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Labor Day weekend: Free things to do and see in Philly

From boat rides on the Schuylkill to free admission to museums

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The so-called last weekend of summer is upon us.

For many, Labor Day Weekend means one last visit to the shore. But for folks planning to stay in Philly or visit the City of Brotherly Love, we've got you covered, even if you didn't manage to snag a ticket to the Made in America concert. Low on cash? Even better—because here are 10 free things to do in Philly during Labor Day weekend, from boat rides on the Schuylkill River to outdoor movies, to even just lounging in a hammock one last time.

These free things to do are listed in order of date. Know of another low-cost event happening over the weekend? Leave a comment or send us a tip.

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Enjoy Parks on Tap at Clark Park

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The mobile beer garden Parks on Tap will be at Clark Park this weekend, with extended hours on actual Labor Day. It’ll be at the park now through Monday, September 2. Relaxing at the park is free, the food and beer is not.

Want to grill your own grub? Here are 13 Philly parks where you can barbecue and picnic.

A post shared by Tim Lanza (@timlanza) on

Go boating at Bartram's Garden

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On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can grab a boat from Bartram’s Garden and cruise around the Schuylkill River for free. Just note: The boat rides are limited to 30-minute excursions. Take a stroll along the Bartram’s Mile trail, while you’re at it.

Free kids tickets at Museum of The American Revolution

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The Museum of the American Revolution is hosting a long list of activities over Labor Day Weekend starting on Saturday—and kids under 12 will get in for free. They’ll also receive a free back-to-school packet with colored pencils, a coloring book, and of course, a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence.

Courtesy of MoAR

Pay-what-you-wish at local museums

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Here's your chance to bask in the air-conditioned goodness of the Philadelphia Museum of Art while everyone else is at the shore. This Sunday, September 1 is the museum's Pay-What-You-Wish day—same goes for the nearby Barnes Foundation.

The exterior of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum has columns flanking the entryway and a large courtyard in front. Courtesy of Shutterstock

Watch fireworks at Penn's Landing

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Sunday, September 1 marks the final fireworks show of the summer at Penn’s Landing. But first, enjoy a free concert by the U.S. Army Band Downrange at 8 p.m. The fireworks follow at 9:30 p.m.

Photo by M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

Blue Cross RiverRink

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Labor Day weekend is your last chance to hang out at the Blue Cross River Rink's Summer Fest. Admission to the beach-friendly on the Delaware River Waterfront is free, but you do have to fork over a few bucks to cruise around the roller-skating rink.

Yoga on the pier

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The free yoga classes on Race Street Pier continue through November 11. Over Labor Day weekend, roll out your mat for yoga with a view on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Hang at Spruce Street Harbor Park

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Thanks to so much success over the past few years, Spruce Street Harbor Park is open through September 30. So if you just feel like lounging in a hammock all weekend, this is the place to be.

Celebrate Labor Day at Franklin Square

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Franklin Square is open all during Labor Day weekend, when you can ““splash in the square” ride the merry go round and more.

There will also be a weekend-long celebration with a chance to ride the  Lightning Bolt Express Train, but it costs $5 for adults and $4 for children.

Family movie night at Bartram's Garden

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Catch up with Bartram’s Garden Friday night for a free movie screening of “Aquaman” with a tour of the garden. The tour starts at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:30.

Enjoy Parks on Tap at Clark Park

The mobile beer garden Parks on Tap will be at Clark Park this weekend, with extended hours on actual Labor Day. It’ll be at the park now through Monday, September 2. Relaxing at the park is free, the food and beer is not.

Want to grill your own grub? Here are 13 Philly parks where you can barbecue and picnic.

A post shared by Tim Lanza (@timlanza) on

Go boating at Bartram's Garden

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can grab a boat from Bartram’s Garden and cruise around the Schuylkill River for free. Just note: The boat rides are limited to 30-minute excursions. Take a stroll along the Bartram’s Mile trail, while you’re at it.

Free kids tickets at Museum of The American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution is hosting a long list of activities over Labor Day Weekend starting on Saturday—and kids under 12 will get in for free. They’ll also receive a free back-to-school packet with colored pencils, a coloring book, and of course, a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence.

Courtesy of MoAR

Pay-what-you-wish at local museums

Here's your chance to bask in the air-conditioned goodness of the Philadelphia Museum of Art while everyone else is at the shore. This Sunday, September 1 is the museum's Pay-What-You-Wish day—same goes for the nearby Barnes Foundation.

The exterior of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum has columns flanking the entryway and a large courtyard in front. Courtesy of Shutterstock

Watch fireworks at Penn's Landing

Sunday, September 1 marks the final fireworks show of the summer at Penn’s Landing. But first, enjoy a free concert by the U.S. Army Band Downrange at 8 p.m. The fireworks follow at 9:30 p.m.

Photo by M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

Blue Cross RiverRink

Labor Day weekend is your last chance to hang out at the Blue Cross River Rink's Summer Fest. Admission to the beach-friendly on the Delaware River Waterfront is free, but you do have to fork over a few bucks to cruise around the roller-skating rink.

Yoga on the pier

The free yoga classes on Race Street Pier continue through November 11. Over Labor Day weekend, roll out your mat for yoga with a view on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Hang at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Thanks to so much success over the past few years, Spruce Street Harbor Park is open through September 30. So if you just feel like lounging in a hammock all weekend, this is the place to be.

Celebrate Labor Day at Franklin Square

Franklin Square is open all during Labor Day weekend, when you can ““splash in the square” ride the merry go round and more.

There will also be a weekend-long celebration with a chance to ride the  Lightning Bolt Express Train, but it costs $5 for adults and $4 for children.

Family movie night at Bartram's Garden

Catch up with Bartram’s Garden Friday night for a free movie screening of “Aquaman” with a tour of the garden. The tour starts at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:30.