End of Summer Activities Happening NOW in Philly!

Summer is winding down, but you’ve still got a liiitle bit longer to cross off a few more last-minute bucket list activities before fall is in full swing! We’ve rounded up all the exciting experiences happening in Philadelphia for the rest of August and September - check them out!

August

Parks on Tap at Fairmount Water Works

Looking for a chill outdoor dining experience? Parks on Tap has set up their summer-long stationary stop at the Fairmount Water Works. Enjoy the riverfront views and treat yourself to a variety of local craft beers, wine or cocktails while the kids grab something tasty from the food trucks. Bonus - dogs are welcome! Starting August 31, 2022, Parks on Tap will be hitting the road for five weeks and visiting five different Philadelphia parks.

Parks on Tap at Water Works Philadelphia

Photo courtesy of Parks on Tap

Hot S'more Nights at Briar Bush

Join Briar Bushe educators around the campfire for nature-based fun! Enjoy s’mores, games, live animal shows, guided hikes, and more relating to the theme of the night. This event is weather dependent.
2022 Themes:
Skits and Songs - Wednesday, August 17
Amazing Adaptations - Wednesday, August 24

Sand Sculptures in the Village

Celebrate Peddler's Village 60th anniversary! Check out the towering sand sculptures honoring Bucks County’s history and be sure to visit one of the play-all-day sandboxes. Now through August 31.

Sand sculpture at Peddler's Village in Philadelphia

Photo courtesy of Peddler’s Village

Philly River Stroll

Head to the Delaware River Waterfront any Tuesday through August 30 from 4pm to 7pm for food and drink specials, pop-up entertainment, strolling circus performers, and discounted activities!

September

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit

Now through September 4, children can visit Doc McStuffins’ Toy Hospital in the new children’s exhibit at the Please Touch Museum. The interactive, bilingual experience is fun for all ages!

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at The Tower Theatre

Visitors are invited to enjoy this immersive experience featuring Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous works. Watch as they’re projected in a two-story, 20,000-square foot-room and explore some of the real-life places that inspired Van Gogh through virtual reality. Now through September 5.

Van Gogh Exhibit at the Tower Theater Philadelphia

Photo Courtesy of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Dine with Giraffes

Head to Elmwood Park Zoo to enjoy a delicious outdoor breakfast buffet with the world's tallest land animal! After breakfast, families can hand-feed the giraffes. Tickets are available select weekend days in August and over Labor Day weekend.

Stroll The Street - Manayunk

Celebrate summer at Stroll the Street’s pop-up in Manayunk with your friends and family. Join the fun on Main Street every Thursday now through Labor Day. August’s theme is Pet Month!

Paddle Penns Landing

Paddle around the Penn's Landing basin in a kayak or rowboat, or make it even more fun by choosing the swan, dragon, flamingo, or yellow duck! Find the launch spot near Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Hilton Penn's Landing. Happening now through September 5.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute

Step into Harry Potter’s Wizarding World at The Franklin Institute through September 18. From movie sets and costumes to interactive experiences that bring the magic of Hogwarts to your fingertips, Potter fans will be delighted by this brand-new touring exhibition.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute Philadelphia

Photo courtesy of Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Summer Picnic Train Rides

Every Sunday through September 18, families can enjoy a 90-minute train ride on the West Chester Railroad. Pack lunch to dine on during a stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

This Delaware River waterfront destination transforms into the perfect summer hangout spot, complete with a roller rink, boathouse-style lodge, a Ferris wheel and more. Happening now through Sunday, September 25.

Merry go round and ferris wheel at Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest Philadelphia

Photo courtesy of Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest

Catch a Philadelphia Phillies Game

Taaake me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd…
Find the Phillies schedule for August, September and beyond at the link above.

PECO Multicultural Series

Visit Penn’s Landing for its PECO’s Multicultural Series featuring colorful cultural celebrations from across the globe. Festivals run on weekends through October 1.

Festival of India - Saturday, August 20 at Great Plaza, 12 pm to 7 pm

Caribbean Festival - Sunday, August 21 at Great Plaza, 12 pm to 8 pm

We are the Seeds - Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4 at Cherry Street Pier, TBD

Brazilian Day Philadelphia - Sunday, September 4 at Great Plaza, 1 pm to 7 pm

 Mexican Independence Day Festival - Sunday, September 18 at Great Plaza, 2 pm to 8 pm

Taste of the Philippines - Friday, October 1 at Cherry Street Pier, TBD

Fairmount Park Conservancy Movie Nights

Public parks throughout Philadelphia host free movie nights this summer and fall!

Check out the lineup below:

The Croods: A New Age - August 18 at Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park

Big Hero 6 - August 19 at Overington Park

Raya and the Last Dragon - August 20 at Cliveden Park

WALL E - August 25 at Matthias Baldwin Park

Encanto - August 26 at Mifflin Square Park

Encanto - September 16 at Coxe Park

Encanto - September 17 at Fairview Park

Clifford the Big Red Dog - September 19 at Benson Park

The Wiz - September 22 at Gilbert Stuart Park

Encanto - September 30 at Northwood Park

Big Hero 6 - October 1 at Powers Park

Fairmount Park Conservancy Movie Night

Photo courtesy of My Philly Park Blog

Longwood Gardens' New Exhibit Light: Installations by Bruce Munro

This multi-sensory experience features eight signature immersive installations (some with sound, some static) spread throughout both indoor and outdoor spaces. The new exhibition is on view Thursday through Sunday nights through October 30.

Light: Installations by Bruce Munro at Longwood Gardens

Photo courtesy of Longwood Gardens

Infographic with end of summer activities in Philadelphia