Little Learners at Whitaker Center is an interactive STEAM program for three to six-year-olds filled with lots of fun and hands on activities! We will sharpen our science process skills as we experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly activities as well as time to explore our KidsPlace exhibit.
Every program takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m on Wednesdays in KidsPlace
Please note, the rest of the science center will NOT be available for exploration after the conclusion of Little Learners at 11am on Wednesdays.
Please enter through the 3rd Street entrance (This entrance can be found across the street from Strawberry Square).
Members: $3 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.
Pre-registration for Little Learners is required. This can be done in advance via the ticketing links below or by contacting the box office at 717-214-ARTS. You will be able to pre-register online at any point until the start of the program.
Let’s look at how Literacy and STEAM learning can go hand and hand this month as we celebrate Read Across America, St. Patrick’s Day and some of our Favorite childhood books and Authors!
Wednesday, March 20th: A Very Hungry Caterpillar
In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf. What happens next? How will an egg turn into a beautiful butterfly? Come explore the science of life cycles while exercising both our fine and gross motor skills with activities inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved story.
Wednesday, March 27th: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
A told B, and B told C, Little Learners should come to the coconut tree! This classic, written by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault and illustrated by Lois Elhert will come to life through the activities at Little Learners. We’ll be doing lots of Alphabet and coconut based Science and sensory and art! (Learners and parents with coconut allergies are encouraged to use caution when deciding to attend, we will be handling real coconuts during the program.)
This April we are ready to “Bring on Spring!” for our Little Learners. With Spring comes lots of rain and water, which means there are also rainbows, puddles, worms and flowers! Come explore all the wonderful things Spring has to offer young scientists!
Wednesday, April 3rd: Rainy Rainbows
Where there’s rain and sunshine, there is bound to be a rainbow! Come join us for some color mixing, and rainbow fun. We’ll see how many different ways we can make rainbows!
Wednesday, April 10th: Seed to Flower
Flowers are starting to bloom! But where do they come from? Let’s explore the life cycles of plants and learn more about what plants need to live and thrive!
Wednesday, April 17th: Water, Water, Everywhere!
Water is so important for life on Earth, and we get a lot of water weather in spring. Come explore Volume and capacity and learn what happens to water after it goes down the drain. (This week will get wet! Learners and their adults may want to bring a spare change of clothes)
Wednesday, April 24th: Wormy Dirt
Do you know why we see worms on the ground after it rains? Why are there so many worms in the dirt? And why are worms so important for a spring garden? Come find out the answers this week.
Thank you to Penn National Insurance for sponsoring this program.