Free Attractions and Activites to do in Philadelphia​

Although we are in a deep winter freeze, warmer weather is on its way, and while I’m writing this wrapped up in blankets, a sweater, with my heat running on high, I’m already planning our spring and summer activities. It’s been a while since we visited Philadelphia, so I’ve been looking for affordable ways my family of six can visit and have a great time. If you have a big family like mines or you’re just looking to visit the city of brotherly love, check out these free attractions and activities to do in Philadelphia.

Historic Houses

If you like looking at old buildings, and admire their beauty, Philadelphia is a great place to visit. They have lots of historic houses travelers can visit when they are in the city. Some of these buildings are hundreds of years old. It’s perfect for taking a look back in history and seeing how people lived in the past. If you don’t plan to visit soon, check out listings of Philadelphia real estate, it’s a great way to see some of the beautiful homes without having to travel.

Rocky Steps

One of the most memorable movies filmed in Philly was Rocky. For years after the movie was released you would find tourist running up the stairs he ran in the film. You can run up and down the stairs as many times as you like when visiting the city. You can visit the museum once you reach the top of the stairs or opt to run them again.

Rocky Statue

Once you’ve ran up the steps, head over to the famous Rocky Statue and have your photo taken. You really can’t do one without the other. The statue was recently moved to its own location for visitors to enjoy.

United States Mint

You can take a free self-guided tour of the United States Mint. The facility produces close to one million coins every thirty minutes. On the tour, you’ll be able to stop at the coin operating factory and view the process through a glass window. Audio stations are set up throughout the tour. There are other displays in the mint, including the first coining press, a key to the first mint, and important coins.

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site

As a Baltimore resident, I had to add this to the list. It’s been a long rivalry between these cities about who gets to claim the famous poet. I’ve been to the Edgar Allen Poe grave and house in Baltimore, so this has been on my bucket list. This National Historical Site was once home to Poe, his wife and, for about a year, his mother-in-law, during which time he wrote “The Black Cat.” Located in Philly’s Northern Liberties neighborhood visitors can enjoy self-guided or ranger-led tours of the three-story, red brick home, as well as an eight-minute audio-visual presentation on Poe’s life, all for free.

Independence Hall

It’s probably one of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions, and it’s free. You need a timed ticket to visit from March through December, however, it’s open year round. Tours start in the East Wing and take visitors through the building pointing out everything important. It served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and the site where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776.

Elfreth’s Alley

Take a stroll down the oldest continuously inhabited street in the US. Located in Philadelphia’s Old City section, it was opened in 1702, however, the buildings lining the block were built between the 1720s and 1830s. The homes here are owned and occupied privately now, but the street still contains the look and feel of the Colonial period. Free cell phone tours guide you through this residential street.

Liberty Bell

Located on Market Street, the Liberty Bell Center is open year-round and offers visitors a chance to learn more about this iconic piece of history. It’s one of the most memorable and popular attractions in Philadelphia. A video presentation and various informative exhibits focus on the bell’s origins, how it cracked, it’s role throughout history and its significance today. The cherished and well perserved bell itself is displayed at the back of the center, and is the perfect place to grab a photo.

If you’re looking to visit some of the museums in the city, Mommy Poppins has an expansive list with all the details of when families can visit for free. That’s a great way to keep some of your money in your pockets.