Trains!

Yesterday a group of us visited the electric train display at Reading Terminal. What an amazing display! The exhibit features twelve trains chugging along on a 1/3 mile long track winding through Philadelphia and many other adorable, miniature scenes . The toddlers loved walking around it; the display was low enough for them to see it (but of course Jeremy preferred the view from the air). The train exhibit is open through January 3, from 10am to 6pm, in the lobby of the Reading Terminal Headhouse (enter from Market Street). Then we had a group outing across the street to watch the Holiday Light Show at Macy's and visit the Dickens Village (again). MUCH more crowded this time. Oh well. What a nice time of year!

Macy's Holiday Light Show

Jeremy and I have a new (and free) winter hangout -- the Macy's Holiday Light Show. We recently attended this more than fifty-year old tradition for the first time and now we're hooked. The four-story high light show runs every hour on the hour (for a duration of about 15 minutes). The show includes holiday music and more than 100,000 lights transformed into ballerinas, sugar plum fairies, reindeer, and trains. So fun! All of the children sit on the red carpet right in the middle of the grand court, transfixed.

And then to top it all off, a secret section of the third floor of Macy's seasonally houses the Dickens Village. This unbelievable exhibit portrays 26 scenes from the classic "A Christmas Carol" with more than 100 fully animated figures. What a treat. We fit this exhibit in between watching both the 10 and 11am light shows!

We had such a ball at Macy's and will most certainly be back. The festivities continue through the end of the year. It's totally free, but we were happy to teach Jeremy a hands-on lesson of Charles Dickens's story and make a donation to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Enter Your Zip to Book This AAA Package

Independence Seaport Museum

We now have a new, convenient cold-weather activity, the Independence Seaport Museum located at Penn's Landing! One morning a friend and I tried to visit the aquarium, but we learned that the ferries do not run in the winter! So, we made the best of the situation and visited this museum -- what a nice find! We examined boats of all sizes: some to admire from afar, and and some to climb in and on. Admission includes visits outside to the historic submarine (Becuna) (a bit difficult/scary to get around in carrying a 28+ pound toddler) and the Spanish-American War Cruiser (Olympia) (very cool). Admission is $12/adult (discount with AAA or WHYY) and kids under 2 are free. All in all, it was great to find a new (and educational) place to explore and the boys really loved the boats!

Paws Farm

We recently visited Paws Farm and Nature Center in Mount Laurel. This delightful place is owned and operated by the Township of Mount Laurel, and costs $6 per adult and $4 per child (children under 1 are free). Their grounds cover nine acres and include three indoor buildings, so it's a good winter activity. Outside, we visited the farm animals (including pigs, chickens, horses, cows, and goats). The barn contains educational exhibits and a "country store" complete with child-sized carts and produce to "purchase." It's like a very mini (and no-frills) version of the Please Touch Museum. Inside another building (where an adorable 2nd year birthday party was happening) we saw smaller animals (ie: turtles, snakes, and guinea pig) and were able to simulate working in a veterinary office. The main building includes an indoor play area for children under 4 (sandbox, trains). The grounds also include an extensive and lovely playground and picnic area. This was a farm experience with an extra educational twist. Jeremy loved it!

Local Baby Bargains

'Tis the season, and I want to share a few of my favorite baby bargains right in town. I LOVE Ross Dress for Less on the corner of 8th and Market. It's very hit-or-miss, but I often get lucky. Just yesterday they had adorable little track suits and cute OshKosh corduroy pants for baby boys. The toy section varies, but often includes nice Melissa and Doug products, among other things. Unrelated, but Ross also happens to have a nice selection of women's shoes, men's belts, and plenty of household items. When it's a good day there, it's great!

Along the same lines, I also highly recommend the Baby Depot (part of the Burlington Coat Factory) at 10th and Market. They recently reorganized the store; they have a huge (and very discounted) Carters section and carry everything ranging from sippy cups to potty seats to high chairs. It's like having a Babies R Us within walking distance -- although it does involve a field trip to the Gallery! Note: not a lot of toddler sizes.

