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BEST ENRICHMENT & ACTIVITIES: 2024 Philadelphia Family LOVE Awards & Family Favorites

Find the best Philly art classes, dance studios, college prep services, activities, and specialized enrichment activities.

Our Family Focus Media team is pleased to present the exceptional programs that nurture children’s talents, spark their curiosity, and foster their growth. From art classes and dance studios to sports programs and educational advocates, this comprehensive list showcases the most beloved enrichment opportunities in our area, as recommended by local parents in the Philly Family Community. Whether your child is a budding artist, an aspiring athlete, or a curious learner, you’ll find award-winning programs here to support their passions and help them thrive.

Read the endorsements from local parents in our Philly Family Community about who they love and then pop over to our Philadelphia Family Best for Families Guide to find more trusted resources! Best for Families Celebration & LOVE Luncheon photos by AMC Photography.

 


2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Art Classes

Philly Art Center

Philadelphia

“We love Philly Art Center. We send our daughter there for Vacation Camp and she’s always so excited to go. Each time she attends, she gets an opportunity to create new art projects working with various materials and it allows her to step outside of her comfort zone. The staff is always professional, courteous, and accommodating.”

– Chandreyi D.

Photo by Lori Waselchuk

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Art Classes

PAFA

Philadelphia

“My college daughter took classes by Al Gury who is very skilled based. She learned so much. They really have amped up their continuing education programming. I took a teacher class/workshop and it was totally worth it. Stellar teachers.”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Art Classes

The Craftship

Philadelphia

“They host great kids classes and coordinate with other groups in the building to make it a whole family event. The crafts are unique and fun, and not seen anywhere else – especially not something I could easily do at home so it’s worth the money spent!”

– April H.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Dance Studio

The Philadelphia Dance Academy

Philadelphia

“Most supportive environment for all types of dancers.”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Dance Studio

Jeannettes School of Dance

Philadelphia

“What a great asset to the community! This place is amazing, very reasonable with a wide variety of dance styles.”

– Jackie

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Dance Studio

Philadelphia Ballet

Philadelphia

“Amazing performance tonight. Costuming was superb, music remarkable, and choreography spectacular. Cannot wait for next season. Bravo!”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Gymnastics Classes

National Kids Gym

Philadelphia

“Their engagement and commitment are outstanding! They really do care about the kids, and how they can overcome their fears and develop and maximize their potential through gymnastics. Love them!”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Gymnastics Classes

Flip Out Productions

Philadelphia

“This place is nothing short of AMAZING. My daughter started in preschool classes and is now on their Team Program. To watch her grow and flourish with these coaches and teammates who have truly become a family to her (and me!). We LOVE Flip Out.”

– Jenny B.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Language Program

Spanish Workshop for Children

Philadelphia

“My son, Oscar, has been going to the Spanish Workshop for Children since he was 18 months old. Their teachers are dynamic, caring, and highly educated in early childhood learning, and the classes are fun, approachable, and well-structured. Oscar’s Spanish comprehension has grown by leaps and bounds.”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Music Classes for Little Ones

Miss Minor’s Music School

Philadelphia

“Miss Minor provides fun and engaging classes for babies and toddlers. Even better, she has the knowledge and skill set to ensure that they’re learning while singing and playing along. She is a one-woman dynamo! My baby (and other babies) adore her.”

– Yolen F.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Music Classes for Little Ones

Music with Gina

Philadelphia

“We LOVE Music with Gina! She plays ukulele, guitar and piano, and keeps the adults and children totally engaged for 45 minutes with original songs. She brings an inclusive positive message and just makes every class a joy to be at. Plus, it’s a totally reasonable price and flexible schedule. The best!”

– Karen A.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Music School

Mister John’s Music

Philadelphia

“Mister John’s Music classes are welcoming, diverse, engaging and thoughtful. The music is modern and it is fun for both the parents and the kids. Their lessons are appropriately designed for each age group they engage with from brand new babies to toddlers to kids and adults!”

– Benni L.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Music School

Rock to the Future

Philadelphia

“Absolutely amazing program focusing on not only music, but higher education and mental well-being. The students perform amazing music!”

