Swim & Slide — Best Water Parks near Philly

Pack your swimsuits and head to one of these awesome nearby outdoor water parks, or try an indoor water park to really escape that sun. Here are a couple of our picks.

Get your thrills on the rides and at Wildwater Kingdom at Dorney Park. Photo courtesy of the park

1. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom — Allentown

Why it's great: Explore two parks for one admission price.

Tip: Get some thrills on the traditional rides and then cool down in Wildwater Kingdom.

2. Hersheypark — Hershey

Why it's great: Big kids can enjoy water rides and slides, while smaller kids can splash for hours in Sandcastle Cove.

Tip: Use the rentable lockers in the water park to store dry items while you swim and wet items later as you explore the rest of the park. 

Splash & Play — Best Splash Pads in Philadelphia

Get soaked at a local splash park or spray ground, most of which are free! The best part is that many of them are near other fun locations. Here are a couple of must-visit splash pads.

3. Dilworth Plaza — Philadelphia

Why it's great: In addition to a huge interactive fountain, there's a cafe for parents!

Tip: City Hall is surrounded by 13 sculptures that can make for a fun walking tour.

4. Everybody's Playground — Horsham

Why it's great: Located in Luken Park, Everybody's Playground is an all-abilities playground.

Tip: Be prepared for the sun, since there's little shade.

Sun & Swim — Best Places to Swim in Philadelphia

Jump into one of Philly's many public pools, visit a nearby lake, or use the heat wave as an excuse to enroll the kiddos in swim lessons. Here are a couple of our favorite swimming locations in the Philadelphia area.

5. Kelly Pool — West Fairmount Park

Why it's great: Kelly's Olympic-sized pool is filled with 800,000 gallons of water and surrounded by refreshing green space.

Tip: It's an ideal pool for dedicated swimmers, with 3 designated lap lanes.

6. Blue Marsh Lake — Leesport

Why it's great: This beautiful location has plenty of fresh water, picnic tables, concessions and restrooms, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Tip: Castle builders should be prepared to share the small amount of sand.

Chill Eats — Kid-Friendly Places with Cool Treats

Snack on some cool treats from the the best ice cream shops around Philadelphia. Or stick with "wooder ice." Team Rita's or John's? Which local water ice makes your heart melt? Here are a couple of our favorites.

7. Bassetts Ice Cream — Philadelphia

Why it's great: America's oldest ice cream company, Bassetts offers oodles of flavors.

Tip: Plan a foodie outing and sample items from other vendors in Reading Terminal Market.

8. Yardley Ice House — Yardley

Why it's great: Over 30 flavors include orange creamsicle, cappuccino, peanut butter cup, Mounds Bar, lemon meringue, and peach cobbler.

Tip: Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.

Cool Adventures — Best Outdoor Places Near Philadelphia

Consider exploring a cool local cave or cavern, where it's always cooler than the heat outside. Take the family canoeing or kayaking for a lazy cruise. If you really need to cool off, take a trip to the Jersey shore. Nothing beats the ocean spray and beach breeze. Or check out area parks and playgrounds, many of which have water features. Here are some favorites.

9. Indian Echo Caverns — Hummelstown

Why it's great: Besides the cave, there's also a playground, petting zoo, and picnic areas. Plus, it's on the way to Hersheypark!

Tip: Bring a sweatshirt or jacket, because the temperature is always a brisk 52 degrees F.

10. French Creek Boat Rental  — Elverson

Why it's great: There's a wide selection of types of boats for all family sizes and experience levels. Plus, the French Creek Swimming Pool is nearby.

Tip: Expect to leave a car key or driver's license for collateral during rentals.

11. Wildwoods 

Why it's great: Affordable, family-friendly, plenty of entertainment and free beaches make this a popular location.

Tip: Bring a cart or a wagon to bring items from the car to the beach, because it's a long walk from the car to the sand.

12. Spruce Street Harbor Park — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Swing in hammocks in the shade while enjoying a frozen treat. 

Tip: Expect to pay for parking at one of the nearby lots.

Cool off in the Color Room at Philly's Museum of Illusion in Old City. Photo by Jody Mercier

Dinos & Dolphins — Indoor Science Activities in Philadelphia

Learn something new while cooling off in air-conditioned comfort in the best Philly science museums. 

13. Academy of Natural Sciences — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Giant dinosaur skeletons, the chance to dig for dinosaurs, and other hands-on experiences.

Tip: Consider going on a Thursday for discounted admission.

14. Franklin Institute — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Hike through a heart, show off in the sports zone, spark curiosity about electricity or pop into the planetarium.

