85 Things to Do in and Around Philly
Lounging on the couch and binging on a series is pretty awesome now that I’m thinking about it, it’s relaxing and no fuss, unless you’re with your partner, or a new boo and you can’t seem to agree on a series to watch, that’s a whole mess and another subject. Let’s focus!
Your relationship needs an activity off the couch, and so we came up with a few pretty amazing dating ideas. It can be hard to plan a date whether it’s your first or your 30th. Our mind grapples with wanting something different from the norm, and sometimes succumbing to dinner and a movie because it’s easy, and the cost is foreseen. Let’s face it most of us budget for dates and they can get costly.
We created the below list with you in mind. We hope you find the list fun and budget friendly! This list is here for you to mix and match, and to improvise upon. Let’s go date!
ACTIVE - May cause a lil sweat
Skate away at City Hall’s Dillworth Park, Riverfront or any of these places.
Like to climb things? Philly’s got it! Visit the largest climbing wall in Philly
Race Go Karts and get competitive with your date.
Ever think about zipping through the trees like spider man? Tap into your Spidey senses. Try Zip-lining in Philly or Bucks County.
Jump, Jump, Jump around at your nearest sky zone!
Walk across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (hamstring work out for sure) from Philly to Camden or Vice Versa and grab a bite to eat nearby at a local spot.
I see you and I got you! Laser Tag ?
Have you ever imagined being Pink or in Circus Du Soleil ? Well you can fly gracefully through the sky with a little help. Here’s one we found for you Trapeze.
Good at golf? It doesn’t matter, we aren't either! Try your hand at virtual golf.
Virtual golf not your thing? What about miniature golf? Or is any golf just not your thing?
Who doesn’t love an Arcade!? Bring out your inner child enthusiast. Some ideas are The Barcade or Dave and Busters.
There are a ton of hip bowling alleys in Philly….South Bowl, North Bowl, come to mind. Also Try out Harp & Crow for a more intimate setting, perfect for a date night.
Like to sing? Hit up a Karaoke spot at a local neighborhood bar or head to Chinatown where there are plenty to choose from no matter the night.
Have you ever wanted to shoot a gun? Do you know how and want to show off your skills to your date? Have fun at a local shooting range.
Take a walk or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail. Pack a lunch and eat at one of the park benches, picnic, or head up to the cafe by BoatHouse Row.
Philly is all about our Sports! Take in a game watching the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, Philadelphia Union or Philadelphia Soul play.
Want to get out some aggression, all while having fun? Try your hand at Axe throwing.
Show’em what ya workin with! Do you like to dance? Try these spots.
Can’t dance? Take a dance class together and learn or better your skills in Salsa , Hip-Hop or whatever your flavor.
Battle it out at paintball!
Jump, Jump, Jump around at your nearest Sky Zone.
Take a tennis lesson together, there is one near you or just play!
For now, feel free to ride your bike, walk, or skate without vehicular interference along MLK drive.
Get Insta Ready! Lights, Camera, Action! Take Instagram worthy pics at the Rocky Steps( Art Museum), Cira Green, Boathouse Row, Race Street Pier, Fountain Street Steps, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Graffiti Pier, etc. though there is no shortage of amazing places for which to photograph in Philly.
Rent a bike and follow the bike routes through the city.
DIY? There is a workshop for that! Schedule a class in Fishtown or Chestnut Hill
Both of you love fashion?? Shop! Head to the Fashion District for great buys from local shops and major dept. stores. To shop until you absolutely drop spend your entire day at King of Prussia housing over 450 stores!
On a budget? Thrift your way through the city! There are a ton of local shops that are well organized, with great vintage finds! You’ll have a blast reminiscing on throwbacks and cheap finds.
CHILL - Hold hands you two
Head over to Sherman Mills an East Falls hidden gem, and check out the unique shops that are featured there.
For the cold months starting in November head down to Penns Landing for winterfest for some spiked hot cocoa, ice skating, and games. Get the feeling as if you are in a lodge in the Poconos.
In the summer months visit Spruce Street Harbor.
Who doesn't love live music? Check out Chris’s Jazz Cafe, South, Time, Johnny Brenda's, World Life Cafe, W.O.W, Union Transfer, TLA, The Fillmore, The Met… to name a few
Visit Wilmington’s Riverfront. There are great restaurants aligning the waterfront and you can take their river cruise.
Take a boat ride on the river. Find the right cruise here.
Have you ever been fascinated watching planes take off? Take in a front row seat, and watch as they land via Fort Mifflin Rd and Hog Island Rd near PHL. Pack some snacks but be careful NOT to park your cars at the fences. .
Attend a Mediation class with your boo. Relax, relate, release..... Check here.
Try out a BYOB, just don’t forget to bring a great wine.
Try a candle making bar! Handcraft your own candles.
All Main Streets are cool! Visit a Main St., in West Chester, Doylestown, Haddonfield, Princeton, etc..... Main St. are always great and historic!
In the Spring it’s about enjoying the scenery. In the Summer it’s nice to get your feet wet in the fountains. The Fall is about the unique festivals, pop up shops, and activities, and in the Winter it’s all about the ice skating rink at Dillworth park.
