Main Line Family Fun for the Week of January 21, 2013

Posted January 21, 2013

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a variety of family activities, service projects, and other events. Here are Main Line Parent’s picks for the week.

By Carrie Hill

Photo by Carrie Hill Photography

Monday, January 21

Philadelphia is celebrating Martin Luther King Day all over with special commemorative events, day of service activities, free museum admission, and much more.

Museums offering free or discounted admission include:

National Constitution Center
African American Museum in Philadelphia
National Museum of American Jewish History
National Liberty Museum
Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute at the Kimmel Center
Philadelphia Museum of Art (Pay-What-You-Wish admission)

Today, at the Please Touch Museum, KYW’s Kidcasting Booth will be on location. Children will have the opportunity to be mini reporters as they step into the KYW Kidcasting Booth and create their very own broadcasts!

Harcum College hosts Sealant Monday today at the Bryn Mawr campus. The program, in its ninth year, offers free oral examinations, sealants, fluoride treatments and health care instructions for children ages 6-13. Registered dental hygienists, area dentists, and Harcum dental hygiene students provide these free dental hygiene services to registered children to prevent future tooth decay and cavities, as well as aid in overall oral health. With about 40% of Pennsylvanians lacking dental insurance, it’s a great way for children to receive the care they need!

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at The Franklin Institute. See the “I Have A Dream” speech broadcast on the walls of Franklin Hall at the top of every hour. Visit the activity table run by Franklin Institute volunteers in Key Hallway to participate in an African American Scientists Scavenger Hunt, and take part in creating a wall of dreams in the hands-on arts and craft “I Have a Dream” activity.

The Elmwood Park Zoo celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free admission today, though the zoo requests that you make a donation as you enter. There will be crafts, a performance by The School of Dance Art, and live animal greetings, as well as an animal education program entitled “I Have A Dream” at 1 pm

Tuesday, January 22

Join the Arden for a retelling of the classic story that will inspire and surprise the entire family. A defiant prince in disguise meets a strong-willed Cinderella in this adventurous adaptation – featuring a great bit of magic and set to the music of Mozart.

Kids of all ages are invited to Pottery Barn Kids in King of Prussia for a special Story Time at 11 am. Members receive an official Book Club Passport at their first story time, and a special gift after attending five story times.

Enjoy Sleepytime Stories at the Norristown Public Library, Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Storytimes are bilingual (English and Spanish), and American Sign Language will also be introduced.

Wednesday, January 23

Paoli Library hosts the popular Preschool Storytime at 2 pm. Drop in for songs, games, and a fun story (or two).

Vroom Vroom! The Philadelphia Auto Show is on all week through Sunday. Hop into the city for a fun afternoon viewing the car of your dreams!

Pop into the Creative Clubhouse today for their Open Studio program at 3:30 pm. Enjoy arts and crafts with your child, and don’t worry about the mess!

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse hosts storytime this morning at 10:30 am for children aged 5 and younger. Join for a fun story, songs, and other activities.

Thursday, January 24

Head out to the Longville Center for Agriculture in Collegeville for this weekly story time that promises to excite the five senses while learning about the wonderful world of plants!

Head over to Linvilla Orchards for their indoor mini-golf course! Fore! the Planet is an interactive educational experience about environmental issues combined with mini-golf. This fun course was origianally created for the Academy of Natural Sciences and is a great indoor activity. The mini-golf course is open Thursdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm (and until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) until March 18.

Drop into the Tredyffrin Public Library’s Lego Club for a perfect after-school activity. Lego club begins at 4:30 pm, and the library provides all of the essential equipment (boxes and boxes of Legos). For children aged 7-12.

Friday, January 25

Explore the magical moonlit expanse of Rolling Hill Park this evening for a full moon hike, sponsored by the Lower Merion Conservancy. While hiking the wintry trails with flashlights turned off, stop and listen for the sounds of resident nocturnal critters. Wind past shadowy ruins and hushed meadows, and enjoy a stunning view of the Mill Creek valley. After the hike, warm up with a blazing bonfire and deliciously gooey S’mores. Dress very warmly, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet in the parking lot at the top of Rolling Hill Park.

Dad, get all dressed up and bring your favorite little girl out for a special evening at the Daddy-Daughter Dance sponsored by the Greater Plymouth Community Center in Plymouth Meeting. Enjoy a snack, a craft, DJ, and dancing!

Get the Sillies Out this afternoon with the DJ Lance and the Yo Gabba Gabba crew at the Tower Theater! Showtimes are at 3 pm and 6 pm today, and tickets are still available!

The Penn Museum hosts its popular 40 Winks with the Sphinx overnight “expedition” of the Museum this evening. The night’s activities are geared to take intrepid explorers on a journey through time and across continents, with hands-on opportunities, through games and crafts, to explore ancient Egypt, the mummies and hieroglyphics, the ancient Greeks and Romans, the world of the ancient Maya, and more.

Saturday, January 26

Take a little road trip out to New Hope and Lambertville to enjoy their annual Winter Festival. Saturday is family day, with fun and free activities for children starting at 11 am. There will be puppet shows, ballet dancing, and story times, and don’t miss the parade at noon!

The Bryn Mawr Film Institute screens the classic, All Dogs Go to Heaven today for their kids matinee.

Be sure to mark your calendars and get your tickets for Main Line Parent’s very own Early Childhood Education Fair (Main Line West), today at Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool and Kindergarten in Wayne. You’ll have the chance to explore different types of schools, educational philosophies, and special programs, find out about the admissions process, (when to apply, and what schools look for in applicants), determine what budget you should be looking at (and receive information about scholarships and tax credits), and more.
Schedule of Activities:
1:30 pm: Puppet Show
2 pm: Sitter Speed Dating
2:30 pm: Preschool 101 Workshop by Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
3 pm: Science is FUN! presentation for kids

Sunday, January 27

Join The Franklin Institute Educators and Executive Chefs from Frog Commissary once a month as they examine topics in Kitchen Science. These fun- and flavor-filled events will engage you in an exploration of food science through hands-on, tastebud-activating activities that help you understand the science behind food and cooking.

Put on mittens and hats and come to see how maple syrup is made at the Tyler Arboretum. Begin indoors with some background about trees and how sap rises in the spring, and then head out to learn about tapping trees and collecting sap. Watch how sap is boiled down over a fire and enjoy a taste of the yummy finished product. This program is suitable for ages 5 and older. Pre-registration required.

And the Main Line Parent Early Childhood Education Fair (East) is today at the Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood. You’ll have the chance to explore different types of schools, educational philosophies, and special programs, find out about the admissions process, (when to apply, and what schools look for in applicants), determine what budget you should be looking at (and receive information about scholarships and tax credits), and more.
Schedule of Activities:
1:30 pm: Puppet Show
2 pm: Sitter Speed Dating
2:30 pm: Preschool 101 Workshop by Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
3 pm: Science is FUN! presentation for kids

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