Dare I take my toddler to see the orchestra?

Would she sit still? Would she have to go potty in the middle of a piece? These were some of the concerns I had about taking my daughter, 3 1/2, to a concert of the Philadelphia Orchestra - an institution that commands respect around the world. One might think it a waste of money and a seat to allow one's toddler to be in such an audience. But this was a free Community Holiday Concert at Martin Luther King high school!

My own teenage years were rendered melodious by my activity with the high school orchestra, and the lasting gift is my enjoyment of orchestral music: being able to hear the melody; distinguishing the sound of, for example, the oboe from the clarinet; having insights into the cultural and historical contexts in which the pieces were written. I'll never forget the first time I sat in the audience, at the age of 16, to hear Beethoven's 6th symphony. My daughter should also have this in her life,I believe.

The etiquette at orchestral concerts is much the same as it is at the theater, opera, and ballet; it is not very welcoming to toddlers, who by their neurological makeup have trouble controlling their impulses and urges. In fact, orchestral concerts require more restraint from their audience than those other arts. For instance, a high-reaching aria at the opera or skillfully executed move at the ballet elicits spontaneous cheers and applause from the audience. On the other hand, when one is seated with a view of the conductor's tuxedo tails, one dare not show one's approval or enthusiasm while the conductor's baton is raised. The moments between movements are to be silent.

The concert at Martin Luther King High School is part of the Orchestra's way of getting heard and seen by people who normally do not make it down to the Kimmel Center. The musicians' services were donated for this evening! And they were friendly and warm, with the conductor talking to the audience; in some instances, the audience talked right back to show their appreciation. From the baby sitting behind us in her grandmother's lap to the older women cheering on the soloist, the atmosphere was a very positive one for my daughter's first exposure to what is more often a stiff, cordial affair.

I do not recommend bringing young children to see the Philadelphia Orchestra during their regular season at the Kimmel Center. However, the Orchestra offers great opportunities to share this treasure with our young children. The first of these comes in the form of Free Neighborhood Concerts, which have taken place in Chestnut Hill, Upper Darby, North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Radnor, South Philadelphia, Camden, Montgomery County, and City Hall in Center City Philadelphia.  

The 2009 Free Neighborhood Concert Series will be announced this spring. But if you would like to share this sooner, there will be another free concert, a Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert, o

n Monday, January 19, 2009, at 7 pm at the high school that shares his name. Tickets are free and will be available online at the Orchestra's website or through State Rep. Dwight Evans' office starting January 5.

A second opportunity is the Orchestra's Sound All Around concerts for ages 3-5. These take place in smaller rooms at the Kimmel and also at the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, and children and their caregivers sit on the floor. The standards of etiquette are ones that toddlers and preschoolers can aspire to. There will be two of these concerts offered in January and three in March as well as others in April and May, and the general admission tickets cost $8.50 - same as a movie!

Here's to a musical year for you and your children!

Children's Matinee Series at the Hiway Theatre

The Hiway Theatre in Jenkintown has a great Children's Matinee series held on school holidays. Kids are $5.00 and accompanying adults are FREE!

The theater is a great non-profit, member-supported venue that is over 90 years old. Comfy seats (including a love seat!), real butter on the popcorn, super friendly staff - a great movie experience all around!

Located on Old York Rd., they have a comprehensive parking map on their website.

During winter break, they are showing two movies:

A Christmas Story
Monday, December 29th, 2:30 pm
Rated PG, 93 minutes


Fly Me to the Moon
Wednesday, Dec. 31st, 2:30 pm
Rated G, 84 minutes
3-D glasses provided by Hiway!
See Charline's review here.

If you're a planner like I am, you can also mark your calendar for the next three Children's Matinee Dates: Jan. 19, Feb. 16, & Mar. 18

Gymfoolery: New Toddler Class at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

When my daughter took the Circus Tots Class last winter, my then not-quite-two year old would sit in his stroller and watch. All he wanted to do was be out there - balancing peacock feathers, jumping and tumbling on the mats, throwing scarves up in the air and trying to catch them (not to mention climbing the rope!). At the time I thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to have a parent-child circus class for him?"

It's Here! The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts has just announced a new class for toddlers age 18 months - 3 years old.

