12 Best Fun Activities in Philadelphia for Adults
If you’re wondering what there is to do here in Philly, don’t worry, I got you covered – there are a ton of fun activities in Philadelphia for adults! This city has lots up its sleeve.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local ready to shake things up, let me spill the beans on awesome and unique spots and experiences that’ll make you see Philly in a whole new light.
Author’s note: What I love most about these recommended activities is that they don’t involve drinking or going to a bar or restaurant. At some of the venues, you can have a beer or a glass of wine if you want to. But at none of these fun activities is drinking required to have a good time!
Let’s dig in!
INTRODUCTION
Philadelphia is known as the place you go when you want to learn about birthplace of American democracy. Or when you want the world’s best cheesesteak. And it is famous for it’s bar and restaurant scene.
But when it comes to other fun activities for adults, they may not always be so well-known.
Most of the activities listed here are ones I’ve tried and enjoyed myself. And the others have great reviews. All of them are fun activities in Philadelphia for adults – ones that will give you a new appreciation for how much there is to enjoy in this fantastic city.
PUZZLE IT OUT AT AN ESCAPE ROOM
Of course, an escape room has to be at the top of my list of fun activities in Philadelphia for adults. In case they are new to you, an escape room is a physical adventure game where players are “locked” in a room and have to solve puzzles and complete challenges to escape within a set time limit, usually around 60 minutes.
And while Philly has many of these fun escape rooms through the city, I recommend Olde City Escape Games. These escape rooms are consistently ranked #1 in the whole state, and for good reason.
They’ve got these awesome adventures themed around Philly’s unique history, so it’s like a fun history lesson mixed with a thrilling puzzle challenge. You and your friends have to work together to crack codes, solve mysteries, and complete the mission before time runs out.
Now, these escape rooms aren’t all about being scared (although there might be a few spooky moments to keep things interesting!). It’s more about teamwork and using your brainpower to conquer the challenges. You can bring a group of 2 to 10 people, so it’s perfect for a night out with friends, a family outing, or even a team-building exercise.
The address is 221 Chestnut Street, Suite 300 (between Bank and Strawberry St.) in Old City; you might need to ring the buzzer to get in, and then take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
Author’s Note:
During my own Philly escape room experience, I did it with only one other person. It simply wasn’t enough brainpower! Haha. We needed more people to work the various clues throughout the room. Because it was just the 2 of us, we didn’t have enough time to figure everything out in time.
So we didn’t escape. (whomp, whomp) It was still a really fun time. But I think you’ll get the most out of this activity with 3+ people.
EXPLORE THE CITY WITH A SCAVENGER HUNT
A really fun and unique way to explore and learn about Philadelphia is through a scavenger hunt. And with Watson Adventures, you get to choose what part of the city – and even what landmark in the city – you want to dive deeper into.
For example, have you ever dreamt of turning the Philadelphia Museum of Art into your personal adventure playground? Well, now is your chance. Gather your team of art detectives and embark on a scavenger hunt at museum.
Follow cryptic clues that lead you on a thrilling chase past iconic masterpieces and hidden gems. Descend into a French monastery, marvel at a Chinese palace, or even wander through a tranquil Japanese village—all within the museum walls!
It’s one of the fun activities in Philadelphia for adults that lets you decipher tricky questions, test your teamwork skills, and unleash your inner detective as you crack codes and solve puzzles. These scavenger hunts are perfect for anyone looking for a fun and unique way to explore the museum.
Author’s Note: Watson’s Adventures has plenty of opportunities to conduct scavenger hunts throughout Philadelphia. The themes and locations within the city switch up often. Check out the website and schedule in advance!
SCARE YOURSELF WITH A VISIT TO THE EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY
If you’re into history with a spooky twist, you absolutely have to check out Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s a place that gives me chills every time! Whether you’re from out of town or a local looking for something unique, this is one of the fun activities in Philadelphia for adults.
Eastern State Penitentiary used to be the most famous and expensive one in the world, way back in the day. Today, it’s a historic site that’ll give you chills (in a good way!). Imagine walking through crumbling cellblocks and past empty guard towers, all under the shadow of this grand, Gothic architecture. It’s pretty haunting, but also super interesting.
This prison was the first ever designed to make prisoners feel truly remorseful, or “penitent,” as they called it back then. It’s crazy to think some of history’s most notorious criminals, like Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton, once roamed these halls.
The Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is super easy to find—just five blocks from the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art (perfect for a double dose of history and culture!). Trust me, it’s definitely one of the most unforgettable and fun activities in Philadelphia for adults.
