Whitaker Center Kids & Schools Programs

Whitaker Center Kids & Schools Programs includes Little Learners, where children ages 3-5 sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create on Wednesdays from October through May. It also includes Tiny Tots for ages 2 and under, with science exploration activities, song, movement, art, and sensory exploration, plus Girls in STEAM and LEGO SPIKE Robotics for grades 3-8, field trips for grades K-6, Whitaker on Wheels for grades K-5, and day camps for grades PreK-12.

Programs

• Kids & Schools Programs — Grades Pre-K to 2; Grades 3 to 8; Grades 6 to 12; Grades K-6; Grades K-5; Grades PreK-12
• Little Learners — Ages 3-5 · Wednesdays, October through May · Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create!
• Tiny Tots — Ages 2 and under · Engaging science exploration activities for toddlers and their grown-ups; song, movement, art, and sensory exploration are used to explore science.
• Sensory Saturdays — All Ages · Exhibit lights and sound effects are adjusted, and additional hands-on activities are included to foster a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for all visitors.
• Girls in STEAM — Grades 3-8 · Workshops for girls in 3rd-8th grade with activities that connect with real-world applications of STEAM through design, programming, coding, engineering, and more.
• LEGO SPIKE Robotics — Grades 3-8 · Junior engineers build and program robots using LEGO Education SPIKE.
• Field Trips — Grades K-6 · Field trips include interactive STEAM-based exhibits, a documentary in the Select Medical Digital Cinema, or a coding lesson in the PNC Innovation Zone.
• Whitaker on Wheels — Grades K-5 · Brings STEAM programming directly to schools with educator-led learning programs, drop-in STEAM activities, and make-and-takes.
• Day Camps — Grades PreK-12 · Summer camps with discovery, hands-on learning, and fun for young explorers, budding scientists, and creative minds.
• WOW! That’s Science! — All Ages · Engaging at-home science activities and experiments to foster curiosity and reinforce scientific principles.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–17 years old
• General schedule: Programs for kids and schools include mini explorers, jr. scientists, nextgen innovators, and more; day camps are offered as summer camps; Little Learners meets Wednesdays, October through May.
• Facility hours: Monday: 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.; Friday: 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.; Saturday: 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.; Sunday: 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

About the provider

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts has been the region’s gathering place for 25 years and was founded in 1999. Its mission is to create a space in its communities by offering educational, creative, and cultural experiences that turn moments into memories. Whitaker Center is also described as Central Pennsylvania’s premier center for education and cultural enrichment and a thought leader in STEAM engagement for all ages and backgrounds.

• Birthday Parties — Ages 4-12 (Innovation Zone 8+) · STEAM-focused birthday packages with activities for kids 4 to 12 years old.

To help prepare and ensure the best experience, tickets should be purchased in advance for camps. Cancellations at least 10 days before camp receive a full refund; cancellations within 9 days or less are not refunded. Hours are subject to change during holidays and inclement weather events all year long.

Last updated October 22, 2026.