35 free things to do and get in Philadelphia and around the Philadelphia area, including 24 attractions, 6 entertainment, 3 kids & family.
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Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm
United States Mint at Philadelphia
Watch coins being made on a free, self-guided tour of the Philadelphia Mint. No reservations needed. Weekdays 9am–4:30pm (last entry 4:15pm); closed federal holidays. Visitors go through a metal detector, and cameras, food and drink aren't allowed.
Verified Oct 27 · usmint.gov
No catch
Daily 9am–5pm
Liberty Bell CenterPhiladelphia
The Liberty Bell Center on Independence Mall is free with no tickets: entry is first come, first served. Everyone goes through airport-style security screening, so allow time and leave bags light. Open daily 9am–5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · home.nps.gov
No catch
Mon–Sat at 11am
Parkway Central Library, Rare Book DepartmentPhiladelphia
See treasures from the Free Library's Rare Book Department on a free daily tour, Monday–Saturday at 11am, on the third floor of Parkway Central Library.
Verified Oct 27 · libwww.freelibrary.org
No catch
Daily: open house 9–10:30am; tours every 20 minutes 10:40am–4:40pm
Congress Hall, Independence National Historical ParkPhiladelphia
Congress Hall, where the early U.S. Congress met, is part of Independence National Historical Park and open daily. Drop in for the morning open house (9–10:30am) or join a ranger tour that runs every 20 minutes from 10:40am to 4:40pm. It's inside the Independence Square security area: enter through the security screening on the south side of Independence Hall.
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Daily 9–10:30am
Independence HallPhiladelphia
Each morning from 9 to 10:30am, Independence Hall holds an open house that needs no ticket. The guided tours later in the day need a timed ticket with a $1 reservation fee, so the open house is the free way in. Arrive early and allow time for security screening.
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Tue–Fri 9:30am–4:30pm
Wagner Free Institute of SciencePhiladelphia
A Victorian natural history museum in North Philadelphia with original cases of fossils, minerals and specimens, free to visit year-round. Open Tuesday–Friday 9:30am–4:30pm, plus a free open house on the first Saturday of most months (noon–4pm). The museum asks visitors to register on Eventbrite.
Verified Oct 27 · wagnerfreeinstitute.org
Catch: Register your visit on Eventbrite (the museum's site links there)
Thu–Mon 12–5pm
Second Bank of the United StatesPhiladelphia
The Second Bank of the United States on Chestnut Street, part of Independence National Historical Park, holds the park's portrait gallery of early American leaders. Walk in Thursday through Monday, noon–5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun 10am–5pm; Fri 10am–8:45pm
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Children and teens 18 and under get in free every day the Philadelphia Museum of Art is open. Adults with them pay regular admission. The Main Building is open Monday and Thursday–Sunday (Fridays until 8:45pm) and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Verified Oct 27 · press.philamuseum.org
Catch: Only for: ages 18 and under (adults pay admission)
Sat, Oct 31, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Barnes FoundationPhiladelphia
A free art-making workshop at the Barnes for people living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners; no art experience needed. Saturday, October 31, 10am–noon, the last session of the fall series. Space is limited, so register ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · barnesfoundation.org
Catch: Only for: people living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners · Free registration required; space is limited
Sun, Nov 1, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Brandywine Museum of ArtPhiladelphia
The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford (home of the Wyeth collections) is free on Sunday, November 1, the last Free First Sunday of the season. Open 9:30am–4:30pm. Adults normally pay $20.
Verified Oct 27 · brandywine.org
No catch
Sun, Nov 1, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Barnes FoundationPhiladelphia
On PECO Free First Sunday the Barnes opens its collection and the Noguchi to Asawa exhibition for free, with hands-on art and a scavenger hunt for ages 2 and up (10am–4pm), storytime at 10:30 and 11:15am, and Cambodian classical and folk dance at 1 and 2:30pm. Space is limited, so register for a free spot when registration opens Thursday, October 29, at 10am.
