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Summer Fun in the Philly Area
Summer is in full swing in our area: school’s out, the weather is warm, and the sun is shining. Maybe you’re headed “down the shore” or to the Poconos for vacation, planning a trip to a local amusement park, or checking out an air-conditioned museum on a hot day. Whatever “floats your boat”, the greater Philadelphia area has something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
As a community-chartered credit union, Citadel invests heavily into the region we serve, and we proudly support local events and charities throughout the entire year. If you’re looking for some fun, low cost (or free) things to do this summer, we’ve got some ideas for you!
Tip: If you are headed out to one of our many area amusement parks, be sure to check with your local Parks Department for discounted tickets, such as Thornbury Township in Delaware County or the Township of Abington in Montgomery County. For more locations, check out Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society.
Summer Fun in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is the largest city in Pennsylvania, and there are countless free and fun things to do here.
As the birthplace of our nation’s democracy, Philadelphia is home to a multitude of historic sites including Independence National Park, the Liberty Bell, Carpenter’s Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and that’s just the start. History comes alive through storytelling, walking tours, and interactions with History Makers, costumed interpreters from Philadelphia’s past.
If natural history is your passion, visit the Wagner Free Institute of Science, a natural history museum and educational institution dedicated to free education in science.
Enjoy a free concert twice a day at the Wanamaker Organ. Or shop the lively Italian Market, a one-of-a-kind Philly experience. Don’t skip out on Penn’s Landing, a vibrant stretch of parks and multicultural eateries along the Delaware River.
Keep your cash in your wallet when you visit the United States Mint for a free, self-guided tour featuring a view of coining operations 40 feet above the factory floor. Or see Money in Motion at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Philly has room to roam the outdoors in a number of wide-open parks. Explore the serene wilderness of Wissahickon Valley Park. Snag a hammock and relax at Spruce Street Harbor Park. From Japanese gardens to children’s playgrounds to America’s oldest zoo, Fairmount Park provides hours of entertainment, learning, and relaxation, all within city limits. Visit Boathouse Row (and take in the newly re-lit structures when night falls!) and the Light on Turtle Rock, the only lighthouse in Philadelphia.
Summer Fun in Bucks County
From hiking, fishing, and swimming to playhouses and art galleries, Bucks County offers something for everyone. There are 16 county and state parks, encompassing over 7,500 acres and featuring 475 miles of trails. You can visit historic sites like Washington Crossing Historic Park or the Delaware Canal.
Bucks County is also home to 12 covered bridges, many located on the beautiful country back roads. Use these turn-by-turn driving directions to take a self-lead tour!
If you prefer something a little more lively, check out the charming shops and galleries in the town of New Hope, PA or Peddler’s Village in Lahaska. Window shopping and people watching are free, but you can also get a head start on your holiday gift list by picking up unique gifts during summer sales.
For a more unusual activity, visit Ringing Rocks County Park, and the Bridgton Boulder Field. While it may look like nothing more than a field filled with rocks, tapping on these rocks produces a ringing, bell-like sound. No one knows exactly why many of the rocks “ring”, but it’s believed it has something to do with how the rocks were formed and the weathering process.
For more ideas, check out 25 Free Things to Do in Bucks County.
Summer Fun in Chester County
Whether you’re looking for wide open rural spaces or bustling urban areas loaded with small town appeal, Chester County is the place to be. From Oxford to Pottstown, Honey Brook to Devon, and everywhere in between, there are hundreds of opportunities to get out and explore this part of the state.
Of course, we have a special place in our heart for the Eagleview Town Center in Exton, home of our corporate headquarters. From farmers’ markets to family friendly movie nights, there’s always something going on in Eagleview.
For kids especially, Chester County is a magical place! Macaroni Kid has put together this amazing list of family-friendly activities in Chester County that includes fireworks, a playground guide, and discounts and deals on summer activities.
Well known for their university, West Chester is home to dozens of shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Visit the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center for $5 Movie Mondays or find a free open-air concert in the park.
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Marsh Creek State Park features a pool and sprayground, as well as a 535-acre lake for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Explore French Creek State Park, a former industrial site where the forests and wildlife habitats have grown back over time. There’s so much to do in the beautiful Brandywine Valley!
Summer Fun in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, also known as "Delco", is known for its many historic sites, gardens, wine trails, and dining. It's also home to 11 colleges and universities, including Villanova University, Haverford College, and Penn State Brandywine Campus. Delco boasts over 2,600 captivating acres of picturesque trails, stunning gardens, and calming waterfront just waiting to be discovered.
