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

Seaport Summer Camp - Week 6 (Seaing Green)
Mon, Aug 3 • 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!

Baby Toddler Storytime!
Mon, Aug 3 • 10:30 AM-10:30 AM
Join Miss Mary for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces! Stay for playtime immediately following storytime! Intended for our friends ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Cooler weather? We'll have storytime in the auditorium on the ground floor! Warmer weather? We'll be in Shakespeare Park, across the street from the library!

Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata
Fri, Aug 7 • 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
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. Free and open to the public. All ages and skill levels are welcome!

Wanamaker Lewis and his bandmates Rustic Music Service
Fri, Aug 7 • 6:00 PM-6:00 PM
Wanamaker Lewis and his bandmates Rustic Music Service will be returning to Fitler Square to play an exciting mix of blues, folk, folk rock, bluegrass, and jazz music. For nearly 40 years, Wanamaker Lewis has been playing banjo, acoustic and electric guitar in venues all around Philadelphia.

Summer Concert Series: Wanamaker Lewis
Fri, Aug 7 • 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Wanamaker Lewis and his bandmates Rustic Music Service will be returning to FitlerSquare to play an exciting mix of blues, folk, folk rock, bluegrass, and jazz music. For nearly 40 years, Wanamaker Lewis has been playing banjo, acoustic and electric guitar– in venues all around Philadelphia.

Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata
Fri, Aug 7 • 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
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. Free and open to the public. All ages and skill levels are welcome!

Bug Fest 2026
Sat, Aug 8 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Celebrate bugs at the Academy with Roach Races, Bug Walks, expert talks, rare specimens, family activities and a nature-inspired marketplace.

Seaport Summer Camp - Week 7 (To China and Back)
Mon, Aug 10 • 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!

Friday Night Jazz Series: SNACKTIME
Fri, Aug 14 • 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.

Don't Try This at Home Day
Sat, Aug 15 • 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Experience one of the most exciting family-friendly science events in Philadelphia - Don’t Try This at Home Day at The Franklin Institute. Enjoy high-energy, large-scale science demonstrations that push experiments to the limit, all conducted safely by expert performers and fearless partners.

Don't Try This at Home Day - August 15
Sat, Aug 15 • 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Experience a sizzling science spectacle packed with wild, over-the-top experiments you should absolutely not attempt in your kitchen. One day only where science gets dangerously fun.

Final Fridays Monthly Event Series
Thu, Aug 27 • 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
The Final Fridays event series will bring local artists and organizations together for evenings at the Rail Park, featuring live music, hands-on activities, movie screenings, and more! All events will be free, family-friendly, and open to the public.

Friday Night Jazz Series: The Michael Kaplan Superband
Fri, Aug 28 • 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.
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.