Verified Oct 27 · barnesfoundation.org
Catch: Free registration required (opens Thu, Oct 29 at 10am); capacity is limited
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Brandywine River Museum of ArtPhiladelphia
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Brandywine River Museum of Art is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
James A. Michener Art MuseumPhiladelphia
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. James A. Michener Art Museum is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 · check hours
Delaware Art MuseumWilmington
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Delaware Art Museum is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Delaware Museum of Nature and ScienceWilmington
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Delaware Museum of Nature and Science is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. African American Museum in Philadelphia is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 · check hours
Barnes Foundation and Calder GardensPhiladelphia
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Barnes Foundation and Calder Gardens is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Museum of the American RevolutionPhiladelphia
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Museum of the American Revolution is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Philadelphia Museum of Art is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Wed, Nov 11, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Delaware Art MuseumWilmington
Veterans and active military get into the Delaware Art Museum free on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 (open 10am–4pm).
Verified Oct 27 · delart.org
Catch: Only for: veterans and active military
Wed, Nov 11, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Barnes FoundationPhiladelphia
A free guided visit to the Barnes for people living with dementia and their care partners, led with ARTZ Philadelphia. Wednesday, November 11, 1:30–2:30pm. Register ahead through ARTZ Philadelphia.
Verified Oct 27 · barnesfoundation.org
Catch: Only for: people living with dementia and their care partners · Free registration required (through ARTZ Philadelphia)
Wed, Nov 11, 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Barnes Foundation, Comcast NBCUniversal AuditoriumPhiladelphia
A free evening talk in the Barnes auditorium with Pew Fellows Rose Jarboe, José Ortiz-Pagán and George Rodriguez on how they experiment and make work, moderated by Zach Blackwood of the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Wednesday, November 11, 6–7:15pm.
Verified Oct 27 · barnesfoundation.org
Catch: Free registration required
Sat, Nov 21 – Sun, Dec 27
LOVE Park & City HallPhiladelphia
The German-style holiday market at LOVE Park and City Hall is free to walk through, with vendors, lights and holiday decorations. Open November 21 to December 27, 2026: noon–8pm Sunday–Thursday and noon–9pm Friday–Saturday, with Thanksgiving 9am–5pm and Christmas Eve noon–5pm. Closed November 23–25 and December 25.
Verified Oct 27 · philachristmas.com
No catch
Thu, Nov 26, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Benjamin Franklin ParkwayPhiladelphia
The 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, the country's longest-running, marks its 107th year on Thursday, November 26: a 30-minute pre-show at 8:30am, then floats, balloons, marching bands and performers, ending with Santa. The route starts at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard, goes east on JFK to 16th Street, north to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and west to the Art Museum steps. Metered street parking is free on Thanksgiving, but many streets along the route close.
Verified Oct 27 · visitphilly.com
No catch
Wed, Dec 2, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Barnes FoundationPhiladelphia
A free talk at the Barnes in which poet Brandon Shimoda and filmmaker Rea Tajiri discuss Japanese American incarceration, memory and creative practice. Wednesday, December 2, 6–7pm.
Verified Oct 27 · barnesfoundation.org
Catch: Free registration required
Sun, Dec 6, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Barnes FoundationPhiladelphia
On PECO Free First Sunday the Barnes opens its collection for free, with a Student Art Show (10am–1pm), hands-on art and a scavenger hunt for ages 2 and up (10am–4pm), storytime at 10:30 and 11:15am, and traditional Japanese string music by Masayo Ishigure at 1 and 2:30pm. Space is limited, so register for a free spot when registration opens Thursday, December 3, at 10am.
Verified Oct 27 · barnesfoundation.org
Catch: Free registration required (opens Thu, Dec 3 at 10am); capacity is limited
Thursdays 4–8pm, April–December
Delaware Art MuseumWilmington
General admission to the Delaware Art Museum is free Thursdays 4–8pm from April through December (adults normally $18). Parking behind the museum is free.
Verified Oct 27 · delart.org
No catch
Open year-round
Valley Forge National Historical ParkPhiladelphia
Walk or bike the grounds where Washington's army camped in 1777–78. There's no entrance fee or pass needed. Ranger programs run for families; trolley tours cost extra.
Verified Oct 27 · home.nps.gov
No catch
By appointment: request a mentor online
SCORE Greater Philadelphia
SCORE pairs small business owners and people starting a business with volunteer mentors, free for as many sessions as you need, in person through a local chapter or by video. SCORE Greater Philadelphia is SCORE's local chapter. Eligibility: Anyone starting or running a small business.
Verified Oct 27 · score.org
Catch: For small business owners and would-be owners · Mentoring is free; some SCORE workshops and courses charge a fee
