M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
Looking for fun things to do in Philadelphia that won’t break your budget? We’ve rounded up some free things to do around the city.
¡Bailar en FDR! Salsa lessons and ballroom dancing
Do you love to dance salsa? Or have you always wanted to but never learned? Now is your chance, as Fairmount Park Conservancy and DJ Valentin Flores are hosting Bailar en FDR, an exciting and educational experience where you can learn the basics of salsa and bachata dancing from an experienced instructor. A one-hour dance class – available for all levels – begins at 7:30 p.m. and is followed by a ballroom dance from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The salsa class and ballroom dance “Bailar en FDR” will take place on August 13th and 23rd and you can register online for free tickets.
Boathouse at FDR Park, myphillypark.org
Barnes Foundation
On September 1, families are welcome at the Barnes Foundation for the free PECO First Sunday Family Day events. Free admission applies not only to the many galleries normally located at the Barnes, but also to a number of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, musical performances and interactive workshops.
The first Sunday in September marks the 90th birthday of famed poet and activist Sonia Sanchez. Sanchez was Philadelphia’s first female poet and a leading figure in the Black Arts Movement, writing over a dozen volumes of poetry, short stories, children’s books, and more.
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, barnesfoundation.org
Enjoy America’s most walkable city
Philadelphia was recently named America’s most walkable city for tourists by USA Today for the second year in a row. There’s so much to do and see in the City of Brotherly Love, including many notable places you can visit for free.
Earlier this summer, Metro Philadelphia released a walking guide to America’s most pedestrian-friendly city, listing several notable stops that pedestrians can use for free.
The iconic stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art offer some of the best views of the city. If you prefer a more level walk, Rittenhouse Square offers a scenic and tranquil experience. With a variety of beautiful sculptures and fountains, there is much to enjoy in this picturesque park, whether on foot or from a park bench.
And don’t forget Spruce Street Harbor Park, which makes a summer day even more beautiful with its hammocks, floating gardens and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a relaxing stroll up and down the Delaware River.
metrophiladelphia.com/philadelphia-walkable-city/
Fabric workshop
The Fabric Workshop and Museum is a contemporary non-profit arts organization with a free museum showcasing fabrics and other modern textile art. Currently on view: John Jarboes The Rose Gardenand her new exhibition “Risa Puno’s Group Hug” has plenty to see at the Fabric Workshop and Museum, along with numerous events throughout the week.
Admission to the museum and the events held there is free to the public, but registration for events is recommended.
Fireman’s Hall Museum
The Fireman’s Hall Museum is one of the most important fire museums in the United States. Its collection includes nearly 2,500 fire-related memorabilia and artifacts and documents Philadelphia’s significant fire history spanning three centuries.
Located in historic Old Philadelphia, in a renovated firehouse built in 1898, the museum tells the story of firefighting throughout the centuries while promoting fire safety.
With exhibits such as the opportunity to try on firefighter coats and boots, the opportunity to drive the fireboat, and even a computer quiz on the topic of “When do you call 911?”, there is no shortage of educational and exciting experiences in the Fire station museum.
147 N 2nd St., firemanshallmuseum.org