Good deals can also be found at Daffy's (17th and Chestnut), H&M (17th and Walnut), and of course the Gap Outlet at 20th and Chestnut.

Happy bargain (yet quality) shopping!

The Expressive Hand

While Jeremy and I haven't yet been to The Expressive Hand, we plan to go soon! Under very able new ownership, the shop at 622 S. 9th Street is perfect for all ages. For the younger set, every Thursday (through December) at 10 a.m. boasts "Read, Sign and Paint" Storytime, including an American Sign Language interpretation of a book. Afterwards, the group paints a piece of pottery that relates to the book. The cost is $10 per child and pre-registration is advised.

Jeremy Goes to Washington!

Washington DC, as it turns out, is a very child-friendly city. Jeremy and I joined Brent on a work trip a few weeks ago and we explored the city while he worked. One night we stayed at the Embassy Suites which is perfect for children. Jeremy got his own "room" and the free hot breakfast was perfect (and provided us with healthy snacks for the whole day!)

We were all over town on the metro (learned how to find all of the elevators) and walked tons. Because many of the attractions and museums are free, one doesn't feel bad going in for a relatively short visit. We hit the National Zoo, National Air & Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History. We also walked by many exciting landmarks and enjoyed beautiful open spaces. We had a wonderful time and will surely be back!

Disney on Ice

We weren't sure that Jeremy would sit patiently and enjoy this, but boy did he surprise us! We went to Disney on Ice during its short stint in Philadelphia recently. Jeremy was mesmerized the entire time and craned his neck to see the next act coming out. Maybe it was the bigger-than-life characters, maybe it was the fact that he doesn't watch television, or maybe it was the novelty of seeing creatures gliding on ice, but he LOVED it! I highly recommend similar live performances! Disney on Ice will be back in Philadelphia during the week of December 23 and the five circulating shows will be touring to other many venues as well.

Take a Hike

We recently went for a little hike on Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon Valley in Fairmount Park. We are so lucky to live in the city with the nation's largest urban park! Jeremy enjoyed riding in the Ergo (which we highly recommend) -- it was his maiden voyage on the back. We had lunch in the Green Valley Inn, really a gem hidden in the park. What a beautiful setting for lunch! On a related note, I just found out about "Woodsy Moms and Little Ones Stroll." The hike is for children 1.5 to 3 years old. Meet at the Tree House at 9:15 AM and end back there at 10:00 AM (Monday, 10/19 through Monday, 12/7). $2.00 donation suggested. For more information, contact the Wissahickon Environmental Center at 215-685-9285/wec@philly.gov.

New fabulous website - KidsInCenterCity

We now have a wonderful resource: KidsInCenterCity -- a website with tons of information on kid-friendly activities and events! The Society Hill Civic Association described it as follows, " To respond to the significant increase in families that have school age children in Center City, the Center City District, with funding from the William Penn Foundation, is launching KidsInCenterCity.com, an online hub filled with information about schools, neighborhood and recreational activities, cultural institutions, doctors, retailers, after-school classes and many more useful topics and listings. There is also a searchable calendar of family-friendly events, provided by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's Philly Fun Guide."

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch!

We recently went on a little excursion to Linvilla Orchards in Media. The pumpkins were already picked and were in huge bins, and Jeremy had a blast climbing on everything and selecting his pumpkin. The farm was very seasonally decorated and every weekend is chock full of activities. They had pony rides, a nice, but crowded playground which we didn't visit ($1/person), and a lovely market. What a fun day! We will definitely be returning!

Free Concerts at the Kimmel Center!