Tip: If you want to visit the planetarium, or other presentations, plan your visit around the show times. 

15. Museum of Illusions — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Interactive rooms with the opportunity for eye-popping family photos.

Tip: Be prepared to spend extra time in the Smart Playroom with puzzles, games, and brain teasers.

16. Adventure Aquarium — Camden, N.J.

Why it's great: Find your favorite sea creatures and see sharks up close.

Tip: Strollers aren't allowed in certain areas, so be prepared to carry little ones when needed.

Stay cool in the Please Touch Museum. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia

Learn & Play — Coolest Kid-Friendly Museums in the Philly Area

The best museums for kids in the Philadelphia area provide hands-on fun. From browsing galleries to pretending to be an astronaut, there's plenty of fun to be had by creative and curious kids. Try out some of our favorites. 

17. Please Touch Museum — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Kids from age 6 months to age 8 can play in the mini market, explore space, pretend to drive a truck, and more.

Tip: Pack snacks and water to avoid meltdowns and eat in the designated areas for outside food.

18. Philadelphia Museum of Art — Philadelphia

Why it's great: In addition to the fantastic collection, the Art Kids programs let kids get artsy.

Tip: Check the website first to figure out which exhibits you'd like to see first, since the museum is so big.

19. Barnes Foundation — Philadelphia

Why it's great: The collection is arranged visually, allowing visitors to appreciate the relationships, with fewer signs to read.

Tip: Leave large bags at home; all bags will be inspected.

20. Independence Seaport Museum — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Discover Philly's river history, pretend to be a pirate, or tour historic ships.

Tip: Skip the ship on especially hot days.

21. Museum of the American Revolution — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Step back in time with immersive exhibits about the founding of the United States and the role of Philadelphia in that story.

Tip: Watch for the docents, who roam and tell stories throughout the galleries.

Jump & Sweat — Best Active Indoor Places in Philadelphia

Even in the heat, kids needs to let off steam. Check out a local play space where young kids can play indoors, head to one of the many trampoline parks in the region, try these bowling spots, or try an indoor sporting activity, such as indoor batting cages, roller skating rinks, or indoor climbing gyms. Here are some of our favorite active indoor places.

22. Urban Air — Various Locations

Why it's great: With a toddler area for the youngest kids and a ninja course for older ones, there's fun for everyone.

Tip: Waivers can be signed ahead of time online.

23. MacDade Bowl — Holmes

Why it's great: A family-friendly place with plenty of lanes, it offers Glow Bowling on Saturday nights for teens.

Tip: Family passes are available in the summer for a better price.

24. Grand Slam — Malvern

Why it's great: Enjoy the fun of baseball without sweltering at the ballpark at these five indoor cages.

Tip: Baseball training classes are also available.

25. Giggleberry Fair — Lahaska

Why it's great: Located in quaint Peddler's Village, Giggleberry Fair boasts the area's largest indoor obstacle course.

Tip: Have the kids wear socks with their shoes so they can wear them in the course.

26. Marple Sports Arena — Broomall

Why it's great: In addition to skating, there's a moon bounce, arcade, indoor play area, and snack bar. 

Tip: Public skating hours vary, so check the schedule before heading out.

27. Bury the Hatchet — Various Locations

Why it's great: Big kids ages 10 and up can try their hands at axe throwing.

Tip: No kids under 10 are allowed in the venue.

28. Philadelphia Rock Gyms — Various Locations

Why it's great: Introduce kids to rock climbing as young as age 4-5.

Tip: Parents should be prepared to stay on-site for the youngest classes.

29. Craft Hall — Philadelphia

Why it's great: A brewery and restaurant with a pirate ship playground and an arcade inside - need we say more? 

Tip: Bring a furry friend to enjoy the connected dog park.

30. Smith Memorial Playground — Philadelphia

Why it's great: The 16,000 square foot playhouse is free and one of Philly's most beloved play spaces.

Tip: The century-old wooden slide is a must, even on hot days.

How It's Made — Best Places to Explore Creation in Philly

For curious minds, answer the endless questions with some in-person fun. From chocolate, to chips, to crayons, get the lowdown on how things are made on a factory tour. Or check out some of our favorite places to build and create.

31. Herrs Snack Factory Tour — Nottingham

Why it's great: Fun-filled demonstrations along with sampling chips straight out of the oven make this a worthwhile trip.

Tip: Dress appropriately for the weather, as visitors will go outside to visit different buildings.

32. Create Me Pottery — Huntingdon Valley

Why it's great: Unleash the inner artist with more than 600 pieces and 65 colors to choose from for pottery painting.

