Too Hot Outdoors? Free Bowling for kids EVERY day ALL summer!

For kids 15 and under, the best way to beat the heat may be to hone their bowling skills.  Kids can register for two free games every day all summer (or you know,  they can just go whenever they actually want to bowl).  The closest participating location to the NW area is Center Lanes on City Line Ave.  You do have to pay for shoe rental, but the games are free.  You must register in advance and will be offered a family pass ($24.95 for up to 4 adults all summer long... a good deal if you're going to go often), but you do NOT have to purchase the pass to obtain the free coupons for kids bowling.

Set 'em up!

Center Lanes

7550 City Ave.

Philadelphia, PA, 19151

(215) 878-5050

https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=3977

Local Swim Lessons

Learning to swim and not having a fear of water is one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children. And not only that, but playing in water can be one of their happiest childhood memories.  One of the easiest ways to teach our children to swim is through swim lessons.  Those of us who are dedicated and committed might try to do this alone, but most of us need the structure that a ‘lesson’ provides. There are a number of places in the area where we can take our children to learn to swim from as young as 6 months.  I’ll start with the YMCA, as that’s where I have been taking my two year old since he was 11 months. 

YMCA 

http://www.philaymca.org/

The two YMCA branches closest to us are Roxborough and Abington. I have used Abington and have nothing but good things to say about the classes. We started off in Shrimp/Kipper classes for 6-12 month olds.  This half hour class consisted of lots of nursery rhymes with parents helping their child to splash and kick. My son quickly learnt the joy of splashing and hasn’t stopped since!  There was also playtime with lots of ducks and fish. The focus of the early classes is to let children explore the water. We are currently completing our last session of Inia (12-24 months) and my son’s ‘swimming’ ability has progressed significantly.  

He has learnt to ‘reach and pull’ and kick his legs with me supporting his tummy.  He’ll toss a toy and swim towards it (again, with my support). He will jump in the water from sitting or standing after singing rhymes like ‘Jack be nimble, Jack be cool, Jack jump into the swimming pool’.  He has also learnt how to hold on to the edge of the pool facing the outside as well as facing inwards.  And he has started to learn how to move along the edge of the pool by crossing his hands one over the other, just one of the safety rules they introduce to the kids.  We are looking forward to progressing to Perch for 2-3 year olds.

Lesson structures may vary between YMCA branches and classes maybe grouped slightly differently. Once children reach the ages of three or four, and if they are ready, they may take swim lessons on their own in a familiar environment and sometimes with teachers they already know.

The summer session is currently underway at the YMCA with the second summer session due to start July 26^th. There are fewer classes available in the summer and more should be available come September.  If you’re not a member of the YMCA but think that you’ll be taking your child for regular swimming classes then it’s most cost effective to have the child become a member ($15.25 month) and you get discounted prices for the swim classes and well as other classes available such as tumble classes. The other option is for them to be a program member ($50 year) where classes are slightly more expensive and can be booked one week later that full members.

Plymouth Community Center

http://www.plymouthcommunitycenter.org/pdf/Leisure%20
Visions/Leisurevisions.pdf

I have also been recommended the Plymouth Community Center. They have a number of classes available for children from the age of 6 months and upwards. There are different rates dependent on whether you are a resident or non-resident and/or have a pass ($30 to $54 for a 6 week session). The classes have similar goals to those at the YMCA , to orient children and explore the water environment and educate parents about safe water activities.

SwimAmerica at Penn Charter

http://www.swimtek.net

SwimAmerica lessons are available at Penn Charter in East Falls. Parent child classes are currently offered on Sundays 12-12.30 for 18 months to 3 year olds. Again, the focus of the lessons is to make children more comfortable in the water before beginning a more structured program. Lesson groups are small in size and last 25-30 minutes. There is a one-off family registration fee of $20 and an 8 week session fee of $90. They also offer lessons for school-age children.

If you know of any other places in the area where you can take your children to learn to swim, please let us know and we’ll update the page. 

