Summer is the perfect time to step outside and explore everything the Philadelphia region has to offer. Here are local spots to check out if you’re seeking an outdoor adventure.
Morris Arboretum
There are many reasons to visit Morris Arboretum & Gardens, but the summer especially shines here with unique events, outdoor pop-ups and plenty of other seasonal treats sprinkled into its schedule.
Last month marked the seasonal opening for the Garden Railway, which will remain on view to the public through Sept. 30. With this particular fixture — which is perhaps the most popular feature at Morris — Philadelphians are able to wander through one of the largest outdoor model train displays in the United States with more than 15 different rail lines running along a third of a mile of track. This year will also mark the Railway’s ‘Revolutionary Philly’ activation, which boasts scenes inspired by colonial Philadelphia.
Kiddos can additionally enjoy the Bloomin’ Bubbles Kickoff!, which runs every Tuesday through Aug. 25 (11 a.m. to noon). Through this series, the venue will transform the Whimsical Woods into a magical bubble party with dancing, crafts, and activities. And finally, the 2026 schedule also features the Garden Highlights Tour, which runs weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and weekends at 1 p.m. (free with admission).
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
FDR Park events
Fairmount Park Conservancy and Independence Seaport Museum take over FDR Park’s Edgewood Lake a few days each summer to offer free community paddle boating. Dates this year are set for July 18, and Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and while here, guests can pedal across the lake while using kid-friendly binoculars to spot turtles, ducks, blooming flowers, and other wildlife.
The park also hosts ¡Bailar en FDR!, a free salsa class and social dance event. Now in its sixth season, remaining summer dates include July 31, and Aug. 28 from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by Fairmount Park Conservancy and DJ Valentin on the Gateway Plaza, the all-levels experience features music, instruction, and pay-as-you-go food from Taqueria Morales. Sign up for both events is available via TicketLeap.
1500 Pattison Avenue and S. Broad St, fdrparkphilly.org
Andalusia Historic House and Arboretum
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum reopened for its 2026 season with a range of new features and experiences, including two special exhibitions in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial: ‘Revolutionary Family: The Biddles & American Independence’ and ‘Radical Americana: Sophie Glenn & Jody Graff.’
Beyond the exhibitions, Andalusia’s award-winning gardens also debuted six towering rose pillars alongside new ornamental topiaries. Installed in the Walled Garden, these features were designed by acclaimed English garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd and represent the latest chapter in her decade-long collaboration with Andalusia, which began with a major garden reimagining in 2016. Roses will be planted on the pillars this season, allowing visitors to watch them mature and transform the space over time.
Andalusia’s regular hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with select Saturdays offering extended hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 27, July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 10 and 24, and Nov. 7. Visitors can also partake in the return of Yoga in the Gardens, led by Atlas Yoga & Movement, on June 27, Sept. 19, Oct. 10, and Nov. 7.
1237 State Road, Andalusia, andalusiapa.org
Outdoor movies in Philly parks
This summer, more than 20 parks across the city will host movie nights featuring a mix of new releases, family favorites, and popular classics with films like ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and everything in between on the schedule. The screenings, organized by Philadelphia’s Park Friends Groups, aim to bring accessible entertainment and community gatherings to neighborhoods throughout the city. All locals have to do is grab a blanket, pack some snacks and gather with family and friends.
Popular titles appearing throughout the season include ‘Hoppers’, ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’, ‘Goat’, and ‘A Minecraft Movie’, with additional selections like ‘Sarah’s Oil’ and ‘You, Me & Tuscany’ rounding out the schedule. Residents planning to attend should arrive shortly before dusk and check with their local Park Friends Group for the most up-to-date information, including any weather-related changes or schedule updates.
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens began as a quiet Quaker farm in the early 1700s, later becoming a celebrated arboretum known as Peirce’s Park. Its transformation into the destination we know today started in 1906, when industrialist Pierre S. du Pont bought the land to save its trees—and then dreamed much bigger. Inspired by grand European gardens, he added elegant conservatories, dazzling fountains, and formal landscapes. Today, Longwood Gardens spans over 1,000 acres and blends historic design with modern innovation.
This summer, visitors can experience the Gardens at the peak of the Festival of Fountains season, running through Sept. 27. The activation features vibrant indoor and outdoor displays, fountain performances, three immersive treehouse experiences, giant water platters, and scenic trails through the Meadow Garden lined with wildflowers and tall grasses.
Guests can also explore the 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory, the relocated Cascade Garden, and the expanded Idea Garden, all introduced as part of the Longwood Reimagined project. Additional programming this summer includes Family Nature Strolls at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. (capacity limited) and daily fountain shows at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15, 3:15, and 5:15 p.m.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org
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