Philadelphia, the birthplace of cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell, is a surprisingly awesome playground for outdoor adventurers.
Forget the urban jungle stereotype—this city is packed with trails to hike, rivers to paddle, and secret spots to discover.
So, we’re exploring the top 10 outdoor activities that will make you see this city in a whole new light—it’s time to get outside and explore!
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1. Hiking
Okay, so hiking is a fantastic option if you’re looking for fun things to do with friends outside. Philly has state parks, winding rivers, and a mix of terrains, so there’s tons to explore.
Seriously, you can soak in the local beauty and step into Philadelphia’s history all at once—a great way to spend a day outdoors with your favorite people.
One of the best hikes has got to be the Wissahickon Gorge North Loop Trail. Although it’s a favorite with horseback riders, it’s just as fun on foot.
This 5.2-mile loop is a moderate challenge, with a 670-foot elevation gain, rocky spots, and water crossings. Oh, and the views of the park’s waterfalls are gorgeous!
If you’re looking for something more relaxing to do, try the John Heinz Lake Loop trail—a serene 3.5-mile hike through peaceful tidal marshes. It’s a nice, quiet escape, to say the least.
Or, if you’re up for exploring the countryside, the Skippack Creek Loop Trail is a great choice, with a lovely 5-mile circle along the creek.
And if you enjoy a challenge, the Mount Joy Trail to Mount Misery Trail Loop is just one of many fantastic trails in the area, with 35 miles to explore.
2. Running
Philly’s got a serious love affair with running. (Gotta burn off those cheesesteaks somehow, right?)
Whether locals channel their inner Rocky on the famous 72 steps or the massive crowds at the annual Broad Street Run, the city embraces running.
And if lacing up your shoes and hitting the pavement is your idea of a good outdoor activity, Philly’s network of trails, roads, and paths has something for every kind of runner.
One popular spot is the 5.5-mile FDR Park Loop in South Philly. This paved mostly flat path winds around the park’s tennis courts, ball fields, and peaceful lakes—a surprising oasis near the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
Not to mention, the trail even dips under I-95, taking you on a scenic detour around the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
For those craving more miles, the 8.7-mile Schuylkill River Trail (Kelly Drive) & Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Loop is a must. Or, check out the 3.8-mile Boxers’ Trail in East Fairmount Park, where the legendary Philly boxer Joe Frazier once trained.
And in the case you’re a history buff, you’ll love the nearly 9-mile paved loop of the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Winding through several historic sites, this trail provides a run filled with beautiful scenery and fascinating stories from the past.
3. Kayaking & Canoeing
Forget long drives to distant state parks; kayaking and canoeing adventures are at your doorstep in the Philadelphia region.
With so many waterways nearby, it’s easy to spend a day or even a weekend exploring the outdoors with your paddles. So, it’s a perfect addition to your list of outdoor events in Philly today.
One of the best places to launch isn’t tucked away in a distant state park; it’s right on Darby Creek, winding through the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in South Philly. That’s right, near the airport!
This refuge has 4.5 miles of tidal water trails perfect for your canoe or kayak, all with the largest freshwater marsh in Pennsylvania as your backdrop. Plus, there’s a boat launch right by the Visitor Center, so it’s super convenient.
But if you don’t have the gear, no worries. Core Creek Park in Bucks County has kayak and pedalboat rentals, so you can explore the creek at your own pace.
If you’re after a more urban vibe, the Independence Seaport Museum has you covered with paddle craft rentals. You can explore the basin or join one of their Kayak Excursions at different waterfront spots.
Bartram’s Garden has a public dock for those wanting to paddle the Schuylkill, and the Philadelphia Canoe Club in Manayunk offers public trips, training, and events for a fee.
4. Biking
Philadelphia, with its grid system, parks, and accessible roads, is practically made for recreational road biking. So, it’s no surprise Philly often ranks as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country—its downtown is a cyclist’s dream!
That said, if you’re looking for outdoor activities in Philly, why don’t you grab your bike and hit the trails?
The top spot for road biking is definitely the Schuylkill River Trail (Kelly Drive) & Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Loop. This nine-mile route takes you along both sides of the Schuylkill River, from Falls Bridge all the way to behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Laurel Hill Cemetery and Boathouse Row. Bonus: MLK Drive is closed to cars on weekends and holidays from April through October, giving you plenty of space to enjoy the ride.