If You Give a Mouse A Cookie... 1/2 price Funsavers tickets this weekend... GREAT show!

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Arden Theatre Company
Saturday, June 26 @ 4 pm
Sunday, June 27 @ 4 pm

Location:
Arcadia Stage
Arden Theatre Company
40 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Regular Price: $18 (Kid), $22 (Teen), $30 (Senior), $32 (Adult) (Additional handling fee may apply)

Funsavers Discounted Price: $9 (Kid), $11 (Teen), $15 (Senior), $16 (Adult) (Additional handling fee may apply)


If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Jody Davidson
Directed by Whit MacLaughlin
Based on the book by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond


Who thought that one cookie could lead to so much chaos? Laura Joffe Numeroff's bestselling book comes to life when an innocent boy generously offers a cookie to a demanding little mouse. This singular action triggers a series of escalating requests that result in mayhem – and a lot of fun! Arden Children's Theatre spins this tiny tale into a charming and sophisticated story that stays true to the beloved book and teaches a valuable lesson of cause and effect. Most enjoyed by families with children ages 5 and older.


Promotional Code: PFUN
To redeem this offer by phone: call 215-922-1122 
and mention promotional code "PFUN."
To redeem this offer in person: print e-mail and present at box office.


Special Restrictions: Cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to previously purchased tickets. Offer subject to availability. All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Free Movies Each Week this summer in Manayunk!

Regal Cinemas offers free G and PG movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer.  Tickets are available the day of the show at the theater box office. These movies are often visited by camps and other groups, so picking up tickets early and coming back for the movie might be your best option.  (Dates will be added to GAP's calendar).
Main Street 6 3720-40 Main Street Manayunk ,PA 19127 215-482-6138
06/22/2010-06/23/2010	Charlotte's Web (G)
	Dr. Suess' Cat In The Hat (PG)
06/29/2010-06/30/2010	Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
	Barnyard (PG)
07/06/2010-07/07/2010	Wallace and Gromit (G)
	Evan Almighty (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010	Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G)
	Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010	Rugrats In Paris (G)
	E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010	Rugrats The Movie (G)
	Surf's Up (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010	Adventure Of Pipi Longstocking (G)
	Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
08/10/2010-08/11/2010	Muppets Take Manhattan (G)
	Open Season (PG)
08/17/2010-08/18/2010	Muppets From Space (G)
	Planet 51 (PG)

Did you know?

That the events calendar is now back up, running, and current?  (see above)  If you have a local event you would like added, please use the "contact us" button on the right, and we'll be happy to add it.  There are many events on there not written about as posts on GAP, so if you are looking for something to do, check out our calendar for possibilities (events are clickable, often with URL information).

Also, please consider becoming a writer for GAP... we could use local caregivers to help fill out the team and keep posts current, varied, and interesting.  No prior or technical experience necessary... we'll even take posts submitted by smoke signals if that's more your style.


Also, if you have ideas for what you'd like to see on GAP, please leave a comment below.

Speaking of events, if you're looking for something to do tomorrow (Sunday), there is free admission for Dads at the Please Touch Museum... a nice way to stay cool on what we hope will be a very HAPPY FATHER's DAY!

Interested in Creating a Local Transracial Families Group?

I am!  We have a mutli-racial family started through adoption, and I would love to connect with other local families who have woven their family across racial and/or ethnic categories.  I know there are many families in the GAP area who fall into this category, so I thought coming together to create a group could be a great experience for both parents and children.  I would love to think about social activities, some with kids, some without, maybe a book club, etc., and am very open to any other ideas.  People who are planning to start a multiracial family or even just interested in supporting them are also welcome!  Please use the "contact us" button on the right side of this post to email if you're interested.  

Lego and Animal Lovers Unite at the Philadelphia Zoo!

