9 Fun Activities In Philadelphia For Adults For The Perfect Outing

Fun activities in Philadelphia for adults are abundant. Whether you’re searching for the perfect date night or fun things to do with a group, you’ll find it all. Explore the tourist attractions, indulge in Philly cheesesteak, and get lost in the city with all of the fun things to see and do.

 

1) Have Some Old School Fun

One of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia for adults is to have some old-school fun. Play around South Philly and Downtown Philly as though you were kids.

You could lock yourselves in a room, use clues, and work together to get out. Olde City Escape Games allows you to choose an escape room based on the number of players you have (between 2 and 10+). The best part is that the escape rooms are private, so you’re never playing with strangers.

Interested in arcade games? Philadelphia has a long list of places to go to, including:

  • RAM Arcade

  • Barcade

  • Tap Esports Center

Check out some of the local breweries where you can enjoy a flight of IPAs and lagers while playing board games, too. A few of the best are:

  • Good Dog Bar

  • Thirsty Dice

  • The Board & Brew

  • Love City Brewing Company

Most of the escape rooms require advanced reservations, but you can walk into any arcade or brewery with ease.

Escape Room In Downtown Philadelphia

 

2) Explore The Independence Mall

In the heart of the city are some of the most historic parts of Philadelphia. This is a grassy area that encompasses approximately four blocks.

The Independence Mall encompasses:

  • The Liberty Bell

  • Independence Visitor Center

  • Independence Hall

  • Independence National Historical Park

One of the best ways to see the area is with a walking tour, which should be booked in advance.

Independence Hall Philadelphia

 

3) Discover At The Benjamin Franklin Museum

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is so much fun because of the many interactive exhibitions as well as the artifacts on display. The museum allows you to learn about his life as well as his time as a statesman.

Don’t forget to check out the “ghost house” out front, which is an outline sculpture of his home and print shop.

Benjamin Franklin Museum

 

4) Visit Penn’s Landing

Penn’s Landing is named in honor of William Penn’s landing in the city in 1682. Situated on the Delaware River, it offers access to some of the most exciting attractions that are open year-round:

  • Cherry Street Pier

  • Independence Seaport Museum

  • Race Street Pier

  • Top restaurants

There are also a few seasonal fun activities that happen here, including concerts, art exhibitions, and farmers’ markets. You’ll also find plenty of street food as well as restaurants that take the BYOB approach to serving alcohol.

Penn’s Landing In Center City District, Philadelphia

 

5) Tour The Haunted Attractions

With such a historic city, you had to know that there would be spirits and ghosts lurking about, right? Various ghost tours will guide you through the different attractions so you can have the best chance of seeing a ghost during your time in Philly.

Here’s where you’re most likely to see some restless spirits:

  • American Philosophical Society Library

  • Betsy Ross House

  • Bishop White House

  • Cruiser Olympia

  • Eastern State Penitentiary

  • Elfreth’s Alley

  • Grumblethorpe

  • Philadelphia Zoo

Throughout the month of October, there are a number of themed fun activities that cater to the haunted, scary, and downright mysterious. This includes Halloween Nights at the Eastern State Penitentiary and Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres.

Betsy Ross House

 

6) Capture The City Skyline

While you can glimpse the city skyline from a number of places, there are a few places where you can get an epic view by going up.

The Philadelphia City Hall has an observation deck that places you 548 feet above the city. While there, you can also tour the art, architecture, and history of the building.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, built in 1926, is one that allows you to walk or bike ride across. While it only places you 135 feet above, you get amazing views of the skyline as well as the Delaware River waterfront.

The Bellevue Hotel also offers a restaurant, XIX, on the 19th floor. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide an epic background while you feast on their fine dining menu and incredible cocktails.

Benjamin Franklin Bridge And Philadelphia Skyline

 

7) Walk Around Spruce Street Harbor Park

An impromptu date night can be created simply by walking along the Delaware River waterfront. You’ll find craft beer, amazing food, and trees that are adorned with lights. There are all sorts of events happening throughout the year. Some things to look for include:

  • Live music

  • Craft fairs

  • Beer gardens

Be sure to book one of the relaxing hammock lounges to ensure you have a fun way to take in the stunning views of the Delaware River.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

 

8) Take A Walk Down South Street

You can find a bit of everything when you stroll down South Street. It’s the melting pot of the area, so whether you want to find a Philadelphia museum or the edgiest new coffee shop, you’ll find it here.