Recently found out about the FREE children's performances at the Kimmel Center! The PNC-sponsored series, Grow Up Great, is for children aged five and under. Concerts take place on the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza Stage. Here are the remaining performances:

• Sat, Nov 7, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza; Bill & Tammy's Children's World Music Express
• Sat, Dec 5, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza; Two of a Kind and the Give 'Em a Hand Band
• Fri, Jan 1, 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm | Commonwealth Plaza; New Year's Day Celebration, World Music with Daria, Steve Pullara and his Cool Beans Band, and more!
• Sat, Feb 6, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza; Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble In Celebration of Black History Month
• Sat, March 6, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza; Ohayo (Good Morning) Japan In Association with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
• Sat, April 10, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza; Louie In Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month
• Sat, May 1, 11am | Commonwealth Plaza; Spiral Q Puppet Theater
  

For a full list of free events, visit kimmelcenter.org/free

Flu Shots

It's time! We never used to get the flu shot, but once you or somebody in your household experiences the flu, you never go without the flu shot again! I got mine at my OB's office (Dr. Mellen). The office is offering it to patients everyday between 8:30 and 5:00, but they request that you call to let them know which day you will be coming. Or visit phillyflushots.com, findaflushot.com, or simply check the schedule at your local pharmacy.

I made an appointment for Jeremy to get his at his pediatrician's office. Babies six months and older can get the flu shot (and the first year it comes in two doses, one month apart).

Hall-Mercer

The playgroups at the Parent and Child Center at Hall Mercer (Pennsylvania Hospital) are so wonderful. Jeremy has participated since he was four months old and we have made many good friends. We look forward to attending every week. For an application for the next session, call Beverly Levitsky at (215) 829-5555. The sessions start in September, January, April, and June (more or less). The earlier age playgroups include discussions led by a trained facilitator and we learned a TON of useful things.Now the groups are largely supervised/structured playtime (with some discussion, as the kids allow!), and we BAKE each week! I highly recommended these programs to everybody, but it's hard to secure a spot!

Car Seats

I saw an interesting article in the Inquirer yesterday on car seat safety, mentioning that about 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly. We have already had our infant seat inspected initially and then our convertible car seat inspected when we installed it last winter. Tall Jeremy is still riding backwards (as the AAPNews now reports that it's safest to keep a child backwards in the car seat into the second year as long as possible). So, make sure to get your car seat inspected! It's free and easy and definitely worth it! See www.seatcheck.org or www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm. We have gone to (and been happy with) Chapman Chevrolet.

Blog Contest!

It has been brought to my attention (by a friend who nominated this blog) that The Bump is running a blog contest in several categories, including "best local blog." This is described as "[g]roup or solo, these are the blogs that keep you up-to-date on everything happening in your area, from where to take baby on the weekends to that new boutique that just opened up. . . . "

Feel free to check it out and vote for "Philababy with Fun"!

Sprayground!

We finally tried out the new Sprayground at Second and Reed. The space is really beautiful and impressive. Part of the park is the sprayground (fountains spewing water for the kids to run through) and the other section contains high-tech playground toys. Ample street parking exists, although we walked. The children with whom we went loved the sprayground section, but not Jeremy. He only liked sitting on the toys (in his swimming gear). (Incidentially, his swimming gear came from Lands' End where I must say I have found very high quality high items for great prices, and always with free shipping. I like to look in the "Overstock" section on the Lands' End website.)

Regardless, I'm so glad we checked out the new sprayground and perhaps better luck for us next summer!!

Beach Time!

Living in Philadelphia affords easy beach access! We took Jeremy to the beach for the first time last week and we all had a blast. We went to Ocean City, NJ and stayed in the Scarborough Inn for two nights. This was a perfect place to stay -- we were about two blocks from the beach and the inn, while historic, was so well-maintained. The inn has thirty-one rooms including four "suites" (two small bedrooms connected by a bathroom). We had one of those and it was perfect. It would have cost $205 per night for the suite (including a wonderful breakfast), but we had a 20% special so only paid in the $160s per night! Excellent value!

Jeremy loved the boardwalk, sand, and ice cream. Not a big fan of the ocean yet, but that gives us much reason to return year after year!! A beach mini-vacation is really perfect - driveable, relatively inexpensive, casual, and very child-friendly.

Music Class!