While most animals might be trying to pull a Madagascar move on their zookeepers, the Philadelphia Zoo's new exhibit is filled with animals who are completely happy to be there.  The new "Creatures of Habitat" exhibit is a unique take on zoo visiting; the creatures in this habitat are constructed completely of Legos.  


Whether you are an animal buff or a Lego connoisseur, this exhibit is sure to please.  It runs through October 31, and showcases ten habitats, highlighting endangered or threatened species around the world.  The amazing design was impressively constructed by famed Lego master, Sean Kenney.  And on June 26th and 27th, kids can go and build with Sean from 10am-4pm!

While the 30 sculptures are a treat for the eyes, the full exhibit is a treat for the mind.  Creatures of Habitat highlights the plight of the animals and calls visitors to action as conservationists (or Eco-Heroes!) working to protect the real-life twins of the Lego sculptures.  The exhibit is truly interactive with follow-up extensions available online once you return home.

Admission to the exhibit is included in zoo admission:
http://www.philadelphiazoo.org

Summer Concert Series in Park Starts this Week: Wed. evenings 7:30pm

One of the long anticipated signs of summer is here: the Pastorius Park Concert Series.  These concerts are kid-friendly, held outside in a gorgeous natural amphitheater in Chestnut Hill, and free.  Though not designated as "kids concerts" (thank goodness?), the lineup offers something for everyone, and even the noisiest kids are no competition for this musical experience (I should know... I have the noisiest kids).  Pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket and/or chairs and enjoy!

(No rain date, check the Chestnut Hill Community Association in case of iffy weather.)

June 16
Sharon Little
Soulful Passionate Songstress
SHARON LITTLE

June 23
Graham Parker
Rock and Roll Icon
GRAHAM PARKER

June 30
Hot Club of Philadelphia
Potent Gypsy Jazz
HOT CLUB PHILLY

July 7
FiddleKicks
Appalachian Dance and Music
FIDDLEKICKS

July 14
Joanna Pascale
Stunning Sophisticated Jazz
JOANNA PASCALE

July 21
McPeake
Traditional Sounds Direct from Ireland
MCPEAKE

July 28
Dukes of Destiny
Philly’s Best Loved Blues Band
DUKES OF DESTINY

Map: Abington & Lincoln Drive

http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/profile/11352915/philadelphia_
pa/pastorius_park.html#profileTab-maps

Targeted Summer Opportunities for: Teachers, Military, Autism & Bank of America Customers

The Autism Society of America and AMC Theaters is hosting “sensory friendly” films again this summer.  These film showings are designed to be a less overwhelming and hopefully more enjoyable experience for children with autism.  The lights will remain on low, no previews are shown, and the sound is turned down.  Families are also allowed to bring their own appropriate snacks and viewers are welcome to get up and move and vocalize during the movie.  

June 26 will be Toy Story 3 at 10am at participating theaters.

July 17 will be Despicable Me.

Link to informational website and theater listing:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms

Museums on Us.  Bank of America cardholders are eligible for FREE passes to museums and more around the country during the following weekends:

- July 3 & 4, 2010

- August  7 & 8, 201

- September 4 & 5, 2010

Locally, cardholders can get free passes to the following sites:

Please Touch Museum    www.pleasetouchmuseum.org 215-581-3181

Philadelphia Museum of Art – www.philamuseum.org 215-763-8100

National Constitution center–  www.constitutioncenter.org 215-409-6600

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts – www.pafa.org 215-972-7600

African American Museum in Philadelphia -  www.aampmuseum.org 215.574-0380

But click the link below to see the listings for other states, including zoos, science centers and more...

http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

The Blue Star Families program is a free admission program available to active duty military and up to five immediate family members.  This partnership with the NAtional Endowment for the Arts offers free admission to over 750 museums nationwide.  Eligibility is for any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members and up to five immediate family members.  

http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/faq.html

Are you a K-12 classroom teacher, principal or assistant principal?  Then you are eligible for the Philadelphia Zoo’s Summer Break Teacher pass!  This pass allows you free admission Monday through Fridays from June 15 to August 31, 2010, but you must register by July 11, 2010.

http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/Summer-Break-Teachers-Pass.htm

New Summer Poetry Classes at Big Blue Marble Bookstore!