– Jenny R.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Nature Educators

Pennypack Environmental Center

Paoli

“I am an educator at Pennypack and we love our work with children, families, and adults in the Philadelphia area. Our programming and festivals bring hundreds of people in for outdoor experiences, education, sustainability projects, hiking, Maple Sugaring, camp, field trips, toddler to older adult adventures, and so much more! Our visitors make our work and Center the best.”

– Christina M.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Nature Educators

Coyote Tracks Youth Programs

Philadelphia

“My children have been in the after-school program since 2019 and have learned an amazing amount of games and skills, as well as deepened their connection to nature. They have also attended their weekly summer camps in the Wissahickon. Philadelphia is lucky to have this program in the woods for children who are living in such an urban environment.”

– Pete D.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Nature Educators

Sparrows and Sprouts

Philadelphia

“Teacher Bri brings a lot of knowledge to every class. Her laid-back style and class structure works perfectly for young children. She eased my mind by stating in the class description that children could participate in the structured class activities as much or as little as they wanted.”

– Madelynn K.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Performing Arts Program

Plymouth Performing Arts Center

Plymouth Meeting

“It is my daughters first time and she absolutely loves it. The parent communication is fantastic and they are beyond organized.”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Performing Arts Program

Music Theatre Philly

Philadelphia

“From the first day of camp it felt like a family, it felt like home.”

– MTP Camper

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Playful Events

PopUpPlay

Philadelphia

“They hold the most amazing events!!! It is awesome to see children working together and unleashing their creativity!”

– Becky A.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Sewing Classes

Cut and Sew PHL

Philadelphia

“My child has a great time every week and comes home excited to show everyone what they made. It’s wonderful. I love their commitment to community and tiered pricing model. They have quickly become a local favorite for after-school sewing lessons, workshops, and summer camp!”

– Philly Family Community Parents

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Tutor

Beyond the Tutors

Philadelphia

“Beyond the Tutors is being brought to your children not only by tremendously talented and experienced educators who excel in their fields, but by professionals who care for the whole child. Let Beyond the Tutors go beyond your expectations for your children. After all, they deserve nothing less!”

– Ann P.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Tutor

Rocket Prep

Philadelphia

“Justin really understands the way kids learn and what they need to do their best. It’s not just about the subject but also the person as a whole.”

– Brandi D.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Tutor

Team Tutor, LLC

Fort Washington

“The organization is dedicated and passionate about the educational success of the students they serve. Their stellar work ethic guarantees they will pair you with a tutor designed to meet their individual needs. It helps that the owner is a former teacher and understands the nuances of simplifying difficult subjects for student comprehension.”

– Philly Family Community Parent

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Unschooling Resource

The Dandelion Project

Philadelphia

“This community building org has changed our family’s life in their supportive care, especially considering neurodivergence. We love them!”

– Philly Family Community Parent

As we celebrate these outstanding Philadelphia Family LOVE Award Winners and Family Favorite Honorees who offer enrichment programs, services, and activities, it’s clear that Philadelphia offers a wealth of opportunities for children to explore, learn, and grow. These exceptional programs and dedicated professionals play a crucial role in shaping our children’s futures, helping them discover new talents, build confidence, and develop important life skills. Whether your child is interested in the arts, sports, academics, or nature exploration, these award-winning resources provide the expertise, guidance, and supportive environments needed to help them flourish. We encourage you to explore these valuable opportunities and connect with the passionate educators and coaches who are committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, athletes, scholars, and leaders in our community. Be sure to explore the Main Line Parent Best for Families Guide and Bucks County Parent Best for Families Guide to find even more resources that can support your family’s journey.

Know a fantastic local resource that should be on this list? Share your experience with a Philadelphia Family Member on their Profile Page (we count new endorsements as nominations year-round)! If you’d like to Recommend a Resource that our community should know about, our team will reach out to any referrals with an invitation to join and will mail you a copy of our Community Magazine as a thank you gift. If you would like YOUR organization to be more connected with local parents, caregivers, and family-focused business leaders in our community, we invite you to join our Philadelphia Family Membership Program.

Philadelphia Family is published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids in the city with resources, events, and each other. Learn more about us, our mission, and our method for supporting local businesses at familyfocus.org.

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