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
Ages 2–6 with a caregiver | 4-week outdoor series
Little Sprouts is a joyful, hands-on outdoor nature class for toddlers and preschoolers. Held at FDR Park, each session invites children (and their grown-ups) to slow down, explore, and connect with the natural world right here in our South Philly.
Each class follows a gentle, predictable rhythm:
• A simple seasonal nature theme (pond life, trees, birds, bugs, and more)
• An age-appropriate craft or art activity (more process than product oriented)
• A circle time with story, songs and fingerplays
• Games, scavenger hunt, or exploration in the park (usually about 30 minutes)
• Closing circle to reflect and connect
Little Sprouts focuses on nature we can directly experience — logs, lakes, leaves, mud, and living things we can observe together. There is no “right way” to participate. Curiosity leads the way.
Designed for ages 2–6 with a caregiver present. Expect messy hands, big smiles, and happily tired kids.
Come grow with us.
Little Sprouts Nature Classes
Where: FDR Park, South Philly
When: Tuesdays at 5pm-6pm or Thursdays at 10am-11am
Dates: Session 1 - April 7 - May 7, Session 2 - May 12 - June 11
Cost: $72 for 4-week session, or $20 per individual class, sibling discount 20%
Session 1
April 7/9 – Signs of Spring
April 14/16 - Weather
April 21/23 – No class
April 28/30 - Frogs
May 5/7 – Birds’ Nests
Session 2
May 12/14 - Trees
May 19/21 - Worms
May 26/28 – No class
June 2/4 – Animal homes
June 9/11 – Pond Life
Wild Wonders Playgroup
Ages 2–5 with a caregiver | 4-week indoor series
Wild Wonders is an indoor, hands-on nature class designed for curious young children and their grown-ups. While Little Sprouts focuses on the nature we can experience right here in Philly, Wild Wonders explores the wider world — from the deep ocean to the Arctic, deserts, rainforests, and beyond.
Each week centers around a specific nature theme and follows a predictable, engaging rhythm:
• A circle time with story, songs, and fingerplays
• Group movement and themed games
• Sensory exploration and free play time
• A snack we prepare together
• A process art activity
• Closing circle to reflect and connect
Classes are designed to spark imagination while grounding children in real scientific concepts. Through play, children build social skills, confidence, and a sense of wonder about the natural world. This 2-hour class allows time to settle in, explore deeply, and connect with peers. Designed for ages 2–5 with a caregiver present.
Come discover the wider world with us.
Wild Wonders Playgroup
Where: The Dandelion Project, 9th and Reed Streets, South Philly
When: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm
Dates: Session 1 - April 8 - May 6, Session 2 - May 13 - June 10
Cost: $140 for 4-week session, or $40 per individual class, sibling discount 20%
Session 1 - Animal Superpowers
April 8 - Camouflage
April 15 – Venom and Poison
April 22 – no class
April 29 – Super Senses
May 6 – Fast vs. Slow Animals
Session 2 - Amazing Animal Families
May 13 – Marvelous Animal Moms
May 20 – Animals That Live in Groups
May 27 – no class
June 3 – Animals That Live Alone
June 10 – Daring Animal Dads
Wild Wonders:
Sunday Discovery Hour
Ages 2–5 with a caregiver | 4-week indoor series
Wild Wonders: Sunday Discovery Hour is a 1-hour version of our Wild Wonders program, exploring the same weekly themes in a shorter, focused format.
Perfect for busy families, this class offers:
• A welcoming circle with songs and movement
• One themed sensory or hands-on exploration
• A simple process art activity
• A calm closing circle
Children explore oceans, Arctic landscapes, deserts, forests, and more — all through playful, imaginative experiences grounded in real nature.
This format keeps the magic of Wild Wonders while offering a streamlined Sunday morning option. Because it follows the same themes as the weekday Wild Wonders class, families should choose the time that works best rather than enrolling in both.
Wild Wonders: Sunday Discovery Hour
Where: The Dandelion Project, 9th and Reed Streets, South Philly
When: Sundays, 9am-10am
Dates: Session 1 - April 12 - May 3, Session 2 - May 10 - June 14
Cost: $72 for 4-week session, or $20 per individual class, sibling discount 20%
Session 1 - Animal Superpowers
April 12 - Camouflage
April 19 – Venom and Poison
April 26 – Super Senses
May 3 – Fast vs. Slow Animals
Session 2 - Amazing Animal Families
May 10 – Marvelous Animal Moms
May 17 – Animals That Live in Groups
May 24 – no class
May 31 - no class
June 7 – Animals That Live Alone
June 14 – Daring Animal Dads
Birthdays & Presentations
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!
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.