Things to Do in

Center City

When
Next Week
Activities
12
Types
8 Events, 4 Experiences

Discover the best activities, events, classes, and experiences in Center City. All carefully curated for families!

Member Happy Hour and Tour: Olympia
Event
Member Happy Hour and Tour: Olympia
$23

Thu, Jun 18 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM

Exclusive happy hour and tour for museum members.

Independence Seaport MuseumCenter City
Member Happy Hour and Tour: Olympia
Event
Member Happy Hour and Tour: Olympia
FREE

Thu, Jun 18 • 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

Join us for an ISM members-only happy hour and tour. Enjoy drinks and light snacks on Olympia, then an exclusive tour with our expert ship staff. This tour will explore the Battle of Manila Bay on the ship where it happened. Along the outer decks, we will trace the preparations and alterations made for war, the causes that led to the first and most climactic battle of the Spanish-American War at Manila, walk in the footsteps of the gunners and crew, and hear the echo of Commodore's softly spoken command that heralded a new empire.

OlympiaCenter City
Friday Night Jazz Series: Mervin Toussaint
Event
Friday Night Jazz Series: Mervin Toussaint
FREE

Fri, Jun 19 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM

Experience a series of unforgettable nights on the Waterfront featuring an exceptional collective of jazz musicians in partnership with Rising Sun Presents. Free and open to all ages. Live Waterfront jazz with skyline views, food, drinks, and laid-back lounge vibes.

Spruce Street Harbor ParkCenter City
TFI Block Party | Summer Solstice Event | The Franklin Institute Philadelphia
Event
TFI Block Party | Summer Solstice Event | The Franklin Institute Philadelphia
FREE

Sat, Jun 20 • 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Celebrate summer at The Franklin Institute's Block Party on June 20. Free with admission — live music, science shows, solar viewing & more in Philadelphia.

The Franklin InstituteCenter City
The Franklin Institute Block Party: A Summer Celebration
Event
The Franklin Institute Block Party: A Summer Celebration
FREE

Sat, Jun 20 • 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Philly knows how to throw a party, and this year, The Franklin Institute is taking the celebration outdoors to celebrate the start to summer. On Saturday, June 20, Philadelphia’s iconic science museum transforms into an afternoon of live music, and hands-on science. With programming for every age, the festivities will spread across the front steps, atrium, and museum grounds. Rain or shine, the fun goes on. Featured programming includes Science of Soccer, Weather Science Show, Stoop Dance Party, Solar Viewing, and Soap Bubble Monster.

The Franklin InstituteCenter City
Pollinator Week!
Event
Pollinator Week!
FREE

Sun, Jun 21 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM

Happy Pollinator Week! We love our pollinators here at Friends of the Rail Park, they are an integral part of our world! Every June, we get to spend a little extra time appreciating the plants and critters that keep our ecosystems healthy and help make our food! You might think of bees when you think of pollinators (and you wouldn’t be wrong) but, they’re also birds, butterflies, beetles, bats, and rats! Any insects, mammals, or birds that are attracted to flowers' bright colors or nectar are pollinators! They move from flower to flower feeding, and inadvertently fertilize them as they transfer pollen.

The Rail ParkCenter City
Seaport Summer Camp - Week 1 (Full STEAM Ahead!)
Event
Seaport Summer Camp - Week 1 (Full STEAM Ahead!)
FREE

Mon, Jun 22 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM

Come discover the history of the Philadelphia region through the lens of the Delaware River. Enjoy hands-on programming, to crafts, on-water activities, and so much more!

Seaport MuseumCenter City
Seaport Summer Camp
Event
Seaport Summer Camp
$23

Mon, Jun 22 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM

A summer camp experience at the seaport for kids.

Independence Seaport MuseumCenter City
Drop-in Science Workshops: Rainforest Rangers!
Experience
Drop-in Science Workshops: Rainforest Rangers!
FREE

Hours vary

What is so important about the rainforest? What plants and animals can you find there? Drop in to learn about the lungs of the planet and be amazed at how biodiversity plays a big part in this habitat. Explore real mammalogy and herpetology specimens and craft your own rainforest ranger button to take home. Learn more about Drop-In Science Workshops

Center City
Drop-in Science Workshops: Rainforest Rangers!
Experience
Drop-in Science Workshops: Rainforest Rangers!
FREE

Hours vary

What is so important about the rainforest? What plants and animals can you find there? Drop in to learn about the lungs of the planet and be amazed at how biodiversity plays a big part in this habitat. Explore real mammalogy and herpetology specimens and craft your own rainforest ranger button to take home. Learn more about Drop-In Science Workshops

Center City
Garden Bar
Experience
Garden Bar
FREE

Hours vary

Enjoy a change of scenery at the Rodin Garden Bar pop-up. Explore the Rodin Museum, enjoy refreshing summer cocktails and tasty small plates, listen to music, and take in the garden oasis.

Rodin GardenCenter City
Garden Bar
Experience
Garden Bar
FREE

Hours vary

Enjoy a change of scenery at the Rodin Garden Bar pop-up. Explore the Rodin Museum, enjoy refreshing summer cocktails and tasty small plates, listen to music, and take in the garden oasis.

Rodin MuseumCenter City

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About Activities in Center City

Center City Philadelphia is the cultural heart of the city, offering world-class museums, libraries, and family attractions all within walking distance. The Free Library's Central Branch hosts daily story times, while Rittenhouse Square and Sister Cities Park provide beautiful outdoor spaces for toddlers to explore. From the Please Touch Museum to family-friendly restaurants, Center City makes it easy to fill your day with enriching activities.

The neighborhood's walkability and public transportation access make it ideal for families without cars. Many venues offer free or low-cost programming specifically designed for babies and toddlers, including music classes at Settlement Music School, library programs, and seasonal festivals in the parks.

Popular Venues & Spaces

Free Library of Philadelphia - Central Branch
Rittenhouse Square
Sister Cities Park
Please Touch Museum