The class is called Gymfoolery and introduces the basics of gymnastics and movement in the circus arts studio. Classes begin with circle time rhymes and end with parachute play with lots of time on the colorful shape mats in between.

The 45 minute class is offered Tuesday or Thursday mornings and runs for 8 weeks.

The winter session (starts January 4th) schedule is up here and lists not only the Gymfoolery class but also classes for kids of all ages and adults of all skill levels. Take a look!

Let's Party: Wyndmoor Hose Co., No. 1

One common question from parents is "Where is a good, not-too-expensive place where I can hold my child's birthday party?"

Here's a suggestion that not too many people know about: The Wyndmoor Hose Co., No. 1 - A fire station on E. Willow Grove Ave., just East of Chestnut Hill.

For $100 (!), you get a room all to yourselves (I believe it's actually the firefighters' lounge, but it works - with a pass through window to the kitchen), a short lesson on fire safety, and a ride on a fire truck (weather permitting).


The best part for those of you wondering how you're going to cram all of your child's friends into your little row house is that for that $100, the number of kids is unlimited - you pay the same price for 5 kids or 35.

Families provide their own food and any extras they desire (games, activities, etc.)

Their website's Birthday Parties link is not currently working, but you can reach the station at 215-233-2808 or e-mail them at info@wyndmoorfireco.com.

One of the really nice things about holding a party at the Wyndmoor Hose Co. station is that the $100 fee helps support the 100% volunteer fire department, incorporating a little community service into the day.

And did I mention that you get to ride on a fire truck?!?!!

GAP News: Updated Calendar

Just wanted to direct you to our calendar, down and to the right!  I have added a load of great events for this weekend and next.  Make sure to check it out before you head out this weekend!

GAP News: Event a Big Hit!

I wanted to thank everyone who came out to our big warm-up event at The Hill Tea Bar (make sure to check out their updated site) last Friday!  I know it was a little slow to get going and a bit crowded at times, but I'm so glad to hear that so many people came and had fun!  We gave out almost 40 bags, so we had a great turn-out!  

I was unfortunately at home with a stomach virus (the joys of having kids), so I wasn't able to make it to my own web site's event!!  I was so sad to miss it, but I have to thank my GAP partner, Julia, for taking over for me.  And my poor hubby, Jamie, got sucked into it too.  :)  So, thank you, Jamie, for helping me stuff bags and for getting all the goods there!  And my friend, Olivia, was kind enough to help get everything rolling too.

A HUGE thank you to Pam of The Hill Tea Bar for hosting us and for her patience with my last-minute absence.  I heard the tea was wonderful and the complimentary treats scrumptious.  Pam was also responsible for bringing the folk singer, Michael Mabry, in to entertain.  He apparently was a big hit, performing lots of kids' songs since there were families in attendance.  So, thank you, Michael!  

And thank you to Annie Hart also, who was there to tell one of her amazing stories.  She didn't end up telling her story because it was so crowded and there were so many children (her stories are really geared toward adults).  So, I apologize all of you for not explaining that before hand.  Make sure to try and make it to one of her events in the future!  We'll keep you updated.  She will also do story telling in your home now, so remember to book her for your next event! 

I hope you are all enjoying your goody bags and want to thank all the generous local stores who donated items for bags and for prizes for the give-away.  So, thank you to:  The Apothecary Garden, Philadelphia Pretzel, High Point Cafe, The Night Kitchen Bakery, Lemons and Limes, Once Upon a Gallery, The Maternal Wellness Center, The Mt. Airy Learning Tree, and Wax.  I have the names of the winners of our give-away prizes and will be contacting you all shortly.

We have some left-over bags of coupons and goodies, and we will give those away to the first 10 people to comment on this post!  (Please abstain from commenting if you already received a bag at the event).  So, simply go to the "comment" link below and tell us anything you want (just make sure to include your email address, so we can get in touch with you)!  Tell us why you love GAP or what you would like to see us do in the future, etc. 

Fieldtrip: Northlandz, Home of the Great American Railway

For the last year, every time we have driven up to New York to visit my in-laws, we have passed this out-of-place gray building that looks something like an old function hall. A big sign out front says NORTHLANDZ, with some reference to trains. Every time we pass by, we look at each other and say "Some day we should check that place out." And then we keep driving.