This month we start music class (again) after a summer break. Jeremy has been enrolled in music class since last September when he was four months old. We really love it and highly recommend it. We do The Music Class (at the Old Pine Street Community Center, and they also have other locations throughout Philadelphia and the rest of the country). Other options in Philadelphia are Music Together and Do-Mi-Sol Kids. In the beginning, we enjoyed the class because it gave us an activity and a schedule. In the later months, especially after he could sit up, Jeremy enjoys the instruments, the other children, and learning and listening to the music at home and in class. We can't wait to start the fall class!!

Pediatricians

Yesterday we had Jeremy's 15-month appointment -- time flies! Living in a major city (with the nation's top ranked Children's Hospital in five specialties) provides numerous fantastic choices for pediatric practices. If you select your practice before birth and if the group is on staff at your hospital, the doctors will visit your baby in the hospital. For a nominal fee, expectant parents can meet with pediatricians and select a practice. It's a great opportunity to see the office and meet the doctors.

We considered Society Hill Pediatrics (which we use and with which we are very happy -- it's a group of four energetic, engaged female doctors and a few nurse practitioners -- I am a big fan of the advice line every morning from 8-9) and Queen Village Pediatrics, which is well-regarded and operates out of three locations (and seems to have a nice new website since I looked into practices in the spring of 2008!). Other popular options include Center City Pediatrics (this is a relatively new and now popular group started by Eric Berger), Zavid King Barlett Pediatrics, Jefferson Pediatrics, and of course CHOP General Pediatric Faculty Practice.

Young Scientists!

Yesterday we went on a field trip with 8 adults and 7 babies(!) to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Some of us took Phlash, and it gets easier each time! (See an earlier posting for a description of Phlash.) En route, we admired Logan Fountain. This part of Philadelphia is beautiful and we should definitely explore it more. The museum normally costs $12 per person (butterflies are an additional $2), but it is buy one get one free with a WHYY membership. The Entertainment Book also has a buy one get one free coupon. Of course the museum also has multiple membership options. On this trip we visited the live butterfly exhibit (fascinating to watch butterflies' births, but very warm and humid!), live gecko exhibit (fun to spot the hiding fellows), and some of the dioramas. The highlight was "Outside In" -- the children's museum. The babies left their strollers to explore on hands and feet (and knees) and loved it. For the most part we had brought our own lunches, so we dined in the cafeteria (where they did not have enough high chairs for our large group, but we managed)!

Story Time!

Although we have attended story hours on and off for a while at both libraries and at bookstores, Jeremy has recently started to LOVE books. I think we are going to start attending regularly. Story hours are great and stimulating for all ages -- babies love to observe other babies/toddlers -- and they are free!

On the Free Library of Philadelphia's website, you can search under "events" for a program near you. The schedule is subject to change, but currently Tuesdays at 10:30 AM the Independence Branch (7th and Chestnut) features "Toddler Storytime" and the Charles Santore Branch (7th and Carpenter) features "Preschool Storytime" (where we went today). These sessions were certainly NOT limited to toddlers or preschoolers; many very young babies were present.

Bookstores are also a great locale for story hour. Headhouse Books (lovely independent book store at 2nd and Bainbridge) has a nice session on both Tuesdays and Fridays at 11AM. It is often only 30 minutes, so don't be too late, as I have learned! Barnes and Noble (Rittenhouse) has Storytime on Wednesdays at 3PM.

So, this is just a start and is current as of today, but check the websites or call for the latest schedule.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia!

Well, not always, but it was sure hot today! One of Jeremy's favorite summer pastimes is playing with his new Step2 water table. We can't wait to venture to Herron Playground, the new "Sprayground" at 2nd and Reed. It sounds fantastic and it is free! Its grand opening was on June 11. While it is probably better for walkers, I am so excited to check it out!

Dining Out!

One of the best things about living in Philadelphia (or any city) is the many restaurant options! We have been taking Jeremy (now 15 months!) out to eat on foot since he was a tiny baby in his bassinet stroller (we were lucky he was born in May, as it was very easy to roll that monstrosity to an outdoor table last summer). As a result, he is fairly well-behaved in restaurants as he has had lots of practice! So, eat out early and often (and outdoors when you can)!

