31 Free Things To Do in Philadelphia With Kids

Juan L.:  These in-house tours of Snyder's of Hanover Factory Store offer an inside look at how these iconic pretzels are made. The tour is free and lasts 30 minutes. At the end of the tour, you get a free bag of pretzels! Kids will especially like the finished goods warehouse, where they'll get to see Snyder's of Hanover's robotics at work.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Get ready for an exciting trip! Your 30 minute tour at Hershey's begins with exploring the cocoa bean harvesting process. Then, on the simulated factory tour ride, learn about the process for making Hershey's famed chocolates. End your tour with a free sample of creamy chocolate. After your tour, visit the gift shop, bakery, and food court.

For additional fees, guests can create your own candy bar, experience the 4D Chocolate Mystery, indulge in a chocolate tasting experience and take an historic trolley ride.

This large manmade lake is a recreational haven for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking over 36 miles of trails, and more! No lifeguards are present. There are even many events where your family can enjoy guided hikes, paddle boarding for beginners, geocaching, etc.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Mr. Cuba Astronomical Observatory offers the Spitz SciDome, an all-digital planetarium, lecture hall, library and computer room to provide public education and resources to learn about the universe, planets and more. They offer public viewing nights and family programs to view the stars, moon and planets, hear discussions, tour the facility and talk with astronomy experts. Mt. Cuba is educational and fun for the whole family!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Pennypacker Mills takes you back in time to life in the early 1900s. This historic mansion contains antiques and artifacts collected by PA Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker and reflective of the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, Native Americans and German and Dutch settlers. The restored servant area allows guests to see the kitchen, laundry, work room and bedroom to see how life has changed over the past 100 years.

The venue features events, exhibits, nature walks and workshops throughout the year. Free guided tours are available.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Jenkins Arboretum offers a 1.2 mile walkway through a natural botanical garden setting of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. There is an Education Center open during peak times. The venue offers workshops, educational displays and arts and craft shows. There is a gift shop onsite.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The site of the winter encampment during the Revolutionary War is home to Washington's headquarters, a beautiful memorial chapel, soldiers' huts and much more. It's easy to spend a day enjoying miles of trails, ranger-led tours, living history experiences and a renovated Visitor Center. If you're short on time, a drive along the tour loop can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

Shila:  Linvilla Orchards offers pick your own produce (e.g. apples, berries, peaches, etc.) and other fun attractions like family festivals, story time, mini golf, a playground, and seasonal hayrides. Animals such as white tailed deer, calves, goats, horses, sheep, emus, peacocks, and a pot-bellied pig (to name a few) welcome you to the barnyard. You may also catch an incubator full of eggs within the Garden Center. If you're lucky, kids can witness the hatching of chicks. No charge to enter the barnyard!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Scott Arboretum is a blend of horticultural and botanical gems that feature the diversity of the Delaware Valley. Featured collections include magnolia, cherry, conifer and more. On the grounds of Swarthmore College, children will experience a view of the beauty that higher education can offer. Staff led tours are available and there are special events throughout the year such as seasonal celebrations.

At Crazy Aaron's flagship store, kids are welcome to get crafty with their vast supply of materials and create their own custom mini tin of thinking putty for free!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Mr. B's Coffeehouse & PlayZone, located inside Calvary Church, is a great place to meet with friends & watch the kids play in our indoor PlayZone. Kids up to 54 inches tall can jump and slide to their hearts content.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  It is always in season to experience the holiday magic at Byers' Choice. On weekdays, you can go on the observation deck to view artisans hand-crafting, painting and decorating carolers and other exclusive Byers' Choice figurines. The museum and display areas are open year round where it always feels like Christmastime. The Creche Room offers over 200 nativity scenes from around the world. Visit the gift shop to purchase your own figurine as a memento of your tour. Note: the display figurines are breakable and within children's reach.

Vanessa M.:  Did you know the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department oversees 70+ Philly pools for families to splash, play, and swim in? Even better, admission is free! Their Swim Philly program has poured resources into several local pools for renovations, family programs, comfortable seating and umbrellas, and more. A few pools benefiting from Swim Philly include Pleasant Playground Pool, O'Connor Pool, and Lee Cultural Center Pool. Please note that a shortage in lifeguards means that some of these pools will not be opening for the season; updated information for each pool is available at the link above.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, the 45 acres of Bartram's Garden encompasses parkland, wetlands, plants, flowers, trees, meadow and historic buildings.

Family programs include Little Explorers, Homeschooler Days and Family Artists' Workshops. There are also musical performances and arts programs throughout the year. Check out Free Saturday Boating and Kayaking and other programs on the Schuylkill River.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Smith Memorial Playground, located in East Fairmount Park, is one the kids will want to come to again and again. It has unique playground equipment to foster climbing, exploring, pretend play and more. It offers a special tot area for young children as well. But its signature giant wooden slide will be the highlight of your visit.