Last Sunday, we made it our destination. A little over an hour north of NW Philly in Flemington, NJ, it is Northlandz: Home of the Worlds Largest Model Railroad, Doll Museum, and Art Gallery. They left off 'Dream Land of Little Boys of all ages'. My husband left saying it was one of the Top 10 coolest places he has ever visited.


8 miles of train track with up to 100 trains running daily. 1 mile and 2 stories of winding walking tour. Amazingly detailed dioramas you revisit from different angles and heights. Neat little story cards with information or history about the scenes you are viewing. Humorously creative scenarios with titles like 'Little Girly Gulch' (where an unrestrained toddler actually climbed over the wall). Strategically placed steps for littler kids to get a better view. A 94 room dollhouse display, doll exhibits, and mini art galleries along the way. And a music hall with pipe organs that actually get played throughout the day!


And after all that, a little outdoor train ride on the Raritan River Railway.


Have I enticed you? The museum is open Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Fri from 10:30-4 and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30-5:30. Admission is $13.75 for adults, $9.75 for kids 2-12. Children under 2 are free. The little steam engine ride is extra, but less than $3 per person.

Northlandz does have a small snack bar (think soft pretzels and hot dogs), but if you have the time, I would highly recommend heading into Flemington to the Shaker Cafe on Main St. Very family friendly with great food and the decor makes for a great 'I Spy' game with kids. We actually headed up early in the morning and went there for breakfast before the museum.

Northlandz is one of those places we will probably go back to every year for years to come, as it easily entertained everyone - from our two-year-old to Grandma and Grandpa. Check it out!

Let's Play: The Please Touch Museum

In case you are a straggler and haven't made it yet to the new location of the Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, here is my "insider's guide" to this incredible play space.  So, if you haven't been yet, maybe this will convince you to make the trip.  And if you're already a regular visitor, you know how amazing the museum is, but you may find some tips here that will help make your future trips there even better!

My first word of advice is to try your best to go to the Please Touch on a week day morning, as early as possible.  The museum opens at 9am, so aim for as close to then as you can.  There is a huge lot, so parking won't be a problem like it was at the downtown location (it does cost $5, but that's half the cost of parking at the zoo!)  The crowds tend to build as the day goes on, so at least you will be able to move around easily in the beginning to get your bearings.  It is also a good idea to go on nice days; rainy days get very crowded.  The museum site also recommends Mondays since most field trips are not scheduled then and afternoons if you aren't able to make it early in the morning.

Treat the museum like a trip to a theme park; this is not going to be a short trip unless you have a membership and can go often.  So, come prepared, with a stroller if possible to store everything and for exhausted little ones and plenty of snacks and drinks.  

There is an eatery at the museum, the Please Taste Cafe, located to the right of the entrance.  The cafe has plenty of kid-friendly food like pizza, pasta, sandwiches, chips, yogurt, hot dogs, etc.  The pasta is kind of cool; it's a station where you choose a type a pasta, a sauce, and extra ingredients like olives or tomatoes, and cooks will fry it up together right in front of you.  

And, if you are afraid of the germs from all the touching at the Please Touch, you can either use their hand sanitizer pumps or bring some sanitizing wipes of your own if you don't like having that "not quite gone" feeling on your hands from the liquid.

Make sure to grab a map at the front desk; this place is BIG.  Check to see if there are any special shows planned first; there are sometimes puppet shows, magicians, etc.  Then make your way in!  You can start at River Adventures if you are okay with your children getting a bit wet (there are smocks for kids to wear).  Children can race boats up and down the river, experiment with creating rainbows, and changing currents.  There is also a fenced-off space for younger ones to crawl around and explore (as in many locations around the museum).    

Next, you could head over to Roadside Attractions on the opposite side of the lobby.  They can drive race cars, hop on the bus, take a plane ride, fix a car, or stop at the gas station.  Go downstairs to City Capers, a full city where children can shop at the super market, work at the construction site, or assist with the babies in the nursery at the hospital. You could definitely spend all day in this one section; it was my kids' favorite part of the museum.  

