This Weekend: A Welcome Party and a Winter Funfest!

We've all seen signs of spring these last couple of weeks, some days of sunshine and the uplifting sound of birds chirping. We know warmer days are now in sight, but we're not quite there yet. If you still find yourself struggling to get out of the house with the kids, try one of these activities for the weekend.

Friday, Feb. 27th
North West Philadelphia MOMS Club Welcome Party
3:00-5:00pm
the YMCA in Roxborough
(in the children's play room)
FREE

Our local chapter of the MOMS Club (an international group) will be holding its monthly member meeting this Friday in its usual location, the play room of the Roxborough YMCA. This month's meeting is an open invitation for anyone curious about the group to come with their little ones and meet other moms in the area. There will be snacks, a craft project for toddlers, and plenty of toys!

Each month, the MOMS Club puts together a calendar filled with activities to keep moms active and socially connected. From playgroups and park days to community service projects and even moms' night outs. Most of these events are based in or around Northwest Philadelphia and there is something to do almost every day! So, if you are feeling disconnected or unmotivated to get out of the house, joining the MOMS Club is a resource that will give you the motivation you need and will lead to valuable friendships for you and your children.


Saturday, Feb. 28th
The Big Backyard Nursery School's Annual Winter Funfest
3:30-7:00pm
The Big Backyard, 240 East Gowen Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119
$6 per person, not to exceed $24 per family, children under 1 are free


Kids can dance away the cold-weather blues at Winter Funfest's newest addition: a disco! Funfest will also feature crafts, games, prizes, face painting, a bouncy castle, food, and much more. The school has a large, fenced-in playground for all to enjoy. Activities are geared toward kids aged 2 to 8, but all ages are welcome.

The Big Backyard is a parent-run cooperative preschool in Mt. Airy for kids aged from 2 years, 7 months to pre-kindergarten. Funfest is a great way to get a glimpse of the school and chat with parents and staff if you are considering sending your child there. For more information, call (215) 248-0919.

Plan Early for Happy Campers: Four Fun Camps

"I strapped on my boots to battle the frozen sidewalk with my shovel, dreaming of summer days, which reminds me – where will my son go to camp this year? I love my kid, but I am all for him burning energy on someone else’s watch. And, yeah, there’s that added bonus of learning and lifelong friendships. As I began my camp search, I was met with a virtually endless list of possibilities. Gone are the days of swimming followed by choruses of “Kumbaya.” These days, campers can do anything from learning sewing skills to cutting their own record..."

To read more about my four picks for fun camps in and around Phiadelphia, visit Dancing Meatballs!

Kids are Benvenuti at Cosimo's

"Benvenuti" stands in large, bold letters on the wall as you walk into Cosimo's Pizza Cafe in Chestnut Hill, and that is an Italian welcome not only for you, but, more importantly, also for your children. Cosimo's is a tasty, inexpensive alternative to home cooking - and dish-washing.

We have enjoyed many meals at this comfortable, clean restaurant, and we usually go with other children and their parents. Cosimo's caters to both generations. First, there is an enviable video and dvd collection that runs the gamut from Babe to Barney. If nothing is playing upon your arrival, your little ones get to choose. For those littles who eschew tv, there are some toys that frequently find their way over to the child-sized table and chairs.

Pizza is one of my areas of expertise, and I have been known to stay loyal to a pizza maker until he or she gives me reason to roam. Cosimo's pizza is always fresh, and there is a nice variety of slices. My favorite is cut into square pieces and boasts fried eggplant topping. For those diners who prefer anything but pizza, the menu offers salad, soup, appetizers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and dinners. Your children can select from the Kids' Menu, which does not veer from the standard children's offerings except for the Nuttella Quesadilla (??). Also, there is an ice cream freezer to boost your child's calcium intake.

Other plusses include always-available seating, sturdy plastic utensils, and chocolate milk. The restaurant is always clean and inviting. The bathrooms are ok. I might suggest that they add a booster for littles to wash their hands independently at the sink.

Cosimo's Pizza Cafe is located at 8624 Germantown Avenue, right across from Border's Books. Open Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m; telephone: 215-242-9900. By the way, when you suggest this restaurant to your children, the stress goes on the first syllable: CO-si-mos!

Dining Without the Whining: The Trolley Car Diner

Hop on over to Dancing Meatball's blog to read my latest post about one of my favorite places to eat with kids: Mt. Airy's very own Trolley Car Diner!

