What are your absolute must-do summer activities in Philly?
I asked what’s on your summer bucket list, and you, my wonderful Hey Philly readers, didn’t disappoint! Here’s how some of you are hoping to spend the season, rounded out with a few suggestions from the City Cast Philly team. Thanks to everyone who participated!
🏊 Take a Dip
Taking a swim at local pools is at the top of Hey Philly reader Cat C.’s list. Find out here if your neighborhood’s public pool is open this season.
🎻 Listen to the Philadelphia Orchestra at Its Summer Home
Dave G. wants to make it to the Mann Center in Fairmount Park for an orchestral concert. This season, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform at the outdoor venue alongside Beck, the Marcus Roberts Trio, and a screening of Disney’s “Aladdin.”
🍻 Drink in the Park
Parks on Tap, Philly Parks & Rec’s traveling beer garden, is on Lauren C.’s local summer bucket list. Check the calendar to see when the pop-up is landing near your neighborhood.
🍸 Relax at a Rooftop Bar
Samantha E. is keen to hit up some of Philly’s rooftop bars for happy hour, particularly Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Stratus Lounge, and Attico. We’ve got even more suggestions for spots to hit up (plus some patio recs, too).
🌉 Enjoy Waterfront Views
Kayaking is a summer must-do for Hey Philly reader Emily L. If that also sounds fun to you, you can try it out for free at Bartram’s Garden or FDR Park, or buy tickets for a kayak tour on the Schuylkill.
That’s not the only way to enjoy the waterfront, though. Melissa B. wants to take a ride across the Delaware on the RiverLink Ferry, and Laurie M. loves to bike through Old City after seeing a show at FringeArts. “Being under the Ben Franklin Bridge at night is so beautiful,” Laurie wrote.
My summer tip: If you just want to get away from the noise of the city and stare out at the water, the Washington Avenue Pier on the Delaware in South Philly is a nice little oasis.
🍦 Get a Sweet Treat
Is this one too obvious? Philly’s just got so many frozen treats worth seeking out! City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri wants to head to Franklin Fountain at least once this summer — and don’t be surprised if you see me in line at John’s Water Ice multiple times per week.
👀 Feeling a Little Nosy?
Then you might want to adopt Hey Philly reader Elaine G.’s bucket list item: “People watching in Rittenhouse Square!”
⛲ Appreciate Philly’s Fountains
Isn’t it so refreshing to sit right by one? Hey Philly reader Joe L. loves to hang out near the Swann Memorial Fountain at the center of Logan Circle.
🎷 Ya Like Jazz?
The Jazz on the Parkway series is on Emily L.’s list. Catch a performance every Sunday this month from 4-6 p.m.
⚾ Cheer on the Fightins
A day at Citizens Bank Park also made Hey Philly reader Emily L.’s list. You don’t have to be a baseball expert to have fun at a Phillies game. TBH, I’d go for the food!
🚆 Take a Day Trip
It can be refreshing to travel more than a couple miles away from home, even if it’s just for a few hours. New York can satisfy your big-city fix, you can keep your wallet happy with some of Washington, DC’s free museums, or you can soak up the small-town charm in Doylestown. (Keep your eye on the Hey Philly newsletter for even more day trip guides in the coming weeks 😉)
🏛️ Chill at a Museum
Making it to one of the Magic Gardens’ “Twilight in the Gardens” events — a once-a-month, after-hours live music performance and guided art workshop — is a summertime aspiration for Helena G.
If the art museum atmosphere is generally a vibe for you, you can also check out the Rodin Museum’s pop-up garden bar every Friday evening until the end of August.
🌳 Take a Hike
There are so many options in and around Philly. Hey Philly reader R.N.’s summer bucket list includes spending some time on Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon.