Pass through the train station to enter the maze and fantasy of Wonderland where you can have tea with the Mad Hatter and experiment with reflections in the hall of mirrors.  Back upstairs, the older ones will especially love Flight Fantasy, where they can learn how many different ways they can make things fly, twist, and turn.  They can even be a hamster for a moment, turning in the giant hamster wheel.  The room in the back holds the majestic flying machine.  Little minds will be tested as children design their own planes out of pieces of foam and then send them up the flying machine to see how well they soar back down.

And don't forget a ride on the carousel before you leave (if you can still walk, that is).  This is out some doors past River Adventures, a full-size, restored carousel.  Rides will cost you, unless you have a membership.  And, if you dare, stop by the store on your way out.  This is a huge toy store with wonderful and educational toys and books -- definitely worth a look.

So, if you don't have the coveted Please Touch membership (which has gotten more expensive, by the way), add it to your Christmas list.  Winter is almost here and the museum is a great (and warm) way to pass the time.  It's also a wonderful gift for other local parents!

Was that enough information for you?  If you haven't been, go!!  It's worth it.  And remember that you may not be able to see it all the first time.  Take your time.  I know of a couple of moms who even went solo their first time to check it out!  It's a good idea, especially if you want to see the Centennial Exploration (a model of the original exhibition grounds) without being rushed.  

Schools: Open House Report -- The Waldorf School of Philadelphia

This is the first of many open house reports.  We will only report on schools we have actually visited, either when attending an open house or taking a private tour.  This is meant to be a snapshot of a school and will not be exhaustive.  These reports should not substitute for a visit to the school being reviewed.  

We will try our best to simply report facts and our impressions without too much subjective opinion injected in these entries (as much as possible).  Reviews will mainly contain positive aspects of the schools.  Simply because a school is reported on does not mean that we recommend any given school.

The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is for children pre-K through 8th grade.  Waldorf education originated in Germany by Rudolf Steiner and is increasing in popularity here in America.  This method of educating children is very different from other schools and there are many sources out there to investigate in order to learn more about this form of education, so make sure to be informed and read all you can.

Whether you agree with Steiner's ideas or not, there are some aspects of the Waldorf School of Philadelphia that we can probably all agree on.  First of all, the building and classrooms are beautiful.  The school is located in an old, stone, castle-like building on the Covenant campus in Mt. Airy.  Each classroom is painted a different, warm, color and is filled with high-quality wooden furniture, play spaces, and toys.

  

The school supports bringing things from the natural world to children.  For example, in one of the Kindergarten classes, you will not only find soft dolls and wooden blocks, but baskets filled with seashells and rocks, and large tree trunks for children to explore.  The Waldorf School also truly values the importance of giving children exposure to the outdoors.  The children are outside for at least an hour a day in ALL weather, whether they are playing on the playground or roaming around the field and trees on the beautiful grounds of the Covenant campus.    

 

One unique quality of a Waldorf education is that, starting in 1st grade, teachers travel through the grades with students.  This means that your child will have the same teacher from 1st-8th.  The school stresses that this causes children and teachers to truly know each other and grow together.  The faculty believes that children only learn well from those they truly know and care about.  

Homework is not a big part of The Waldorf School of Philadelphia.  Younger students might be asked to go home and explore a particular item in nature or in their neighborhoods, but there is not usually formal homework to be done.  Some homework starts around 4th grade, but the volume will still not be substantial.  No letter grades are given, with the exception of 7th grade, purely because students are applying to high schools at this point and many require grades.  Children are assessed, but not in letter or number form.

The school is very non-violent, teaching children to respect and care

 for one another.  Instructors strive to teach a child's "head, heart, and hands."  The arts are stressed, with a lot of time spent on teaching children to do such things as knit, bake, play instruments, do woodworking, etc.  Spanish and German are also taught.  Each year has a central theme such as fairy tales, bible stories, fables, etc.  Early reading and writing is not taught; students are not taught these things formally until the 1st grade.  The Waldorf philosophy is that children will learn these things, but need to just learn through play and exploration in the early years.

Students do go on field trips.  In the lower grades, they stay close to home, going on hikes and walks in the area.  As they get older, they venture farther out, such as spending a few days at a farm and visiting museums.  Graduates of The Waldorf School of Philadelphia attend many area high schools, with most attending charter schools.  

Some arguments against Waldorf education in general (that you can research further if you wish) are: (these are not necessarily our opinion)

*"Bullying sometimes thrives because of a lack of discipline."

