This Weekend... New Year's activities for the littles

There are some pretty fun options to ring in the new year a few hours early with the little ones... perfect if you're heading out yourself later that night.


The Little Treehouse Play Cafe in Chestnut Hill

Friday, December 31st
11:00am - 1:00pm
Count-down to 2011 along with Bangkok, Thailand, welcoming the New Year at 12:00 noon Philadelphia time.


Join Miss. Danielle for tumbling games, crafts, traditional New Year's festivities and party favors!

$15 per child includes admission, activities, favors and a Treehouse Kids Meal (entree, side, drink).  No entry charge for adults. Reservations are preferred, but not required.
http://www.treehouseplaycafe.com/


O'Doodle's in Chestnut Hill
FREE Unplugged NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Friday, Dec. 31, 2010
11 am - 1pm

Entertainment by ToyDad Fran O'Donnell and his  "Royal Accordion"
Sing in the New Year! FREE Party Hats and Noise Makers.  Count Down BALL (Stuffed Pinata) descends at NOON!  Take Home bags provided!

Cocktail Franks - Chicken Nuggets
Cookies - Snacks, Complimentary Sparkling Cider for Toasting  in the New Year!
www.odoodles.com  

If you want to venture into the city, there are some fun/historical ways to ring in the new year...

The Please Touch Museum hosts a New Year's Eve bash with countdowns at noon and 1pm.

The Betsy Ross Birthday Bash runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m on New Year's Eve at the Betsy Ross House.  Celebrate the famous flagmaker's January 1, 1752 birth with crafts games and, of course, cake!  Audio guides will be free with admission all day long and the birthday lady, herself will be on hand to meet visitors and share stories.  The Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 31.  Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for childen 12 & under.

When Betsy's celebration wraps up, the fun at Franklin Square is just getting started!  Visit the Square 5-9 p.m. on New Year's Eve .  The evening's highlight will be a Kids' Countdown to 6 p.m., complete with a ball drop.  Then, we invite you to enjoy the view of the Penn's Landing fireworks and enjoy yummy treats from SquareBurger's holiday menu.  Don't leave without taking a spin on the carousel and playing a wintry round of Philly Mini Golf.
Link

And the second day of the new year will be the FINAL day for the amazing Cleopatra exhibit at the Franklin Institute, with free parking on New Year's Day.
http://www2.fi.edu/

Your input needed... dance classes?

In trying to decide between a number of options for my own kids, I realized it might be helpful to GAP readers to have this information too.  Please leave a comment below if your child has attended local dance classes, which programs have you tried, what age/level/style of dance, and what was your experience?  Also, if your organization offers dance classes that you'd like included on our list, please comment as well.

Thanks!

Book Review: The Secret Lives of Princesses

Princess of the Sands

I think this is officially the first GAP book review, and I hesitate to start with this one because it will be tough to top: The Secret Lives of Princesses written by Philippe Lechermeier and illustrated by Rébecca Dautremer.  This book is simply stunning.  The illustrations are rich with color, depth and details, and just gorgeous.  This is a collection of profiles of the lesser known princesses... a tad offbeat and definitely not Disney.  These princesses are forgetful, ill mannered, sleepy, and devilish, but are delicious in the way they're each depicted.  The illustrations will delight princess aficionados (and even princess haters) of all ages.  I'm convinced that I was the inspiration for princesses Somnia and Oblivia, but it's tough to be sure.  The website gives a good glimpse into this secret world, but the book is worth holding in your hands and enjoying again and again.  This was hands-down, our favorite book this holiday season.  What was yours?

Princess Somnia

http://secretlivesofprincesses.com/Default.aspx

Worth the Drive/Ride: Holiday Edition

Here are 4 sights within an hour's drive of the GAP area that are "worth the drive" this time of year, particularly if you carpool...

1. Longwood Gardens! Their illuminated walkways, decorated trees, fountain show and plant-induced splendor is absolutely sure to please young and old alike.  It's not a "kiddie" experience by any means, but it keeps children well entertained while adults can take in the beauty.  There are some events there as well, but our strategy has always been to try to go on a warm-ish night when nothing else is going on.  Dress warmly! Lights and holiday events run through January 9.  Roughly an hour away (off-peak).  Admission for adults is $18, kids $8, children under 4 are free. http://www.longwoodgardens.org/Christmas.html

