The best things to do in Philadelphia

“Skip the streaming scroll and let Bryn Mawr Film Institute handle movie night. This independent spot programs everything from 70mm and 35mm On Film screenings to curated series and legit film studies classes, all inside a historic theater that still feels like the neighborhood’s living room.”

“Radnor Valley Country Club keeps it classic with a historic 18-hole course originally designed by Dick Wilson in 1951, then rounds it out with indoor and outdoor clay courts, a heated pool, lively monthly events, and genuinely good dining... a Main Line hangout for active families.”

From the Norristown newsletter, September 12, 2026

“If you like your rounds with a side of heritage, The Springhaven Club blends classic Philadelphia golf roots with sharp course conditioning, instruction, tournaments and socials, plus dining that swings from casual to gourmet. Non-members can still book catered celebrations and meetings.”

From the Chester newsletter, September 2, 2026

“The 1912 Club pairs a championship-caliber course with renovated, thoughtfully enhanced facilities and a welcoming member community, so if you’re in Norristown looking for pristine fairways, elegant dining, or an event space worthy of a wedding or big work shindig, this is your spot.”

From the Norristown newsletter, September 5, 2026

“When the group chat can't decide between catching the game or button-mashing, Dave & Buster's Philadelphia delivers with massive screens, a stacked arcade, and food plus craft cocktails or mocktails. Great for rallying the crew before an Eagles game or celebrating random Tuesday wins.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 4, 2026

“D. Radio. Perfect for family hangs this week, friend dates, or plotting a birthday that actually rocks.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Westwood Golf Club is a public 18 that locals love for year-round conditioning, a friendly front nine, and a back nine with real elevation drama. Book a tee time, chase pars, then refuel in their newly remodeled restaurant or test swings in the Trackman simulator.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Our Aquatic Neighbors Mural turns a 1500 square foot wall into a love letter to the Delaware River, with great blue heron, sturgeon, bufflehead ducks, beaver and freshwater mussels showing up like neighbors. Built with local students and Skype a Scientist, it’s smart, joyful public art to visit this week.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Voorhees Golf Land has the sweet spot for quick, no-pressure swings, with classic mini golf and all 18 holes of pitch and putt open right here in Voorhees. They keep the game fun and accessible, so grab a buddy, try a couple loops, and make this week your short-game win.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Historic since 1892 and the 10th oldest golf course in America, Merchantville Country Club packs an engaging nine-hole course, a modern clubhouse, and a lively bar and grill with deck views that make you linger. Go for the golf this week, stay for the camaraderie and that South Jersey's Best Kept Secret vibe.”

From the Camden County newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Whether you're new to golf or just chasing that satisfying thwack, Strawberry Green Driving Range has complimentary clubs, experienced trainers, and plenty of room to groove your shot.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Part of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s ever-growing outdoor gallery, Peace Through Imagination Mural is one of those pieces that quietly resets your brain during a neighborhood walk. It’s bright, reflective, and great for a quick pause between errands, plus it sparks the kind of sidewalk conversations Philly excels at.”

“If you’ve got access, St. Martin's Golf Course delivers pure old-school vibes at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the kind of classic layout that clears your head and steadies the week in a single round. Bring a friend, stripe a few, leave smugly happier than you arrived.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Sneak in a weekday round or plan that celebration you keep putting off, because Tavistock Country Club delivers exceptional golf, fine cuisine with an extensive wine list, and social events where members and their guests actually feel at home this week.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Libertee Grounds blends a 9-hole mini-golf course with a relaxed bar serving Asian American bites, plus a golf simulator lounge when you want to swing for real. Great for weeknight hangs, low-stakes competition, and that friend group that can never agree on just drinks.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Tree of Knowledge Mural is a 2003 Mural Arts Philadelphia piece by Michael Webb honoring Eisenhower Fellowships, and its leaves hide objects alluding to human endeavor, knowledge, and perseverance. It’s the kind of mural you can linger at on a lunch break, spotting something new every time.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Veteran mini-golf chain venue with arcade games & snacks, plus birthday parties.”

“Meg Saligman’s 1999 Philadelphia Muses Mural reimagines the nine classical muses as a whirring arts machine, spinning out perfect spheres with portraits of local performers and clever circular motifs. Painted in studio on parachute cloth then applied like giant decoupage, it’s a quick, energizing art detour.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Camden County Driving Range at Cooper River Park is a state-of-the-art, lighted, 60-station double-decker with an aquatic target, plus a legit short-game area with putting green and sand trap. Open to the public, no tee time, and buckets from self-serve machines... easy.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Amusement center featuring dodgeball, basketball, a ropes course, and pizza, plus a restroom.”

