Bartram’s Garden.

September is almost here, and while the weather is still very warm, it’s nice to spend time under the tree canopy at two beautiful historic green spaces in West Philadelphia – The Woodlands and Bartram’s Garden. Both places are hosting some great, free events for all ages next month, including nature nights and walks, craft and food fests, meditations workshops, biking classes, and more! Here are more details:

Events at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland):

Nature Nights: Bat Night
Fri., Sept. 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark (during a full moon!), look for bats, and learn how to become a Citizen Scientist. You can also learn about birding and maybe even spot an owl! This family-friendly event includes a storytime from the Walnut Street West Library, a bat walk, and an opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Orchard Project Learning Orchard at The Woodlands. Pre-registration is recommended (click here).

By the way, a new Nature Night, Raptor Night, will take place on October 5th. Learn more here.

Yom Kippur Bird Walk

Monday, Sept. 25, 3 – 4 p.m.

Join local nature enthusiast Bernard “Billy” Brown on an afternoon bird walk through The Woodlands. This is the perfect activity to enjoy before breaking your Yom Kippur fast, or a great opportunity to enjoy nature on a Monday afternoon. Meet Billy at the cemetery gates, and bring your own binoculars if you have them. A limited supply from The Woodlands will be available for those who need them. Pre-registration is not required.

Fall 2023 West Craft Fest

Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

After a break, the legendary West Craft Fest, co-hosted by VIX Emporium, returns to The Woodlands. The event features over 100 local makers, as well as vendors and performers. For more info, visit: https://westcraftfest.wixsite.com/home. Rain date for this event is Sunday, Oct. 1.

Events at Bartram’s Garden (54th St. and Lindbergh Blvd.)

Journeying Barefoot Meditation Series

Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. (through Sept. 21)

Join barefoot bella of journeying barefoot for this sound healing, nature meditation, and reflection series. Please bring a towel, blanket, or mat to sit on as well as a journal/notebook for reflections. Extra yoga mats and journals will be provided. Locations may vary depending on the weather (meet at the Welcome Center before heading to the day’s location).

Adults’ Learn to Ride Biking Class (ages 16+)

Sat, Sept. 2 & Sept. 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This free two-hour Learn to Ride class teaches participants how to ride a bicycle.  This class is great for those who have never ridden a bike or who may need a refresher. Learn more here.

Little Explorers: Bees!

Wed, Sept. 6, 10-11:30 a.m.

Celebrate all the ways that bees help us grow food for ourselves. Play some fun bee games and make pollinator art. This event is designed for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-4. One adult chaperone is required for every two children. Learn more here.

Mindfulness in the Garden Fall Meditation Workshop: Nurturing the Inner Child

Thu, Sept. 7 & Sept. 21, 3:15-4:00 p.m.

Come rest and revitalize your physical and mental health with moments of mindfulness, meditation, and group yoga in the Garden. This free series requires no prior registration and welcomes participants of all abilities. Please bring a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle. Click here for more info.

Kids’ Learn to Ride Biking Classes (ages 4-16)

Sat, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This free two-hour Learn to Ride class teaches young participants how to ride a bicycle. This class is perfect for those who have never ridden a bike or who may need a refresher. Learn more here.

Honey Fest

Sun, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Philadelphia Honey Festival returns to Bartram’s Garden with a day of bee-themed family fun. This annual event features children’s activities, open hive, honey extraction and bee bearding demos, plus local artisans, makers and vendors. More details are here.