Keeping Cool this Summer

I am on a mission to keep cool this summer with my 3 year old son. Since his energy level makes it impossible to stay inside sipping margaritas...we are in search of water!

First find: Squirt fountain at Headhouse Square (on 2nd, off Lombard)-This used to be a sunken area for teenagers to skateboard and hang out. It is now renovated into a cute little squirt fountain with benches around it. There are several "squirts" at different intervals surrounded by safe, rubberized ground material.
Pros: Small, Unknown, Clean
Cons: Surrounded by traffic, South St. bar scene.

Next Tip: Herron Sprayground (on Reed and 2nd Sts.)-I understand it to be part playground/part spray area. Will update when we get there!

The Zoo is the Best!

We love going to the Philadelphia Zoo. We are so lucky to have some place like this in our city. Its super pricey if you don't have the membership, so I suggest the investment. We have the deluxe family membership that includes the whole family, 2 guests and free admission to all the "extra" rides like the ponies, carousel, swan boats...

This May we have decided to try the Zoo playgroup. I have to say its one of those hidden gems I just recently found out about. My son is three and loved his first class. The second one he did not want to join in. I think he was having a bad day and this class if a "no mama" zone. They have different groups for different ages and the curriculum is amazing. The kids get to do art projects, take a zoofari, read stories and meet animals. All this in a 2 hour span! I am hoping that class #3 goes well. The are doing registration for summer camps now so I thought I would share.

Philly Mom's Meet-ups

Since we are now settling in to our new home in Olde Kensington, I'm starting to find all kinds of new things to do in the city. Right now I am setting up a Northern Liberties Mom's Meet-up Group to meet new moms in the area and plan some really cool stuff to do. Check it out and join if you would like to participate in some kid-friendly meet-ups.

http://playgroup.meetup.com/1997/

IKEA Kids Special

We love going to Ikea on Delaware Ave on rainy days. First they provide a small lot to the side with "Family parking". Their restrooms are very clean and they also provide "Family Room's" with low sinks, toilets, changing tables and rocking chairs. There are diapers available if you forgot. The place is huge so you can walk around and shop while your kids get exhausted.

As you enter, they have a place that you can leave older toddlers/kids (37-54" and Potty trained) with coloring and a ball pit and more. It is supervised and gives you a chance to shop on your own. They also have some of the most reasonable toys around. We've bought "Thomas-like" tracks which work great. I drool over their play tents, art easels and more.

One of the best places in the city for a "kid friendly" lunch. Prices are amazing for both adult and kids meals (Starting at $4.99 and$ .99 repectively). Plan carefully and you can have a pretty healthy lunch/dinner for a great price. What I love the most is that they have plastic plates, cups and servingware that the kids won't break. Then you can sit them down at a table just their size where they can watch cartoons while they eat. Surrounding the kid eating area are tables for parents to eat in relative peace. After you've done your shopping you can reward your kids good behavior with $1 frozen yogurts.

FYI-From 10/19/2009 to 10-25/2009 they are offering free kids meals with the purchase of adult meals. Can't beat that!

Rainy Day Fun (Olde City Style)

Today it was a little drizzly as we woke up. So we decided to try the Fireman's Hall Museum in Philadelphia. Located at 2ND and Race streets, their site is http://www.firemanshall.org/ There is no charge, but a donation is accepted. The lower level has antique firetrucks and displays with model firetrucks. There is also a 9/11 tribute with debris from the site. Its very somber to see all the pictures of the NYC firefighters that died that day. In comparison about as many Philadelphia firefighters have died in the line of duty in 300 years. On a lighter note the second floor has interactive exhibits to teach your child to dial 911. They can also try on fireman coats and boots. The second floor is set up like the second floor of a traditional firehouse. Children old and young will find something to capture their interest here. The space is equipped with restrooms (no changing tables) and an elevator. Is also stroller friendly. There is a gift shop selling Philadelphia Firefighter memorabilia and toys/gift items.

Located nearby are art galleries, coffee shoppes, deli's and book stores. Also located nearby for a great snack is Franklin Fountain Ice Cream http://www.franklinfountain.com/icecream.php

On a sunnier day head over to Franklin Square Park or Independence National Park which is also nearby.

Philadelphia Libraries

We go to the Philadelphia Library at 7th and Chestnut (Independance Branch) for Toddler Storytime on Tuesday's. Storytime is from 10:30 to 11:30. Ms. Margaret is wonderful! The children are treated to stories, songs and a craft project at the end. There are also "child friendly" computers with games set up for them to use. This is all FREE! There is not much left in this city that is free. However, our libraries will be closed if the state doesn't act on a budget request from the city and they get their funding. The city will also be forced to close rec. centers, libraries and limit trash pick up. This is a MAJOR metropoliton city! I hope that we will be able to continue visiting Ms. Margaret at the Philadelphia Library. I also hope that more Mommies/Caregivers will be able to join us at Toddler Storytime in the future! Here is what the Philadelphia Library has to say on the subject...

Even as we remain hopeful that the State Legislature will act and pass the enabling funding legislation, we wanted to notify all of our customers of this very possible outcome. If you have any questions about impacts to Free Library services, call 215-686-5322, or visit the Free Library of Philadelphia website at www.freelibrary.org. If you have questions about changes to City services, or if you want to be kept informed about this situation, we encourage you to contact Philly 311 by calling 3-1-1 between the hours of 8am and 8 pm Monday-Friday, and 9am-5pm Saturdays, e-mail philly311@phila.gov, or visit the City of Philadelphia website at http://www.phila.gov.
We thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support of the Free Library of Philadelphia during these difficult times.
Siobhan Reardon, President and Director, Free Library of Philadelphia

Things to do with a Toddler in Philadelphia

A friend of mine wrote this great article! I helped with the research and that is what inspired me to start this blog. Here is the link:

http://www.helium.com/items/1577164-what-to-do-with-a-toddler-in-philadelphia

Enjoy and be sure to check out some of her other articles!