Celebrate spring and summer with Fairmount Park Conservancy through a series of FREE drop-in events at the new Anna C. Verna Playground in FDR Park!
Drop-in programs are on select dates throughout the spring (dates below) with different activities each day. Families can drop in anytime between 9:30–11:30 AM. All ages are welcome. For most programs, registration is appreciated but not required**. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
(**Due to limited space, registration is required for Yoga Storytime on August 6.)
Read more about the Anna C. Verna Playground here.
SPRING 2024 PLAYGROUND POP-UP EVENTS: MUSIC IN THE PARK
- Saturday, April 20 I 9:30–11:30 am: SWING INTO SPRING CELEBRATION at the Playground
Celebrate spring by joining Fairmount Park Conservancy and children’s music performers Two of a Kind for a concert in the park. Two of a Kind is David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans, an award-winning musical duo specializing in interactive music for children and families. Two of a Kind gets audiences of all ages involved in the show, through singing, movement, sign language, lyrics-on-the-spot, puppets, and more. They have released 10 CDs and one DVD, garnering over 20 national awards.
Two of a Kind will play two 45-minute sets (schedule below) underneath the playground’s pavilion. Enjoy a music-filled morning along with kid-friendly giveaways and free water ice (while supplies last) from Dre's Water Ice.
9:30–10:15 AM: Two of a Kind performance
10:15–10:30 AM: Intermission
10:30–11:15 AM: Two of a Kind performance - Tuesday, May 7 I 9:30–11:30 am: Storytime with the Free Library
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Free Library’s Thomas F. Donatucci Branch for a music-themed craft and storytimes in the park. Storytimes will occur every half hour and will last roughly 15 minutes.
- Saturday, May 18 I 9:30–11:30 am: Making Music with Mister John
Sing, dance, and even learn to play a new instrument in a musical program with Fairmount Park Conservancy and Mister John’s Music. Set underneath the playground’s pavilion, this interactive, family-friendly program will provide musical entertainment for all ages.
Mister John offers music education for all with private lessons, adult group classes, early childhood programs, summer camps, and more. Mister John will perform two sets roughly 45 minutes in length with a short intermission. - Tuesday, June 4 I 9:30–11:30 am: Making Music with Mister John
Sing, dance, and even learn to play a new instrument in a musical program with Fairmount Park Conservancy and Mister John’s Music. Set underneath the playground’s pavilion, this interactive, family-friendly program will provide musical entertainment for all ages.
Mister John offers music education for all with private lessons, adult group classes, early childhood programs, summer camps, and more. Mister John will perform two sets roughly 45 minutes in length with a short intermission.
- Saturday, June 15 I 9:30–11:30 am: Movement and Melodies with Music Play Patrol
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Music Play Patrol for a movement-based musical program in the park. Clap your hands and stomp your feet as we learn new instruments while moving our bodies.
Launched in 2010 by musician/educator Frank Coates, Music Play Patrol (MPP) was founded based on one concept – that children, no matter where they come from or which school district they attend, should have access to a high-quality educational experience. MPP provides music as well as sports education to schools, summer camps, festival/events, and more.
SUMMER 2024 PLAYGROUND POP-UP EVENTS: MOVEMENT
- Tuesday, July 2 I 9:30–11:30 am: Storytime with the Free Library
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Free Library’s Thomas F. Donatucci Branch for a movement-based craft and storytime in the park. Storytimes will occur roughly every half hour and will last about 15 minutes.
- Saturday, July 20 I 9:30–11:30 am: Outdoor Olympics with Music Play Patrol
Get your body moving with an Olympic-themed program with Fairmount Park Conservancy and Music Play Patrol. The Olympics are around the corner so join us as we celebrate with a series of fun games and exercises…and even leave with your own medal. Let the games begin!
Launched in 2010 by musician/educator Frank Coates, Music Play Patrol (MPP) was founded based on one concept – that children, no matter where they come from or which school district they attend, should have access to a high-quality educational experience. MPP provides music as well as sports education to schools, summer camps, festivals/events, and more. Tuesday, August 6 I 9:30–10:15 am and 10:30–11:15 am: Yoga Storytime with Tula Yoga
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Tula Yoga for an interactive yoga storytime in the park!
Tula’s yoga story time combines traditional yoga poses with read-aloud stories from new and familiar children’s books. The instructor will incorporate meditation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques to assist with management of emotions and self-soothing techniques. Props and music are also used with movement to help build strength, flexibility, and coordination. Bring comfy clothing and a yoga mat and be ready to have some fun!
Two 45-minute sessions will be offered (9:30-10:15 and 10:30-11:15). There is a limited capacity for yoga story time so registration is required. To allow space for other participants, we ask that you please only register for one session. Yoga story time is recommended for ages 2-5.Saturday, August 17 I 9:30–11:30 am: Field Games with Kidokinetics
Feeling inspired by the recent Olympic games? Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and West Philadelphia's Kidokinetics as we put our skills to the test through a series of sports-inspired exercises and challenges. Try out new activities (ever heard of cone bowling?) while also learning the basics of sports like football, soccer, and tee-ball.
Since 1996, Kidokinetics has provided kids of all ages with a playful introduction to sports and physical education. Their sports enrichment and physical education programs go to preschools, elementary schools, local parks, and community centers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
-Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 9:30-11:30 AM.
-All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
-Pop-up events are entirely outside so please dress for the weather.
-Due to the limited capacity, registration is required for yoga storytime on August 6. For all other events, registration is appreciated but not required.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (JUST FOR YOGA STORYTIME):
-Space is limited for these programs so registration is required. When registering, for the number of tickets, please select the number of children that will be participating (adults don't need to register -- however, you can provide your email for that portion of the registration).
-Please bring a yoga mat for your child.
-If you register for yoga storytime and can no longer attend, please reach out to [email protected] so that we can open your child's spot to others.
PARKING/GETTING THERE: The Anna C. Verna Playground is located across from the Olmstead Overlook. There is plenty of free parking near the playground. As always, never leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, use SEPTA to travel to Broad Street Line’s NRG Station (last stop). The nearest Indego bike station is at Broad and Pattison.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: In the event of heavy rain or other severe conditions, the event will be canceled and registrants will be notified via email.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected]
Enjoy our programs? Become a Supporter of Fairmount Park Conservancy to help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come!