2. If you're really organized, before you hit the evening lights at Longwood, you can go right across the street to visit the Brandywine River Museum's amazing model train display.  This display is an uber-favorite of my kids... Thomas and Friends have been known to make appearances, and the entire room is an indoor town and train-lovers paradise.  Not as large at the Morris Arboretum display, but it's indoors! And this year, there is also an amazing "Imaginary Beasts" museum display that was lots of fun to see, as well as the various "critters" in decorated trees around he museum.  Wonderful Wyeth collection! Holiday exhibit runs through January 9, adult admission is $12, students and kids 6 and over $6, children under 6 are free.
http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/trains.html

3. Shadybrook Farm in Newtown, PA.


We just did this for the first time tonight.  The video is pretty good, but I wish I could attach the audio of my own kids' reactions.  They absolutely loved it and were howling with laughter.  It takes about 40 minutes to get to Newtown, and maybe 20 minutes or a bit more to drive through the display... where everyone from Mary & Joseph to Dora & Spongebob make an appearance.  There are extra activities... photos with Santa, horse-drawn hayride, hot chocolate and more, but we just got Dunkin' Donuts on the way and enjoyed our snack and the lights!
http://www.shadybrookfarm.com/lightshow2.php

$20-$25 per car, so load it up... and here's a $5 off coupon for weekdays:
http://www.shadybrookfarm.com/images/holidays/HLS_Coupon.pdf

4. And this one is even better... you don't have to drive!  Take the train into the city and go see the Light Display and Organ show at Macy's downtown on Market Street.  Show runs every hour on the hour from 10am to 8pm through New Year's Day.  FREE!
http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php

Winter Break: Hoop it up!

Matt Paul Basketball (www.mpbb.net) is hosting a WINTER BREAK CAMP for boys and girls in grades first through eighth.  Sessions are held at Chestnut Hill Academy from Monday, December 27^th through Thursday, December 30^th from 9am – Noon.  In a fun and challenging atmosphere, players will develop and refine basketball skills.   Sessions include fun and interesting drills as well as individual and team competitions.  Music and games create a fun and upbeat atmosphere! Players are grouped by age and skill level.  Register at www.mpbb.net

Santa on a fire truck and Winter Solstice this weekend...

On December 19 at 6:00 PM, the Unitarian Society of Germantown will celebrate the Winter Solstice and the return of the sun from its journey south.  Encircled by the stately trees in the Grove, celebrants sing, dance and cheer the journey of the burning wheel.  The celebration begins at 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 19, followed by a potluck dinner.


All who celebrate the return of the sun - and of hope to the heart -  are invited to attend.
http://www.usguu.org/


Saturday, December 18, 2010- Santa Claus will be coming through the neighborhoods in Barren Hill on a firetruck!  Look for him between 4-8PM on Saturday Dec. 18, 2010.  If you have any questions, please call the firehouse at (610)825-2250.  Rain Date: Sunday December 19, 2010
http://www.barrenhill.com/fullstory.php?12283

But Santa might be easier to find in his usual spot in Chestnut Hill on Sunday... right outside of 8428 Germantown Ave. from 12-4pm.

Two Announcements... Kroc Update & Contest Winner

Our second visit to the Kroc center was kid-tested and mightily approved.  One thing we learned upon joining was that kids under 5 years old are free under family memberships!  That was a wonderful savings that I thought I'd share in case the fees looked daunting for families with young children.

Also, the contest winner from our small pool of applicants (chosen out of a Red Sox hat) is K.O.  Congratulations!!!! Please use the contact us button to email using the same computer you used to enter the contest, and your goodies will be shipped out right away.

Winter Break: Run Off and Join the Circus!

And you don't have to run very far at all!  Instead of sitting at home, children can run off and join the circus during winter break. Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) presents “Kids Day at the Circus” on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 and Wednesday, December 29, 2010. The workshop runs three times per day, at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm. Each day, children five to fifteen years old can try everything from climbing ropes, tightwire, rolling globes and more. All workshops will take place at PSCA, 5900A Greene Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144. “Kids Day at the Circus” workshops are $20 per child.
Advanced reservations are required for all workshops by visiting:
http://www.phillycircus.com/content/view/15/54/

This Weekend....

Saturday
Project Learn Second Saturday Cooking School:
Free to children ages 5-14.  Make a yummy December holiday treat to take home.
10am-12pm

Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas Jazz Concert & Light Show
Mennonite Church at the Germantown Mennonite Church
By the Rhinoceri Trio at 7:30om
$5 admission

Sunday
Pennsylvania Girl Choir
3:30 and 6pm performances
Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
Tickets $15
Ticket Link

The Kroc Center in Philadelphia: Rates and Review

Wow.  Just wow.  The place is off-the-hook, first-rate, state of the art, just amazingly impressive.  At least for me it was.  As someone who grew up in suburban YMCA's, this was like suddenly being in prime time.  A beautiful facility.

