10 Fantastic Outdoor Summer Activities in the Philadelphia Area

Written By Georgia Guyer

Summer is finally upon us. Longer days, warmer nights, sunshine, and good vibes are in full swing. If you’re looking for some things to do this summer, you’ve come to the right place. The amenity rich Philadelphia area has a lot to offer, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to spend the day in the great outdoors!

Hiking Hornbecks Trail in the Delaware Water Gap area

1. Go for a Hike

Philadelphia has plenty of trails to explore with varying difficulty. There are many family friendly and dog friendly trails, but also more strenuous hikes along the Appalachian Mountains if you’re looking to get a good workout in. Whether it’s to see a beautiful viewpoint or just getting some fresh air, hiking is one of our favorite summer activities.

To beat the heat, avoid hiking during mid-day when the sun is most powerful (we love an early morning hike to get the day started), wear sunscreen, and pack more water than you think you need! Here are some of our favorite areas to hike nearby:

  • Valley Forge 

  • Wissahickon 

  • Delaware Water Gap area (here’s a list of our favorite hikes in this area!)

  • Ridley Creek State Park 

 
 

Walking through Stoneleigh Garden

2. Visit a Garden

There are so many beautiful gardens and arboretums just waiting to be explored! There are over 30 arboretums within 30 miles Philadelphia, many of which are free to visit. Check out the Philadelphia Garden Capital website for a list of all arboretums. Our favorites include the following:

 
 

Picture perfect picnic

3. Have a Picnic

What better way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors than with friends and a perfectly packed picnic? Be sure to pick a day with some cloud coverage or go earlier in the season when you won’t sweat through your clothes! Always remember to carry out what you bring in, don’t litter, and leave no trace. Here are some of our favorite places to picnic:

  • Valley Forge Park [Free, King of Prussia, tables available in picnic specific areas]

  • Rittenhouse Square [Free, Philadelphia, bring an outdoor blanket to sit on the ground]

  • Warwick Furnace Farm [Tickets required in advance, Warwick, PA]

  • Chanticleer Garden [Free, Parking reservation required. Picnicking not permitted Fridays 4-8pm]

  • Stoneleigh: a natural garden [Free, tables and ground area available]

 
 

Ylli testing out our car camping set up at French Creek State Park

4. Go Camping

Get out of the city and into the woods. Don’t have a tent? Try car camping! A simple blow up mattress, window covers, and a few blankets are some of the basics you’ll need. Camping will require some pre-planning as most campsites require a reservation and popular sites can fill up quickly and far in advance.

For camping at state parks, you can reserve your spot online at Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations. Here are some great spots to start at:

  • French Creek State Park 

  • Tuscarora State Park

  • Hickory Run State Park

  • Promised Land State Park





5. Visit a Lake

There are plenty of lakes within a 2-hour drive of Philadelphia, perfect for a kayak, canoe, swimming or paddleboard adventure. Lots of the lakes near Philadelphia are within a state park, which offer more amenities. If you don’t own any water toys, you can rent from most state park marinas. Here are some great lakes to venture to:

  • Tuscarora State Park

  • Locust Lake State Park

  • French Creek State Park

  • Beltzville State Park





6. Play some Pickleball

Pickleball is the new obsession and for a good reason! If you’ve never played, we’d consider it a mix between tennis and ping pong (here’s a link to a video explaining the rules of play). The court is smaller than tennis and the ball is more forgiving, making it easy to get the hang of quickly. You can play doubles or singles and have a blast! 

You can purchase paddles and balls at most sporting goods stores, we’ve also linked some here

Here are some great pickleball courts to play on:

 
 

Goat Yoga at Rose Bridge Farm

7. Get Flexible through Yoga 

Connect with your body, nature, and get zen with a yoga class in the outdoors. There are multiple places that offer outdoor yoga classes, check out some of the following:





8. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Town

You don’t have to venture far to feel like you’ve escaped the city! A day trip to a nearby small town is a fun way to spend a Saturday. There are many close to Philadelphia, making a day trip easy. Prepare yourself for cute small town vibes, quaint main streets, beautiful scenery, and for time to slow down. Here are some of our favorite places to visit: 

  • New Hope

  • Jim Thorpe

  • Delaware Water Gap 

  • Cape May 





9. Visit a Winery 

Sip, eat, and enjoy! The Philadelphia area is rich with wineries worthy of your time. There’s nothing better than relaxing with friends and loved ones on a serene hillside in the warm sun with a glass in hand. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a just there for the vibes, the wineries in the area are sure to deliver a fantastic experience. Here are some great options: 

 
 

Ylli holding up the rhubarb he found at the Awbury Arboretum Farmer’s Market

10. Explore a Farmers Market 

Support your local community, farmers, and artisans! You’ll find the best local produce and probably a sweet treat or two while wandering through a farmers market. Almost every town has a farmers market come summertime, so grab some friends or take a solo trip. Here are some of our favorite farmers markets:





Georgia Guyer
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