15 Free Things to Do in Philadelphia’s Historic District

Throughout the expansive, light-filled Liberty Bell Center, larger-than-life historic documents and images explore the facts and the myths surrounding our nation’s most famous bell. The 2,080-pound, mostly copper structure creates a dramatic photo opportunity, too, with Independence Hall in the background behind glass-windowed walls.

During the summer of 1776, 56 men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and defied the King of England. Eleven years later, representatives from 12 states gathered to shape the U.S. Constitution. True to its roots, Independence Hall — one of our country’s greatest symbols of democracy — remains free to the public, although tickets (with a small $1 administrative fee) are required during most times of the year. Read more about the ticketing process in our guide to visiting Independence Hall.

Elfreth’s Alley was home to 18th-century artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial Philadelphia. While a modern city has sprung up around it, the alley preserves three centuries of evolution through its old-fashioned flower boxes, shutters, Flemish bond brickwork and other architectural details. Most of the homes are still occupied by Philadelphia citizens, but two adjacent houses, built in 1755, are now a museum open to the public (for a small fee).

Facing the Delaware River, Spruce Street Harbor Park creates the ultimate hangout spot at absolutely no cost, where residents and visitors can lounge riverside on colorful hammocks and Adirondack chairs. For a few dollars, score a bite to eat from one of the food vendors set up on the boardwalk or sip on a refreshing draft from the park’s beer garden.

In Philadelphia’s Historic District, Once Upon A Nation storytelling benches feature free tales and secret stories told by professional storytellers. Learn fascinating details about some of our nation’s earliest “celebrity” citizens in the places where the history actually happened. For 2022, visitors can check out benches at Historic District spots like Franklin Square, the Betsy Ross House and the Independence Visitor Center.

At multiple locations in Philadelphia’s Historic District, guests can spend the afternoon as if they were in the 18th century. Popular free activities include raising the flag with Betsy Ross, learning about colonial Philadelphia with a history maker at the Free Quaker Meeting House and more.

There are countless reasons to love Philadelphia’s best square for kids. Hanging out in Franklin Square is free, and the attraction hosts a number of free events seasonally. Visitors can also see the Franklin Square Fountain Show — a choreographed fountain performance featuring water soaring in the air, colorful lights and music from a variety of artists — during select warm-weather months. Other fun activities — the carousel, mini-golf and SquareBurger burger-and-fries outpost — require a small fee.

Ever wonder what life was like in the home of the first U.S. Commander in Chief? The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation, a free open-air exhibit located next to the Liberty Bell Center, explores the paradox of slavery and freedom at the remains of the nation’s first executive mansion. The display focuses on where Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived as well as nine enslaved people who served the first president.

While the roller skating and ice skating at this waterfront hangout come with a small price tag, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest is an awesome spot to simply hang out, take a breather and soak up views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. A boathouse-style lodge, a play area for kids, food and drink options, and special events are all part of its charm.

Take a journey through 360 years of Jewish history in the U.S. at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, which is filled with more than 1,200 artifacts and documents, 2,500 images, 30 original films and 13 state-of-the-art interactive media displays — and is free to visit (with a suggested donation) beginning in May 2022. The experience delivers a rich tale that traces the path of the nation’s Jewish population from struggling immigrants to integral citizens. While you’re there: Snap a picture of the cheeky OY/YO installation, on display outside of the museum through May 2023.

This attraction — home to “one of the most extensive institutional collections of contemporary art in wood” — shines a light on bold works, with a permanent collection of more than 1,200 international objects, ranging from functional pieces to contemporary sculptures. Rotating special exhibitions encourage repeat visits — as does the spot’s on-site store.

The lobby of the Curtis Center across from Washington Square houses an unexpected treasure: the astounding Dream Garden, a mosaic of more than 100,000 pieces of favrile glass. Color and light, masterfully combined by the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany, bring to life the luminous vision of Philadelphia native Maxfield Parrish, who created the painting on which the mosaic was based.

A circa-1902 fire station-turned-museum offers lessons in the history of firefighting via old trucks, ladders, helmets, photographs and a tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001. Kids can try on firefighter coats and boots, play with puzzles and learn how to make emergency calls.

One of Philadelphia’s many amazing outdoor spaces, Race Street Pier is located in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Its upper terrace — dubbed the grand sky promenade — is connected to the lower terrace by a multi-tiered seating area that’s perfect for watching the tide roll in. The pier is picnic-friendly and dog-friendly, with a lawn and plantings galore.

The free museum at the Science History Institute invites visitors to journey through the weird and wonderful world of matter and materials that changed science. Its collections include rare books, fine art, artifacts and instruments related to science and technology.