:: Wharton Kids Club ::




	Philly for Kids: a guide for Wharton students and their families Philadelphia is a wonderful city for families! The following is only a small subset of the many activities available for parents to do with children. For more comprehensive information on Philadelphia as a city, please visit the Wharton Partners Club site http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~partners/index.htm. Two excellent resources found on the above websites are: • Survival Guide for Partners • Survival Guide Addendum for Partners with Kids This page includes: Philly Highlights- Historic venues, parks, fun activities Playgrounds in Center City- Where to shoot hoops, have a picnic, let the kids run wild Playgrounds in Mainline Suburbs- Where to shoot hoops, have a picnic, let the kids run wild Philly Highlights: Academy of Natural Sciences Museum This museum features four floors of exhibitions and activities about the environment and its diverse species that will educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Stroll among live butterflies, pet a live snake or hissing cockroach, learn about the importance of water, and much more. The Academy also houses 17 million specimens of plants, animals and other organisms, including rare library holdings that document scientific discovery from the 1500's to today. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. 215-299-1000. http://www.acnatsci.org/ Fairmount Park The world's largest landscaped urban park, Fairmount is accessible to all Philadelphians; in fact, no city resident lives more than a mile from one of the 65 neighborhood parks that form part of Fairmount. From strolling by Boathouse Row to rollerblading, playing Frisbee, or simply running around, this is an ideal location for outdoor activities. http://www.phila.gov/fairpark/ Franklin Institute This 300,000 square foot museum is a terrific resource for kids who are interested in science. The museum houses many historical and scientific artifacts, and uses great interactive devices to allow children to explore basic science principles and learn about ever-changing technology that will affect our lives. The Institute is also home to the nation's largest Omnimax theater. The Tuttleman Omniverse Theater is a fun place to take a 30 minute journey to the Grand Canyon or the Great Barrier Reef without ever leaving Philadelphia. 222 North 20th street, Philadelphia. 215-448-1200. http://www.fi.edu/ Free Library of Philadelphia With 55 locations, the Free Library is a wonderful resource for Philadelphia families. Offering children's activities such as Lap Reading time for parents and children, the Free Library is a great place to teach children the joys of reading. In addition, there are many workshops and classes for adults--so you can engage your mind as well as your child's! The Wharton Kids Club has attended many a story time at the Free Library! The Central library location is 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia. 215-686-5322 http://libwww.library.phila.gov New Jersey State Aquarium Just over the Ben Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia, the Aquarium is home to thousands of different animals, including sharks, seal, penguins, and hundreds of kinds of fish. This attraction is ideal for kids, who can explore the world of marine life first hand by seeing the animals up close. In fact, they can even handle starfish and other water life! Take a ferry across the river to the aquarium right from Philadelphia! 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey. 856-365-3300 http://www.njaquarium.org/index2.php3 Philadelphia Museum of Art Featuring a truly world-class collection (including such pieces Van Gogh's "Sunflowers"), this museum is one of the city's finest attractions. It is a great place to introduce children to the world of art, as well as a nice place to spend a winter afternoon. The Art Museum is family-friendly, offering many programs for parents and children; families can make medieval crafts, learn to draw, or hunt for answers to Museum-prepared activity sheets. 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. 215-763-8100 http://www.philamuseum.org/ Philadelphia Zoo Over 1600 animals are housed at the Philadelphia Zoo, the nation's first zoo. From lions to tigers to bears, the zoo has everyone's favorite animals. It also has many activities for children, highlighted by a hot air balloon that rises above the zoo for a bird's-eye view of the animals and people below. In the past Wharton Kids Club has received a discount on the membership to the Philadelphia ZOO, mention that you are a member!! 