The downside of city restaurants is they don't have much room inside, so once the baby is able to sit in a high chair, it's best to bring an umbrella stroller. Sometimes we brought him in his infant carseat, as that could be put in a restaurant-provided "sling" or even on the booth. (These slings made us huge fans of suburban chain restaurants, especially during the age of the infant carseat). For restaurants, we bought him this wonderful, wipeable Tiny Diner placement that suctions onto most tables. I love it and people often ask us where we got it (Rite Aid for $10 but I have seen it often, including at Babies R Us). It seemed more cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly than the disposable placemats (although we did buy a set to have on hand).

We have had successful meals at Ted's Montana Grill (last night), Buca di Beppo, More Than Just Ice Cream, Marathon, Pad Thai, Rich City (Chinese place on Fifth Street), Sabrina's, Fork Etc., Jones (outside), and Pietros to name a few. When I think of more, I'll add them. Also, Cosi, Potbelly, Saladworks, and Whole Foods are popular, especially when we are traveling with multiple babies.

IHOP is opening soon on 13th and Walnut and we can't wait!!

Haircut time!

Jeremy has already had two haircuts because we get frustrated when people ask how old she is! We have had a hard time finding haircut places for children in the city, surprisingly. The first time we took him to what was formerly Cookie Cutters (in Chestnut Hill) and is now Trim and Proper. The second time we went to Trim and Proper in Ardmore. He sat in a fire truck and they did a good job (meaning they were efficient and caused minimal tears). Trim and Proper doesn't have a web site yet, but I am sure they will have coupons on it when they launch one. Other people have had good luck with adult haircut places, like Supercuts, which is good to know.

To the Zoo!

We recently went on a field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo, on Phlash, like tourists! We went with some friends (five parents and four babies!) and had a blast! The purple Phlash shuttle comes around every 12 minutes and costs $2.00 per person per way (or $5.00 for an all-day pass). The challenge was folding up the stroller with one hand while holding the baby, but we managed. Phlash was so convenient and a fun start to our adventure. I have an individual membership at the zoo, which at the time cost $54 (it is now $59). This includes entry each visit for 2 adults (the "individual" plus a guest) and parking ($10 value!) and children under 2 are free. This is a phenomenal deal as adult entry to the zoo is $18! We particularly enjoyed the primates, birds, and giraffes. Next time we'll visit the new McNeil Avian Center!

Field Trip!

Recently a friend of mine and our two one-year-olds embarked on a field trip across the Delaware to Camden. Our adventure included a ride on the Riverlink Ferry ($6.00 round trip for adults and kids under 3 are free). The ferry leaves Philadelphia on the hour and Camden on the half hour. Our destination was Adventure Aquarium. The boys had a nice time (as did we). I have an Explorer Plus yearly membership which is a good deal -- for $75 you get admission for an adult and a guest every visit (children under 2 are free). Ordinarly, admission is $24.95 per adult. The boys napped on the way back, the mark of a successful field trip!

The city is our playground!

Because it's summer, we are spending so much time outdoors. We are always looking for new parks to explore. Some of our favorite playgrounds are Three Bears Park (Delancey between 3rd and 4th), Seger Playground (Lombard between 10th and 11th), and Franklin Square (Race between 6th and 7th). All have equipment appropriate for this young set (and Franklin Square has the added bonus of a carousel and a Steven Starr concession stand!). We recently bought a fantastic JJ Cole waterproof picnic blanket that we have been using in Washington Square Park and Rittenhouse Square Park for weekend family picnics. One of the beauties of Philadephia is that nearly everywhere you turn you are bound to run into a hidden green treasure and have a new favorite personal park!

Hi Philly Moms!

Hi! My name is Laurel and my son, Jeremy, is 13 months old. Along with my husband, Brent, we have spent the last year (and then some!) learning the baby-ropes of Philadelphia. I want other new parents to benefit from our research and experience. I hope to post frequently, with topics of interest to new, local parents. (The topics will be totally random and in what may appear to be a non-logical order). Go with the flow and enjoy!