Embedded Files
Roots at Awbury is open-ended exploration in a screen-free outdoor setting for learners ages 4 and up. We home base out of the Education Center at the Farm of Awbury Arboretum. Our mixed age community gathers three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, to plan, create, explore, scheme, connect, and figure things out together.
With space to do it all: play how they want, move how they want, be outdoors or indoors or up in a tree, be loud, be free, be immersed in a book, learners can be whoever they want.
We take care of ourselves and each other with reflective and restorative practices. We enact deep listening, we talk through our conflicts and we co-create solutions. We argue and we repair. We make mistakes, we keep trying. We do the hard things, and we rest. Through setting clear boundaries, we can respect one another's bodies, minds, and hearts.
We're not a school, but we do a lot of learning. We're not a co-op, but we're a community all invested in the same journey of growth. We're messy, we're curious, and we're deeply trusting of our learners. Roots is about exactly that—roots. We are tending, we are feeding, we are ever evolving. We are growing a foundation that values independence, relationships, and uniqueness.
Learning Approaches
Learning Approaches
Roots supports learners to build confidence and independence by deepening their relationships with the natural world, themselves, and each other. Having space for curiosity and autonomy supports each learner on a journey towards resilience and self reliance.
Attendance Options
Attendance Options
Families can choose the level of commitment that works for them. The program is offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—and you choose whether you wish to attend 1, 2, or all 3 days each week.
Practical Details
Practical Details
Schedule
Days: Tuesdays–Thursdays
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
What to Bring
Packed lunch and snacks
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
What We Provide
Fridge, microwave, basic supplies
Materials for projects and exploration
Facilitation and community support
A Day at Roots at Awbury
A Day at Roots at Awbury
Learners can be dropped of at the Education Center around 9:00 AM, where they stow their supplies for the day and spend some time connecting with peers. Around 9:30, we check in with a morning meeting to set our intentions and announce offerings. This is when learners plan, organize, and really decide how their days look.
Facilitators, caregivers, and young people all offer activities, explorations, or simply bring a project to spark interest. From kitchen creations to fort building to nature walks to hand crafts to math in the sunshine, participation is optional. The Farm at Awbury is a dynamic setting where often our plans are put on pause to pet goats, join an impromptu game of tag, or go foraging. This rhythm creates beautiful opportunities for connections and reflections.
At 2:30 PM, we tidy up our space and materials—together. We share discoveries of our day, and make plans for what’s ahead. Students are free to continue to play outdoors while they are picked up between 3:00-3:30.
Family Testimonials
Family Testimonials
Families love Roots at Awbury for its screen-free, nature-rich setting where children can roam, play, and learn through discovery. It’s a place where kids build independence and confidence outdoors while being supported by caring facilitators and peers.
"Amazing outdoor program for kids - the independence keeps them out and about, the supervision keeps my mind at ease."
- Parent (C.O.)
"Which kid doesn't want to spend the whole day at Awbury arboretum, exploring nature, friends, board games, crafts, etc?"
- Parent (C.W.)
Location
Location
Address
Address
Awbury Arboretum Education Center
6336 Ardleigh St
Philadelphia, PA 19138
Public Transit
Public Transit
Metro:
B (Broad Street Line) to Olney Transit Center (transfer to bus)
Bus:
Route 18 (Chew Av & Washington Ln);
Route 51 (Stenton Av & Johnson St);
Route 81 (Ardleigh St & Washington Ln)
Regional Rail:
Chestnut Hill East Line to Washington Lane (entrance across from station, 2-minute walk to Education Center)
Car Parking
Car Parking
Street parking available
Accessibility
Accessibility
The Education Center is wheelchair accessible.
Outdoor terrain includes uneven paths, hills, and wooded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does Roots at Awbury serve?
What ages does Roots at Awbury serve?
Roots welcomes children ages 4 and up. Our multi-age community allows children to learn from and with peers of varying ages and developmental stages.
What days and hours does Roots meet?
What days and hours does Roots meet?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This part-time schedule allows families flexibility to balance outdoor learning with other commitments.
What happens if it rains or snows?
What happens if it rains or snows?
We go outside in all weather. Children learn to dress appropriately for conditions and experience nature across seasons. We have indoor space at the Awbury Education Center for extreme weather, but most days are spent outdoors regardless of rain, cold, or heat.
Is it really just free play all day?
Is it really just free play all day?
Yes—and free play is powerful learning. Through unstructured outdoor play, children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, physical coordination, social-emotional skills, and deep connections to nature. They also practice autonomy, collaboration, conflict resolution, and resilience. Play is how children naturally learn, and nature is an endlessly rich environment for that learning.
What should my child wear and bring?
What should my child wear and bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor play. Dress in layers. Bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water bottle. A change of clothes is helpful in case they get muddy or wet. We recommend clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Do children need prior outdoor experience?
Do children need prior outdoor experience?
Not at all. Some children arrive with extensive outdoor experience; others are just beginning to explore nature. Our facilitators support all levels of comfort and experience with the outdoors.
Where exactly is Roots located?
Where exactly is Roots located?
We're based at the Awbury Arboretum Education Center, 6336 Ardleigh St, Philadelphia, PA 19138. The arboretum offers woods and meadows for exploration.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
We use trust-based tuition where families decide what they can sustainably contribute. Some families pay more to support those who pay less. Tuition is prorated for mid-year or part-time enrollment. See our Enrollment & Tuition page for full details.
Can my child join mid-year?
Can my child join mid-year?
Yes. Families can join anytime based on space availability. We recommend starting with a trial day to help your child and family get comfortable with the program.
How do I enroll?
How do I enroll?
Fill out our interest form or email info@phillyalc.org. We'll schedule an info session, arrange a trial day for your child, and reflect together to ensure Roots is a good fit. See our Enrollment page for the full process.
Ready to join Roots at Awbury?
Ready to join Roots at Awbury?
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