What To Do With Friends in Philadelphia

Getting a group of friends to agree on what to do on a night out shouldn’t be complicated, but all too often, going out can end up as a debate about preferences. Despite this, you may not need to compromise as much as you think.

Philadelphia has more restaurants, bars, museums, games, teams, and events than any friend group could reasonably work through. Before making a decision or sending out a bunch of options, try to figure out what it is that your friends are looking to get from the outing. 

This article narrows that list down to food, outdoor, and game-based outings and more, and hopefully gives you plenty of ideas for a fun night out with your friends.

Food-Based Outings

Best for: Catching up, mixed budgets, and conversation.

When in doubt, food won’t fail you. It’s the lowest-commitment plan there is and because Philadelphia has so many spots, it’s not difficult to find a place that everyone will like.  

Reading Terminal Market

This is an easy option when no one wants to make a decision about what to eat. Nobody has to agree on the type of food because there are just so many options. No reservation is needed, and people-watching is a nice added touch to this outing. The catch is timing; weekends get packed, so a group that wants to actually sit together should aim for off-peak hours.

BYOB Dinners

For an affordable sit-down dinner, Philadelphia’s unusually large number of BYOB restaurants are an easy option.  There are far too many restaurants to name, but if you Google “BYOB Philly,” you’ll come up with more results than you’d ever expect.  

Food Corridors 

If your group would rather keep moving than commit to a single table, why not pick an entire corridor? East Passyunk Avenue in South Philly and the stretch of Frankford Avenue through Fishtown both lend themselves to an unplanned food crawl. Start with a snack at one spot, walk a few blocks, split something else, and decide the next stop as you go. 

A Note on Larger Groups

Here’s one caveat: going to get something to eat or drink gets harder as groups get bigger. Six or more people without a reservation usually means a long wait on the sidewalk, and even with a reservation, a long table has a way of splitting into two or three separate conversations that can leave some people feeling left out. 

If your group is large, either book ahead at a spot that handles big parties, pick a market or food hall format designed for people splitting up, or plan something better suited to a large group.

Outdoor and Active Options

Best for: Daytime plans, nice weather, and friends who get restless sitting still.

Some groups bond over a table, while others need to be as active as possible. Philly has so many options for those who want to be a little more active because it has legitimate escapes inside city limits.

Schuylkill River Trail

One easy option is the Schuylkill River Trail. A walk or bike ride along Kelly Drive, with Boathouse Row and the art museum steps as scenery, is free, flexible, and works for almost any fitness level. Bike rentals make it doable even for friends who don’t own bikes. 

Wissahickon Valley Park

When your group wants something that feels like actually leaving the city without leaving the city, the trails in Wissahickon Valley Park in Northwest Philadelphia are an excellent option. There are genuine woods, creek views, and enough different routes to choose from, whether your group wants an easy walk or a more challenging hike.

Climbing Gyms

For an indoor option, climbing gyms have become one of the more dependable group activities in the city. Bouldering in particular is good for groups; one person climbs while everyone else watches, encourages them, and rests, so nobody is ever stranded doing nothing. Or, multiple people can boulder at the same time on different routes. Because gyms offer day passes and rental equipment, you don’t have to have any gear to get started. 

Seasonal Options

Then there are the seasonal options, which require some attention to the calendar. In summer, Spruce Street Harbor Park turns the Delaware River waterfront into a hammock-and-boardwalk hangout. In winter, ice skating, whether at the Blue Cross RiverRink on the waterfront or the rink at Dilworth Park beside City Hall, is one of the few activities that works in the cold. 

Of course, seasonal venues have firm opening and closing dates, and popular time slots for skating may require advance booking, so check dates and availability before you make plans. 

Games and Entertainment Outings

Best for: Groups that want more than eating and drinking but less commitment than a scheduled activity.

You’ve probably had an issue in your friend group where everyone wants to go out and do something, but not everyone can commit to a 7 p.m. sharp start time. Games-based venues exist as a middle ground. They give the night a built-in activity without putting it on a schedule in most cases.  

Barcade 

Barcade is a great example of this type of outing, combining classic arcade games and pinball machines with craft beer, cocktails, and creative pub food. Barcade has Philadelphia locations in Fishtown and Center City. The Fishtown location fits easily into a broader neighborhood night out, while the larger, two-floor Center City location works as the main destination for a group. Game lineups, menus, tap selections, and event offerings vary by location.

Arcade bars work well for groups because there’s a lot to do, so everyone can choose what suits them best. Anyone who can’t get there right on time can pop in whenever they’re able to, and they won’t have to feel like they’re disrupting anything or like they’ve missed out. 

Smaller groups may be able to visit casually, while groups of 10 or more should ask about current party-booking options, reserved seating, and other group accommodations.

Board Game Cafés

For groups that would rather sit down but still want something to do, board game cafés are an option instead of an arcade bar.  

Queen & Rook is an option that actually combines board games with an arcade. 

