As the semester comes to a close, it’s time to start adding things to your summer bucket list! Whether you’re staying near campus for the summer or Philly is your hometown like me, here are 5 things to do in Philadelphia this summer:
- Shofuso Japanese Garden and Horticulture Center
Located in Fairmount Park, Shofuso is a traditional 17th century-style Japanese house and garden. Here you can explore the 1.2 garden, tour the traditional house, feed koi fish, and enjoy the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia. Shofuso is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Parking is free and college students can visit for $9 with a valid student ID.
- Manayunk Arts Festival
Most Jefferson students are sure to be familiar with Manayunk’s Main Street. This summer, Manayunk will be hosting the annual Manayunk Arts Festival, the area’s largest outdoor arts festival complete with judged competitions for artists and designers. The festival will take place on June 24th and 25th along Main Street Manayunk.
- Mural Arts Tour
Take a tour with Mural Arts Philadelphia and learn more about all of the beautiful murals throughout the city! Tours take place throughout the city in a variety of formats, from walking tours to trolley tours, and typically last 90 minutes with professional tour guides. You can even do a self-guided tour! Visit the Mural Arts Philadelphia website to check out their tour schedule and learn more!
- Franklin Square Park Philly Mini Golf
Visit Franklin Square Park, one of Philadelphia’s five original squares, and play a game of Philadelphia themed mini-golf! Philly mini-golf is the only 18-hole mini-golf course in Center City and showcases famous Philadelphia landmarks, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Liberty Bell. Tickets are $13 and you can buy them online or in the park. If you visit between June 21 and August 4, you can also check out The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival and the beautiful lanterns decorating the park!
- Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden at the PMA
Explore the variety of properties owned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden! This one acre garden features large-scale sculptures by several famous contemporary artists. The garden features two levels with graveled galleries and a paved plaza. It is located right outside of the main Philadelphia Museum of Art building, above the parking garage. The garden is open everyday from dawn to dusk with no admission fees! While you’re there, check out the incredible galleries of the main building as well! The main building is open from 10 am to 5 pm Thursday through Monday and tickets for students are $13 with a valid ID.