Let's Celebrate: Valentine's Day Fun

The little ones are sure to love a holiday involving chocolates, but there is much more to do this Valentine's Day than munch on heart-shaped goodies. Here are some local V-day celebrations for kids to choose from:

Saturday, Feb. 14th:

The Valentine's Day Prince and Princess Party

The Franklin

11am to 3pm 

free with museum admission

"Attention All Princes and Princesses! You are cordially invited to The Franklin's Valentine's Day Prince and Princess Party! Come one and Come all - to see The Chronicles of Narnia and have a ball!

Join us to celebrate Valentine's Day like the Prince and Princesses of Narnia would—all kids who dress like royalty get free Prince Caspian Poster (while supplies last)!

Learn the art of ballroom dancing and make your own crown. Meet Rinky and the Skate Squad from the River Rink at Penn's Landing and Buzzbee and the B101 crew to play Plinko and win prizes! Watch the exciting live science show "The Chronicles of a Thunderstorm" and make a Valentine's card for your own prince or princess!"

Valentine's Day at the Elmwood Park Zoo

11am-2pm

Free with zoo admission

"Bring your sweetheart to the Zoo! Celebrate Valentines day by bringing the one you love to the Zoo and enjoy two for one admission.

Elmwood Park Zoo's animals will receive Valentines treats from the EPZ staff, but not the old standbys of chocolates and roses! Selected animals will enjoy heart-shaped treats made of fruit, Jell-O, and more! There will also be question and answer sessions at each of these selected exhibits.

As animals receive their treats, guests can also enjoy a question and answer session at each exhibit. Face Painting and crafts will also be available."

Enrichment Times: 11am, 12pm, 2pm
Live Animal Encounter: 1:15pm

Chocolate Lovers' Story Time
Upper Dublin Public Library in Ft. Washington, PA
2-2:45pm
FREE

"Children (and their caregivers) can celebrate Valentine's Day by learning about all things chocolate. The session includes chocolate history, handouts, holiday stories, and cupcake decorating. Advance registration is required."

The Valentine's Day Soul Jam
The Liacouras Center
8pm
$35.50-$67.50 per person

"The best of soul music comes to the Liacouras Center during the Valentine Soul Jam. Advance ticket ticket purchase is available online (link above)."

Sunday, Feb. 15th:

Daddy Daughter Dance
Urban Education Center in Haverford, PA
4pm
$30 per person. Call 610-721-6757 to order.

"Daddy Universe City is inviting all fathers and father figures to bring their princess out for a night on the town! This event changes the life of any aged girl with dinner, dancing, conversation, and fun. The ginger ale will be flowing all night and there will be prizes and roses for participants."

Also: The Kimmel Center is offering half-price tickets for select performances of upcoming Kimmel Center Presents and Broadway Series shows. The discount can be obtained by using the promotional code "SWEETHEART" when ordering tickets by phone or online by 2/14.

*Kids' Valentine's Day events at Sesame Place, World Cafe Live, and the Philadelphia Zoo appear to be sold out (no longer listed on their websites).

Let's Get Outside This Weekend: Winter Fun at the Morris Arboretum

This post is also published in this week's issue of The Chestnut Hill Local, in the column, "Take the Kids."

Winter Fun at the Morris Arboretum

I know we've all been avoiding going outdoors for any length of time, so many of us have probably not been to the beautiful Morris Arboretum in a while. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit again, with two days of activities planned for families. So, grab your hats, scarves, and boots and let your kids get a good dose of sunlight while they learn and play.

Cupid's Valentine's Centerpiece Workshop
Saturday, February 7
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Bring your kids (ages 5 to 12) and watch them create their own centerpiece made from fresh flowers for Valentine's Day. Everything is included in the cost ($30 for members, $33 for non-members). Your children will love bringing their beautiful centerpiece home to place on your kitchen table or to give as a gift to someone special. Make sure to bring along a box to place your arrangement in for the trip home.

Tu B’Shevat Family Day
Sunday, February 8, 2009
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Celebrate the Jewish New Year of Trees at the arboretum. Kids can make “tree buddies” and seedling plantings to take home. The tree seedlings will produce birch beer if they are well taken care of! Attend special interactive demonstrations about what trees produce - Date, Palm, Olive, Pomegranate and Fig. Activities are free with regular admission.

And throughout the week of Sunday, February 8 - February 15, pre-K through 3rd graders will transplant a tree seedling to take home, learn how to care for their new tree buddy, and take a short tour of the Morris Arboretum. To schedule a group visit, call 215-247-5777 ext 157. 

The Big Summer Camp List

I know it is hard to believe, but this is the time to choose your child's summer camp. And if you sign up now, you may receive a discount. So, in case you missed the camp fair or still haven't found the perfect fit for you, here are some local camps to start you off. 

