Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes a season full of discovery, creativity, and connection through Penn State Outreach. Whether you’re a nature lover, lifelong learner, or just looking for something new to explore with your family, our programs across Pennsylvania have something to offer everyone.
Here’s a preview of some of the exciting experiences waiting for you this summer!
The Arboretum at Penn State
Yoga in the Gardens
When: Select Wednesdays this summer
Where: Event Lawn, The Arboretum at Penn State
On select Wednesdays this summer, join us for a serene yoga experience amidst the beauty of nature! Unwind and rejuvenate with our Yoga in the Gardens sessions. Remember to bring your own mat for optimal comfort, but fret not if you forget — we have extras available. Embrace tranquility, stretch, and find your inner peace in the heart of nature. Reserve your spot now for a harmonious journey toward wellness.
Penn’s Woods Music Festival
When: Sunday, June 22
Where: Event Lawn, The Arboretum at Penn State
Enjoy a magical evening filled with live music and natural beauty as we bring melodies to the gardens. Perfect for a relaxing night out with friends or family!
Movies in the Garden: A Complete Unknown
When: Saturday, July 5, 8:30–10:30 p.m.
Where: Event Lawn, The Arboretum at Penn State
Fee: $15 adults / $12 Penn State students (with ID) / $10 children (17 & under)
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening under the stars as we screen A Complete Unknown, the new Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax on the Event Lawn. Food trucks will be available throughout the night for your snacking pleasure.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is required — reserve your spot now!
Check out all the events happening at the Arboretum this summer
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Animal Encounters at Shaver’s Creek
When: Select dates this summer
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Our popular animal encounters are back and better than ever! Take part in special experiences like Flock Walks, where you’ll hit the trails alongside Jane the Sandhill Crane, and other opportunities to meet our animal ambassadors in engaging, up-close programs for all ages.
Learn more about the Shaver’s Creek animal encounters
Self-Guided Activities
Shaver’s Creek gives you space to enjoy many self-guided activities such as nature journaling, nature photography, and hiking.
OLLI at Penn State
Courses
OLLI at Penn State University Park is offering more than 30 courses this summer — no homework, no grades, no tests — solely for the love of learning!
Readiness Institute at Penn State
Summer Discovery
The Readiness Institute Summer Discovery is a six-week paid experience for rising high school seniors in Pittsburgh and Central PA that helps them become community and future ready. Participants will have the opportunity to establish relationships and rituals, participate in essential skill workshops, complete projects that address real-world problems, and create personalized road maps for future success. After the program concludes, participants will have continued access to support, including mentorship, additional learning experiences, and peer networking.
Learn more about the Readiness Institute
Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State
High-Performance Building Summer Program
First- and second-year university students are invited to spend three weeks in Pittsburgh for a cross-cultural educational program with students from Northern Ireland. Through a combination of lectures from high-performance building experts, hands-on activities, and site visits, students will learn the latest in high-performance building design, featuring Passive House design standards. They will better understand how these design and construction principles make buildings more sustainable, more efficient, and healthier for people and how to help tackle the built environment’s significant contribution to climate change. Upon completion of the camp, attendees will be primed for future Passive House certification. This program is a joint initiative of the Penn State Global Building Network, the Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State, and Northern Ireland’s South West College.
City Semester Pittsburgh
City Semester Pittsburgh is a unique learning experience for Penn State students of all majors and backgrounds who would like spend a semester learning about Pittsburgh’s urban dynamics. While participating in the program, students will intern with a prominent community partner and take an engaging course in sustainability. Students will further explore real-world issues in climate action, architectural design, clean energy, landscape architecture, urban equality, education, and more.
Learn more about the Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center
Penn State Center Philadelphia
People’s Research and Action Virtual Speaker Series
When: Ongoing
Where: Penn State Center Philadelphia (Online)
Join us online for thought-provoking conversations on justice, equity, and community change. These virtual webinars bring together voices from across the region to explore timely social issues and inspire new ways of thinking. Browse upcoming sessions on the Penn State Center Philadelphia website.
Learn more about the Virtual Speaker Series
WPSU
Kids’ Day at DelGrosso’s Park
When: Friday, June 28
Where: DelGrosso’s Amusement Park
Bring the whole family to WPSU Kids’ Day! Enjoy games, entertainment, and special character meet-and-greets — including Daniel Tiger himself — on the Park Main Stage. It’s a perfect summer day filled with learning and laughter.
Looking Ahead
This summer is just the beginning! Stay tuned for fall favorites like Pumpkin Fest at the Arboretum, The Global Impact Forum in Pittsburgh, and more seasonal celebrations across University!