Looking for a fun, free, and festive way to celebrate the Fourth of July with your family? Head to Franklin Square on Tuesday, July 2nd for the second annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do - a full day of patriotic fun, music, historic storytelling, and kid-friendly activities right in the heart of Philly!
📍 Where:
Franklin Square (6th & Race Streets), Philadelphia
🗓️ When:
Tuesday, July 2, 2025 from 9 AM – 7 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free all day!
9 AM: Flag-Raising Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch St) with Betsy Ross herself!
11 AM–3 PM: New! Historic Chocolate Making with a real 18th-century chocolate maker + free cocoa drink samples.
3–5:45 PM: Live music in the courtyard featuring:
Rubble City String Band (Old Time)
Karter Jaymes (Soul)
Ursula Rucker & Little Lives (Poetry + Music)
1–3 PM at Franklin Square: Patriotic tattoos, meet Wonder Woman, and enjoy free kids' activities!
11 AM–4 PM: Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches - hear historic tales from around Philly and earn a free carousel ride!
11 AM–3 PM: Wawa Welcome America All-American Block Party with music, games, and mural art
2–6 PM: Music across Old City sites like Carpenter’s Hall and Elfreth’s Alley
Arrive early for the flag ceremony and chocolate demos, then let the kids play in Franklin Square’s playground and cool off with a carousel ride. Don’t forget sunscreen and snacks!
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Looking for a fun Friday night activity with the kids? Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences lets families explore dinosaurs, fossils, and live animals after hours - with themed activities and even a beer garden for parents.
Celebrate fall in Philly at the Manayunk Fall Fest! Enjoy live music, food, local vendors, and family fun along Main Street - perfect for a crisp autumn day with the kids.
Looking for a unique family activity in Philly? Try a Mural Arts walking tour! It’s a fun, educational way to explore the city, enjoy the fall weather, and see some of Philly’s most stunning murals.
Amber Bowie
Author