Roots
at Hawthorne
Imaginative play and creativity
Roots at Hawthorne is open-ended, imaginative play in a screen-free indoor setting for children ages 4 and up. Based in our city hub in the Hawthorne neighborhood of South Philadelphia, this program offers a warm, playful space for building, storytelling, crafting, and creative exploration. Members of our community come one to five days a week to play, create, and discover together.
​
At Roots, we believe learning is natural. It happens all the time — and children learn best when they make their own choices. Our facilitators hold space for children to follow their imaginations, invent games, build worlds, and shape their days. We intentionally cultivate a culture of respect and support, where children reflect on their experiences by sharing their plans, creations, and discoveries with one another.
Anyone in our community can offer an activity or exploration — from making art to cooking together to acting out stories. Participation is always optional. The most meaningful offerings arise not from what adults think kids should do, but from the interests, ideas, and needs of the group itself.
Roots at Hawthorne also benefits from being directly connected to our Workshop program for older youth. This creates natural opportunities for cross-age inspiration — younger learners see projects in motion, and older students sometimes join in or mentor.
Like all of Philly ALC, Roots at Hawthorne is also about how we live together. We care for ourselves and each other by talking through conflicts, practicing deep listening, and setting clear boundaries. We respect each other’s bodies, hearts, and minds, and we make consent a daily practice: stop means stop. Together, we build strong relationships and a supportive, joyful community.
​
Why Families Choose Roots at Hawthorne
Families choose Roots at Hawthorne for its imaginative, play-based environment where creativity and social play thrive. Younger learners enjoy a cozy, supportive space connected to the Workshop, allowing them to be inspired by older peers while following their own path.
Our Day
Kids arrive between 8:30 and 9AM at our Hawthorne space, where they can put down their things, settle in with an activity, or start making plans with friends. Around 9:30, we gather as a group to check in, share any special plans or offerings, and talk about ways we want to make our day or our space even better. After that, the day unfolds through play and imagination.
Children move freely between different parts of our hub: building with blocks or materials, crafting at the tables, diving into dramatic play, or inventing games with friends. Sometimes Workshop youth next door share what they’re working on, offering younger learners a chance to peek in or collaborate. The possibilities for creation and discovery are endless.
At about 3:00, we come together to tidy up, reflect, and share a bit about our day. Pickup happens between 3:30 and 4.
​​
What to Bring and Wear
Bring your lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. Since play at Hawthorne can be active and sometimes messy, we recommend comfortable clothes that allow for movement and creativity, plus a change of clothes if your child might need it.
​
Values in Action
Roots at Awbury helps children build confidence and independence while deepening their relationship with the natural world. By giving space for curiosity and free play, we create the conditions for children to grow resilient, creative, and connected.