Fun and Games in Philadelphia

Bar hopping is an easy go-to activity when visiting any city, but Philadelphia has much more to it than just drinks. Feel free to bring the kids, young and old, and enjoy this entire vibrant and playful city.

Sure, there are incredible bars and restaurants on every corner, but if you’re looking to explore outside the box, check out a few of these top spots for unconventional fun.

Fun and Games

Family bowling nights are a classic for good reason. Step up your game, slip on some bowling shoes and head to Lucky Strike in Center City, North Bowl in Northern Liberties, South Bowl and Pep Bowl in South Philly or take in the vintage, speak-easy vibes of Harp and Crown. Enjoy great food, trendy décor and fun for all ages.

A little more off-the-wall and best enjoyed by the older kids, Urban Axes offers guests the unique opportunity to feel a bit country while in the city. Reserve a room and get together with a group and throw axes at a large target on the wall. Beverages are bring-your-own, but Urban Access is a 21-and-over establishment — so best enjoyed by you, friends and the older kids.

Strap on some roller skates and head for the Blue Cross RiverRink during Winterfest or Summerfest. Both parks pop up each season offering an old-fashioned boardwalk complete with ice skating in winter, hot drinks and marshmallow roasting in winter, to mini-golf, yard games and roller skating in the summer.

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Get Artsy

On the first Friday of every month, the Barnes Foundation hosts dinner, dancing, artistic exhibits and live music $10–28. Grab the whole family and enjoy all-ages fun in the museum year-round.

Check out the Franklin Institute’s lineup of family-friendly activities, all summer long. Bring the older kids, 21 and over, and enjoy Science After Hours with live music, dancing and a variety of themes and events.

More Dancing

Kick it up a notch with the dancing and take a class at Brasil’s, a professional salsa, cha-cha and ,mambo classes in Old City. Whether a confident, novice or intermediate dancer, get out on the floor Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for $5–10, per class.

Watch burlesque performances, cabaret shows and vintage ballroom dances at Ruba in Northern Liberties. The 100-year-old social club exudes speakeasy vibes and old-school class.