It’s where you can find an authentic Philly cheesesteak, find outdoor activities during the summer, and shop a variety of independently owned stores.

Hint: If you want to know if your cheesesteak is truly authentic, it will arguably be made with sliced and chopped ribeye steak, fried onions and peppers, and Cheez Whiz. Of course, you’ll find plenty of restaurants putting their own spin on the classic.

The area spans approximately 14 blocks, covering Front Street to Broad Street.

It’s also worth noting that you’ll find plenty of fun activities in Philadelphia for adults around the Red Light District of South Street after dark. Just wander a bit north of where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is, and you’ll find the adult entertainment you may be after.

South Street, Philadelphia

 

9) Snap A Few “Must-Take Photos

Did you know that there are more than 1500 statues and public monuments around the city? That means that you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities. Ask a friend to snap photos of you with the statues or pose for a selfie.

Here are the top 5 places where you should be taking photos:

  • In front of the Liberty Bell (and it’s free to see it)

  • Pose with the Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (bonus points if you yell, “Yo, Adrian, I did it!)

  • In front of the Eastern State Penitentiary (and it’s only a 15-minute walk from the museum)

  • In front of the LOVE sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza

  • Around the premier horticultural displays of Longwood Gardens

Philadelphia Attractions - Liberty Bell

 

Explore Philadelphia With A Local Tour Guide

What if you could tour the city, enjoy live entertainment, and do all the fun activities at once? It’s possible with Founding Footsteps. There are a variety of historic walking tours available, as well as the only BYOB trolleys in Philadelphia.

Tourists and locals alike have fallen in love with these tours because it’s an escape from the “typical” history tours. We offer more fun activities in Philadelphia for adults, and you can make it a date or a group activity.

Visit our website and book your tour today!

Tim & Abbie

Our founder Tim was an English teacher who picked up a tour guide gig during his summers off. He quickly fell in love with the city, the people, and the stories. Tim decided to start his own company in 2015...

Tim & Abbie Full Bio
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Group Size
Up to 32

Bad Things Happen In Philly

Hear chilling stories of the most heinous murders committed in Philadelphia. This BYOB tour is 21+ and contains graphic and disturbing content.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 32

Holiday Light Tour - Private Party

Philly's ORIGINAL BYOB Holiday Light Trolley Tour is the best way to ring in the season! Our amazing local musicians will leave even the biggest scrooge feeling festive. Talented musicians will play holiday music as we travel to some of the most festive locations in the city. Singing along is highly encouraged! We found last year that the more engaged the crowd is, the more fun everyone has, so don’t be shy about belting out your favorite holiday tunes and feel free to BYOB! BOOK TODAY!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 36

Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

An entertaining, comedic story-telling adventure through Philadelphia, covering the city's major attractions. Tours run an hour and 45 minutes. 21+ to drink.

Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 20

Old City Historic Walking Tour

Explore historic Philadelphia on this walking tour of the Old City District, a quick and convenient introduction for first-time visitors. See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Then wander down Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. Plus, choose from multiple departure times to suit your needs. Our storytelling guide will cover famous historic moments in American history as well as the history that you won't see in textbooks!

Our Old City Historic Walking Tour can also be booked as a private tour!

Duration
Group Size
no limit

Corporate Events

We offer fully customizable corporate tours to cater to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to kick off your corporate event with a fun and hilarious tour of Philadelphia or customize an itinerary for your team to experience while in the city, we've got you covered.

We can even stock the trolley with local foods and offer a selection of beers or wine to enhance your team's experience (optional). We understand that each corporate event is unique, and we're here to work with you to create a customized tour that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Give us a call today, and our team will provide you with a personalized quote for your event. We're excited to collaborate with you to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your team in Philadelphia.

Duration
Group Size
Up to 36

Private Events

All of our private tours are fully customizable.

Kick off your private event with a hilarious tour of Philadelphia on a trolley stocked with local foods and beers. Call on us to escort your bachelor or bachelorette party around the city while being entertained by live musicians or stand-up comedians. Have your wedding party arrive at the ceremony or reception in style on one of our historic trolleys.