Please let us know if you have any suggestions to add to our list! I'm sticking to local, non-travel camps right now, mostly for younger kids, since I think most of you have younger ones, but let me know if I need to add anything! There are so many camps out there. These are just a few:

Dance/Gymnastics/etc.:

Circus Summer Camp at the Philadephia School of Circus Arts in Germantown

Summer Intensive at Wissahickon Dance Academy in Germantown

Summer Programs at Philadelphia Dance Theatre in Mt. Airy

Art:

The Plymouth Meeting Friends School Summer Arts Camp in Plymouth Meeting

Summer Art Camp at Allens Lane Art Center in Mt. Airy

Summer Arts Camp at The Settlment Music School in Germantown

Summer Camp at the Handwork Studio in Chestnut Hill, Narberth, and Center City

Music/Theater:

Summer Arts Camp at The Settlement Music School in Germantown

Arden Kids' Crew: Summer Theatre Camp at Arden Theatre in Old City

Camp Walnut at the Walnut Street Theatre

Summer Camp at the Paul Green School of Rock Music in Ft. Washington

DayJams: Rock Music Camp at Springside School in Chestnut Hill

Girls Rock Philly! Camp at Girard College

Athletic:

Work to Ride at the Chamounix Equestrian Center in Fairmount Park

Penn Charter Sports Camps in East Falls

Summer Riding Camp at Ashford Farm in Lafayette Hill

Preschool:

The Cooperative Nursery School Summer Camp in Germantown

The Big Back Yard Summer Camp in Mt. Airy

Summer Camp Program at The Schoolhouse in Flourtown

Traditional/Swimming:

The Camp at Oak Lane Day School in Blue Bell

Fun in the Sun Summer Camp at the Crefeld School in Chestnut Hill

The Miquon Day Camp at The Miquon School in Conshohocken

William Penn Charter School Summer Camps in East Falls

The Summer Camp at Wyndmoor Montessori School in Wyndmoor

Flourtown Summer Day Camp at the Flourtown Swim Club

Summer Camps at the YMCA in Roxborough

Summer Fun at the Higlands Mansion and Gardens in Ft. Washington

Camps at Abington Friends School

Nature/Animals:

The Schuylkill Center's "Nature Ramblers" Summer Camp in Roxborough

Summer Camp at the Philadelphia Zoo

Summer Camp at Sandy Hill Farm in Plymouth Meeting

Summer Camp at Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington

Science/History:

The Franklin Discovery Camp at the Franklin Institute downtown

American Adventure Camp at The National Consitution Center downtown

Language:

Summer Camp at the French International School of Philadelphia in Bala Cynwyd

Let's Read (in our pajamas): PJ Storytime at Falls of Schuylkill Library

Wearing your pajamas while reading a book?  What could be more natural?

When I told my 3 year old that we were going to a pajama party at the library, she shrieked with glee.  Wearing pajamas outside of the house feels like one is breaking a taboo.  It also feels relaxing and comfortable!  This particular party took place on a Wednesday evening at the Falls of Schuylkill branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, in the East Falls section of the city. 

Thanks to a calendar mailed to us by the children’s librarian, Liz, we were able to plan for this activity.  And as a parent who works outside the home, I appreciate the evening opportunity to participate in child-centered activities.  The children’s basement-level story room at the Falls’ library is very welcoming, with a colorful floor rug and engaging animal paintings on the wall.  3-D vines hang down from the ceiling, adding to the jungle-like atmosphere. 

Liz is engaging and endearing, and she started out by reading Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day about Peter, the child who learns about the temporal nature of snowballs.  After Liz read a few more beautifully illustrated books about snow, winter, and bundling up, she invited us to do a little stretching/yoga, and I commented to my friend how wonderful it felt to stretch.  Afterwards, we had some time upstairs to choose our own books and play on the computers. 

My only regret was neglecting to wear my own pjs! 

The Falls of Schuylkill Branch of the Free Library is at 3501 Midvale Avenue (Warden Dr. & Midvale Ave.)

Other activities for parents/caregivers and children this month are Toddler Storytimes on February 5th and 19th at 10:15 a.m. for toddlers ages 15 months – 2 years, a Preschool Storytime on February 10th at 10:15 a.m. for ages 3-5, and Mother Goose Storytime on February 24th at 10:15 for ages 6-15 months.  This month’s pj storytime takes place on February 18th at 7:00 p.m. for ages 2-6.  Please call to confirm activities before going because of the uncertainties of staffing that the library now faces.