Parents Resources

The Indian Valley Boys & Girls Club provides structured, comprehensive development programs for youth in Kindergarten through high school.

Afterschool and summer programs include classes in the arts, character and leadership development, education and career disciplines, health and life skills, and sports and recreation.

Boys & Girls Clubs depend upon the financial support of local individuals and businesses and offer numerous volunteer opportunities.

There are more than 245 Ronald McDonald Houses in 26 countries, offering support and practical assistance to families with very sick children. It's a safe bet that your local chapter can always use volunteers.

The Maternal Wellness Center (MWC) is a non-profit organization that offers classes, support groups, services, and workshops for pregnant women, new moms, and families.

MWC's numerous programs include counseling, psychotherapy, couples therapy, mothers' groups, childbirth education, breastfeeding support, and more. Classes include prenatal, postpartum, and Baby & Me yoga, infant massage and CPR, Sign with Me, and others. The Center also offers massage therapy, with a special table for pregnant women and therapists that specialize in massages for new moms and moms-to-be.

The Center's Healthy Moms Initiative - available free to women in need of financial assistance - includes massage, acupuncture, counseling, yoga, birth classes, and infant classes.

MWC also operates a retail store that stocks socially- and environmentally-conscious products, as well as items handmade by local moms. Its inventory includes organic cotton baby bedding, blankets, bibs, clothing, gifts, books, and numerous other pregnancy, nursing, and baby products. There's also a nice space in the Center to just sit and hang out with your kids - even if there's no formal activity scheduled.

All proceeds generated from MWC's services and retail sales are put backproducts into funding its programs.

Home to 150 creatures and situated on 13 acres of ground above the Brandywine River, the Brandywine Zoo is a beautiful and smaller alternative to the Philadelphia Zoo. Kids love watching the river otters splash around, and the Siberian Tiger exhibit is always a favorite.

The zoo's education department offers a wealth of programs for all ages. Bring a group on a Discovery Tour, where kids can learn about an age-appropriate topic by visiting animals and doing hands-on projects. Call the education curator at 302.571.7850 ext. 208 to book a tour. Or, let the zoo do the traveling: a traveling zoo is available to visit groups of kids (not in private homes or at birthday parties) from March through December. Call 302.571.7850 ext. 224 for more information.

Children are invited to spend some wild summer days at the zoo camp. A mini day camp is available for children ages four to six during the month of June, and older children can sign up for week-long sessions in July and August. Check the website for details, and be sure to register early.

A family or household membership for $45 a year includes admission to the zoo for up to two adults and up to four other individuals under age 18; four guest passes; subscription to the zoo magazine; 10% discount in the zoo store; reduced rates for educational programs; and invitations to members-only events.

The Zoo also has a snack bar and gift shop. Parking is free and lots are across from the zoo in Brandywine Park just off of North Park Drive. Handicap spaces can be found mid-way up Van Buren Street behind the education building.

The Jr. Explorers Club for Homeschoolers is a parent-sponsored field trip club for homeschooled kids of all ages.

Each month, Jr. Explorers takes fun, educational trips - classes, concerts, tours, and more - to locations throughout the Philadelphia area, including New Jersey, Delaware, and New York.

This small gem of a museum is a great place to stop when visiting nearby Winterthur or Longwood Gardens. The one floor museum is geared to kids of all ages and features many computers, animation buttons, and activity stations throughout the exhibits.

The DuPont Auditorium, featuring a large screen, surround sound, and reclining seats, shows nature films continuously. The Discovery Room is an interactive hands-on area for kids to explore. Authentic lockers of palentologists and archeologists hold the clothing and tools of these trades for dress-up. An Under the Sea aquarium is surrounded by large fish-shaped pillows for lounging on. Microscopes, books, and a learning tree with hidden lesson panels fascinate kids.

Be sure to venture outside to the museum's Larry Scott Nature Trail and butterfly garden. The short trail features many different varieties of wood and grass, and the garden holds pretty flowers that attract a large number of hummingbirds.

A wide variety of educational opportunities exist for children at the museum. In addition to ongoing science and nature classes, there is a summer camp and programs for homeschooling groups. Check the web site for details.

While food and drink are not allowed in the museum galleries, the Coral Reef Canteen is a self-vending cafe where visitors can enjoy a snack or a tasty meal. There are also picnic tables on the west side of the building, and a patio with outdoor seating.

Restrooms are at the front of the museum and have diaper-changing facilities. The gift shop is small but well-stocked.

Membership packages begin at $20, and benefits are many, including free admission, summer camp, workshop, and Museum store discounts, a subscription to the Museum newspaper, invitations to Members' Only events, and half-price admission to special children's events. The Dino Club is available to museum members ages four to ten who want to learn more about dinosaurs, wildlife, ecology, fossils, and more. Members receive a Dino Club card, and are invited to exclusive film showings, a party, and an overnite. The cost is $10 per member child.

Since 1926, Philadelphia Shriners Hospital has been providing expert medical care at no cost to children between the ages of birth to 18 years of age with orthopedic conditions resulting from injuries and diseases of the bones, joint, and muscles, as well as spinal cord injuries.

Curvebusters, a scoliosis support group for parents of children with scoliosis, meets regularly at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital.

Since 1926, Philadelphia Shriners Hospital has been providing expert medical care at no cost to children between the ages of birth to 18 years of age with orthopedic conditions resulting from injuries and diseases of the bones, joint, and muscles, as well as spinal cord injuries.

Curvebusters, a scoliosis support group for parents of children with scoliosis, meets regularly at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital.