Things to Do in

Center City

When
This Week
Activities
15
Types
11 Events, 4 Experiences

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
Event
Pride on the Parkway with the Philadelphia Freedom Band
FREE

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.

Parkway Central LibraryCenter City
Neptune’s Bar- Olympia After Hours
Event
Neptune’s Bar- Olympia After Hours
$23

Fri, Jun 12 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM

Enjoy an evening at Neptune’s Bar aboard the Olympia.

Independence Seaport MuseumCenter City
Member Orientation
Event
Member Orientation
$30

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.

Barnes FoundationCenter City
Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Event
Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata at Spruce Street Harbor Park
FREE

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.

Spruce Street Harbor ParkCenter City
Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata
Event
Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata
FREE

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.

Spruce Street Harbor ParkCenter City
Sensory Friendly Day
Event
Sensory Friendly Day
$23

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.

Seaport MuseumCenter City
TFI Members Only Live Science Show
Event
TFI Members Only Live Science Show
FREE

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.

The Franklin InstituteCenter City
June Members Only Live Science Show
Event
June Members Only Live Science Show
FREE

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.

The Franklin InstituteCenter City
Barnes Cinema: Arthur Jafa Retrospective
Event
Barnes Cinema: Arthur Jafa Retrospective
$30

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.

Barnes FoundationCenter City
Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Event
Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay at Spruce Street Harbor Park
FREE

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.

Spruce Street Harbor ParkCenter City
June Members Only Live Science Show
Event
June Members Only Live Science Show
FREE

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.

The Franklin InstituteCenter 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

Looking for More?

Browse all activities across Philadelphia or get the best picks delivered to your inbox every Thursday

Check Other Time Periods

Looking for activities at a different time?

Explore Other Neighborhoods

Discover activities in nearby areas

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