*"Students are not being prepared for the 'real world,' since they are not exposed to technology etc." (the use of T.V.s and computers are even discouraged for parents at home)

*"Students may be "stuck" with a teacher they don't click with."

Your Turn:  What do you think of Waldorf eduction and this school?  Do you have a child enrolled?  What has been your experience?  Click on the pencil below to comment.

Our Next Report Coming Soon:  Plymouth Meeting Friends School

Treat Yourself: Earth Bread + Brewery

It's a dream for me. If someone were to ask this summer when I moved to Mt. Airy, "What do you dream about when you close your eyes?," I would probably have said, "I wish they would build a brew pub in Mt. Airy where I could take the kids."

Earth Bread + Brewery  at 7136 Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy has been packed both up and downstairs since it opened in the beginning of October. It's a green-conscious space with great beer and flatbread pizza and, early on most nights, it's filled with kids. 

Earth Bread has six types of flatbread pizza and a "make your own" variety. The balance of the menu now has great salads and soups. So if the kids do not like pizza (believe it or not, I know one of those) and will not eat soup, it's not the place for them. But if your kids do like pizza, the Traditional is the best way to start. 

Ask for crayons too and the drinks in paper cups with straws. The owners tell me that they might branch out to sandwiches someday in the future but right now just want to get better and better at what they do. They also always knew that the Mt. Airy location meant that they should plan for families.

"I'm not sure we specifically planned to make the space kid- friendly," proprietor Tom Baker said, "but when you're planning a restaurant in a family place like Mount Airy you should plan for families."

"Some nights in the last month," partner Peggy Zwever added, "we've run out of highchairs."

Not only are Peggy and Tom dedicated to the enviornment, good food and great beer; they are dedicated to Mt. Airy.

"We moved to West Mount Airy this summer," they told me.

Earth Bread + Brewery has four types of their own brewed beer and eight varieties brewed in other local microbreweries. They offer wine also, but no other liquor yet.

Earth Bread + Brewery is only open for dinner for the time being from 4:30pm-midnight and until 1am Fridays and Saturdays. They stop serving dinner at 10, though. They are directly across the street from Infusion. There is on street parking but also a municipal lot behind FitLife.

AveNEWS: High Point Cafe's 2nd Location now Open!!

I realized yesterday morning that Election Day was not the day to check out the new location of High Point Cafe as I approached the long line outside. Could all these people really be waiting for coffee? This place was even more popular than expected! Then, as I got closer, I realized that they weren't waiting for coffee, they were waiting to vote! How cool to have your polling place inside a coffee shop?!?!

Even with the inside tables temporarily replaced with voting booths, the kids and I were impressed. The same fabulous coffee, a cozy friendly space, lots of yummy food, and warm and smiling staff. Even better, they now have space for stroller parking outside and high chairs! The new location will not be serving crepes, but will have lots of other treats including some Grab&Go Sandwiches.

Fortunately, they also have some outdoor seating over on the side - with a perfect view of passing trains. With an iced coffee, a couple gruyere brioche, and an up close sighting of the R8, we were all happily satisfied.

High Point Cafe now has two locations in West Mt. Airy:
The original Cafe at 602 Carpenter Lane
and the new location at The Allens Lane Train Station

Both sites are open every day, 7am-7pm.

Happy Election Day!

We have all been waiting for this day for a long time.  It's finally here!  So, get out and vote!  The polls will be open from 7am-8pm.  If you don't know where your polling place is, plug in your address here (just your street address, not city and zip).  You can also see a list of polling places in Philadelphia and find out what to do if you are a first-time voter, such as what forms of identification are acceptable.  And you can find our more about what will be on the ballot.

If you have any problems casting your vote, call the Election Day Hotline, at (866) OUR-VOTE.  And, if you've been hearing any information about election day that you aren't sure about, check out these elections myths exposed!  For example, you CAN wear clothing and buttons supporting a particular candidate; you just cannot campaign and must leave the voting location immediately after casting your vote.  You also CAN vote straight party without having to separately vote for the president here in Philadelphia.

If you have to bring children (it is a great experience for older kids to see you exercising your right to vote, but younger ones can be a handful, especially if there is a long line) try to come in pairs and take turns watching the kids outside.  Come with a neighbor or your spouse or partner who can help you with little ones.  Many of the polling places have playgrounds outside, so you may want to take advantage of that.  It may be raining, though, so that may take playgrounds out of the picture.  Bring along a special bag of toys/activities to help keep kids busy.