I asked local poet Jane Cassady why her new poetry classes this summer for kids at Big Blue Marble Bookstore can't be missed. Here's what she told me:

1. You can bring your kids to poetry class and have an hour for yourself to hang out in the bookstore or co-op or Springboard Studio or High Point Cafe, etc...
2. Because it's awesome arts and crafts poetry fun!
3. It's great vocabulary building and reading help.
4. We're going to put out an anthology at the end of the class so kids will be published poets by the end of the summer!

Check out the details:

Miss Jane's Poetry Club (for children 5-7 yrs) Tuesdays, June 29-August 10. (6 sessions--no class the week of Independence Day) 1pm-2pm

Fun with words! Each week, we will get inspired by poems and songs from poets of all ages and backgrounds. Using word games, arts and crafts, skits and other activities, we will learn new and exciting ways to express our amazing gifts. Poetry Club is an excellent way for kids to increase vocabulary, practice spelling, and receive extra reading help. At the end of the class, students will be published in a chapbook along with the other Big Blue Marble Poetry Classes. We'll have a festival to celebrate! 100.00 (includes supplies and copies of the poetry/art book.) Scholarships available. Pre-register at aesthetic52@yahoo.com, 215-432-4036.


Miss Jane's Poetry Club (for children 8-12 yrs) Wednesdays, June 30-August 11. (6 sessions, no class the week of Independence Day) 1pm-2pm


Fun with words! Each week, we will get inspired by poems and songs from poets of all ages and backgrounds. Using word games, arts and crafts, skits and other activities, we will learn new and exciting ways to express our amazing gifts. Poetry Club is also an excellent way for kids to increase vocabulary, practice spelling, and receive extra reading help. At the end of the class, we will be published in a chapbook along with the other Big Blue Marble Poetry Classes. We'll have a festival to celebrate! 100.00 (includes supplies and copies of the poetry/art book.) Scholarships available. Pre-register at aesthetic52@yahoo.com, 215-432-4036.

All of these will classes happen at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, Philly, in the community room.

Jane Cassady is the booking maven for the Philadelphia Poetry Slam. She has appeared in The November 3rd Club, The Comstock Review, Valley of the Contemporary Poets, and other journals. She has performed at such venues as LouderArts in New York City, Valley Contemporary Poets in Los Angeles, and The Encyclopedia Show in Chicago. She has taught poetry to all ages from pre-K to adult, and believes in coaxing out everyone's unique poet voice.

Wyndmoor Community Carnival

It's back! From today through Saturday June 12... the Wyndmoor Hose Company on Willow Grove Ave in Wyndmoor is holding their 4th annual Community Carnival.  The fair offers a range of fun for very young kids through adults.

This year's fair has plenty of kiddie rides, including Flying Elephants, the train, a mini roller coaster, Spinning Bears, a mini ferris wheel and a merry go round.  For older kids, there are bumper cars, the Music Explorers, a wild ride called the Cliff Hanger (riders fly around on their bellies), a BIG ferris wheel, and Wipe Out.  We went with a group of kids ranging in age from 2 to 12, and all had a really good time.

The fair also has tons of carnival games, and I did see people walking around with prizes, so that's a good indication that they're winnable.  There are plenty of food stands... who knew there was such a thing as Fried Oreos?  Those got a big thumbs up from the kids.

A ride bracelet for $14 will give you unlimited rides from 6-10pm.  That definitely seemed to be the best deal, especially for older kids.  For younger kids (preschool and younger), tickets might be a better option, with $20 for 20 tickets... all the kiddie rides were 2 tickets/person.  And waiting until Saturday might be a good plan... the main event to end the carnival on Saturday night is a fireworks display!