“If this week needs a blissful green timeout, Bala Golf Club is Philly's ultra-convenient private hang, a picturesque William Flynn design with major championship pedigree and 125-plus years of tradition, where you can go from Center City to the first tee in 12 minutes.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Landmark's Ritz Five is the rare theater that actually curates, a five-screen home for independent, foreign, and documentary films with the kind of special series and one-off screenings that make you feel in-the-know.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Whether you're dialing in wedges or sneaking in a fast round, Juniata Golf Club keeps it fun with a layout packed with par 3s, a no-fuss pro shop, and golf outings for clubs and groups that feel neighborly, not stuffy.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Play Mini Golf brings 18 holes of blacklight mini golf with upbeat music, plus foosball, ping pong, and console games for the in-between bragging. It’s an easy, weatherproof hang for Philly nights or a low-stress party spot when you just want laughs and friendly trash talk.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Upscale, tech-infused mini-golf spot featuring modern technology and trendy vibes.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Activity center where teams disarm paint, foam or slime bombs using arcade games, lasers and puzzles.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“If you’re up for a quick Philly detour, Water Gives Life Mural - by Eurhi Jones and David McShane rewards the trip with a dreamy botanical panorama inspired by Ruth Asawa, connecting rivers, city pipes, and local flora, and reimagining a beloved 1998 wall into a fresh sustainability conversation.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Trampolines, dodgeball, a ninja course, battle beam bragging rights, laser tag and an arcade keep everyone moving, while Launch Family Entertainment Deptford also throws Ignite Glow Night and Toddler Time so both teens and littles get their moment. Consider it your weekly energy reset.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Whether you're fine-tuning your wedges or introducing a newbie without committing a full 18, Cobbs Creek Golf Campus packs a 68-bay Toptracer range with heated bays, a Tiger Woods' TGR Design 9-hole short course, and the Charlie Sifford inspired Little Horse Tavern.”

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you're chasing a legit challenge or just want a long walk with bragging rights, The Legacy Club in Cherry Hill serves up a prestigious course and views for days. Cap it off at Randall's Restaurant, the public spot on site with an upscale menu and a modern bar.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Whether you’re sneaking in a quick bucket from weather controlled tees or chasing aces on the freshly landscaped 18 with seven working fountains, Burholme Family Fun Center hits the sweet spot.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Entertainment option featuring intricately designed, handcrafted rooms for immersive escape games.”

“Long-running, 18-hole golf course & practice facility with a pro shop & snack bar.”

“Philly golf brain a little rusty? MGOLF Driving Range & Learning Facility lives up to its “Practice with a Purpose” motto with 35 mat stations, laser-measured target greens, a 6,000 sq ft putting and chipping green, plus PGA-certified instruction and club fitting to actually fix that slice.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Philadelphia Country Club brings 27 holes of championship golf, consistently ranked among Golfweek’s Top 100 Classic Courses, with veteran caddies and a pro staff that keeps play dialed. S. Amateur Championship, it’s a good week to explore membership if you want a course that doubles as community.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Ramblewood Country Club packs three playable 9s, so you can mix and match layouts without the slog, then unwind at the Seven Tap-Tavern with craft beers, a solid menu, and plenty of TVs. It’s public, well kept, and equally handy for weekend rounds or hosting life’s bigger moments.”

From the Mount Laurel newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Pennsauken Country Club blends classic home turf golf vibes with a meticulously maintained course, easy public tee times, and golf simulators when you want to keep the swing sharp. Finish at Marco’s 19th Hole Bar and Grille for a laid back bite, then bask in that well-earned smugness.”

From the Camden County newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Bound Together, Mural by Tim McFarlane is a bold abstract public mural in Philadelphia that honors Chinatown’s northern edge while nodding to the area’s rural past. Created in summer 2021, it’s the kind of outdoor piece that rewards a slow look, then another, then a photo.”

From the Allentown newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Franklin Square keeps summer lively with the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival glowing through August 16, a dancing fountain show, the Parx Liberty Carousel, and Center City’s only 18-hole Philly Mini Golf modeled after hometown landmarks. Grab a SquareBurger, then see who sinks the most ridiculous bank shot.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 11, 2026