See you at the polls!

Let's Read: William Jeannes Memorial Library

It is a bit farther up the road that some other libraries, but I think the drive to William Jeannes Memorial Library is completely worth it.  (And I usually head up Stenton Avenue to Joshua Road for the scenic route through farm land).  

Jeannes' story times are nothing short of amazing. They are down in the basement, but it is a very large room and you can enter it directly from a door at the back of the library.  Add your kids' names to the list on the table and there will be a name tag for them the next time you visit, a circle they can wear proudly around their neck.

 

The librarians do a wonderful job and even include a little craft at the end of each reading. The stories are usually themed and include songs and visuals, such as a felt board.  There is even a puppet named Lucy who participates in the activities!  The librarian is very animated and understanding of the kids, really someone straight out of Mr. Roger's neighborhood (and I mean that in the best of ways).

This is obviously not an activity that is thrown together at the last minute.  These story times are very well planned and carried out.  Yesterday's theme was leaves and fall.  Lucy (the puppet) started with a conversation with the librarian (Miss Linda) about who had found the biggest leaf, as they went through some different leaves found outside.  Three leaf-related books were read, between songs like "The Leaves Are Falling Down."  The kids then went to some tables to decorate trees with different colored paper leaves.

If you have little ones who are not in school yet, this is great preparation for future school days and is just plain fun.  It really is like a school lesson; it's amazing we get to bring our kids for free!

After the story time, head upstairs to the children's section of the library.  It is nice, large space with three circle tables and kid-sized chairs for children to sit at.  They have stacks of great puzzles and a few toys for kids to play with.  There is even a rocking chair for those tired moms and babies.

There is also a great section of cloth activity bags available for checkout.  Each bag contains a book, a related stuffed animal, and a tape, all with the same theme (such as whales).  You can check these out for two weeks.   

The grounds around this library are also great. We even suggest making a day of this trip and bringing a picnic lunch to eat outside afterwards, under one of their beautiful cherry trees. There is also a nice grove of pine trees that kids love to play in, a fun "hideaway" for them.

So, if you want to check out a new library, I highly recommend Jeannes.  Tomorrow (Fri. Oct. 24th) is the perfect time to try it out; there will be a special event, Puppets Pizazz, at 4:00pm.  There will be non-scary Halloween puppets.  Or, go on Saturday for Makin' Music at 11:00am.  

If you can't make it this week, check out Jeannes next week for some special days:  Wed. Oct 29th and Thurs. Oct. 30th -- all story times will be Halloween-themed.  Children are encouraged to come in costume and treats will be handed out.  (You may also bring some treats if you like).

Jeannes Library is not part of the Philadelphia Free Library system; it is part of Whitemarsh Township.  You can, however, use your free library card there.  You will need to fill out a new form, but you won't need to be issued a different card.    

4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610.828.0441
map

Full Calendar of Events

Fall Story Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 am: "Mother Goose on the Loose"(1-30 mo.)
Tuesdays at 11:15am and Thursdays at 1:30pm -- 3-5 yr olds
Wednesdays at 10:15am and Thursdays at 11:15am -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 yr olds (Miss Linda and "Lucy")
NEW:  Wednesdays at 4:00pm -- 3-6 yr olds
Bedtime Story times: 3rd Tuesday of each mo. at 7pm for 3-7 yr olds

Let's Play: Smith Playground

A Philadelphia treasure for over one hundred years, the Smith Playground and Playhouse is undergoing yet another addition to its list of attractions. The "tot lot" will be dedicated to outdoor play for children under five and will be located directly behind the playhouse. At the same time, repairs continue to Smith's beautiful terra cotta roof. So don't let the scaffolding or the construction vehicles in front of the building fool you, however. Smith is open for business.

Built in 1899 through the generosity of Richard and Sarah Smith, the playhouse was built in memory of their son Stanfield in East Fairmount Park. A directions link is below but suffice it to say it's probably ten minutes from all of us. As opposed to many of the mansions in Fairmount Park, the home was never lived in by the family but built instead specifically for the children of Philadelphia. The design encourages open spaces with plenty of room to run. In the last ten years, the entire facility has undergone a rejuvenation like no other that continues with the new construction.

