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, 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.

March 27 - Spring has Sprung

April 3 – Rain, Clouds, and Rainbows

April 10 - Wonderful, Wiggly Worms

April 17 – Terrific Trees

April 24 - From Tadpole to Frog

May 1 - Nifty Nests

Little Sprouts Nature Classes

Discover the natural wonders of fall at FDR Park. Enjoy stories, songs, games, and plenty of outdoor play!

Classes begin with sensory or art activities until everyone arrives. We open with a song, and then a themed story time, including finger plays, songs, felt board, and puppets. Whenever possible, children have the opportunity to see and touch natural specimens. The second half of the class includes more active play, such as guided nature walks, scavenger hunts, gross motor games, and occasionally making a snack related to the topic. Families will take home a fact sheet for further exploration at home.

Children are always invited but never required to participate in group activities. Young children are not always able to sit through a structured circle time, and that's OK.  Families are welcome to engage with the class in whatever ways work for them. 

Intended for children ages 2-6 and a caregiver. 

Where: FDR Park (Philadelphia)

When: March 27 - June 12

Time: Thursdays at 10 AM or 4 PM

Cost: $150 for all 12 classes OR $15 per class (please register in advance)

May 8 – Baby Animals

May 15 – Buzzing Bees

May 22 - Hives, Holes, and Other Homes

May 29 – Birds and Their Songs

June 5 – Who’s in the Pond?

June 12 – Scrumptious Strawberries


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

  • "Bri is a wonderful teacher. I love that activities are invitations. I like the combo of structured learning and open-ended exploration."

  • "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!"

  • "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 5-year-old daughter and an 11-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 9 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.