What to do with teens in Philly this summer

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Summer with teens hits differently. They’re not little anymore; there are no more juice boxes and hand-holding through every park event. But they’re also not grown, even if they think they are. What they need (and honestly, what we need as their parents) is structure with breathing room.

Here’s how we’re doing summer in Philly this year. Hopefully, some of these ideas will spark something for your family, too.

1. Give Them a Mission (AKA Summer Jobs & Projects)

Maddie is halfway through high school now, and Cris is wrapping up middle school. This season, we’re talking resumes, responsibility, and real-life practice.

Think:

  • First-time jobs: Caddying, lifeguarding, or working concessions at a local pool or park
  • Volunteer gigs: SPCA, community centers, or even a family friend’s small business
  • Passion projects: Photography walks, content creation (with purpose), or helping Grandma digitize old photos

Even if they don’t earn a ton of cash, they’re gaining time management, commitment, and that sweet post-shift exhaustion that makes them sleep in without a fight.

2. Explore Philly Like Tourists

Let them be bored at home, not in the city. Because Philly in the summer? It’s giving “main character energy”.

  • Spruce Street Harbor Park: Chill hammocks, food trucks, and great people-watching
  • FDR Skatepark: For the teens who live for wheels
  • Mural Arts Walking Tour: Teach them that street art is more than just a backdrop
  • Rooftop movies, free museum days, summer festivals—we’re doing it all on a budget

You don’t have to do it every day. But once a week? Get out the house and make a memory.

3. Build Their Soft Skills (Without Them Knowing)

We’re not calling it “life skills.” They’ll roll their eyes.

But helping them:

  • Use a city map or transit app
  • Budget $20 for a day out
  • Read a restaurant menu and order for themselves
  • Manage a group text when planning a hangout

That’s growth. That’s confidence. That’s raising independent humans who’ll one day thank you—even if today all they say is “Can we go to Wawa?”

4. Leave Room for Nothing

Every week doesn’t need to be stacked. Some of the best moments this summer will happen on a porch with a fan blowing, a cup of water ice, and a speaker playing everyone’s playlist picks.

Let that be enough.

Final Thought

Teen summers aren’t just about keeping them busy—they’re about giving them space to grow while still being close enough to guide them.

Whether we’re riding the El to Old City or grabbing Rita’s at 9 PM on a Tuesday… I’m holding onto these moments. Because they’re still my babies. Just taller. And way more opinionated.

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