Several Philadelphia’s cultural institutions and agencies, including the Academy of Natural Sciences, The Barnes Foundation and WHYY, are offering free summer learning opportunities for children ages 5 and under and their families.

A number of activities and programs have been scheduled at various locations in West Philadelphia through mid-August (for more locations, check out the Summer Pod Brochure 2022):

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Discover, Play, Share: Summer Family Fun

When: July 23 and August 6, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Where: Mt. Vernon Park, 37th and Mt. Vernon St.

What: Outdoor storytimes, puppet shows, STEAM experiments, music, and movement. Take-home learn-and-play kits and snacks.

The Barnes Foundation
Barnes Pods: Art in the Park

When: August 1–12, Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11 a.m.

Where: Malcolm X Park, 51st and Pine St.

What: Outdoor sessions in public parks with hands-on art making, music, and storytimes for literacy, sensory, and social-emotional learning. For more info, please email: community@barnesfoundation.org

The Clay Studio
Claymobile Collaborations

When: August 11, 9-11 a.m.

Where: Malcolm X Park, 51st and Pine St.

What: Mobile clay workshops for hands-on fun at select Early Learner Summer Pod Partner sites. Clay instruction and kits on environmental, literacy, art and nature themes for early learners and siblings. For more info, visit: theclaystudio.org/earlylearners or email: community@barnesfoundation.org

Fairmount Water Works
SPLASH: Summer Saturdays at the Fairmount Water Works

When: Saturdays, July 9–23, August 6, 10 a.m.–noon

Where: 640 Waterworks Drive

What: Lively family expeditions at Fairmount Water Works along the Schuylkill River. Explore the area with guided activities, plus take-home books and kits full of water-themed activities to do in your own neighborhood. For more info, go to: fairmountwaterworks.org.

WHYY
Summer Literacy and Engagement Project

When: July 6–August 12, mornings

Where: Mill Creek Recreation Center, 4700 Brown St.

What: Early literacy development through art making and reading with PBS Kids books. One-hour workshops include book giveaways, take-home resources for families, and access to WHYY Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. For more info, email: cslotman@whyy.org