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

Pride on the Parkway with the Philadelphia Freedom Band
Thu, Jun 11 • 6:00 PM-6:00 PM
Celebrate Pride with an evening of music and joy! Enjoy lively performances of pop favorites by artists like Elton John, P!nk, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Boyz II Men, and more. Bring your friends, show your Pride, and get ready to dance! While you're here, stop into the library and discover your next great read. All are welcome. Free and open to the public. In case of rain, this event will be moved to Montgomery Auditorium inside Parkway Central Library.

Neptune’s Bar- Olympia After Hours
Fri, Jun 12 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Enjoy an evening at Neptune’s Bar aboard the Olympia.

Member Orientation
Fri, Jun 12 • 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
New members are invited to join us to learn more about the perks of membership at the Barnes.

Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Fri, Jun 12 • 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
We’re bringing the rhythm of summer to the Waterfront with Salsa & Bachata Night at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Free and open to the public. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Join a pro instructor at 6 pm for a high-energy salsa lesson. Then keep the vibes going with a live DJ set from DJ Valentin of Dance Philly, spinning bachata, salsa, and more Latin hits until 10 pm. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or want to try something new, this night is all about movement, music, and fun. Sip cold drinks, grab tasty bites from our food vendors, and dance the night away with your friends or sweetheart.

Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata
Fri, Jun 12 • 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
We’re bringing the rhythm of summer to the Waterfront with Salsa & Bachata Night at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Free and open to the public. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Join a pro instructor at 6 pm for a high-energy salsa lesson. Then keep the vibes going with a live DJ set from DJ Valentin of Dance Philly, spinning bachata, salsa, and more Latin hits until 10 pm. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or want to try something new, this night is all about movement, music, and fun. Sip cold drinks, grab tasty bites from our food vendors, and dance the night away with your friends or sweetheart.

Sensory Friendly Day
Sat, Jun 13 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Join us at the museum on Saturday, June 13, for a calm and enjoyable sensory-friendly day! From 10 AM - 2 PM, you can pick up one of ISM’s Sensory Friendly Kits, learn about our accessibility efforts, and enjoy a relaxed visit with reduced noise.

TFI Members Only Live Science Show
Sat, Jun 13 • 12:45 PM-1:30 PM
Join us for an exclusive, members-only live science show where curiosity takes center stage. Experience real-time experiments, engaging demonstrations, and insights from expert hosts.

June Members Only Live Science Show
Sat, Jun 13 • 12:45 PM-1:30 PM
Join us for an exclusive, members-only live science show where curiosity takes center stage. Experience real-time experiments, engaging demonstrations, and insights from expert hosts.

Barnes Cinema: Arthur Jafa Retrospective
Sat, Jun 13 • 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Our Freedom Dreams film series continues with a selection of works by artist Arthur Jafa, including short film, documentary, and music video.

Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Sat, Jun 13 • 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Join us for Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay, each Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last. PopUpPlay brings hands-on family fun to the Waterfront with creative crafting and beginner-friendly STEM activities from 1–4 pm. Designed for kids and grown-ups alike, these interactive sessions encourage families to build, experiment, and create together using art, engineering, and imagination. From colorful crafts to playful building challenges, every event offers a fun way to learn, collaborate, and make memories as a family.

June Members Only Live Science Show
Sat, Jun 13 • 4:45 PM-5:30 PM
Join us for an exclusive, members-only live science show where curiosity takes center stage. Experience real-time experiments, engaging demonstrations, and insights from expert hosts.

Member Happy Hour and Tour: Olympia
Thu, Jun 18 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Exclusive happy hour and tour for museum members.

Member Happy Hour and Tour: Olympia
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.

Friday Night Jazz Series: Mervin Toussaint
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.

TFI Block Party | Summer Solstice Event | The Franklin Institute Philadelphia
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 Institute Block Party: A Summer Celebration
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.

Pollinator Week!
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.

Seaport Summer Camp - Week 1 (Full STEAM Ahead!)
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 Summer Camp
Mon, Jun 22 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
A summer camp experience at the seaport for kids.

Seaport Day of Giving
Tue, Jun 23 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Every year, our community of supporters comes together in June for the Seaport Day of Giving, a call to donate to ISM as we mark the end of our fiscal year. Your support on Seaport Day of Giving helps fund our important work to preserve our two historic ships, grow our collection, provide education programs for all ages, and more. Join in on our biggest donation day of the year!

School Field Trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences
Wed, Jun 24 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Join us for an educational and entertaining field trip at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Experience engaging exhibits, live science shows, and interactive programs designed for students of all ages. Enjoy reduced admission fees and explore our self-guided exhibits. Adults (age 13 and above): $22.00 ($20.00 online). Children (ages 2–12): $18.00 ($16.00 online). Children (under age 2): free. Members: Free. Seniors (age 65+): $19.00 ($17.00 online). Military and Students (with ID): $19.00 ($17.00 online). Drexel DragonCard Holders: free.

Just Us
Fri, Jun 26 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Original works by artists at SCI Phoenix and justice-impacted artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew.

PrismaPhonik: A Magical Stroll Through Music and Light at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Fri, Jun 26 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
An immersive experience combining music and light.

Slice of History: Kayak & Pizza Night
Sat, Jun 27 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Join us for a fun evening of kayaking followed by pizza!

Pride at ISM!
Sat, Jun 27 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Celebrate Pride at the Independence Seaport Museum.

Pride at ISM!
Sat, Jun 27 • 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Members of the LGBTQ+ communities, now and in the past, have always been present in maritime history. Spend an afternoon at the Independence Seaport Museum for family-friendly, community fun, and connection to celebrate pride. From our historic ships to our museum collections, we will highlight some of the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ people from our archives and resources from partnering organizations.

Slice of History: Pizza and Kayak Night
Sat, Jun 27 • 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
ISM is hosting a Slice of History as part of Made by Us’ Civic Season! This is a meet-up for young adults ages 18-30. We'll have pizza, drinks, and kayaking, as well as an environmental science fair. Organizations throughout Philadelphia who work on environmental justice initiatives will join us to share their work. Once you have had a chance to chat with a few organizations, sign up for one of our four kayaking slots or grab a slice of pizza and a beer! We will also have a station where you can learn about the history of environmental justice in Philadelphia and how you can get involved.
Drop-in Science Workshops: Rainforest Rangers!
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
Drop-in Science Workshops: Rainforest Rangers!
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

Garden Bar
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.

Garden Bar
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.
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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.