Rides are provided by S&S Amusements:
http://www.sandsamusementspa.com/ourrides.html

Wyndmoor Hose Company:
http://www.wyndmoorhoseco.com

Safety Post: Baby Sling Recalls

Disclaimer: I type this as a mom who survived parenting newborns largely because of her baby slings.  I type this as a mom who LOVED wearing her babies close to her, loved the way it felt, loved how soothed my babies were by it, and just treasured he experience of “baby wearing” (though I don’t quite love the term).  I type this, not wanting to scare any new parents.  So I type this with hesitation, but feel that the information could be very important for parents of young infants. 

Though the tradition of wearing babies has been popular around the world in cultures all over the globe for ages, “babywearing” has become much more popular across the US over the last decade.  Once primarily seen cruising by in car seats and strollers, now more babies have another option for travel: being “worn” by a parent or caregiver.  This is often great news for both baby and caregiver... hands are freed, nursing is simplified, and baby is often soothed by the closeness.  However, as more and more unregulated products for “babywearing” hit the market, young babies can be at risk for suffocation in certain types of positions and particularly in “bag” type slings (photo below).

Two slings have recently been recalled by the CPSC for safety: 

The Infantino Sling Rider and Wendy Bellissimo slings:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10177.html

and the Sprout Stuff Infant Ring Sling:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10254.html

If you have either of these slings, the CPSC recommends that you discontinue use immediately.

Since babies around the world are carried safely in slings, there are generally agreed upon ways to enjoy the benefits of using slings or any baby carrier while avoiding the dangers of improper use:

*Make sure your child’s face is visible at all times.  It shouldn’t be covered by any fabric.

*Be able to see your child’s entire face when he or she is in a sling.

*Make certain your child isn’t hunched over so that his or her chin touches the chest.

*Make sure your child’s face is not pressed tight against you.

*Have the baby “close enough to kiss”.

*Be vigilant about checking on your child while he or she is in the sling.

“Bag slings” are currently the focus of recalls and warnings, but the chin touching the chest, a newborn being in too “folded” a position, and material covering the baby’s mouth and nose appear to be the biggest risk factors when either carrying or wearing babies.  

I sincerely hope that this information is taken in the spirit with which it is offered... to help get the word out about safer use of baby slings.  As I stated at the beginning of this post, I know personally about the benefits of wearing baby close, and I hope this information allows parents to make informed decisions about how to do that safely.  However, because of the recent recalls and lack of regulation for these products, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute is currently recommending that parents discontinue sling use for babies under four months of age, yet many other groups are instead advocating for parent education about the safe use of baby slings.  

Good Housekeeping Research Institute Warning:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/from-the-lab-blog/baby-sling-safety-tips

Excellent Safety Information from Babywarer.com:

http://www.thebabywearer.com/

Wonderfully illustrated article that covers safe sling use for newborns:

http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowTo/Positioning.pdf

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Here are some great happenings going on this weekend... enjoy!  

Plymouth Meeting Friends School Strawberry Festival Sat. June 5 from 11am-3pm.

Live music, food, kids activities and yummy strawberry shortcake!

http://www.pmfs1780.org/contentPage.aspx?pageId=75668&sectionId=497

Spiral Q Puppet Parade!  Friday June 4 at 5:30pm.
Norris Square Parade & Celebration in Norris Square Park
Diamond and Hancock Streets, Philadelphia
Children's Pageant at 4:30 PM and Parade at 5:30 PM
Open Mic Performances 6:30 to 8:30 PM
http://www.spiralq.org/

Kids Create a Soccer Table at Home Depot Locations: 

Saturday June 6 from 9am-12pm

Kids ages 5-12 create a mini foosball table.  

Mt. Airy Art Jam Sat. June 5 from 10am-5pm.