The first floor features a reading room with books of all shapes and sizes. There is also a miniature wooden kitchen, a train and a small wooden house. We've spent hours on this floor alone.

The basement is where Smith keeps all its riding toys for young children. It features working stop lights. On the second floor, there are literally hundreds of toys in a large space that encourages interaction but also a puppet show or two. The actually playhouse is open all year but is restricted to children under five. A great kitchen and seating area to host a birthday party shares the first floor.

The big difference in the property in the last ten years is the outdoor playground. It is the home of the world famous wooden slide. Built in 1905, there are many scary moments waited to be had with a potato sack on the way down this slide. Beautifully restored in 2005, there is nothing like the first trip down for a youngster (and for you for that matter). The outdoor playground is open to children under ten from April through October. Behind the slide (in the area of the new Tot Lot) are new swings, an updated witches' hat and plenty of interactive balance beams.

"It is," as my six year old nephew described it, "the biggest playground in town."

Oh, one more thing about Smith that's good to know. It's free. The employees will politely ask for a donation but this hidden gem in Fairmount Park is completely free. Now if they just passed out free cheesesteaks and had a TV for sports, it might just be the best place in the world. They will not be doing that in the near future, however, because no food or drink is allowed in either the playhouse or out in the playground. Remember to keep this in mind. I let my kids snack up in the car after our visit.

Don't be scared by the scaffolding or the digging, it all means an even better Smith next year. Cabin fever on a Saturday or Sunday before the cold sets in? Even after? Smith Playground has been the answer for over one hundred years.

Let's Play (and Shop): O'Doodles Toy Store

If you're looking for a birthday gift for a neighbor's child or a Christmas present for your little one, or just a fun place to pass some time with your kids, stop by Chestnut Hill and visit O'Doodles to find a refreshing selection of toys to choose from, for babies to teens.  

 

You can tell as soon as you approach O'Doodles' colorful door:  This is not your ordinary toy store.  Unlike many large chain stores, O'Doodles is not overrun by electronic toys that will leave you searching for a hammer.  O'Doodles has a large selection of wooden toys, arts and crafts supplies, and all kinds of items that lend to a child's imagination.  They carry such brands as Alex, Creativity for Kids, and Melissa and Doug.  These are the kinds of toys that will make you say, "Man!  I would have loved that when I was a kid!"

And even if you're not looking to buy something, stop by O'Doodles simply to enjoy the space. Your kids will love watching the train racing around on the track hung from the ceiling and putting together puzzles at the table in the back of the store while you shop or find a spot on the floor to relax for a minute.  And who can resist a full train table filled with bridges, hills, and trains?  You know they always love toys more at someone else's house!  And this "house" has awesome toys!

If your visit leaves you wanting more, stop by O'Doodles website to purchase what you saw in the store and more and also to get a sneak peak at their new gift guide for 2008.  And, while you're there, make sure to sign up for O'Doodles' Email Club so you can find out about upcoming promotions and events.

O'Doodles is located at 8335 Germantown Avenue (19118) and is 

open Mon.-Thurs. 10-7, Fri. 10-8, Sat. 9-6, and Sun. 11-6.

215.247.7405

*The entrance to the store is large, so even double strollers can make it in, but try to leave large strollers near the front of the store and let the kids out to roam.  It gets a bit tight between toy displays.

Classes for Kids: Run Away With the Circus!

While the new schedule isn't up on their website yet, I received the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts' newsletter today and registration for the November/December session is open.
The school, founded by local mom and aerialist Shana Kennedy, offers classes for kids and adults of all ages. The kids' classes, with names like Tots Circus (age 3-5) and Kids Juggling and Equilibristics (age 8-15), offer kids a fun way to build strength, flexibility, and coordination. And really, how cool is it to see your three year old climb an aerial silk to the (very high) ceiling??!!
The huge variety of adult classes provide amazingly unique opportunities for fitness and conditioning, as well as skill building and performance.

The school also offers private lessons for kids and adults and birthday parties for kids age 3 and up.

The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is located at 5900A Greene Street in Germantown.

Classes fill quickly. For more information, e-mail info@phillycircus.com or call 215-849-1991.

