Mobile Learning Adventure

Bringing the Magic of Early Education to Cities Around the Country

Mobile Learning Adventure

Video: About the Mobile Learning Adventure

The Mobile Learning Adventure (MLA) is a traveling exhibit that provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the importance of early childhood education while having fun with their children. The MLA is part of PNC Grow Up Great® – a $500 million, multi-year, bilingual initiative that began in 2004 to help prepare young children for success in school and life.

The educational exhibit allows parents and children to engage in unique, interactive activities — whether visiting a learning kiosk, imagining the future, or exploring the difference between a need versus a want. It's a great way to discover how everyday moments are learning opportunities.

The educational materials within the MLA are appropriate for children from age 2 to age 5.

Upcoming Events

The Mobile Learning Adventure attracts participants at community events to the cheerful, engaging setups, either outdoors under bright orange tents branded with PNC Grow Up Great or indoors with activities located within the space. Each season, multiple tour vehicles and their staff serve PNC markets through visits to community events and festivals. The exhibits travel from spring through autumn.

 

Market

Event Name

Dates

Event Times

Event Address

PA – SWPA/Pittsburgh Children's Museum of Pittsburgh September 13th – 14th 10am – 3pm Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
10 Children's Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
MO – St. Louis Taste of Black STL September 13th – 15th 12pm – 7pm Kaufmann Park
1211 Chestnut Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
PA – SWPA/Pittsburgh Pirates Game (Roberto Clemente Day) September 15th 10:45am – 1:35pm PNC Park
115 Federal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
MO – St. Louis Great Forest Balloon Race  September 20th – 21st 4:00pm – 9:15pm 9/20
1pm – 6pm 9/21
Forest Park Emerson Central Field
5265 Wells Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
IL – Central Illinois Day of Play September 21st 10am – 3pm Children's Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort St
Normal IL 61761
KY – Louisville Kentucky Science Center
September 27th – 28th 9:30am – 3:30pm Kentucky Science Center
727 W Main St
Louisville, KY 40202
IL – Central Peoria Riverfront Museum – Jim Henson Exhibit Opening September 28th – 29th 10am – 5pm 9/28
12pm – 5pm 9/29
Peoria Riverfront Museum
222 SW Washington St
Peoria, IL 61602
KY – Louisville Be My Neighbor Day September 29th 9am – 6pm E.P. Tom Sawyer Park
3000 Freys Hill Rd
Louisville, KY 40241
KY – Louisville Louisville Zoo – Boo at the Zoo October 3rd – 6th 5pm – 10pm Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY 40213
MD – Greater Maryland B&O Railroad Museum – Be My Neighbor Day October 5th – 6th 10am – 4pm B&O Railroad Museum
901 W Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21223
OH – Akron Pumpkin Village Powered by PNC
October 11th – 13th 11am – 9pm 10/11
10am – 9pm 10/12
10am – 6pm 10/13
Mapleside Farms
294 Pearl Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
AL – Gulf Coast Mobile Latin Fest October 12th 12pm – 7pm Mardi Gras Park
104 S Royal St
Mobile AL 36602
AL – North & Central AL McWane Science Center October 18th & 20th 10am – 2pm 10/19
12pm – 4pm  10/20
Mcwane Science Center
200 19th St N
Birmingham, AL 35203
MO – Kansas City Cornucopia KC October 18th – 20th 4pm – 8pm 10/18
10am – 4pm 10/19
12pm – 6pm 10/20
KC Live!
1333 Walnut St
KC MO 64105

Passport Booklet Features

At the beginning of the adventure, families receive a Passport Booklet that guides them on a journey to activity stations (see below) and upon completing each activity, children receive an achievement badge sticker for their passport.  

  • Making Choices Disc Run

This activity helps parents and caregivers teach children about “wants” vs. “needs” as a foundation for making good financial choices.

  • When I Grow Up Photo Station

Children select the profession of their choice for a photo opportunity. Career choices include astronaut, athlete, ballerina, chef, doctor, firefighter, pilot, scientist, member of the military and more! 

Following the activity, families receive the photo and a frame – along with an opportunity to request a digital photo.

  • Paper Hat Occupation Station

Children select and decorate a paper hat that corresponds with the various professions. 

  • Story Telling Tree

This station encourage dialogue between the parent and child as the child will answer the following prompt by writing on a leaf and attaching it to the tree: “When I grow up, I want to be (blank) because (blank).”

  • Educational Resources for Families & Caregivers

At the conclusion of the adventure, parents and caregivers receive free educational resources and a PNC Grow Up Great reusable tote bag.

Meet Our Tour Managers

Hear anecdotes from our tour managers, who are creating fun and immersive experiences for children across the U.S.

Freddy B.

Freddy B. | Crystal Lake, IL

"I believe that as children think in their heart, so they are. What they learn now about themselves and the world around them they take with them for the rest of their lives. It's a great responsibility and an opportunity to encourage and edify children and their families. Although our experience is brief, the impact we make has the potential to go a long way."
Liz B.

Liz B. | Johnson Creek, WI

It’s been almost 10 years working with the PNC Grow Up Great team and I can’t believe how much good I’ve seen it bring to the communities. What a gift to see families all over the U.S. supported for giving their kids the tools and experiences to succeed!
Aly S.

Aly S. | Battle Creek, MI

I love that you can see the passion PNC Grow Up Great has for their communities and for the children through the MLA. I’m happy I get to be a part of that.
Matt S.

Matt S. | Louisville, KY

There is no “catch” when you visit the Mobile Learning Adventure. There is no hidden agenda. We are here to make the lives of those we interact with better.
Dennis G.

Dennis G. | Toronto, Canada

The feeling that I can leave a positive and exciting impression on a young child’s mind at the Mobile Learning Adventure is amazing!  To see that glimpse of happiness in their smile is a reward in itself.
Charlotte N.

Charlotte N. | Portsmouth, UK

The Mobile Learning Adventure is not only building and supporting communities but imprinting on childhood memories. Seeing the many little faces light up with joy and happiness makes my day!