Once the tallest building in Philly, but still a favorite One Liberty Observation Deck . Observe the city and all its glory.
Take in a show at the Kimmell Center , Walnut St Theatre, or any of these theatres.
For a change of pace try out Valley Green Inn. It’s is a serene dining experience nestled in Fairmount Park.
Sketch out your own Brewery Pub Crawl. Philadelphia is home to a ton of local breweries. Have fun mapping out your tour!
Cigars or Hookah anyone? Ashton Cigar Bar , Smoke , Cappelli Brother Cigar Company, and Cloud Factory Hookah are popular choices but many to choice from.
Want to learn or sharpen your cooking skills? Take a cooking class together.
Sip, sip, we’ve got wineries in the area. In Delaware , West Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties as well in New Jersey. Book a tour at one!
Visit a neighborhood that you haven’t been or in awhile and grab lunch or dinner, and walk around to take in it’s charm. Chestnut Hill, University City, Fitler Square, Rittenhouse, Bella Vista, Olde City, Northern Liberties, Manayunk, East Falls, East Passyunk, the list goes on.
Visit the Navy Yard from 6am -8pm dine or take a walk along the river or chill out in one of their parks.
Not everyone can appreciate a beautiful garden; however Long Wood Gardens is sure to impress even the naysayers.
Cheese Steak anyone!? Hit up some spots and have your own taste test, take notes, tell your friends who had the best steak from your food venture that day:). This works for Tacos as well!
Everyone seems to fall in love with New Hope, PA, destined for a great date night or day.
Painting with a twist is not just for parties, go with a date and sip and paint!
Eat your way through Chinatown and step into its many shops.
Spend a day at the pool at Vespa Day Club or book a hotel with a Jacuzzi and a perfect pool. For last minute deals check out hoteltonight.com or bid on Priceline.com.
For live dance performances here are some options Philadelphia Dance , The Performance Garage, Anne Berger Center , Wilma Theater, and the Philadelphia Ballet.
Spend some time at Reading Terminal. One of the nations oldest and largest public markets.
Or head down to the Italian market with over 100yrs of history.
So you’ve had a fantastic dinner and you want a place to go for dessert? A La Mouse in Chinatown, South Philly and Narbeth is our favorite but here is a list of others. that are just as good!
Broaden your tasting palette and try a Vietnamese, African, Jamaican, Dominican, or Puerto Rican restaurant, anything outside your norm. Go eat!
Do you love stand up comedy? Take in a comedy show.
Drive to Atlantic City or any Jersey shore beach and walk the boardwalk, take in any number of shows , have dinner and enjoy an ocean view. While you're there try a hand at Black Jack.
BRAINY - Learn a lil Summin
Why not be a Philadelphia tourist for the day? Look into Free Tours by Foot.
Explore the Japanese House and Garden located in Fairmount Park from March to October.
Fancy art? Explore The Pennsylvania Art Institute, The Barnes or The Art Museum. The Art Museum is pay what you wish on Wednesday and every First Sunday.
Get your history on by visiting the Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Independence Mall and all things Olde City.
Join a mixologist class just make sure you do this on a full stomach! Here’s one.
Tour The Eastern State Penitentiary . Once the largest and most expensive public structure ever erected in the United State which opened in 1829. A bit spooky. Enjoy!
Visit Phoenixville, an old industrial town turned chic is roughly 40 mins from Philly for a perfect day trip. Take a stroll on Bridge and Main St. Museum(admission fee). There is one light fare restaurant where you don’t need to pay museum general admission to eat at if you’d like to stay along the trail.
Take a Mural Arts self guided tour or guided, whatever your preference.
Let’s get creative and design your own Art Exhibition Tour all around the city. Include local universities and colleges like Drexel University, The Art Institute, University of the Arts and Moore College of Art and Design for more exhibition tour ideas.
So this is a little different, but CPR classes are in demand. You can find other first aid classes online and possibly a Groupon. In one day you can become certified with your bae!
Explore our past and gain some light into the future at The Academy of Natural Sciences and
The Penn Museum, but there are a few museums to go HAM over!
Like you can learn more about science and stuff at The Franklin Institute, and while you’re there think about taking in a planetarium show or a movie at their Omniverse Theater.
Love natural sciences? The Wagner Free Institute of Science is great and it’s free!
Head over to our nations eldest Zoo, The Philadelphia Zoo. If you could be any wild animal, what would it be?
Rather Marine life? Venture to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden and visit the penguins and sharks!
Take a look at the city from City Hall atop William Penn once the tallest building in Philadelphia.
Learn about black heritage at The African American Museum.
Game Night! Choose games specific to couples to learn more about your partner, in a creative way. If you wanted to go out and play board games instead, Philly’s got them!
Learn about Jewish heritage at The National Museum of American Jewish History.
Musical talent? Have you ever wanted to learn the drums or play guitar? Who hasn’t? Philly has got group classes for that!
Test your compatibility and problem solving skills with your partner at an Escape Room.