Growing Minds

Growing Minds Youth Programs

Growing Minds is a program series for kids and families that inspire a sense of wonder about the natural world within the beautiful setting of the Morris Arboretum. The classes offer children and their caregivers the opportunity to connect meaningfully with nature, through a wide variety of creative and educational programs. Take a look and sign up for these programs that are certain to be enriching, fun, and memorable!

 

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Quantity and Pricing
Seeds to Sprouts, Spring 2018 (Ages 2-4) Session 1 (Class is Full)
Pam Newitt
Educator and Founder, Nature by the Yard

Join us this spring for a series of outdoor adventures designed to introduce children and their caregivers to the wonders of the natural world. Each session will include guided exploration through the Arboretum and a craft to take home. Children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the outdoors and for the weather. Class size is limited to the first 15 registrants. Our most popular children’s series! Sign up for one or all sessions --- each class is a new adventure!

Session I: Six Mondays: March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 23, 30 (no class April 16)
10:30 - 11:30a.m.

Members: $125 for each six-week session
Non-members: $155 for each six-week session

Members: $225 for both sessions (1 and 2)
Non-members: $285 for both sessions (1 and 2)
Irregular classes scheduled starting 3/19/2018 and ending 4/30/2018 at 10:30AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 125.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 155.00 ea.

Kids' Click! Nature Photography Wrkshp (Ages 8-12) (Class is Full)
Kim Soles
Photographer and Founder, Indigo Nature Arts

This five-week photography workshop offers kids the opportunity to get out in nature, be creative, and have fun while capturing the Morris Arboretum’s blossoming spring landscapes! Kids will learn the basics of lighting, color, texture, composition, and depth of field. They will also gain knowledge of how photographers make a living and will be inspired with assignments they can choose from. Our last session ends with a presentation of the children’s work on screen. They will gain experience in presenting and learn the basics of photographic critique. Children must have their own camera, know how to use it and make sure that it has been charged before arriving to class. Film cameras are welcome. iPhone cameras are acceptable in cases where a camera is not available.

Five Wednesdays: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Members: $110 for five-week session
Non-members: $130 for five-week session
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 4:00 PM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 110.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 130.00 ea.

Little Explorers -Nature Walk & Crafts- 2.5 - 5yrs (Class is Full)
Terry Donahue
Educator and Morris Arboretum Tour Guide

Do you and your little one(s) like coming to the Arboretum on Friday mornings? Do you enjoy being outdoors? Join Miss Terry for five Fridays to take a short guided walk to explore the Arboretum and participate in fun, nature-themed activities.

Five Fridays: April 20, May 4, 18, June 1, and 15
11:15a.m. - 12 noon

Members: $50
Non-members: $55
Friday, April 20, 2018 at 11:15 AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 50.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 55.00 ea.

Children's Yoga (Ages 2-4) Session II
Brianne Scott
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Yoga Instructor trained in Children’s Yoga with Little Flower Yoga (littlefloweryoga.com)

Join us for a three-week session of children’s yoga. We will start class with a themed story, then learn activities around this theme including breathing, movement, and focus, and then close with relaxation. Come prepared to stretch, and learn some fun poses with your little one. This class may be challenging for children younger than two. Bring your yoga mat if you have one, or a towel. If the weather permits, we will hold class outdoors!
Session II: Thursdays: May 3, 10, 17
10:30 - 11:15a.m.

Members: $55
Non-members: $60
Classes scheduled every week on Thursday starting 5/3/2018 and ending 5/17/2018 at 10:30AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 55.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 60.00 ea.

Seeds to Sprouts, Spring 2018 (Ages 2-4) Session 2 (Class is Full)
Pam Newitt
Educator and Founder, Nature by the Yard

Join us this spring for a series of outdoor adventures designed to introduce children and their caregivers to the wonders of the natural world. Each session will include guided exploration through the Arboretum and a craft to take home. Children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the outdoors and for the weather. Class size is limited to the first 15 registrants. Our most popular children’s series! Sign up for one or all sessions --- each class is a new adventure!

Session II: Six Mondays: May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11
10:30 - 11:30a.m.

Members: $125 for each six-week session
Non-members: $155 for each six-week session

Members: $225 for both sessions (1 and 2)
Non-members: $285 for both sessions (1 and 2)
Irregular classes scheduled starting 5/7/2018 and ending 6/11/2018 at 10:30AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 125.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 155.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 112.50 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 142.50 ea.

Kid's Mother's Day Fresh Flower Arrangement Wrkshp (Class is Full)
Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

Moms and Grandmoms love fresh flowers, especially arrangements made by their child/grandchild as a gift. In this workshop, kids will learn to arrange flowers like a pro. With expert instruction, each child will design his or her own fresh flower arrangement to take home and learn lots of information about flowers and have a chance to be creative. This fun program can be enjoyed by children ages 7 through 12. Bring a box to take home your arrangement.

Saturday, May 12
1:00 - 2:30 p.m

Members: $35
Non-members: $38
Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 1:00 PM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 35.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 38.00 ea.