VISIT INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
In Philadelphia, we take our American history pretty seriously. And there’s no better place to soak it all in than Independence National Historical Park. Whether you’re a history buff or a newbie, this is definitely a must-do fun activities in Philadelphia for adults.
Here, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. But Independence National Historical Park is so much more than just those two landmarks.
There’s Congress Hall, where the very first laws of the United States were passed, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum, dedicated to the life and times of one of America’s most fascinating Founding Fathers.
You might even stumble upon folks dressed in colonial garb, bringing history to life right before your eyes!
EXPERIENCE THE LIBERTY BELL
Yes, it’s important to call out the Liberty Bell separately. You may ask, “is this really a fun activity?” For history buffs, absolutely! But for everyone it’s simply a must-do activity. It’s one of those things that makes Philly unique.
And hey, when else are you going to get this close to a piece of American history? Plus, the history lesson and Instagram photo op all rolled into one does make it one of the fun things to do in Philadelphia.
From its creation in 1751 all the way to the famous crack that appeared in the 1800s, the Liberty Bell’s history is as fascinating as it is inspiring. It’s a chance to connect with a tangible piece of American history, a powerful reminder of the fight for liberty that birthed a nation. After all, that’s what Philly, the “Cradle of Liberty,” is all about!
TEST YOUR AXE THROWING SKILLS
Sure, there are a ton of fun activities in Philadelphia for adults, but if you’re looking for something unique and exciting, consider axe throwing.
For a particularly fun experience, check out Bury The Hatchet—an axe-throwing venue that’s the perfect place to unleash your inner warrior (in a safe and controlled way, of course!).
Imagine channeling your Viking spirit and chucking axes at giant targets—it’s surprisingly therapeutic and a ton of fun! Each lane can fit up to 12 people, so it’s a great activity for groups of friends, co-workers, or even a wild bachelorette party.
Safety is their number one priority, so they’ll give you a quick rundown of the rules and how to throw properly before you unleash your inner lumberjack. Plus, there are always trained professionals around to offer tips and keep an eye on things.
Add to that, Bury The Hatchet lets you bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, so you can fuel up on snacks and celebrate your bullseyes in style. They have tournaments if you’re feeling competitive, or you can just go freestyle and have a blast with your crew.
SHOP AT CHERRY STREET PIER
Looking for a cool spot in Philly to relax and unwind while having fun? Check out Cherry Street Pier! Think of it as a giant, open-air marketplace meets community hangout spot, all built right into a cool, old shipping pier on the Delaware River Waterfront. It’s a fantastic reflection of Philly itself.
Cherry Street Pier is like a choose-your-own-adventure for grown-ups. Feeling artsy? Browse the studios and watch local artists work their magic. Shop for unique, handcrafted souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
Need a break? Grab a bite to eat and relax in a hammock, soaking up the beautiful Delaware River views. They even have events year-round, from live music and plays to comedy shows and many other fun activities in Philadelphia for adults. Plus, it’s one of the best things to do in Philadelphia at night.
LOUNGE TO RACE STREET PIER
Race Street Pier is another chill spot to relax and take in the scenery. It’s another one of Philly’s amazing outdoor escapes right on the Delaware River waterfront. Race Street Pier is the perfect spot to spread out a picnic blanket, grab some lunch, and soak up the sunshine.
They’ve got a beautiful lawn with all sorts of cool grasses and plants, plus over three dozen trees that were actually grown for the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City!
Race Street Pier puts you right next to the water’s edge. At high tide, the river gets super close, so you can feel the cool breeze and watch the waves lap against the pier. It’s one of the fun activities in Philadelphia for adults, especially after a long day of exploring the city.
They’ve got two levels for you to enjoy. The upper level, called the “grand sky promenade,” is this awesome walkway that leads right up towards the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
And even if the sun sets, you don’t have to leave the fun! The pier is all lit up at night, with lights along the railings and even these cool solar-powered lights embedded in the ground.
STRIKE UP SOME FUN WHILE BOWLING
I bet you’ve been bowling before. But if you’re looking for a fun night out that combines classic vibes with a modern twist, then North Bowl is the place to be. It’s not your average bowling alley, that’s for sure!
North Bowl’s a giant, 21,000-square-foot space that used to be a mechanic’s garage, totally transformed into a bowling and entertainment haven. It’s got 17 lanes, so you can grab your crew and have a friendly bowling competition.
