Little Learners
Little Learners meet 9:30AM-11AM on Wednesday mornings September through May. This interactive educational program designed for children aged 3-6. We will sharpen our science process skills as we experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly themed activities as well as unstructured time to socialize with peers, learn problem solving, and explore our KidsPlace exhibit.
Little Learners is designed for children and participating adults. At least one adult must stay with their Little Learner(s) at all times while in Whitaker Center.
NEW this year: each month, we’re adding one Little Learners session on Saturday for weekend visitors.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to education@whitakercenter.org.
Please Note: Science Center exploration is NOT included in the price of your workshop. The Little Learners program is limited to our KidsPlace exhibit.
Other Details
Please enter through the 3rd Street entrance (This entrance can be found across the street from Strawberry Square).
Parents MUST stay with participants while in Whitaker Center!
Pricing
Members: $5 per child
Non-members: $10 per child
Each child ticket includes admission for one accompanying adult.
If inquiring about complimentary admission with an ACCESS card, please contact info@whitakercenter.org to discuss the registration process.
Plan Ahead & Secure Your Spot! We’re thrilled to offer engaging programs at the Science Center—and we want to make sure you don’t miss out! To help us prepare and ensure the best experience for everyone, we kindly ask that tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets are not refundable, but can be moved forward to a future Little Learners program upon request.
Please note: Programs require a minimum number of participants. If minimum enrollment is not met, we will notify participants two days before the scheduled date that the program is canceled. Early registration helps us keep these opportunities available! Consider adding a ticket for a friend or sibling!
Please note, the rest of the science center will NOT be available for exploration after the conclusion of Little Learners at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Registration
Pre-registration is required. Registration will stay open until 10 am the day of the program.
This can be done in advance via the ticketing links below or by contacting the box office at 717-214-ARTS.
Thank you to Penn National Insurance for sponsoring this program.
Wednesday 9/24: City Movers
City Movers: Planes, Trains, Trucks and Cars all take people and products to where they need to go in the city, let’s explore more about how things move!
- What is a push?
- What is a pull?
- How can I get objects to move?
Welcome to Spooktober!
EEK! October is a time when we see a lot of spooky or scary decorations, stories and animals, but there’s no need to be scared! Let’s learn more about these topics so we can understand them and not be afraid! We’ll end the month with a fun Halloween themed Little Learners, where everyone is welcome to come in costume!
Wednesday Oct 1st and Saturday October 4th: Creepy Crawlies
Spiders and insects may not be everyone’s favorite, but they are an important part of our ecosystem.
- What is a spider?
- What is an insect?
- Why do we need spiders and insects?
Wednesday Oct. 8th: Nighttime Noises
Did you hear that?!? What animal is making such a racket when we are trying to sleep? Let’s learn more about these creatures of the night.
- What animals are nocturnal?
- Why would an animal be nocturnal?
Wednesday Oct 15th: Meet Jack!
Who is Jack? Why is his face always orange, and his head full of seeds? Let’s find out at Little Learners this week!
- How do pumpkins grow?
- What’s inside a pumpkin?
- What can we use a pumpkin for?
Wednesday Oct 22nd: Monster Mash
Spooky Scary Skeletons, Wacky Witches, and Garish Ghouls! Let’s take the mask off of monsters and learn more about what’s real and what’s just spooky pretend.
- What is real?
- What is pretend?
- Why do we pretend?
Wednesday Oct 29th: Treat or Treat!
No Tricks Here! Come to Little Learners dressed in costume to complete some Halloween STEAM Challenges and games. We’ll even do a fun experiment together!
- How is Halloween Celebrated?
- What are good Halloween Safety Rules?