About Us

Beehive Scholarship Application

Beehive dedicated to creating a local, safe, and nurturing environment for our families in our community. We believe that every child should have access to indoor playspaces or community classes and their family's financial situation should not be a barrier to that.

Thanks to the generous supporters of our Beehive community, we are able to offer financial assistance through scholarships. Please fill out this brief form to help us determine your eligibility. Scholarships will be rewarded in the order in which they are received.

Open Play Hours

Monday- Friday: 9:00-1:00/ Sunday 9-12

Private event Hours

Friday Evening/ Saturday/ Sunday: Private Events

Location

Beehive at Bok
Suite B03 1901 S 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 267-414-5945 or email us

Our Story

Owners Rachel and Hugh first realized a need for a space like Beehive when their young daughter started (repeatedly) asking for dance classes. They researched, but there weren’t any classes in walking distance from their home in East Passyunk. As they expressed this to friends, they realized that many families, all with young children, were having the same challenges- having to drive to other neighborhoods or out of the city to access playspaces or certain classes. Rachel and Hugh decided to explore creating and opening a community playspace within the neighborhood. Immediately, they thought of Bok, a space that already embodied the community, eclectic, & artistic vibes that Rachel and Hugh had dreamed of.

As a teacher and a mother of a toddler, Rachel set to work thinking of the many ways that Beehive could engage children and their families in the community. Her background in language (TESOL), literacy, and early childhood education allowed her to see the needs for a space and classes that captivated the whole child using sensory materials, movement, language, and the arts.

Our Space & Philosophy

Beehive at Bok is an indoor playspace designed for babies, toddlers, and children ages birth to 7 and their caregivers (older siblings welcome!). We offer drop-in play, membership options, arts, music and movement-based classes, story times, playgroups, and private event space.  

Beehive is an inclusive environment that strives to meet the play and sensory needs of all children. From climbing structures and tumbling mats to cozy nooks and sensory walls, Beehive was designed with the unique needs and interests of babies and young children in mind. Recognizing the young child as an artist, musician, dancer, gardener, cook, writer and reader of the world (and so much more!), Beehive reflects the many voices of children and provides opportunities for them to explore, play, and create alongside others in the community.  

Beehive welcomes and encourages all members of the community to join us. At Beehive, our goal is to create a community that is diverse, supportive and that meets the needs of children and their caregivers.

Transforming our Playspace

Beehive is located in the historic Bok Building in South Philadelphia.
Follow our transformation from a locker room to a vibrant playspace.

Full of Bok character

Probably the coolest part of Beehive is the fact that it is part of the Bok Building. While freshly and safely renovated, Beehive still maintains the charm and character that is Bok. Our playspace has a unique layout (think old school locker room!) and original tiled-walls that we embrace and play-up with our innovative play structures and quirky vibe.

Quirky, Local, fun

Beehive encompasses so much of what Bok is all about; a business that is self-owned, woman-run, and that uses the resources found right in the East Passyunk neighborhood. Our gorgeous mural was imagined, sketched and painted by South Philly’s own Steph Kimmel. All of the original play structures were created by South Philly small business owner Scott Young.