Celebrate spring, summer, and fall 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.
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.
FALL 2024 PLAYGROUND POP-UP EVENTS: SCIENCE & NATURE
- Tuesday, September 3 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 science and nature-themed craft and storytime in the park. Storytimes will occur roughly every half hour and will last about 15 minutes.
- Saturday, September 21 I 9:30-11:30 am: TBD
- Tuesday, October 1 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 science and nature-themed craft and storytime in the park. Storytimes will occur roughly every half hour and will last about 15 minutes.
- Saturday, October 19 I 9:30-11:30 am: Wild & Wacky Science Experiments with educator Buddy Muhler
Join science educator Buddy Muhler for a series of Halloween-themed experiments for all ages. From "exploding" pumpkins to ooey gooey slime and more, you won't want to miss this jam-packed program that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
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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.
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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!