The newsletter is now up for everyone to see - check it out here.

Let's Play: The Plymouth Meeting Mall

Some of the following post is a re-posting of one of our earliest entries, entitled "Rainy Day Solutions," but there is a lot of new information and news about amazing features coming soon to the mall, so don't skip it!

Are you running out of ideas for places to take the kids?  Especially on those dreary, rainy days?And we all know it will be to cold soon to frequent area play grounds and parks, so we need to start preparing to visit some indoor attractions too.

So, here is an idea for you:  Plymouth Meeting Mall.  Yes, it's a mall. But, more importantly, it is a mall with a beautiful carousel, an enchanting fountain, a free futuristic kids' game and much more to come! Just the kind of distractions you need for your little ones. Start out at the food court entrance to eat or enjoy a ride (or 10) on the carousel and then head down to your left to the other end of the mall where you will find a huge, lit fountain.

The carousel is an amazing, two-story structure complete with rocking benches for moms with babies and spinning teacups for your older, adventurous kids.  (Take my word for it; don't eat your cheese steak and immediately afterwards agree to join your child in the tea cup.  Not a good idea.) At $2.00 a ride, it's a great deal for the smiles it will put on your kids' faces.  We just wish you good luck getting them off of it.

And the light and water show of the fountain will entertain your little ones and give you a break for a while. They love to watch the water slowly rising up,up, almost to the ceiling! And they'll want to make a wish, of course, so bring your pennies!

If you're looking for another free way to entertain young and older kids, head over to the Starbucks kiosk and you will see an amazing treat on the floor behind it.  There is a large rectangle projected onto the floor that rotates through different video-like games.  And it is interactive!  And totally free!  Stand on it and use your feet to play the games.  The games range from kicking balls around to racing cars on a track.  You might even enjoy it; it is pretty cool!

And, if that isn't enough fun for you, there is the new Dave and Buster's across from the fountain, a huge arcade, bar, and restaurant with ride-on games that make you feel like you are really racing a car, skiing down a mountain, or kayaking through river rapids.  (Their food is yummy too.)  Minors must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 25.  This is a great place to plan events also.  Visit Dave and Buster's on Halloween to play for 1/2 price!

And you won't believe what is about to park itself near the food court (some time in "fall/holiday 2008"):  Krazy City.  I have never personally been to one, but I have to say after viewing the website, it looks pretty crazy.  It will be a two-level indoor theme park for children age 3-14.  

Krazy City will contain an arcade, lit bowling alley, a black light miniature golf course with an underwater theme, a prehistoric dig area, an interactive soft ball maze where kids can shoot these balls out of guns and cannons, and mining for gemstones in a stream.  Can you believe this place?  There will even be some of the smaller amusement park-type rides!  And, of course, a restaurant, in case your kids have time to remember that they are hungry.

Make sure to stop by the Customer Service Center in the mall during October for "Think Pink," which includes free give-aways of shopping bags and shower cards to educate women on breast health.  Also, stop by  Boscov's in the mall tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 7th) for "Friends Helping Friends."  This is an event that will be held from 9am-9pm and the proceeds will go to non-profit organizations.  These local organizations will be selling 25% tickets for just $5!  Boscov's will provide food demos, special sale prices on clothing and appliances, and prizes.  "School of Rock" will be providing the entertainment!

Don't have a great place to trick or treat on Halloween?  Visit the mall for their annual Mall O Ween Trick or Treat event, from 5:30-7:30pm on Halloween.

Some other additions to Plymouth Meeting Mall to look for: 

 

A new Borders Express on the lower level to open mid-October. 

The largest Whole Foods in the area, with roof-top cafe, to open spring 2009.

Underground parking with more than 350 spaces to be finished in spring 2009. 

The mall's site even has an interactive map so that you can get a visual of where these places are before you leave the house.

The mall is located at:  500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.  

It is open Monday through Saturday 10am – 9:30pm Sunday 11am – 6pm
610.825.9351
map

Your Turn:  Click the "comment" link below and let us know what you think of these new mall additions.  A good idea?  Too much?  Are you annoyed by all the construction?  What do you think about the idea of Krazy City?  Exciting or crazy?  We want to hear from you!  And come back by here to respond to other readers' opinions!