Wetland Critters 1: Critter Exploration (Ages 6-9)
Ent Natale
Biology and Environmental Educator

Come learn about local birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects in the beautiful Arboretum wetlands. Students will explore the wetlands, visiting the pond and stream on the lookout for critters who call this area home. Microscopes will be used to observe specimens up close. Identification charts, observation workbooks, and collection jars will be provided. Please have children dress for outdoor hiking on trails and wet areas. Parents should park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The instructor will check in students and lead them to the wetlands area.

Saturday, May 19
10:30a.m. - 12:00 noon

Members: $25
Non-members: $30
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10:30 AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 25.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 30.00 ea.

Wetland Critters 2: Water Chem. & Critters (10-13)
Ent Natale
Biology and Environmental Educator

In this course, students will hunt for critters, while also examining and testing the water quality of the Arboretum’s wetlands. Students will learn basic water chemistry as they test the samples. Students will also become Citizen Scientists as their data is collected and shared via an online database. Spring 2018 students will be the first data set! In addition, microscopes will be used to observe pond life. Identification charts, observation workbooks, and collection jars will be provided. Children should dress for outdoor hiking on trails and wet areas. Parents should park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The instructor will check in students and lead them to the wetlands area.

Saturday, May 19
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Members: $25
Non-members: $30
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 25.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 30.00 ea.

Nature Sleuths (Ages 5-7)
Pam Newitt
Educator and Founder, Nature by the Yard

Spring is a wonderful time for children to explore the great outdoors and develop their intellectual curiosity while having fun in nature! Join us for a close look at trees, birds, and other wildlife that call the Morris Arboretum home. Each session will focus on a particular topic of the natural world, delving into how it fits into the Arboretum’s web of life. One week we may get up close and personal with spring wildflowers, while another week we may learn about trees as the canopy closes and shades the forest floor; all within the safe confines of the Arboretum’s trails. Then back inside, we will create a take-home art project related to our outdoor adventure. Dress for the weather. This class will meet at Bloomfield Farm, which is located on East Northwestern Avenue directly opposite from the Morris Arboretum’s public garden entrance.

Four Sundays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10
2:00 - 3:00p.m.

Members: $80
Non-members: $100
Classes scheduled every week on Sunday starting 5/20/2018 and ending 6/10/2018 at 2:00PM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 80.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 100.00 ea.

Seeds to Sprouts, Spring (Ages 2-4) Session 3
Pam Newitt
Educator and Founder, Nature by the Yard

Join us this spring for a series of outdoor adventures designed to introduce children and their caregivers to the wonders of the natural world. Each session will include guided exploration through the Arboretum and a craft to take home. Children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the outdoors and for the weather. Class size is limited to the first 15 registrants. Our most popular children’s series! Sign up for one or all sessions --- each class is a new adventure!

Session III: Four Mondays: July 9, 16, 23, 30
10:30 - 11:30a.m.

Members: $90 for four-week session
Non-members: $110 for four-week session

Classes scheduled every week on Monday starting 7/9/2018 and ending 7/30/2018 at 10:30AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 90.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 110.00 ea.

Art Explorations in Nature (Ages 3-5)
Rachel Applegate
Art Educator

Encourage your child to engage with the outdoors through discovery and creativity in this four-week art series. We will observe the natural world, find joy in the process, and create nature-inspired art. From painting to printing to constructing, children will experiment with a variety of natural materials to develop self-expression and fine motor skills. Each session will include a brief exploration of the Arboretum, a story or introduction to the weekly theme, and time for making their own art. Parents are welcome, but do not have to stay.

Four Thursdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Members: $85
Non-members: $100
Classes scheduled every week on Thursday starting 7/5/2018 and ending 7/26/2018 at 10:30AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 85.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 100.00 ea.

Insect Investigators (Ages 6-10)
Samantha Nestory
The Hay Honey Farm Endowed Natural Lands Intern

Amanda Quadrel
The John J. Willaman & Martha Haas Valentine Endowed Plant Protection Intern

People who study insects are known as "entomologists" and the work they do is very important to humans and the environment. Join us as we learn what it means to be an entomologist, what tools they use, and how to identify some of our insect friends at the Arboretum. This class will begin with a classroom session followed by hands-on insect exploration in the natural areas of the Arboretum. Please have your children dress in clothing appropriate for hiking in potentially wet and muddy areas. Long pants are suggested. Feel free to bring your own butterfly nets if you have them!

Saturday, June 2
12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Members: $25
Non-members: $30
Saturday, June 02, 2018 at 12:00 PM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 25.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 30.00 ea.

Making Sense of the Arboretum (Ages 7 and up)
Megan Becker
Penn Museum Access Programs Specialist

Join us for a morning of sensory-friendly fun! As botanists-in-training, our participants will explore and engage with the Arboretum through role-play, movement activities, a guided scavenger hunt, and the creation of a multisensory craft. This program is for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All spaces included in the program are accessible, and a designated quiet space will be available throughout the program’s duration. Registrants will also receive a social story via email prior to the program. Students must be accompanied by an adult for this class at no additional fee.

Saturday, June 9
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Members: $25
Non-members: $30
Saturday, June 09, 2018 at 8:30 AM
 
Attendees: 1 $ 25.00 ea.
Attendees: 1 $ 30.00 ea.

2017 Morris Arboretum · 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 · 215-247-5777