Nicole O'Donnell

Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.

Latest posts by Nicole

End of Summer Bucket List: 17 Things to Do in Philly Before School Starts

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 08/01/2025 - 7:22am

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia

It's time to take stock of all of those things you've been meaning to check out all summer but haven't quite gotten to yet. We've rounded up the top 20 must-do summer activities for Philly families before school's back in session. From outdoor movies, to free summer concerts, to festivals, keep scrolling for your end-of-summer bucket list.

You can also browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philadelphia Kids, filled with lists of the best day trips, swimming pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, and free activities to make the most of your summer homestretch.

Best of August 2025: Hot Wheels, Fairs, Cultural Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids in Philly

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 8:00am

Safari in Sand at Peddlers Village feature magnificent sand sculptures depicting scenes from the safari! Photo courtesy of Peddlers Village

Summer is not over yet! August in Philly is a great time to enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days.

We're over that midsummer hump, but Philly still brings the family fun in its summer homestretch. Festivals run the gamut this month, from fruit fests at Linvilla, and Shady Brook, to cultural celebrations like Festival of India, and Ukrainian Folk Festival. Some summer favorites are back by popular demand, including Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and the Kutztown Fair, so get that summer bucket list ready before school's back in session.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Best Free Online Summer Camps and Classes for Kids That Save Your Sanity (and Wallet)

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Tue, 07/22/2025 - 9:17am

Free online summer camps can help you fill your summer activity gaps! Photo by Maria Thalassinou/Unsplash

These free online summer camps for kids will keep them engaged and having fun, all while learning something— and without leaving home or breaking the bank.

Between gaps in scheduled camps, vacation downtime, and the high cost of everything, it's easy to hit mid-summer burnout. If you've already heard "I'm bored!" more than a few times, free online summer camps could be your secret weapon. (Another secret weapon? Our list of 100 Things To Do When Kids Say "I'm Bored.")

These virtual summer camps in 2025 go way beyond passive screen time. They're fun, flexible, and filled with educational activities your kids will look forward to. Whether you're working from home, traveling, or just need a sanity-saving routine, there’s something here for every family.

We've also created a whole guide with hundreds of boredom busters for kids of all ages, including indoor exercise games, science experiments, and recipes kids can make.

4th of July Weekend in Philly: Fireworks, Free Museum Days, Festivals, and More Family Fun

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 6:25am

Sesame Place will celebrate Independence Day this weekend with the park's annual Fourth of July Fireworks event. Photo courtesy Sesame Place

Celebrate America's freedom at the birthplace of our nation! Get ready for a weekend filled with patriotic festivities, fireworks, and free days at Philadelphia museums that your kids will love. Kids can experience exciting, hands-on activities like colonial crafts and games at the Constitution Center. Looking for some more relaxing weekend fun? Sit back and listen to awesome music, and watch fireworks during the family-friendly UnWined at Shady Brook Farms.

Looking for fireworks? Check out our guide on Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Philly. For more summer fun, don't miss our Summer Acitivity Guide.

Best Things to Do in Philly July 2025 with Kids: 4th of July, Festivals, Block Parties, and More

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 06/29/2025 - 7:45am

The can’t-miss illuminated fest in Philadelphia’s Historic District hosts dozens of massive, intricate, handcrafted lanterns such as dragons, tigers, rabbits, and more. Photo by C. Smyth/Visit Philly

Summer's in full swing! July in Philly means fireworks and festivals for the 4th, block parties, and blueberries all month long, and loads of outdoor family fun.

Get ready to celebrate America's birthday in a big way in Philly! From epic fireworks displays all over the Delaware Valley and down the shore, to free admission to top museums; our July calendar is packed with fun. On top of all that, it's time for blueberry picking, and the Chinese Lantern Festival is back at Franklin Square Park. Don't miss out on the excitement July has to offer!

Find more July joy on our lists of 40 Best Summer Festivals for Philly Kids and Free Summer Concerts. We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Philadelphia 2025

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 8:00am

Don't miss the Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular at Eakins Oval. Photo courtesy of the event

Get ready to light up your 4th of July with some red, white, and BOOM! We've compiled a list of the best fireworks displays near Philly that will leave your kids dazzled and awestruck. Prepare for a night of wonder and amazement with the city's Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular, or watch the magic unfold in a suburban show complete with parades and festivals. Don't forget to bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and bug spray, and get ready for a night you won't forget!

For more summertime fun, browse our Summer Activity Guide or check out our Top Festivals for Philly Kids to keep that party going all summer long.

Father's Day Weekend Things To Do in Philly: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 7:09am

Spend the day with dad at one of the many events happening in Philadelphia this Father's Day weekend. Photo by Elsa Simcik

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

It's Father's Day in Philly! Get ready to celebrate Dad's big weekend with a ton of exciting activities. Whether your dad loves music, food, or adventure, we've got you covered. Jam out to the Ambler Arts & Music Festival or reach new heights at the Chester County Balloon Festival. Gamer Dads will love Family Day at Barcade and with Father's Day coinciding with Juneteenth weekend again this year, there's even more to celebrate. Don't miss out on Philly's Juneteenth P arade and Festival or AAMP's Block Party. If you're looking to keep Father's Day chill with a bite and a brew, check out our roundup of Philadelphia Beer Gardens that are Family-Friendly!

Philly Summer Fun: 35 Amazing FREE Activities for Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 8:45am

Kids learn why water is an important resource and how to keep it clean with the Parkway Pals Program at Sister Cities Park. Photo by Beaumonde Orginals Photography via Center City District

Summer in Philly can get expensive. With vacations, summer camps, and pool memberships, you're going to need some free activities in your back pocket. We've rounded up 35 free things to do in Philly that will keep kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. When school's out and camp is only so many weeks, that leaves tons of time to kill and plenty of heat to beat. Armed with this list of free nature activities, arts and culture festivals, block parties, performances, movies in the park, and more, you'll never hear the dreaded "I'm bored" chorus this summer!

For other ways to spend the hazy, lazy days of summer, browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philly Kids. Read on to discover our favorite, free activities in Philly this summer—and be sure to check our events calendar as we're adding more free fun to it every day.

Nicole O'Donnell

Latest posts by Nicole

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