This café on South Street has more than 2,500 games, with staff available to recommend and explain options for different group sizes and skill levels. Groups can play while ordering food and drinks, and there is also a separate retro arcade with video games and pinball for anyone who wants to move around or switch activities.

Reservations are recommended, especially for groups. You pay $7 per person for a 2.5-hour reservation and can play as many games as you want during that time. The arcade is priced separately, starting at $15 for an adult’s first hour, with discounted additional hours. Prices can change, so always check on this before booking.

Bowling

Bowling remains one of the easiest ways to bring a group together for an active, low-pressure night. You don’t need much skill, and it truly doesn’t matter who wins. Waiting for your turn encourages conversation, and food and drinks are right there, so nobody feels like they’re missing out when they aren’t the one throwing the ball down the lane. 

Tons of Philadelphia venues cater to both small and big crowds, and you can often rent lanes by the hour. Some modern places have cosmic bowling nights or themed offerings, adding a different twist for groups looking for something more memorable. It’s smart to book a couple of lanes in advance, especially on weeknights or weekends when leagues fill venues quickly. Two of the most popular ones in Philadelphia include North Bowl and South Bowl, so check those out if you’re interested in this option. 

Mini Golf

Mini golf always seems to work for a surprisingly wide range of friend groups. Nobody has to be much of an athlete, and half the fun is usually laughing at how bad everyone is. There are a bunch of different mini golf venues throughout Philadelphia, including Puttshack and Libertee Grounds. 

Puttshack in Center City offers high-tech mini-golf courses that automatically track scores, along with a full restaurant and bar, making it a lively option for groups seeking a more modern and competitive experience. Libertee Grounds combines two nine-hole indoor mini golf courses with local beer, cocktails, and Asian-inspired bar food, giving groups a more relaxed place to play, eat, and hang out.

Axe Throwing

If you want something unexpected that’s almost guaranteed to be new for most people, axe throwing venues are a pretty cool option. You generally pay by the hour, get a quick safety demo from the staff, and then let the friendly competition begin. 

Axe throwing can appeal even to people who do not normally consider themselves athletic or particularly interested in traditional games. Many of these venues are BYOB and sell snacks or small plates as well. Make sure you book ahead, especially for weekends. 

Shows and Live Entertainment

Best for: Groups that want a shared experience and something to talk about afterward.

Sometimes the easiest group plan is to let someone else provide the fun, so there’s zero pressure to carry the conversation on your own. A show together always gives you an easy common topic; no matter what, you’ll walk out talking about it. 

Comedy Shows

If your group likes to laugh, trying a show at Helium Comedy Club is one of the more reliable bets for a relaxed night out. Whether it’s a national act or local comics, there’s usually someone who ends up way funnier than you’d expect. And honestly, even if you don’t like the performer, you still have something to talk about after. You can easily grab a casual dinner nearby and even drinks after if you’re up for it.  

Live Music

Philadelphia’s small- and mid-sized music venues make it easy to see a show without planning weeks in advance, and plenty of bars host free live music on weekends. Some good options for medium-sized groups include Johnny Brenda’s, The Fillmore, or World Cafe Live.  

Museum Nights and First Fridays

If the group wants something a little different, check for evening hours at bigger spots like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Franklin Institute. It’s pretty cool to walk through these places after hours, talking as you make your way through. 

And for something free, First Fridays in Old City offer walks through art galleries. They often offer refreshments, and there are food vendors set up on the sidewalks so you and your friends can grab a bite to eat.  

Watching the Game

Best for: Big groups, mixed levels of familiarity. 

In a city this invested in its teams, sports are a no-brainer. 

Going to a Game

Philadelphia has a few major sports teams – namely the 76ers, Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers – that play within walking distance of each other at the sports complex in South Philadelphia. Then there’s the Philadelphia soccer team, The Union, which plays in Chester. 

Depending on the season and the opponent, tickets can be surprisingly affordable, especially for baseball, where upper-level seats on a summer weeknight cost less than most concert tickets. A game solves nearly every group problem at once: fixed date, fixed location, built-in entertainment, and no pressure on anyone to carry a conversation for hours on end.  

Watching at a Bar

When tickets aren’t practical or the hassle is too much, meeting to watch the game at a bar can pull a crowd together with the true Philly atmosphere. Every neighborhood seems to have at least one diehard sports bar (usually many), complete with regulars, jerseys, and walls packed with screens. 

It’s easy for anyone to drop in late or leave early, food and drinks keep coming, and you hardly need to force much small talk; the game on TV keeps everyone engaged. Even people less passionate about sports can be part of the excitement, and nobody has to clean up afterward. It’s also flexible enough for groups of any size.

Enjoying an Outing in Philadelphia With Your Friends

Honestly, this list only scratches the surface. Philadelphia offers so many great ways to spend time with friends, and that’s before you even consider the nearby suburbs or destinations just across the bridge in New Jersey.

The best plan is not always the most elaborate one, just the one that works for your friends’ energy levels, budgets, and willingness to plan. Hopefully, these ideas make it easier to choose something everyone can enjoy and give you a strong starting point for your next outing.