Think upscale bowling alley meets trendy hangout spot. They’ve got two full bars for when you need a little refreshment, plus an awesome upstairs lounge complete with comfy Italian sofas, pool tables, and even an arcade with those old-school video games we all know and love.
Even if you’re not feeling the bowling, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, making it one of Philly’s most fun activities.
EXPLORE THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE
Another really fun and interesting place to check out is the Franklin Institute. I know, a museum might sound a little tame, but this place is different. This science museum isn’t your typical “don’t touch” kind of place. You can mess around with cool exhibits, and figure out how everyday stuff works. It’s like a science playground for adults!
They’ve also got this sweet domed theater (the Tuttleman IMAX) where the movie screen is seriously massive. And if you’re into space, the Fels Planetarium is your ticket to the stars.
The Franklin Institute has been around for ages—they actually opened their doors all the way back in 1824! They’ve moved locations since then, and today they’re the most visited museum in all of Pennsylvania.
When you walk in, you can’t miss the giant, 20-foot-tall statue of Benjamin Franklin himself—a fitting tribute to the Founding Father and all-around inventor.
There’s so much cool stuff to see at the Franklin Institute, but a couple of things you especially don’t want to miss are the “Your Brain” exhibit, which takes you on a wild trip through your own head, and “SportsZone,” where you can learn all about the science behind your favorite games.
AMBLE DOWN BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PARKWAY
Exploring the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is an often-overlooked experience among the fun activities in Philadelphia for adults. This isn’t just any ordinary street; it’s a grand boulevard stretching from City Hall all the way to the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. Trust me, the entire parkway is basically an outdoor sculpture museum!
Imagine strolling down this grand boulevard and discovering awesome sculptures everywhere you look. From the famous LOVE sculpture (great photo op!) to statues that tell stories about history, it’s got something for everyone’s taste.
Best part? It’s totally free! You can wander around admiring the art whenever you like.
Want to take it to the next level? There are even guided tours that focus just on the art along the Parkway. You’ll learn all the cool stories behind the sculptures and have an amazing time at the same time.
TAKE A GHOST TOUR
I have the perfect activity to round up our list of fun activities in Philadelphia for adults: a candlelit ghost tour like this one from Get Your Guide! As a local who loves exploring the city, I can’t recommend these tours enough—they’re a fun and unique way to experience Philly’s rich history with a spooky twist.
Imagine strolling through Independence Hall, Society Hill, and Washington Square at night, with just the warm glow of candles illuminating the path.
Your expert guide will lead the way, sharing chilling tales of historical figures like Bishop White, Samuel and Elizabeth Powel, and even Ben Franklin himself! You might be surprised to learn about the city’s haunted past. Who knows, maybe you’ll even feel a shiver down your spine as you explore the “spookiest spots” in Philadelphia.
FAQs Related to Fun Activities in Philadelphia for Adults
Can adults have fun on a budget in Philadelphia?
Definitely! Philly doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s a ton of awesome free or cheap stuff to do. You can stroll through historic neighborhoods, check out the incredible murals scattered around the city, or explore one of Philly’s many parks.
Is Philly a walkable city?
Yes, especially in the Center City area where a lot of the main attractions are clustered. You can easily walk between Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, art museums, and tons of quirky shops or historic streets.
If you want to explore neighborhoods further out, I recommend using a ride share service like Uber or Lyft to avoid the hassle of trying to get parking wherever you go.
Are there any fun things to do in Philly at night for adults?
You bet! Philly has a vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re into live music, there are tons of great venues of all sizes, from intimate bars to larger concert halls.
Comedy clubs are another fun option, or you can check out one of the city’s unique experiences like a speakeasy-style bar, a rooftop lounge, or even a fun BYOB spot.
Check out this article to learn more about fun night activities in Philly.
What is there to do indoors in Philadelphia?
Several of the activities on this list are held indoors, including the escape rooms, certain of the scavenger hunts, axe throwing, and bowling. Additionally, Philadelphia is a known hot spot for restaurants and bars. So no matter the vibe you’re looking for, you can find it here.
How can I spend a few hours in Philadelphia?
You can get lost in any of the activities on the list for a few hours. But if you’re looking for a more structured itinerary to spend a day in Philly, check out this article.
Wrap Up!
I bet by now you’re realizing there are tons of fun things to do in Philadelphia for adults. From spooky strolls to escape room games to science experiments, Philly’s got something for you. Let me know in the comments below what Philly adventure tempts you the most!