Miles of trails crisscross the county, with routes for all ages and abilities. And if you’re a dog owner, check out Delco’s Trails & Tails free mobile pass for a list of dog-friendly parks and trails.
You can explore on your own or take part in the many events at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Refuge hosts free guided nature walks, fishing nights (no license needed!), archery lessons, craft activities and more.
Paddle down the Darby Creek in a kayak or canoe or spend a few hours visiting Ridley Creek State Park and the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation.
Enjoy an outdoor concert during the Rose Tree Summer Festival. And be sure to check out the ADA-inclusive playground at the park. Find even more arts and entertainment events on the Delaware County Arts Consortium (DCAC) website.
Military history buffs will enjoy the free Pennsylvania Veterans Museum located in the Media Armory, 12 East State Street, Media, right underneath Trader Joe’s. The museum is open 12-5 pm Thursday through Sunday, and private and group tours are available.
Need some snacks and drinks to fuel your adventures? Check out the Booths Corner Farmers Market for great deals on produce, baked goods, deli items and more!
Summer Fun in Lancaster County
Lancaster County has it all, from Amish farms and shops to live music and craft breweries. It’s so easy to find fun, family friendly entertainment and events in Lancaster, PA.
Fairs and festivals are the perfect place to experience a wide variety of games, food, and activities. Check out the Elizabethtown Fair in August, one of 109 Pennsylvania State Fairs, or the Oregon Dairy Sunflower Fest!
Looking for live music? Citadel is a proud sponsor of the Summer Music Series in Long’s Park, offering free live music on Sundays from a variety of performers.
Lancaster County is home to several food companies like Herr’s. Famous for their chips and other snacks, Herr’s offers factory tours, showcasing how they make and package their products. Or stop by Wilbur Chocolate and watch their candy makers craft their delicious fudge.
Tour the original Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery where you can get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting and watch bakers twisting old-fashioned soft pretzels by hand. Or observe the bakers at Hammond’s Pretzels and purchase a warm pretzel right out of the oven, along with other snacks and goodies in the store. You can find this and more as part of the Lancaster County Pretzel Tours!
Need a little exercise after all those tasty treats? Stretch your legs, burn calories, and enjoy some beautiful views. Lancaster County's seemingly endless rolling Amish countryside back roads and scenic trails provide a backdrop for breathtaking touring. Or get started at the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, part of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Find your favorite trail!
Challenge your family or friends to a friendly game of disc golf, pickleball, or volleyball at D.F. Buchmiller County Park. Or park for free at the Green Dragon Farmer’s Market (Fridays only) and wander through the seven buildings featuring over one hundred local vendors.
If history is your thing, you can visit Wheatland, the home James Buchanan, of one of only two Pennsylvania born presidents. Or explore historic downtown Lancaster: The Small City That Changed America.
For more fun, free things to do, visit DiscoverLancaster.com.
Summer Fun in Montgomery County
In addition to being home to 7 Citadel branches (voted Best Credit Union in the county!), Montgomery County offers up some of the best historical sites, outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and activities you’ll find anywhere.
Retrace the steps of the nation’s first president, George Washington, and the Continental Army at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The year-round historical attraction caters to visitors of all ages, offering seasonal tours and recreational activities, as well as fun annual events.
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park is a hidden gem located in Royersford, PA. Enjoy picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and more, as well as an educational center featuring wild animals and raptors indigenous to Pennsylvania. The park also hosts a seasonal butterfly display.
Green Lane Park in northwestern Montgomery County offers a variety of year-round, outdoor activities and programs. Park visitors can enjoy fishing, boating (including boat rentals), camping, picnicking, 25 miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking, as well as two children's playgrounds.
Visit the Children’s Forest, walk the trails, and engage in a game of giant checkers at Althouse Arboretum. Tour Pottsgrove Manor, the home of John Potts, ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, and check out other events in the area on the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee website.
Take advantage of all the arts and culture Montco has to offer. The free, mobile-friendly Arts Montco Pass will take you on a self-guided journey to more than 30 locations throughout the county, including galleries and museums, music and theater venues, artist workshops, and more!
Want even more? Check out these top free finds for adventures in Montgomery County, and follow Citadel on Instagram for more money-saving tips and local ideas.
