Growing curious minds in the city
Sparrows and Sprouts works to cultivate children's love of nature and themselves as a part of it. We offer urban nature study, sensory play, art, and mindfulness classes for children, ages 2 and up and their families. Our classes aim to follow the natural curiosity and questions of the children. We also offer birthday party planning and entertainment, and programs for schools, scout troops, summer camps, and libraries. Sparrows and Sprouts has been recognized as a 2024 Philadelphia Family Favorite for nature education.
Little Sprouts Nature Classes
Outdoor nature classes will return this spring! For now, check out our new indoor playgroup, Wild Wonders!
NEW! Wild Wonders Playgroup
Ages 2–5 with a caregiver | 5-week indoor series
Your favorite nature class is moving indoors for the winter.
Wild Wonders Playgroup brings the heart of our outdoor Little Sprouts classes inside, creating a cozy, playful space for young children and caregivers to explore, connect, and create together.
Over five weeks, families will journey through animal habitats from around the world — forests, oceans, deserts, and more — using stories, songs, movement, sensory play, hands-on snack-making, and open-ended process art. Each 2-hour class follows a gentle, predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe and confident while still leaving plenty of room for curiosity and choice.
Wild Wonders centers play, exploration, and relationship-building. Children are invited to move their bodies, engage their senses, and express themselves creatively, while caregivers get to slow down and enjoy meaningful time together.
This class is designed to support:
Social connection and early friendships
Sensory exploration and motor development
Imaginative play and creativity
Caregiver–child bonding
Families will explore a new habitat each week, allowing children to build familiarity and excitement as the series unfolds. Registration for individual classes is permitted, however attending the full five weeks helps children settle into the routine, deepen their play, and feel part of a small learning community.
Wild Wonders Playgroup
Where: The Dandelion Project, 9th and Reed Streets, South Philly
When: Every other Wednesday, January 21 - March 18
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Cost: $175 for 5-week session, or $40 per individual class, siblings $125 or $30 per class
NEW! Family Nights Out
Recommended for ages 5+| co-sponsored by The Dandelion Project
Looking for an easy, affordable way to spend an evening out together?
Family Nights Out are relaxed, come-as-you-are evenings designed for families with kids ages 5 and up to play, create, and connect together in a low-pressure, welcoming space.
Each event offers a mix of optional activities, so families can choose how they want to spend the evening. Families are free to move between activities, socialize with others, linger where they’re having fun, or simply hang out together.
Every Family Night Out includes:
A large-group activity or game (such as karaoke, Minute-to-Win-It challenges, family trivia, dance games , Pictionary, or a collaborative project)
An art or craft project that kids and adults can enjoy together
A wide selection of board and card games
Access to our rec room with ping pong, foosball, and air hockey
Light snacks will be available, and families are welcome to bring their own dinner to enjoy during the evening.
Perfect for:
Families looking for a fun alternative to eating out
Kids who enjoy games, creativity, and movement
Caregivers who want low-cost, low-effort quality time
Families who value connection and community
Come for the activities, stay for the togetherness.
Family Nights Out
Where: The Dandelion Project, 9th and Reed Streets, South Philly
When: Saturdays, January 31, February 21, March 14
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Cost: $30 per family
Need help planning a party or entertaining kids? I would love to customize a fun themed celebration for you. Whether you’re looking for someone to brainstorm ideas with you or just to come and keep the kids having fun, I specialize in offering unique activities to achieve your vision.
Looking for a visitor for your classroom, library, or summer camp? I am available for one-time presentations, or ongoing classes at your location. Most of my nature, mindfulness, and messy play classes can be adapted, but I especially love developing new activities based on your needs.
Contact me to share a little about your event or program and I will get back to you with some ideas!
Birthdays & Presentations
What caregivers are saying
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"Bri is a wonderful teacher. I love that activities are invitations. I like the combo of structured learning and open-ended exploration."
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"Fun, casual and yet super informative. She thinks of little projects that I wouldn’t come up with on my own. Great for getting out in nature!"
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"I like the range of activities during class, walking around exploring is our favorite - very inclusive vibe and I think Bri is a great teacher!"
About Briana
I hold an MA in Museum Education and have taught in a variety of settings, including both traditional classrooms and informal environments such as museums, theaters, play spaces, and nature centers. I am a mom to a 7-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son, and a co-founder of the South Philly Cooperative Playschool (my third baby). I started attending nature classes at Tyler Arboretum with my son when he was 18 months old and was astounded by how much he learned. He could identify more birds at 2 than I could at 30! When his phenomenal teacher left Tyler, I was offered the opportunity to take her place. In the 11 years since, I have developed my own style of teaching that is respectful of children, meets them where they are, and follows their curiosity. I recently completed training to teach the MindUp program, based in neuroscience, social-emotional learning, positive psychology, and mindfulness, that blends perfectly with my approach to cultivating children’s love of nature and themselves as a part of it. It’s important to me that Philadelphia families can find joy in urban nature without spending 45 minutes in the car first to “get there.” We can be mindful and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the outdoors right here in our own city parks.