Home School and Out of School Lessons and Activities

Weekly Afternoon Activities/ Homeschool LessonsThursdays at 1:00pmJoin us for weekly themed, 1-1.5 hour activities and lessons on most Thursdays. We can accommodate requests for other times and dates by appointment for your group. Equipment and materials are provided. These programs are geared for elementary and middle school aged children with caregivers. We can adapt programs to the needs of your group. $5 per child.

Frogs & ToadsApril 6 One of the wonders of spring is frogs and toads emerging from their winter dormancy. Learn about what type of frogs live in Philadelphia and take a walk looking and listening for their calls. Explore the life cycle of toads and observe them begin their annual mating rituals.

Spring EphemeralsApril 13 Look for early spring wildflowers, many of them short-lived and delicately beautiful. Learn how to use a field guide and make a field sketch of the flowers we see. Paper and drawing items provided.

Spring Ephemerals April 20 Look for early spring wildflowers, many of them short-lived and delicately beautiful. Learn how to use a field guide and make a field sketch of the flowers we see. Paper and drawing items provided.

Waterthrush Walk at Valley Green InnApril 27 Louisiana Waterthrush is a species of warbler that feeds at the edges of streams. Come on our expedition to find them by the Creek near Valley Green!

Introduction to Bird Identification for Children. Tree HouseMay 4Learn about field marks and other ways to identify birds. Learn about basic groups of birds. Go on a walk and use the free Merlin Bird App to identify birds by sight and sound.What is spring migration? What’s a Warbler? View a short video about these beautiful, colorful birds that are migrating through our forest and then go on walks to search for them and other spring migrants.

Wissahickon WarblersDifferent LocationsWe will meet you at different locations in the Park and search for the many birds arriving or traveling through after the long winter.May 11 Scout’s House, Henry ave and WiggardMay 18 Ten Box, Lincoln Drive Parking LotMay 25 Carpenter’s Woods, Wayne and Sedgewick Entrance

Salamanders, Land and Water ExplorationTree HouseJune 1Learn more about these amphibians that live in our Park. Learn about variations in their habitats and adaptations, and search for both land and aquatic species! Bring boots or shoes that can get wet, yet are appropriate for hiking.

BeesTree HouseJune 8Learn about different types of bees that pollinate our flowers and fruits. What are the differences between native bees and honey bees? Why are bees declining and what can we do to protect them? Go on a walk looking for May flowers and bees!

Macroinvertebrates in the CreekMeet at pavilion near Cedar’s HouseJune 15Search for the small arthropods and related life that form the basis of the aquatic food chain for fish. Learn how we can determine water quality by the organisms we find. Get your feet wet as we explore the Creek! Bring boots or shoes that can get wet, yet are appropriate for hiking.

Meadow InsectsTree HouseJune 23Use sweep nets and bug boxes to find insects in the meadow. Learn about what is unique about meadow habitats and the categories of insects we find. Meet at the Tree House and then head to Andorra Meadow.