Ah, summer... The sun is out, the fountains are on, school is out, energy is high, and let's face it—for parents, this can be a challenging time. Here’s a list of things that are great to do with little kids, and for parents with multiple kids (some not so little). We hope this list helps you turn summer’s challenges into opportunities to bond with your children, for them to keep learning, and for everyone to have some FUN!

Visit your favorite Free Library of Philadelphia location – attend free programs, and sign up for our Summer of Wonder! Yes, babies, toddlers and preschoolers can sign up, as well as older kids, teens, and adults. Win prizes, get librarian-approved suggestions to keep learning over the summer, and participate in cool programs. And the Summer of Wonder doesn't have to just happen in the library—you can also participate online!. Complete activities at home, in the park, or on the go—the more you do, the more prizes you can earn!


For babies and toddlers in particular, be sure to come to one of our Read, Baby, Read programs, specially designed for our youngest children and made possible by a generous grant from the William Penn Foundation. Check out these Baby and Toddler Storytimes and Play Groups every Saturday at Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, and our Little Movers Dance Party at the Richmond Library.

Find a splash pad or sprinkler near you! Get on your suits, and let your little ones cool off in the water. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

  Visit your local park, or attend a parks program. Here are the 5 Best Parks for Kids in Philly, according to Mommy Nearest. Did you know that Philadelphia is also the home of a playground the size of SIX football fields? Pack a picnic and spend the day at Smith Memorial Playground!

  Visit a museum! Here is a list of great museums in Philadelphia for kids. And be sure to stop in a Free Library location to get a pass for the Philadelphia Art Museum's ArtSplash program when you sign up for the Summer of Wonder.

Happy Summer!