Top Spring Activities in Philadelphia

With trees and flowers in full bloom and warmer weather on the horizon, there are plenty of spring activities in Philadelphia. Here are a few ways you can make the most of the season, including new exhibits, events, and plenty of things to do outdoors.

Spring in Philadelphia 2026: The Quick List

• Top Festival: Don’t miss the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival (April) in Fairmount Park.
• Active Fun: Lace up at the retro-inspired Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park or walk the Tree Canopy Walk at Morris Arboretum.
• What’s New: Check out the recently opened Calder Gardens to explore the work of the famous Philadelphia-born artist.
• Waterfront Picks: Explore the Independence Seaport Museum and the historic Cruiser Olympia, or relax in the neon-lit hammocks of Spruce Street Harbor Park.
• Day Trip: Visit the 128-acre Ringing Rocks boulder field in Bucks County—remember to bring a hammer to hear the stones “sing.”

Parks & Gardens

When the seasons change, Philadelphia blooms as it becomes a beautiful walkable city full of color and fresh smells. By early April, cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom, joining beautiful magnolia blooms and other spring flowers.

Some of the best locations to admire these seasonal blossoms are along the Schuylkill River Waterfront, and at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center and the neighboring Shofuso Japanese House and Garden — operated by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.

@discoverphl Peak cherry blossom season in Philadelphia gets spring started with a burst of gorgeous color. 🌱💗 #discoverPHL #philadelphia #philly #phillytok #spring #springblooms #cherryblossom #cherryblossomsafterwinter ♬ Sunrise – Official Sound Studio

Enjoy the blooms and warm weather by getting fresh air in Philadelphia’s expansive park system. Run, bike, or walk the trails in the 9,200-plus acre (3,725 hectare) Fairmount Park. Admire the historic homes and other landmarks on your journey. Navigate Forbidden Drive in the 1,800-plus acre (730 hectare) Wissahickon Valley Park, tucked in the northwestern corner of the city.

Spring blooms and outdoor experiences extend beyond Philadelphia’s city limits.  The neighboring counties and gardens of the Countryside make it known as “America’s Garden Capital.”

In Kennett Square, find ample spring colors while walking the grounds of Longwood Gardens. They welcome the season with garden-wide Spring Blooms displays, featuring flowering trees, blooming bulbs, and other charming scenes throughout the over 1,000-acre property. While there, be sure to check out concerts, design classes, and science-themed programs throughout the spring.

At Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum in nearby Bucks County, visitors can explore more than 50 acres of stunning grounds. This picturesque site along the Delaware River features 18th-century gardens, hundreds of trees, and the 19th-century Greek Revival ancestral home of the Biddle family.

While in the Bucks County countryside, head to the mysterious Ringing Rocks boulder field. Be sure to bring a hammer; when struck, the stones across this 128-acre field ring out with a metallic chime reminiscent of the Liberty Bell.

For more outdoor wonder, admire thousands of tulips and some of the region’s largest trees at the 92-acre Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Situated on the border of Philadelphia’s Northwest side and the Montgomery County Countryside, the lush grounds offer visitors of all ages the chance to “go out on a limb” via a tree canopy walk high above the forest floor.

Delaware River Waterfront Activities

Philadelphia’s popular Delaware River waterfront destinations allow visitors to enjoy the refreshing breeze — or a locally-brewed beer — on a sunny spring day. Easily access places by walking or biking along the scenic waterfront using the multipurpose Delaware River Trail.

Seasonal Spruce Street Harbor Park — normally opening in May — features mouthwatering food trucks and local cold beer, perfect for lounging in a hammock beneath a canopy of multi-colored lights next to a floating barge oasis, featuring more local food and drink. Head to nearby Race Street Pier where you can relax on benches or on the lower lawn with amazing views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge overhead.

Then, make your way to neighboring Cherry Street Pier where more impressive views and equally amazing art from Philadelphia-area artists await. Cherry Street Pier regularly hosts pop-up markets, food fairs, and art exhibitions. Be sure to check the event calendar before visiting for info on art installations, concerts, and festivals. The on-site Garden Restaurant serves up quick bites, beer, wine, and cocktails. Or grab tasty food and drink on the waterfront deck at Morgan’s Pier, a nearby seasonal bar and restaurant.

A short stroll brings you to the Independence Seaport Museum, where hands-on exhibits invite visitors to dive into the ecology of the Delaware River watershed and Philadelphia’s storied maritime past. For a truly immersive experience, you can tour the museum’s galleries before stepping aboard the historic Cruiser Olympia — the oldest steel warship afloat— and Becuna — a WWII-era submarine — docked just outside at Penn’s Landing.

Any spring visit to the waterfront isn’t complete without a stop at Liberty Point. Visitors can enjoy bites and brews at the largest modern restaurant in Philly’s history. The 28,000 square foot restaurant is next to and wrapped around the waterfront side of the Independence Seaport Museum. The giant indoor-outdoor space includes three main levels for food, drinks, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the water.

Want to see what’s across the Delaware River? Catch a ride on the RiverLink Ferry for a quick, 15-minute trip across the river. While in Camden, explore the Adventure Aquarium – home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, hippos and penguins. Or tour the historic Battleship New Jersey, the country’s most decorated battleship, which was built in Philadelphia.

Special Spring Happenings in Philadelphia

Springtime brings the skates out at Dilworth Park. The seasonal Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink  offers visitors the chance to lace up right in the shadow of Philadelphia City Hall. Rental skates are available at this retro-inspired rink was custom-designed and fabricated by Philadelphia’s own Lucky Dog Studio. When you’re off the wheels, you can relax with sandwiches, beer, and cocktails at the pop-up beer garden.

After your skate, stop by LOVE Park for a photo in front of Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture before making your way toward the museum district along the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Don’t miss The Franklin Institute with its many scientifically-based exhibits and rooms, including rooms dedicated to the human body, sports and outer space. No visit is complete without a trip through the Giant Heart, a massive replica of the human organ. New for 2026, immerse yourself in the world of Universal with Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition. The world premiere exhibit features more than 100 artifacts from fan favorites like Super Nintendo World, Jurassic World, Minions, and much more.

New this season, check out Calder Gardens, dedicated to the work of iconic Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder. The serene space includes a gallery and gardens. Other museums utilizing impressive grounds along the Parkway include the Barnes Foundation – featuring one of the greatest collections of Impressionist art in the world and the Rodin Museum, with The Thinker front and center.

Towering above the end of the Parkway is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, known for its iconic “Rocky Stairs” made famous by Sylvester Stallone’s character in the Oscar-winning “Rocky.” Inside the museum is one of the finest collections of art in America, featuring works from around the world, including a Japanese Tea House and Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. New for 2026, check out exhibitions featuring the art of Sebastian Errazuriz and Noah Davis.

Over in Old City, check out the Museum of the American Revolution’s The Declaration’s Journey, looks at 250 years of America after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in nearby Independence Hall. Also, explore the When Women Lost the Vote exhibit and check out special talks, tours and performances.

Anywhere you go in Philly this spring, be sure to stop into the restaurants and stores to get the full experience of everything the city offers.

To plan your trip to Philadelphia and learn more about all the exciting events happening in the city, visit our things to do page.