And if you want a scenic climb, then head up the Fairmount Park hills to the paved Centennial Loop (also known as the Centennial 5K Route). This path winds through the Centennial District, where you’ll see cherry trees and historic sites from the 1876 World’s Fair.
For something shorter and immersed in nature, the Bartram’s Mile Trail along the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philly is a great choice. You’ll ride through the lush greenery of Bartram’s Garden at Grays Ferry Crescent.
And if you’re up for a real challenge, the 26-mile Ardmore Rose Glen/Barren Hill Loop is a challenging but rewarding ride, straddling the Schuylkill River between the Main Line and Roxborough.
Bonus: After all that biking, you’re bound to get hungry. So, treat yourself to one of the best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia.
5. Birdwatching
Believe it or not, Philadelphia has a deep-rooted history in birdwatching, thanks to early ornithologists like John James Audubon, John Bartram, and Alexander Wilson.
With its abundance of parks and green spaces, the city has become a haven for birding communities, and you can spot over 350 bird species here.
If you’re looking for fun things to do outdoors and are a fan of our feathered friends, the go-to spot in the city is the 1,200-acre John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in South Philly.
As the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania and a designated Important Bird Area, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise.
With 80 species nesting here and over 300 recorded, it’s a fantastic place to see ducks, herons, warblers, swallows, and so much more.
The boardwalks and observation blinds provide perfect vantage points and the chance to spot eagles. Now, that’s an authentic Philly birding experience.
But there are other great birding locations, too. Pennypack on the Delaware is a key habitat for migrant birds, gulls, and shorebirds. And there’s FDR Park in South Philly, with its lakes and restored wetlands, it’s home to over 220 species.
And if you’re up for venturing a bit further out, Peace Valley Park, with more than 250 avian species, offers guided nature tours and even free bird walks.
You’ll be pleased to know that Philadelphia’s birding community is a welcoming bunch, with groups like In Color Birding Club, Philly Queer Birders, and Feminist Bird Club Philly leading the way.
The cherry on top is that these groups offer guided tours for all levels, all across the city and even further afield.
6. Walking
Philly—they say it’s the most walkable city in America. And hey, they might be onto something.
With its mix of lively streets and historic corners, there are endless routes to explore. Wandering with friends or taking a solo stroll, latte in hand, it’s easy to find the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon—definitely one of the best outdoor activities Philadelphia has to offer.
One classic Philly stroll is through the chic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, where you’ll find the beautiful Rittenhouse Square Park. This Beaux-Arts-style French garden has criss crossing walkways leading to a central oval.
There are plenty of benches, manicured lawns, shady trees, and sculptures. Surrounded by high-rises, there couldn’t be a better place for people-watching and taking in the city’s charm.
And, of course, there are plenty of other great spots for a stroll in Philly.
You could walk down leafy Germantown Avenue in the upscale Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Or, go window-shopping along Main Street in Manayunk, where you’ll also find great spots to grab a bite on a patio.
And here’s a local favorite: the 2.2-mile promenade along Spruce Street. It takes you across town, from Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River to Schuylkill River Park.
7. Picnicking
How about a picnic? Grab a blanket, pack a basket of your favorite snacks, or swing by your local hoagie shop for a quick and easy meal. Then, head to one of Philly’s many beautiful parks for a relaxing afternoon.
Clark Park in West Philadelphia is a classic choice; generations love it. This nine-acre park along Baltimore Avenue has more than enough picnic spots.
You can spread out under the shade of its 300 giant trees, gather around the tables on the park’s edge, or settle into the grassy bowl in the center.
For those looking to do more, consider firing up one of the charcoal grills or grabbing something fresh at the year-round farmers market, which is open every Saturday.
And while you’re there, why not bring your dog to the designated area, toss a Frisbee, or even enjoy a Shakespeare in Clark Park performance?
For breathtaking views, the scenic Belmont Plateau at the top of Fairmount Park is to die for. Another great option is Penn Treaty Park along the Delaware River waterfront, where you’ll find a picturesque setting perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
If you’re looking for something unique, you could find a shady spot in the historic, tree-lined Washington Square Park near Independence Hall.
