High Gas Prices Got You Rethinking Your Travel Plans? Here are 5 Free Ideas for Things to Do in the Philly/South Jersey Area
- May 3
- 3 min read
Gas prices right now - yeesh! Looking for free things to do in Philadelphia and South Jersey? Here are 5 ideas
and two bonus tips!
Philadelphia Area
Valley Forge National Historical Park
You can tour the revolution encampment by car, or you can do a trolley tour, but reservations are required for the trolley tour. There are also 30 miles of trails to hike, bike and run!
Address: 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Do I need a National Parks Pass? Nope. There’s no entrance fee or pass.
Parking: Free
Get more information on visiting Valley Forge National Historical Park
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
According to its website, “Celebrated as America's First Urban Refuge, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum was established in 1972. The refuge is a treasured green space nestled within the city of Philadelphia, teeming with a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants native to the Delaware Estuary. The refuge supports a diversity of habitats, including freshwater tidal marsh, open waters, mudflats, and woodlands that the hundreds of species call home.“
There are fun free events like Frog Walk (a red light flashlight is recommended), free classes like archery and photography and Fishing Night
Address: 8601 Lindbergh BoulevardPhiladelphia,PA19153-2501
Admission and Parking: Free
Info for the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Barnes Foundation Museum
If you’ve never been to the Barnes, you should go. It has an extensive and diverse collection of art, everything from Impressionist paintings to Native American jewelry. Every first Sunday of the Month, PECO (Philadelphia Electric Company) sponsors Free First Sunday. It sponsors free admission to the museum, but registration is required in advance.
Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Admission: Adults $30, but free on Free First Sunday
Visitor Parking: $12 for up to 4 hours; $2 each additional hour
Here is more information about free events at the Barnes
In South Jersey
Cape May County Zoo
Address: 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, New Jersey, 08210
Admission and parking are free
In addition to the zoo, there’s ziplining (although there’s a fee for that), a goat meet and greet (also a fee), have a birthday party (reservation application required)
Ventnor Beach Concert Series
Kicking off on Memorial Day weekend and running though Labor Day weekend, Ventnor City, south of Atlantic City, offers weekly beach concerts with a different band each week. Bring a beach chair or a beach blanket and hang out, grab food at a food truck and watch the sunset. There are two concert locations - one for Wednesday concerts and one for Saturday concerts.
Admission: Free, but bring money if you’d like to get a bite to eat from food trucks.
Parking: There is free parking and metered parking meters on the street, depending on the location.
Bonus Tips
Bank of America Museums on Us
If you’re a Bank of America cardholder, the first full weekend of each month, cardholders are entitled to free admission to select museums. One free admission per cardholder.
Free New Jersey State Parks Pass for Senior Citizens
If you’re a New Jersey resident who’s 62 or older, you are eligible for a free lifetime New Jersey Parks Pass. The pass entitles you to free entrance to all state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites.
Comments