Resources for Creative Fun in the Community

Welcome to the Artful Wellness Resources Page — your guide to free and family-friendly creative experiences in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Whether you’re looking for imaginative art classes, library story times, museum programs, theatre and performance opportunities, or outdoor creativity events, the Philly area has a vibrant ecosystem of arts and culture waiting to inspire kids of all ages. From craft-filled afternoons at your local library to free museum days and playful festivals, these programs help kids explore art, storytelling, movement, and connection in joyful ways — all while building confidence, curiosity, and community spirit.

Explore the list below to find events, activities, and places where creativity comes alive!

Our Annual

🎨 Arts & Creativity Centers

Connect with local arts organizations that offer workshops, classes, open studios, and creative exhibitions — often with kid-friendly or free options:

Fleisher Art Memorial – Community art classes and accessible creative opportunities for all ages.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – Offers family art workshops and free or low-cost programming, including creative activities for kids.
Allens Lane Art Center – Community arts space with workshops and exhibits.
The Arts League – Creative arts programs for children and teens.
Philly Art Center & additional Philly Art Center locations – Art classes and creative events for young artists.
Tacony LAB Community Arts Center – Arts education and community programming.
CREATE - Sues Art Class, ARTrageous Brush & Flow, Project Joy Studio, Yay Clay – Local studios with creative workshops (check for occasional free or community days).

🖼️ Museums & Cultural Spaces

Philadelphia is rich with cultural gems that offer free entry for kids, special programming, and family art experiences:

Philadelphia Museum of Art – World-class art exhibitions with special family programs and occasional free days.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – A creative mosaic art space perfect for inspiring young imaginations.
Many local museums, like the Barnes Foundation or the Woodmere Art Museum, offer free admission for kids on select days — keep an eye on local calendars for Free First Sundays and seasonal workshops.

📖 Libraries & Community Programs

Public libraries are thriving hubs for creativity, storytelling, and free classes:

Free Library of Philadelphia Events Calendar – Storytime sessions, craft hours, club meetups (like chess, comics, anime), youth improv classes, and seasonal programs all throughout the year.
Local branch Libraries also offer performances, book clubs for kids, and workshops with materials included — great for nurturing a love of reading and creative expression.

🎉 Seasonal & Community Events

Keep an eye on community calendars and city event lists for free creative happenings throughout the year:

Philly family festivals, outdoor creative activities, and community arts events that feature interactive performances, art projects, music, and more — often free and open to kids.
The Philadelphia Fringe Festival celebrates performance art, storytelling, and creativity for all ages each fall.

🧸 Play + Nature + Creative
Exploration

Hands-on play and outdoor exploration are key to creativity, too:

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse – A beloved free public playground where imaginative play meets community activity.
Neighborhood parks, seasonal festivals, and outdoor movie or music nights — check local family calendars for dates and details.

🌟Quick Tips for Families

Check seasonal calendars (like the Arts Access Calendar) to find free arts and culture events happening near you.
Many libraries and museums offer story times, creative workshops, and drop-in arts activities at no cost, perfect for rainy days or weekend outings.
Look for Free First Sundays and special family days at local museums, these often include crafts, performances, and interactive learning experiences.

Our Annual

🎨 Arts & Museum Resources

Philadelphia Museum of Art – Explore world-class art and family-friendly activities; kids 18 & under are free and often special creative events are offered.
Barnes Foundation – Free admission for families on first Sundays of the month plus seasonal art-making activities.
Woodmere Art Museum – Free admission for children every Sunday and family-oriented art programs.
Art Kids Studio – Drop-in family art projects that change weekly at select art venues.
Please Touch Museum – Designed for hands-on creative play and learning (free/discounted access with some library/community passes).

📖 Library & Literacy Resources

The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts ongoing creative and literacy programs for kids, from storytimes and crafts to improv, chess, and STEAM activities.

Parkway Central Library – Central hub for storytimes, workshops, and creative programs.
The Free Library Of Philadelphia – Main system page with calendar of children’s activities.
South Philadelphia Library – Local branch with storytimes and kids’ programming.
Walnut Street West Library – Offers storytimes and family arts activities.
Kensington Library – Community library with story and craft events.
Tacony Library – Branch with kids’ programs throughout the year.
Philadelphia City Institute – Historic library with children’s events.

Friends Free Library – Free community library with reading and arts activities.
Little Free Library Locations (neighborhood book exchanges): Little Free Library - 16th St & Pine St, Little Free Library - Philly Montessori, Little Free Library - Oxford St, Little Free Library - S 45th St, Little Free Library - Matthias Baldwin Park, Little Free Library - Francisville Playground

Library Program Highlights:

• Storytimes with songs, crafts, and movement for toddlers & preschoolers.

• After-school arts, crafts, and workshops.

• Improv classes and creative play sessions.

🎉 Youth & Community Art Programs

Urban Art Gallery Youth Programs – Free multicultural arts and culture experiences for Philadelphia youth.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) Youth & Family Programs – Free monthly Family Art Day workshops and seasonal events where kids can make art with professional artists.
Art Sphere Inc. – Non-profit offering free arts education and creative learning opportunities to underserved neighborhoods.
The Arts League Youth Programs – Creative visual and mixed-media art explorations for young artists (low cost).
Free events for kids in Philadelphia – Community listings, free classes, festivals, and creative activities throughout the year.
PhillyFamily Free Activity Guides – Curated lists of free seasonal events, outdoor concerts, museum days, and creative happenings for families