It’s finally August, which means we’re in the dog days of summer.
Summer is soon coming to an end. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cool off in Philadelphia! And even with social distancing and other pandemic safety measures in effect, there are still so many incredibly fun and safe things to do in the city this month.
1. Participate in the free Can’t Wait Live Concert
Can’t Wait Live! is a free concert for jobs, climate, and care, featuring headliner performances by Ne-Yo, Saweetie, Wyclef Jean, Mavis Staples, Snow Tha Product, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Beach Bunny, DJ Diamond Kuts and more to be announced!
Artists and organizers are calling on Congress to pass a legislative package that makes meaningful investments in jobs, climate, care, housing, and immigration, and demand members of Congress to stay in session until the package is passed.
Throughout the free concert, artists, activists, and other speakers will advocate a core message: Americans can’t wait for their communities to have a rightful path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Coming off a year of historic suffering, speakers will highlight the urgency of the intersecting crises Americans face, including climate disaster, unemployment, and remind Democrats in Congress that voters expect them to deliver on their commitments to tackle decades of disinvestment and improve the post-pandemic lives of working people. ⭐️Sponsored⭐️
2. Reserve your free tickets for the radiant LUMA Festival coming to upstate NY
The stunning LUMA festival is back this fall with a larger-than-life light show just three hours north of Philadelphia. For their seventh annual projection arts fest, the buildings of downtown Binghamton will be taken over with breathtaking 3D projections on the weekend of September 10th and 11th. And it’s completely free to attend! Reserve your spot here. ⭐️Sponsored⭐️
3. Discover Philly’s immersive outdoor exploration game
Do you want to find out how well you really know your city? Or maybe you want to see Philadelphia from a fresh point of view? Grab your smartphone and walk the streets of Philly to solve open-air riddles, and complete the exploration quest given to you by Questo! ⭐️Sponsored⭐️
4. Watch an outdoor movie
Spend an evening out of the house and under the stars. This summer many parks and drive-in theaters are hosting movie nights where children-friendly movies and rated R movies will be shown on a big screen. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie snacks because movie night is going to look a little different this time!
5. Explore free things to do around the city
Philly is a fantastic city to be in since there are so many cool free things to do. We have created a list of activities around the city that you can do that won’t cost a cent! This is perfect if you are visiting, on a budget, or like saving a pretty penny. Discover the city without needing to spend anything in the article linked above!
6. Visit an amusement park
What would summer be without a day at an amusement park? With school being out, and all this time on your hands, taking a day trip to a park near Philly would make an absolutely fantastic day well spent! If you’re an adrenaline junky or prefer smaller coasters, you will find rides that fit your standards at any of these parks.
7. Have a fun day with your kids
With school being out for a little while longer, it can be difficult for parents to fill the time and keep the kids occupied. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with not only fun, but also educational activities to do with kids this summer to keep them busy and stimulated. Schools will be back in session in a few more weeks, so take advantage while you still can this summertime!
8. Enjoy a seafood dinner
Nothing beats fresh seafood in the summertime. Whether that’s lobster rolls, popcorn shrimp, crab bruschetta, or maple plank roasted salmon, eating cool seafood after a hot busy day is a really nice way to relax and treat yourself. There are many great places that serve fresh and sustainable seafood in Philly. We have gathered them in an article linked above for an easy guide.
9. Try paddle sports
If you’re feeling more adventurous, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the Delaware River or the Schuykill River. Discover on your own or take a tour at a local boathouse in the city. Being on the water on a hot day is such a refreshing activity, assured to awaken your daredevil spirit as well.
10. Watch the Olympics at a sports bar
The Olympic Games are happening now, and sometimes it’s nice to watch them with other people who are supporting the same country as you. There are many sports bars in Philly that will be showing the games on big TVs, serving good food and drinks in an excited and passionate atmosphere. Root for Team USA or whichever country you want to at these sports bars!
11. Watch the summer sunset
Observing the sun go down is such a lovely and beautiful experience. Sunsets in August hit different, perhaps because the summer air is sweeter, and the temperature is cooler in the evenings. Take the time to experience these last summer sunsets while you still can!
[Featured image: @jasoncoopman / Instagram]