at Kids First Swim School Cherry Hill and Plymouth Meeting: Every Friday
FreedomFest: July 4th
Leaf and Learn Program at FDR Park: July 9th
Wednesdays of Wonder at Parkway Central Library: July 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
Black Girls do Engineer STEM Day: July 12th
Ice Cream Festival on Filbert Street: July 12th
Barnes on the Block: July 13th
Owl Pellet Dissection with The Center for Aquatic Sciences: July 15th
Philly Fairy Festival at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education: July 19th
Deck the Hulls: Philadelphia Eagles Boat Parade at Cherry Street Pier: July 19th
Family Art Day at PAFA: July 20th
Free Movie Night at Bartram's Garden: Mufasa: July 25th
Greenberg's Train & Toy Show at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center: July 26th
Please Touch Museum Free Community Days: July 27th
Historic Flag Display at The Rittenhouse: Being held through July 18th
The Betsy Ross House is teaming up with The Rittenhouse to celebrate the spirit of American heritage with a creative summer partnership. Now through July 18 the two institutions—each a pillar of Philadelphia’s cultural and historical landscape—have come together for a tribute to the artistry and legacy of America’s flag. The collaboration features a rare historic flag exhibition in the hotel’s lobby, a special Stars & Stripes stay package, and a charitable cocktail campaign—all designed to honor the craftsmanship of the past through the lens of modern hospitality. Check out the link for more details about the historic flag display and packages!
Outdoor Movie Nights
Park Friends Movie Nights
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy are offering free movies at a variety of parks around the city! Movies start at dusk.
- Wednesday, July 9 | E.T. the Extra-terrestrial (1982) | Matthias Baldwin Park
- Thursday, July 10 | A Minecraft Movie | Inn Yard Park
- Friday, July 11 | Inside Out 2 | La Noce Park
- Saturday, July 12 | Paddington in Peru | 3rd and Norris Street Playground
- Tuesday, July 15 | *TBD* | Connell Park
- Wednesday, July 16 | The Wild Robot |Dickinson Square
- Thursday, July 17 | Moana 2 | Rainbow De Colores
- Saturday, July 26 | Moana 2 | Vernon Park
Movie Nights at Schuylkill Banks
Movies will be shown either at Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade or the grassy patch north of Walnut Street Bridge. Shows begin at sunset.
- Thursday, July 10 | Paddington in Peru | at grassy patch north of Walnut Street Bride
- Thursday, July 17 | WALL-E | at Greys Ferry Crescent Esplanade
- Thursday, July 31 | The Lego Batman Movie | at Greys Ferry Crescent Esplanade
Movies at The Oval
Fridays at the Oval Pop-Up in front of the Art Museum are movie nights! Movies start at 8:15.
- Friday, July 11 | A League of Their Own |
- Friday, July 18 | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story |
- Friday, July 25 | Wicked |
Movies on the Block
The Philadelphia Film Society with community organizations present free movies! There will be popcorn, face painting, and other free activities! Registration is encouraged.
- Friday, July 18 | Lilo & Stitch | at Lighthouse Sports Complex
With so many exciting and family-friendly events happening in Philadelphia this July, there's no shortage of ways to make magical summer memories together! Be sure to check our calendar often, as new events are added weekly—and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a moment of fun in the city!
(Event dates and times are subject to change. Please check with the venue before heading to the event.)