Tip: Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

33. Legoland Discovery Center — Plymouth Meeting

Why it's great: An interactive LEGO brick world, plus an indoor playground and even a theme park ride make Legoland every kid's play paradise.

Tip: Outside food is not allowed, but the cafe sells fresh food and snacks.

34. Crayola Experience — Easton

Why it's great: More than 20 attractions encourage kids to explore and use their imagination. They can even create their own crayon colors.

Tip: Since there's so much to do, plan to spend 3 to 4 hours.

Cool off in the Color Room at Philly's Museum of Illusion in Old City. Photo by Jody Mercier

Family Night Out — Best Places to Have Fun as a Family in Philly

Start out with one of these kid-friendly restaurants. From live entertainment to drive-in movie spots, to arcades and indoor family fun centers, to family-friendly escape rooms, make lasting memories with some of our favorite spots.

35. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center — Upper Darby

Why it's great: Check out a live kid-friendly performance with a new slate of shows every summer.

Tip: The center is a sensory-friendly place. Check the website for more on accessibility options.

36. Queen and Rook — Philadelphia

Why it's great: Choose from 1,200 board games to play while enjoying a meal.

Tip: Expert gamekeepers are on hand if you need help with playing a game.

37. Becky's Drive-In — Walnutport

Why it's great: Enjoy a movie on one of two screens with a wide variety of films.

Tip: Movies start at dusk, so be prepared for a late bedtime.

38. King of Prussia Mall — King of Prussia

Why it's great: The children's play area makes for a great break from shopping.

Tip: The mall is big, so plan out your visit ahead of time.

39. Round1 — Multiple Locations

Why it's great: With karaoke, videogames, bowling, trampolines, and more under one roof, it's a one-stop place for family night.

Tip: Wear socks and closed-toe shoes if you plan to bowl.

40. Escape the Room Philly — Philadelphia

Why it's great: All the games are kid-friendly, and the two locations have different themes.

Tip: Kids age 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Wandering Feet — Cool Day Trips Near Philadelphia

Hop in the car, crank up the air-conditioning, and try something new on one of the best summer day trips from Philly. Here are some places we like best.

41. Wilmington, Delaware

Why it's great: Lots of fun museums and other indoor activities to explore, just a short drive from Philadelphia.

Tip: Make a day of it with dinner at a local restaurant before heading home.

42. Poconos

Why it's great: There's lots to see and do in the Pocono region, from indoor resorts to hiking, biking and more.

Tip: Book a campsite to prolong the fun.

43. Colebrookdale Railroad — Boyertown

Why it's great: A popular steam engine railroad, Colebrookdale Railroad excursions often revolve around themes.

Tip: Only first-class cars have A/C, but you can roll down the windows in coach and enjoy the breeze.

Expanding the Mind While Getting Cool

Learning is, of course, one of the coolest ways to beat the heat. Visit a library or enroll in local music schools and classes. Here are a couple ideas we love.

44. Free Library of Philadelphia — Various Locations

Why it's great: Browse the shelves or enjoy programs, activities, and story times.

Tip: If it's too hot to leave the house, browse the digital collections online.

45. School of Rock — Various Locations

Why it's great: All ages and all skill levels can learn from this school. Who knows - you might have the next rock star on your hands!

Tip: Find a music store that offers instrument rentals for beginners. You can always upgrade later!

Stay Cool at Home — Low-Cost Hacks for Heat Wave Days

Browse our crafts, science projects, and boredom busters for ways to keep cool in the comfort of your home. Or have a family movie night at home. 

• Create a mini beach — Combine a sandbox, water play, and beach toys in the backyard.

• Make frozen treats — Fill a popsicle maker with fruit juice or smoothies and sample the results.

• Have a scavenger hunt — Create a list of things to find and challenge your kids.

• Make cooling towels — Wet and freeze small towels to use as neck wraps.

Pro Parent Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in the Heat

• Avoid outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lighter colors when outside to reflect the sun.
• Make sure shoes are sturdy enough to hold up to hot pavements.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Use a sun shade to keep car interiors cooler while parked.

FAQ — Heat Wave Tips for Parents in Philadelphia

Q: What’s the best time of day to go out during a heat wave in Philadelphia?

A: In the mornings before 10am and in the evenings after 5pm. Look for parks and splashpads that open early.

Q: Are there any free public indoor play spaces?

A: Public libraries are a safe bet, along with some shopping centers like the King of Prussia Mall.

Q: Can you get heat stroke indoors?

A: Yes, you can get heat stroke inside, if homes are poorly ventilated. Keeping curtains closed will help, as will fans to move the air.

Originally published in 2018. Updated for 2025 by Alyce Wilson.