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Fairmount Park. 215-243-1100 http://www.phillyzoo.org/ Please Touch Museum One of the country's best children's museums, the Please Touch Museum is specifically designed for children seven years and younger. Its exhibits and programs reflect the Museum's philosophy that hands-on, self-directed, open-ended experiences facilitate learning and are fun. With such exhibits as a recreation of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" and a supermarket where children can stock shelves, work the checkout counter or shop, the Please Touch Museum is a unique and wonderful destination for families. In the past Wharton Kids Club has received a discount when purchasing a membership for 4 people. Mention that you are a member!! 210 North 21st Street, Philadelphia 215-963-0667 http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/ Smith Memorial Playgrounds and Playhouse Open Monday through Saturday 10am – 3pm, this is a terrific free area to take children 5 and younger to play. Located in Fairmount Park not far from Boathouse Row, this historic house so much to offer. The three story playhouse includes: “Smithville” – a town you can ride a tricycle through; an entire floor of toys, including kitchen, dollhouse, and a mini carousel; a train; an area for puppet shows and much much more. Reservoir Drive at 33rd Street, Philadelphia 215-765-4325 http://noosh.cust.servlets.net/browse/attraction.jsp?id=17736 Fun Factory A local gem, this indoor gym is a great respite on hot summer days or chilly winter afternoons. Kids love climbing through the three story maze of slides or just messing around in the ball pits. Wharton Kids club has been there! 680 Parkway Boulevard, Broomall, PA 19008. 610-KIDS-FUN http://www.kehlersgym.com Sesame Place There are so many special ways for parents and their children to have a great time together. Smiles and togetherness certainly go hand in hand at Sesame Place. And Sesame Place has water slides for every age. There are more than 50 fun-filled physical activities at the park. Only 30 minutes from Philadelphia this is a place where you can hug Elmo, and hang out with all your other Sesame Street pals. 100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA 19047. 215-752-7070 http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame/pa/index.html South Street What used to be the southern boundary of Philadelphia is today a hot destination for those out for a stroll, shoppers, and bar-hoppers. Walk down South Street and enjoy a variety of eclectic shops, delis (read cheese-steak shops), bars, and restaurants. http://www.south-street.com/ Crayola Factory At the Crayola FACTORY®, you will be immersed in color and creativity-a place where your only creative limitation is your imagination. You can color, draw and create with the latest Crayola® product without the worry of cleanup afterwards. Each creative space invites you to play and explore while learning and having lots and lots of fun. 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042. 610-515-8000 http://www.crayola.com/factory/index.cfm?action=plan.home Linvilla Orchard One of the goals of the Linvill family is to share the experience of the farm. The Linvills want children to realize that apples and peaches grow on trees and strawberries grow on the ground. Children can also experience what it's like to pick your own fruit! They can see how big horses are, hear the noises that chickens, pigs, and all of their farm animals make, or see the farm on a hayride! In the fall, Wharton families can go for a hayride, pick out the perfect pumpkin and feed the animals in the petting zoo. http://www.linvilla.com/ Longwood Gardens Visit the world’s premier horticultural display garden. Longwood Gardens was created by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (and is sometimes referred to as the DuPont Gardens) and offers 1,050 acres (425 hectares) of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; 20 outdoor gardens; 20 indoor gardens within 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of heated greenhouses; 11,000 different types of plants; spectacular fountains; extensive educational programs including horticultural career training and internships; and 800 horticultural and performing arts events each year, from flower shows, gardening demonstrations, courses, and children’s programs to concerts, organ and carillon recitals, musical theatre, and fireworks displays. Longwood is open every day of the year and attracts more than 900,000 visitors annually. