Taking in the sounds, tastes, colors, and scents allows children to use all of their senses to experience nature in new ways. The farm transports visitors to an oasis in the urban landscape they may never have imagined!
Visit the Farm
Located outside our South Philadelphia headquarters, the Novick Urban Farm hosts thousands of children from childcare centers and elementary schools each year from May-September. In the colder months (March/April and October/November), we take the Farm on the road with in-class visits. The non-profit Farm is an authentic way for children to learn where food comes from and the importance of healthy eating.
Age-Based Programs
Ages 3-5
Seeds of Discovery
Maximum group size: 30 students
These visits are based on Head Start principles and national early education curricula to promote the development of life skills through holistic nature-based learning. Games and activities will inspire wonder as they learn about plants, nutrition and healthy eating, all while developing respect for local farms and ecosystems.
Ages 6+
Urban Farm Discovery & Investigation
Maximum group size: 40 students
The older students will engage in farm processes in a scaled-down version of “farm work” and participate in a taste-and-smell-tour, and in activities suited to their ability levels. Topics will include: compost, nutrition, insects and healthy environments.
The minimum group size per visit is 10 students. For larger groups or students from multiple locations, we recommend splitting visits over multiple dates.
What to Expect When You Visit
Sustainable Growing
Plant beds where children can practice their fine and gross motor skills as they dig, plant and water their own crops
Immersive Learning
Lessons and activities in nutritional concepts, plant life cycles, pollinators and more
Food Exploration
The FUN A-Z method, by way of the Einstein Health Network, which is a hands-on experience that excites children to try new foods that they’re allowed to take home
| Farm Visit Fee: | $5 per student* OR Free of charge to Novick Childcare Solutions partners
(*programming included at no cost to current Novick Childcare Solutions partners) |
| Farm Visit Schedule: | Farm visits are scheduled for a 9:30 AM start and end at 11:30 AM. |
Cancellation Policy: Our farm visit spots fill up quickly! In the event you must cancel your Urban Farm visit, please let us know as soon as possible at urbanfarm@novickUF.org, so that we may offer your time slot to another group.
Weather: Farmers Clara or Erin, or another member of Novick’s staff, will contact you to inform you of any cancellations due to inclement weather. Farm visits will still be held in light rain or other conditions. An in-class visit may be substituted at the time of a scheduled visit in cases of poor weather.
Prior to your trip
All scheduled visitors must read, sign and submit our Farm Visit Expectations Acknowledgement, which lists farm and staff expectations, directions, chaperone responsibilities and more.