The Salvation Army Kroc center is very conveniently located for GAP area families.  From Chestnut Hill, it was a 17 minute drive mid-day.  Located at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Wissahickon, it would be even closer for Mt. Airy and Germantown families.  It's also convenient to SEPTA bus routes.
Map

The Kroc Center was made possible by donations from the Kroc family (of McDonald's fame).  The 130,000 square foot facility is a community center on 12.4 acres of land.  It boasts community programs, recreational facilities and social services.  Everything is brand new and everything is beautifully done.  The pool is spectacular.  And it's not just a pool.  It's an aquatic dreamland.  There is a 10 lane, 25 meter competition pool (set to hold the Army Navy Swim Meet this Thursday night!).  And Jim ellis, legendary swim coach depicted in the movie Pride, will oversee the swim program.

There's a separate wonderland for the recreational swimmer;  the recreational pool/waterpark has a one-story water slide, a lazy river, a huge bucket dump, an enormous wading area, and wonderful Nemo-inspired fountains of fun.  Oh, and they do birthday parties.

The facility also has much, much more to offer:
- an outdoor all-turf soccer/field hockey field
- a stunning cafe
- workout facilities galore
- basketball courts
- computer lab
- outdoor grill/pavillion
- worship/performance space
- ballet/dance/exercise studios
- music studio and rehearsal rooms
- on-site childcare for members using the facility
- early childhood center (opening 2011)
- after school programs
- adult education programs (financial literacy, GED, computers)
- community garden

There are exercise, dance, and activity classes of all stripes.  And I'm sure I'm forgetting plenty.  You have to see it for yourself, even if you don't join.  Membership rates are reasonably priced when you consider that most classes are included (rather than added on to the cost of the membership).

Monthly Membership Rates:
Adult 19-61........... $39
Household 3-4 .... $99
Household 3-8 .... $119
Senior................... $33
Youth................... $25
(kids under 5 years old are free on household memberships)

Annual Memberships:
Adult 19-61........... $428

Household 3-4 .... $1,089

Household 3-8 .... $1,309

Senior................... $363

Youth................... $275

Enrollment Fees:

Adults 19-61........ $99

Household.......... $149

Senior 62+.......... $89

Youth.................. $49

* Need-based scholarships available.  

Christmas on the Hill and the Mount...

This weekend you can really ring in the Christmas spirit in the GAP area...

Chestnut Hill College will be decked out for the holidays when it holds it's annual "Carol Night" on Friday Dec. 3 at 7:30pm in the breathtaking Rotunda at St. Joseph's Hall.  Hear lots of Christmas favorites in one of the prettiest and most acoustical buildings in town.  (and be treated to a visit from Santa too).

If you can't make it at night, there are Christmas Concerts on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 3 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lafayette Hill, Pa. and Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Mount St. Joseph Academy on Wissahickon Avenue in Flourtown.
All events are free and open to the public.
http://www.chc.edu/chestnut_hill_college_celebrates_34th_annual_carol_night_and_christmas_concerts/

Another Friday night option is to kick of Mt. Airy's First Friday with the Tree Lighting and Carolling on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at 7301 Germantown Ave.  Carollers will be led by seminary choir and musicians, and attendees are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys for children under 12.  Friday night 12/3 at 6pm.
http://www.ltsp.edu/firstfriday

If you're more interested in shopping than singing, Chestnut Hill's Reindeer Dash should be a good fit for you: Donate $5 for reindeer antlers. Wear those antlers, and shops and restaurants will reward your efforts with holiday treats and specials as you “dash” around Chestnut Hill.  Antlers may be purchased at: Artisans on the Avenue, The Candle Shhop, Chestnut Grill, Cobblestones, Diamond Spa, Fabrics on the Hill, Quelque Chose, O’Doodles Toy Store and Valley Green Bank. 6-9pm Friday night 12/3.

And some ongoing, previously mentioned holiday treats... Santa on Sundays and the Holiday Railway exhibit at the Morris Arboretum.  This weekend also marks the Holiday House Tour!  (click colored links for previous posts)

Chanukah on the Hill...

Wonderful kid-focused activities to celebrate Chanukah over the next several days:

http://www.chabadnwp.org/2.html