Local crafters and artisans, kids activities, live music and delicious food!  Germantown Ave. (Allens Lane to Mt. Pleasant Ave) 

http://www.jean-jacquesgallery.com/artjam/index.html

New Hope Fireworks 9pm Friday (every Fri. night all summer)

Fireworks are not long (8 minutes), so go early, walk around the town and enjoy the display, but don’t be late or you’ll miss them. http://www.newhopelambertvillefireworks.com

Arts in the Park Elkins Park Sunday June 7 from 10am-5pm

This is a juried craft show and festival with 50 artisans, childrens' hands-on arts and crafts, the Garden Club Plant Sale, Moonbounce, Hayride, Face painting, and Food & Refreshments.  

High School Park in Elkins Park.

http://www.highschoolpark.org/pages/arts-directions.shtml

Worth the Drive! The Devon Horse Show (All weekend)

Horses, carnival rides, yummy treats, clothing and household item booths.  The horse show opens at 8am Friday, Saturday and Sunday and closes at 10pm Friday & Saturday nights and sometime early afternoon on Sunday. http://www.thedevonhorseshow.org/country-fair-hours.php

The Hidden Park

Tucked behind a large mansion and beside the Germantown Post Office is a "secret" park- the Howell Park, open to the public and part of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance! This park really is a hidden treat. Walk down the driveway of what may look like private property (at 5215 Greene Street) and find a little parking area and an open field perfect for playing football, kickball, or any other sports that your backyard/small strip of grass may not be big enough for. Surrounding the open field are trees, shrubs, and all kinds of little flowers and plants that kids will have fun identifying or playing in. Bird-watching seems to be a good activity here too- the last time I took my little two-year-old son here we spent the whole time looking for birds calling to each other in various trees. This place is nice to have a picnic, relax in the sun, or just pretend that you're not smack dab in the middle of the city.


Find a nice neighbor that will be able to tell you the entire history of the park and how it ended up staying a public space in the neighborhood. Check out the mural next to the log bench. Sit daydreaming of what Philadelphia was like before the urban landscape took hold. Oh, and these beautiful pictures of the park were taken by Dana Scherer, of Bamboo Photography. She specializes in gorgeous portraits of children and families, and has taken several photo shoots in this park!

Summertime Homemade Fun

This is the first post in GAP's "Homemade Fun" series.  If you would like to write an entry for this series, please use the contact button to let us know.  Homemade Fun will be GAP's storage spot for ideas that are low cost, enjoyable, and easily done close to home.

Here's our list of ideas the fab four (my nickname for the kids) like to do on a HOT day.  You'll notice sidewalk chalk plays only a minor role... my kids love it, but it is one of the messy play things I can't quite embrace.  

1. Sprinklers... if you have a hose and can get a sprinkler attachment, the simple change in how the water is distributed brings about riotous laughter.  (and it's not bad for the plants either)

2. Homemade popsicles... the dollar store and Target both have those popsicle trays for the freezer... you can make popsicles out of yogurt, juice, smoothies, etc.  If you're really feeling mean, you can throw some veggies in.

3. Neighborhood parade... break out the instruments (either real or pots n pans style) and march around the block waking up the late risers.  If you're feeling really festive, decorate the bikes and trikes to add to the procession.  

4. Painting the house... ok, maybe not really painting it, but a few dollar store paint brushes and a bucket o' water can make for a clean facade and happy kids.

5. Birdwatching... my four year old added this one to our list.  He decided to have a "bird-watching" party one day.  He and a friend taped together high powered binoculars (using toilet paper tubes) and ventured out with a real camera to capture local wildlife.  We found a robin's nest!

6. Shadow Tracings... my nemesis, sidewalk chalk, is useful here.  Who says you can't catch a shadow?  

7. Forts...  forts are the best!  Make them inside or outside... got some chairs and blankets or towels?  Then you have the makings of the perfect secret fort!

8. Water balloons... need I say more?  

9. The library... not exactly home, but close to home, air conditioned, and free!

10. Bubbles... make it scientific fun: mix up your own solution and try different household objects as bubble blowers.

Your Turn: What do you and your kids like to do to stay cool on a hot summer day?