You could also unwind amidst the lush greenery at Bartram’s Garden, enjoy the hillside lawn at Schuylkill Banks or even picnic 600 feet out into the river under the Ben Franklin Bridge at Race Street Pier.
As we can see, there is no shortage of great spots for a picnic in Philly!
8. Rock Climbing
It may surprise you, but this city has become a hotspot for urban climbing, especially bouldering.
So, if you’re itching to get vertical and explore some outdoor things to do in the Philadelphia area, there are plenty of great spots to test your skills.
Wissahickon Valley Park is a top pick, with several climbing surfaces clustered together. The south-facing Livezey Rock, also known as Rock Climbers Rock, is a 180-foot bouldering favorite since the 1950s, complete with permanent eyebolts and anchors.
Are you looking to explore bouldering further? If so, try the peaceful Revolutionary Ridge near the Henry Avenue Bridge. There, you’ll find formations with names like Drunken Fish Boulder, Pride Rock, and Coward’s Boulder. It sounds intriguing, right?
Another great area is the 100 Steps, where you can challenge yourself with features called Danger Dam, Funky Slab, Ivy Overhang, and the Nose.
And for a classic Philly climbing experience, you can’t miss the Kelly Drive Bouldering Wall. It’s beginner-friendly at just 38 feet high, but the location above the Schuylkill River Trail is unbeatable.
9. Skateboarding
Philadelphia’s skateboarding scene has plenty to offer and is worth exploring when you’re after some high-energy fun.
Anyone who’s ever picked up a board knows that Philadelphia is legendary in the skateboarding scene, and its cousin, rollerblading, has a solid following here, too.
Back in the ’80s, LOVE Park was the spot for skaters. It gained international recognition when the X Games were held there in 2001 and 2002, and it was even featured in multiple Tony Hawk video games.
Although LOVE Park closed to skaters in 2016, Philly has stepped up with several other skateparks.
One prime example is Paine’s Park, which opened in 2013 along the Schuylkill River Trail, right by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This 30,000-square-foot park caters to skateboarders and rollerbladers with rails, ledges, transitions, and quarterpipes.
With a focus on air and grinding, the design mimics street obstacles and even includes repurposed City Hall and LOVE Park benches.
Under I-95 in South Philly, you’ll find FDR Skatepark, a legendary DIY spot built “for skaters, by skaters.” It’s filled with soaring quarterpipes, challenging transitions, and ramps of all sizes and steepness.
Over in Southwest Philly, Grays Ferry Skatepark is a smaller, flowy pocket park under the Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge, which is more than ideal for a quick session.
10. Stargazing
If you want to unwind after a long day, there’s something magical about staring up at the night sky.
One of the best places to go is, by far, Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park. This area is known for its dark skies, perfect for stargazing, thanks to its vast forest.
The open field trail along the lake’s secluded north bank is ideal, away from the more frequented areas of the park.
Another great spot within the park is Scotts Run Lake, just a short hop away, and it’s another peaceful place to take in the night sky.
Now, if you’re in the suburbs, the north side of Valley Forge National Historical Park, along the Pawlings Farm Trail, is a fantastic spot for stargazing.
And for those in the city, looking for a bit of elevation, the Lemon Hill Rim Trail in Fairmount Park offers one of the best views in Philadelphia.
Saying that, you could try something different: head out to the midpoint of the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge pedestrian walkway over the Delaware River. Right on the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line, it’s a sublime spot for a stargazing adventure.
There Are Endless Outdoor Activities in Philadelphia
Without a doubt, Philly has way more to offer than cheesesteaks and historical landmarks (although let’s be honest, those are pretty epic). So, it’s time to ditch the city’s hustle and bustle and trade those stuffy museums for fresh air and sunshine.
Hidden hiking trails, peaceful kayaking spots, sprawling parks perfect for a picnic or a stroll—Philly’s got it all.
No matter your style, Philly’s outdoors is calling your name.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack a backpack, gather your favorite people, and get outside!
Oh, and there are also plenty more fun outdoor activities in the city. Have you considered going to one of Philadelphia’s theme parks?
