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The Delaware River waterfront buzzes every year during the warm-weather months when Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest open for the season, attracting fun-seeking crowds every day of the week.
In addition to the epic views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge, Spruce Street Harbor Park offers hammocks for lounging, magical lights, bocce courts, floating gardens, food and drinks daily through Sunday, September 29, 2019.
A short five-minute walk from Spruce Street Harbor Park, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest brings an outdoor roller rink, boathouse-style lodge, boardwalk food and drink options and The Midway, a quasi-amusement park — complete with carnival rides and games — to the Delaware River waterfront through Sunday, September 1, 2019.
Both attractions are can’t-miss summer experiences in Philadelphia.
Read on to learn more about all of the awesome things to do at Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest this summer.
Cozy up in one of the more than 50 handmade, colorful hammocks that hang from the trees in Spruce Street Harbor Park. Come in the evening and lounge under the twinkling lights that change colors and illuminate the park.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Head toward the water to find the Oasis, featuring three landscaped barges with floating gardens and plenty of seating. Grab a drink and sit in the sun on the cantilevered net lounge, suspended four feet above the water.
There’s a ton of fun to be had at the Boardwalk! Challenge friends to a friendly game of bocce, ping pong or shuffleboard, or head to the southern end of the Boardwalk to play arcade games like skeeball, air hockey and more in converted shipping containers.
Spruce Street Harbor Park is basically one giant beer garden, with three different bars around the park serving over 15 local craft beers, draft cocktails, wine and frozen drinks like margaritas and strawberry daiquiris. Commandeer a picnic table and enjoy refreshing drinks with friends or wander the park with a drink in hand. Note: The bars keep different hours. Check the hours of operation before heading over.
Popular local restaurants like Chickie’s & Pete’s, HipCityVeg, Distrito and Franklin Fountain operate casual outposts on the Boardwalk at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Bring a healthy appetite and indulge in crab fries, crispy chick’n sandwiches, tacos, milkshakes and more. Note: The vendors keep different hours. Check the hours of operation before heading over.
Every Sunday during the season, Spruce Street Harbor Park offers free kid-friendly programming and themed activities with PopUp Play. Check the schedule for the theme of the day and bring the whole family out to build, paint and play by the riverside.
Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts a bunch of awesome free events throughout the season. Swing by on the right day and hear local musicians perform (WXPN Welcomes Waterfront Sessions), enjoy the smooth sounds of live jazz (Jazz in the Park) or participate in free salsa lessons (Salsa at Spruce). Refer to the events calendar for more details about specific events series and performers.
Stroll around the tree-lined Art Star Pop Up Market every Saturday and Sunday and shop for cool crafts and handmade items by more than 20 local vendors. Check out the rotating lineup of vendors before heading out to get an idea of what treasures are for sale.
Lace up a pair of skates and go for a spin around Philly’s only outdoor roller skating rink, just steps from the banks of the Delaware River, at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Skating admission is $4 per person and skate rentals are $10 per person. Independence Blue Cross cardholders and employees, military personnel, first responders and college students (with ID) can skate for free!
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Nothing beats the view from the top of The Midway’s 60-foot Ferris wheel! Climb aboard the ride and admire the city from a sky-high vantage point. A carousel and carnival-style games round out The Midway’s awesome offerings. Rides and games are pay as you go.
Fore! Play a few rounds of mini-golf at The Artful Golfer, a fun, nine-hole mini-golf course located next to the roller rink. One game is just $5 per person.
Enjoy pick-and-peel shrimp, crab legs, crab fries and more bites from both land and sea at Chickie’s & Pete’s Waterfront Crabshack, located in the air-conditioned lodge on the Summerfest grounds. A bar inside the lodge offers local beer and cocktails, too. Still hungry? Head to the Franklin Fountain Clubhouse Cabin for some chilly treats, or hit up Skelly’s Amusements for classic carnival fare like funnel cake, snow cones and fried Oreos. The Bar at the Waterfront Crabshack rounds up Summerfest’s offerings with local brews and cocktails.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest hosts a number of special events throughout the season. Learn to salsa and bachata like a pro (Latin Nights at the Lodge), catch live comedy shows starring comedians of color (Tokens R’ Us) or boogie down at a silent disco on skates (Silent Philadelphia) on select nights at the attraction.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
A guide to waterfront fun in Bucks, Philadelphia and Delaware counties...