Philly parks are packed with free and low-cost fun all summer long

The summertime is the busy season for Philly parks, and with it comes multiple ways to get creative and enjoy the great outdoors.

For those looking to get healthy, Wellness Wednesdays will be in full swing in West Fairmount Park on select dates through August. While there, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Coach Shay of Inner Sanctuary Wellness will be hosting a meditative and reflective program the last week of each month (June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27) from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wellness Wednesdays begin right after the West Fairmount Park We Walk PHL meetup as well—and interested participants are encouraged to register for the free group activity online. This network of walking groups are co-led by local volunteers at public parks throughout Philadelphia. The summer 2025 walking season runs now through June 30.

The Second Saturday of each month will also feature free Guided Hikes, some of which will hold themes like Birdwatching (June 14), a Tree Tour (July 12) and a Summer Hike and Meditation (Aug. 9) from 10 a.m. to noon. Yoga in the Park is another fan-favorite activity that happens on select Sundays (June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10) from 10 to 11 a.m. in the expansive green space of East Fairmount Park, led by a rotation of local Tula Yoga instructors. Tula will also host a 9 a.m. class catered towards seniors on those dates as well. All yoga sessions are free in 2025.

Bailar en FDR is another unique way to spend time in Philly Parks, and these Salsa dance classes take place at the historic FDR Park Boathouse. The all-levels dance lesson happens from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., and is followed by a social dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. hosted by DJ Val Flores and Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa (free, June 27, July 18 and Aug. 22.)

Or, locals can join in on the Park After Dark activations on select Tuesdays to participate in a Moonwalk and Stargazing party (June 3, July 1, and Aug. 5) in East Fairmount Park. According to a release, while there, locals can join Fairmount Park Conservancy and astronomer/educator Buddy Muhler for a one-mile guided moonwalk and telescope observation and then learn a little about the history of the area as well as the nocturnal animals that call the forest home ($15, the first two dates are 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., and last date is 8 to 10 p.m.)

Back in FDR Park, Saturday, June 14 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will hold a packed day. To celebrate the opening of the Gateway Plaza at Broad & Pattison as well as the launch of the Conservancy’s Fair Play Campaign, the occasion will be filled with free activities, exclusive park tours, snacks and entertainment. Then on Friday, June 20, Philadelphians can celebrate the Solstice at East Fairmount Park. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., participants can join ecotherapist and Lenape language keeper Krista Nelson during a two-mile hike through the woods ($15.)

And lastly, but certainly not least, Volunteer Days will also be sprinkled throughout the summer at Philly parks. Two already took place in May, but locals can also join in on an upcoming date at Parkside Edge in West Fairmount Park on June 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.