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. http://www.longwoodgardens.org/Default.htm Valley Forge Located just a half an hour from Philadelphia and literally next door to the King of Prussia Mall, Valley Forge is a great day trip destination for important American history, a picnic with the family or a bike ride with a friend. Miles and miles of paved paths (and roads) connect historic battlefields and sites. After a day in the great outdoors pop over to the mall for dinner or dare I say – shopping! http://www.valleyforge.org/vfhome.asp Steam train at New Hope Climb aboard the New Hope and Ivyland's passenger train and travel into a scene from the past. Relax and leave your cares behind as you travel aboard our restored passenger cars. Your train will be pulled by one of our authentic steam locomotives or vintage diesels. As you travel through the rolling hills and valleys of Bucks County, experience all the sounds and romance of the "Golden Steam Era." Enjoy these 50-minute narrated rides through scenic Bucks County. This is a wonderful day trip in the Fall when the leaves are at their most colorful. 215-862-2332 http://www.newhoperailroad.com/ Hershey Park Just two hours from Philadelphia, HERSHEYPARK® has over 60 rides and attractions -- literally something for everyone. They have nine coasters (more than any other amusement park in Pennsylvania!), seven water rides and more than 20 kiddie rides. A visit to ZOOAMERICA is included in your one-price admission to HERSHEYPARK when entered from within the Park on the same day. Hershey, Pennsylvania. 1-800-Hershey. http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/ Dutch Wonderland Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, just a short trip from Philadelphia. It is a kingdom for kids! Check their website out! 1-866-FUNatDW (386-2839) http://www.dutchwonderland.com/index.asp Playgrounds and Parks in Center city: Coxe Park Located at 21st. between Arch Street and Cherry Streets. This is a small cozy local playground. About 15-20 families come there frequently. First Union Science Park Race Street between 20 & 21 street This is a part of the Franklin Institute and is only open during the summer months. JFK Plaza No actual playground, the plaza is all marbled and my 2 ½ years old loves to ride his bike there and watch the beautiful fountain. Playground on Benjamin Franklin Parkway Beside the roundabout on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 22 nd Street. This park has many swings and slides. There is also a baseball field, picnic tables and a grassy area. It’s a nice walk from Center City except during the coldest months. The Rodin museum which is right next door has a beautiful garden. Rittenhouse Square Wharton moms’ favorite There is no actual playground there, but parents with small children tend to gather on the grass and around the goat statue. Seger Playground 11 th and Lombard street A playground and a basketball court. The playground has a separate section for children less than 3 years. Tany Park "Wharton mom's Favorite" 26th and Pine A playground with swings, a basketball court, tennis courts, & dog park The playground has a separate section for children less than 3 years. A selection of the playgrounds and parks in the Mainline suburbs: Ashbridge memorial Park (28.8 acres) Montgomery and Airdale Avenue, Rosemont Sledding area, tennis courts, tot lot Bala Avenue Park and Gymnasium (2.4 acres) Bala and Union Avenue, Bala Cynwyd Indoor basketball and volleyball, tennis courts, tot lot, children’s playground, comfort station, picnic tables Bala Cynwyd Park (13.4 acres) Belmont Avenue& Llandrillo Road, Bala Cynwyd Baseball, basketball, tot lot, softball, tennis courts, children’s playground, comfort station, and fitness center Penn Wynne Park (10.2 acres) Wharton moms’ favorite Take Haverford to Manoa road, Wiltshire road, Penn Wynne Baseball, Basketball, softball, tennis courts, soccer, comfort station, children’s playground, tot lot, sledding. Polo Field Railroad Avenue to Dayton Ave., County Line Road, Bryn Mawr Baseball, Basketball, softball, lacrosse, football, soccer, children’s playground, Shortridge Memorial Park Shortridge Drive, Remington Road, E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood Sledding area, a nature park General Wayne Park (18 acres) Maplewood Avenue and Revere Road, Merion Park – General Wayne Baseball, Basketball, softball, tennis courts, volleyball, tot lot, children’s playground, comfort station, sledding area, picnic tables South Ardmore Park (18.2 acres) Wharton moms’ favorite Athens Avenue, Sussex Road, Spring Road, South Wynnewood Baseball, Basketball, tennis courts, soccer, tot lot, children’s playground, comfort station Wynnewood Valley Park (10.9 acres) Remington Road near Haverford Road, Wynnewood Basketball, tennis courts, tot lot, children’s playground, picnic tables, a nature park, comfort station. Narberth Park Wharton moms’ favorite Near Wynnewood Road, Narberth Sand tot lot and children’s playground, picnic tables, soccer, football, baseball, next to Narberth Library.