The City of Philadelphia has announced its programming for “It’s A Summer Thing,” a lineup of free and low-cost summer opportunities for children, youth, teens and families across the city. Programs include recreation, learning, jobs, and access to safe spaces designed to keep young people active, engaged and connected all summer long. They are regularly updated at phila.gov/itsasummerthing, where families can find registration details, program timelines, locations and eligibility requirements.

The activities include pools; spray grounds; summer camps; enhanced summer learning; paid work-based learning experiences; Playstreets, which blocks off streets for extended play; and seasonal job opportunities.

“Our goal is to make sure every young person in Philadelphia has access to safe, enriching opportunities all summer long,” said Vanessa Garrett Harley, chief deputy mayor, social impact and strategic initiatives. “These investments help children and teens build skills, stay engaged, and connect to opportunities that support long-term success.”

“Providing high-quality instruction outside the traditional school year has significant benefits for students, including stronger academic achievement, improved physical and mental health, and greater engagement,” said schools Superintendent Tony B. Watlington. “We are reinforcing essential math and reading skills while creating enriching experiences that support the whole child, helping students build confidence and start the next school year strong.”

“Summer Quest invites the community to discover new programs, read, explore, and join the adventure this summer,” said Kelly Richards, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Programs include:

* Summer Achievers Program. A free academic and enrichment program for rising first to eighth graders, offering reading and math support, meals, camp-style activities, and field trips beginning June 22. Through Mayor Parker’s Extended Day, Extended Year (EDEY) initiative, the program includes 29 School District sites, six participating charter schools, and approximately 2,100 additional summer slots for Philadelphia students.

* Career Connected Learning. Career Connected Learning PHL (C2L) will provide thousands of paid work-based learning opportunities for youth ages 12–24, with most placements for high school students. Participants can complete up to 120 hours over six weeks and earn a $1,320 stipend.

* Playstreets. Safe neighborhood blocks closed to traffic where children can play, stay active, and receive free meals and snacks throughout the summer.

* Summer camps. More than 100 camp opportunities at recreation centers and parks across Philadelphia, featuring sports, arts, outdoor activities, and structured summer fun.

* Pools & spray grounds. Access to 63 public pools, spray grounds, free swim lessons, and water play opportunities citywide.

*Library & STEM programs. Reading support, literacy programming, and STEM-focused learning opportunities at library branches across the city.

* School district summer program.: The School District of Philadelphia will offer programming at more than 130 sites citywide for students entering kindergarten through grade 12, serving an anticipated 21,000 students.

* Out-of-school time. Enrichment programs in schools and community-based locations provide safe, supervised spaces for learning, recreation, and youth engagement.

* Youth development programs. Activities focused on conflict resolution, financial literacy, leadership development, and gaming.

* Extended hours at PAL Centers. Police Athletic League of Philadelphia centers will offer extended hours from June through September for youth ages 6–18, expanding access to sports, mentorship, and recreation.

* Law enforcement youth programs. The Philadelphia Police Explorer Cadet Program and Youth Police Camp provide mentoring, classroom instruction, leadership development, and hands-on training.

Additionally, “It’s A Summer Thing” will support free meal distribution at several camps, summer programs and Playstreets. Families can use the food locator at phila.gov/food to find distribution sites.