Looking for things to do in Philly? Philadelphia might be a city, but there are many free things to do in Philadelphia that are gardens and parks. Use this list of free things to do in Philadelphia to get outside and enjoy the day.
Looking for something to do on a beautiful day? Visit some of these free things to do in Philly that involve a garden or just being outside. Just because Philadelphia is a city, there is plenty of green space to enjoy. Roberts Subaru wants you to know some of the great outside free things to do in Philadelphia.
Free Things to Do in Philadelphia – Gardens and Parks
Climb the Rocky Steps– The Philadephia Museum of Art is famous for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because of Rocky. These are the famous steps he climbed in the movies. These 72 steps are used daily by thousands who want to recreate the Rocky run. After you are done running the steps, pose with the Rocky statue near the base of the steps. Admission to the Art Museum is not free.
Self-Guided Mural Mile Tour – In 1984, the city tried to combat the constant graffiti by starting the Mural Arts Program. Since the start of the program, there have been 3.600 murals painted around the city. You can take a self-guided tour o the “Mural Mile”. You can get the information on the Mule Mile by visiting their website.
The Love Sign – The Love sign has become an iconic spot for Philadelphia. The Love sign is actually a piece of Pop Art by Robert Indiana and can be found in many other cities. However, it is associated with Philadelphia and the City of Brotherly Love.
Dream Garden – The Dream Garden is a public art piece, located at Curtis Center lobby, 601-45 Walnut Street, about a block from Independence Hall. It is crafted with over 100,000 pieces of Tiffany Glass. The Dream Garden is 15*49 feet and is one of America’s most beautiful glass murals.
Bartram’s Garden – The Bartram’s Garden has meadows, nurseries, and arboretum spanning over 45 acres. It is one of the oldest surviving botanical gardens in the country. It is a lovely place to walk and learn more about plants. It is also a lovely place to see views of the skyline.
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education – The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is designed to be an island of green in the midst of the city. It is the first urban environmental education centers in the country. It has over 400 acres of hiking and walking trails, an art gallery, a children’s museum, and a seasonal butterfly house.
Cira Green – The Cira Green is a very unique park. It is located 95 feet above ground, on the roof of a parking garage. The space is perfect for a picnic or to get amazing views of the skyline.
Wissahickon Environmental Center –The Wissahickon Environmental Center is a beautiful area that features several miles of hiking and walking trails. It is a gorgeous place to do bird watching.
Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial Sculpture Garden – Visit the Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial Sculpture Garden is a beauty of its own. It features 17 sculptures and an amazing garden. There is another fun feature to the garden. Be sure to stop at the whispering bench. Two people can sit on opposite ends of the bench, about 50 feet apart. When each person whispers, the other can hear them.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum – Located near the airport, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is a beautiful escape from the city. There are over 300 bird species, in addition to other animals. There are over 10 miles of trails to hike and places to kayak.
Self-Guided Philadelphia in the Movies Tour – Philly has been featured in many of your favorite and classic films. Take the self-guided Philadelphia in the Movies Tour. You will see locations from some great movies like:
- The Sixth Sense
- Trading Places
- Silver Linings Playbook
- Trading Places
There are many other movies that feature Philadelphia and you can visit them on this tour.
Boathouse Row – Boathouse Row is an absolutely beautiful sight. The houses on Boathouse Row, there are 15, are over 100 years old and are home to the rowing clubs. The houses are closed to the public, but you can walk past and view them from the outside.
Awbury Arboretum – The Awbury Arboretum has been open to the public for nearly 100 years. Visit the large Quaker family home and tour the 55-acres of beautifully manicured gardens.
Free Places to Play in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Skateparks – If you have a skater you might want to find the local skateparks. Even if you don’t skate, it can be very neat to watch others do the tricks. There are 8 free skateparks around the city.
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse – The Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is located in Fairmount Park. The purpose built mansion and the park surrounding is one of the most amazing playgrounds for children anywhere. The mansion is a 16,000 square foot playhouse that is designed just for kids to play. The playgrounds spread over 6.5 acres of open fields, wooded space, and hills with over 50 different pieces of play equipment.
Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course – Sedgley Woods is one of the oldest disc golf courses in America. Located in Fairmount Park, bring your own disc and you can enjoy the 27 hole course for free.
With this many free outdoor things to do in Philadelphia, you can fill every day with free things to do in Philadelphia.
Need more ideas of things to do in Philly?
- History Rich Free Things to Do in Philadelphia
- Some of The Top Must-See Things To Do In Philadelphia
- Visiting Philadelphia? Like Scavenger Hunts
- Make Your Extended Stay in Philadelphia More Comfortable