"PNC Grow Up Great" is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ – Phoenix | Free Discovery Nights | March 7th | 5pm – 9pm | Children's Museum of Phoenix 215 N 7th St Phoenix AZ 85034 |
| TX – San Antonio | DoSeum | March 8th – 9th | 10am – 4pm 3/8 12pm – 5pm 3/9 |
The DoSeum 2800 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 |
| TX – San Antonio | San Antonio Zoo | March 12th – 13th | 9am – 5pm 3/12 9am – 3pm 3/13 |
San Antonio Zoo 3903 N St Mary's St San Antonio, TX 78212 |
| AZ – Phoenix | Arizona Science Center | March 12th – 13th | 10:30am – 4pm | Arizona Science Center 600 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85004 |
| AZ – Phoenix | Thrive to Five: Playfest | March 15th | 9am – 1pm | Arizona State Fairground 1826 W McDowell Rd Phoenix AZ 85007 |
| TX – San Antonio | Be My Neighbor Day 2025 | March 15th | 10am – 1pm | Rosedale Park 303 Dartmouth St San Antonio TX 78237 |
| TX – Texas Border | International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) | March 19th | 10am – 3pm | International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) 1900 W Nolana Ave McAllen TX 78504 |
| AZ – Phoenix | Discovery Nights - Children's Musuem | March 20th | 1pm – 7pm | Children’s Museum Tucson 200 S 6th Ave Tucson AZ 85701 |
| TX – Texas Border | Children's Museum of Brownsville | March 21st | 10am – 5pm | Children's Museum of Brownsville 501 E Ringgold St Brownsville TX 78520 |
| TX – Houston | Children's Museum of Houston | March 27th | 3pm – 8pm | Children's Museum of Houston 1500 Binz St Houston TX 77004 |
| TX – Houston | Discovery Green | March 29th | 12pm – 5pm | Discovery Green Park 1500 McKinney St Houston TX 77010 |
| NV – Nevada | Downtown Summerlin Farmers Market | March 29th | 9am – 2pm | Downtown Summerlin 2025 Festival Plaza Dr Las Vegas NV 89135 |
| TX – Houston | Herman Park Conservancy | March 30th | 10am – 3pm | Herman Park 6001 Fannin St Houston, TX 77030 |
| CA – San Diego | San Diego Children's Discovery Museum | April 3rd | 10am – 2pm | San Diego Children's Discovery Museum 320 N Broadway Escondido CA 92025 |
| CA – San Diego | Be My Neighbor Day | April 5th | 9am – 12:30pm | KPBA Public Media 5200 Campanile Dr San Diego CA 92115 |
| TX – Austin | ABC Kite Fest | April 5th | 9am – 5pm | Zilker Metropolitan Park Andrew Zilker Rd Austin TX 78746 |
| TX – Dallas | Main St Fort Worth Arts Festival | April 10th – 13th | 10am – 8pm 4/10, 4/11, and 4/12 10am – 6pm 4/13 |
Downtown Ft. Worth Main St Fort Worth TX |
| CA – Greater Los Angeles | Bob Baker Day | April 13th | 10am – 5pm | LA State Historic Park 1245 N Spring St Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| CA – Greater Los Angeles | LA Times Festival of Books | April 26th – 27th | 10am – 6pm 4/26 10am – 5pm 4/27 |
USC Campus – McCarthy Quad 3551 Trousdale Pkwy Los Angeles CA 90089 |
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, dancer, 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 encourages 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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!