Aikikai of Philadelphia, the first Aikikai to be established in the Philadelphia area, aims to develop the whole person through the creative art of aikido.

Guest master instructors are frequently invited to teach workshops and seminars, lecture, and perform.

Classes for children ages six through 12 are offered twice a week. Children's camps are also available during the summer spring break.

Bright Horizons has over 600 child care centers with locations in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The center accepts children from six weeks to 12 years old.

The Early Childhood Program uses a curriculum, The World At Their Fingertips, which encourages parents, teachers, and children to take advantage of the world outside their center and to be part of their communities.

Programs for school age children include a summer camp, back-up care, and care during school vactions.

Bright Horizons has over 600 child care centers with locations in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The center accepts children from six weeks to 12 years old.

The Early Childhood Program uses a curriculum, The World At Their Fingertips, which encourages parents, teachers, and children to take advantage of the world outside their center and to be part of their communities.

Programs for school age children include a summer camp, back-up care, and care during school vactions.

Bright Horizons has over 600 child care centers with locations in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The center accepts children from six weeks to 12 years old.

The Early Childhood Program uses a curriculum, The World At Their Fingertips, which encourages parents, teachers, and children to take advantage of the world outside their center and to be part of their communities.

Programs for school age children include a summer camp, back-up care, and care during school vactions.

Bright Horizons has over 600 child care centers with locations in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The center can accommodate up to 150 children ages six weeks to five years old.

The Early Childhood Program uses a curriculum, The World At Their Fingertips, which encourages parents, teachers, and children to take advantage of the world outside their center and to be part of their communities.

Ski enthusiasts like Campgaw Mountain for its proximity to NYC. The slopes aren't extremely challenging, so it's great for little kids. A "skiwee" area is also available.

Snow tubing, ski lessons, and a snow sports camp are offered, too.

Club La Maison, an upscale sports and fitness club, caters to children - tots to teens - with special programs throughout the year.

Swim, sport, and craft classes include a group swim lesson followed by a sport activity and creative crafts. Toddler tumbling classes teach tots exercise and basic tumbling skills on specialized equipment. Kid's yoga classes, offered for children ages two to six, practice stretching and strengthening little bodies, concentrating on breathing, balance, and coordination. Parent/toddler classes can get little ones used to the water with the security of their family around. Other classes include karate for ages three and up. Swimming classes and private lessons are also available.

Club La Maison also offers fun clubs with classes to help kids ages 11 to 15 get in shape. The Girls Club features spin classes, aerobics, yoga, weight training, and more. The Boys Club focuses on improving strength, agility, and flexibility through weight training and conditioning games.

Summer Camp is available for children ages three to ten years and offers both half-day and full-day options. Activities include a daily recreational swim, use of the KidzFit exercise facility, weekly field trips to local attractions, arts and craft projects, sports, and games. Extended care is available both in the morning and afternoon and a free t-shirt is given to all camp participants. Holiday camps are also available.

Fun, theme-based, birthday parties are available for all ages both in and out of the pool.

The galleries of the Delaware Art Museum feature works of art from American and English artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

When children tire of wandering through the "adult" galleries, they can retreat to the Kids' Corner Interactive Gallery for some hands-on learning, or take stroll in the outdoor Sculpture Garden.

The delART cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and quesadillas, as well as old standbys - grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - for the pickiest eaters. There is seating indoors, or on the terrace overlooking the Sculpture Garden.

The museum offers a variety of family and children's programming, including an Art Camp for children ages six to 13 during the summer and winter holidays. "Glory of Stories" sessions, designed for preschoolers and younger homeschooled children, link storytelling with specific exhibits every Friday from 10:30am to 11:30am. Check the website for details.

The Delaware Art Museum also participates in Wilmington's Art on the Town program in which several art galleries and cultural institutions throughout the city open their doors for free from 5:30pm to 8pm on the first Fridays February through June and September through December. A free shuttle bus makes several stops along the tour throughout the evening. More information about Art on the Town is available online at http://www.ci.wilmington.de.us/artloop/index.htm.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Day Camp for Big Kids in Philadelphia, the 16-acre Elmwood Park Zoo has a lot to offer, especially for smaller children who don't require the thrill of the larger beasts. Elmwood houses more than 200 fascinating wild animals of North America, including jaguars, cougars, wolves, bison, elk, prairie dogs, otters, bobcats, alligators, eagles, owls, and more.

The exhibits present the animals in their natural settings, where they can be viewed at close range. The barn exhibit of domesticated farm animals includes gentle, friendly ponies, goats, and sheep.

The highlight for many kids is the "Wild West" pony ride concession, offered during the warm weather season. You can relax between communing with the animals in the large, shaded picnic groves, the Cougar Cafe food concession, or browsing the Nature Shop for gifts and souvenirs.

The zoo offer three different birthday party packages. Each includes invitations, zoo admission for up to 22 guests, a mini tour of the facility, feed for the barn animals, a half-sheet birthday cake, t-shirts for all children attending the party, and either pony rides (April-August) or a pinata (September to March); food/meal options vary. Parties, held rain or shine, must be booked at least two weeks in advance by calling 610.277.3825 ext. 225.

The zoo hosts camp programs during both the summer and spring school breaks. Each one-week session of Summer Camp offers a different theme, and includes animal-related activities, games, and live animal encounters for kids ages five to 12. Camp sessions are $150/week for members and $185/week for non-members. For $15 a day (including Zoo admission ), kids ages five to eight can learn about wildlife and their habitats through interactive games, live animal encounters, scavenger hunts, and crafts during Spring Break Camp.

Family Membership at Elmwood Park Zoo is $70 a year. Benefits extend to two adults and all children under 18 years of age per household. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve through New Years Day, and on severe winter weather days.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Artsy Class for Little Kids in Philadelphia, Fairmount Art Center (FAC) is a full-range art center, offering art programs for ages two through teen and music programs for ages infant through five years.

Art programs include classes, family workshops, school vacation day camps, summer camps, birthday parties, homeschooling classes, art therapy services, and
special needs classes. Music programs include music and movement classes for infants through age five, family music classes, and musical birthday parties.

Easy online registration, detailed program information,
teacher bios, and a student gallery is available on the FAC website.

The Family Stages/Duet Productions theater company is characterized by a dynamic, fun-filled performances. Shows are fast-paced and directed at all members of the audience, children and parents alike. Plays feature lightning-quick costume changes and a broad sense of humor.

The group also offers workshops in creative dramatics and film and television classes for kids ages five and up. Camp programs - both during the summer and over school vacation days - are also available.

Zhang-Sah - Korean for "Brave Scholar" - is a non-profit community-based organization that provides a full range of martial arts instruction for ages four and up.

Zhang Sah also offers afterschool programming that includes martial arts instruction, homework assistance, club activities, and tutoring. Transportation service from certain schools is also available.

Full-day pre-Kindergarten service is offered from September through June for children ages four and five who are unable to attend Kindergarten. The curriculum includes languages, martial arts, gymnastics, science, math, literacy, and creative arts. Lunch and snack are included; extended day services are also available.

Summer camp programs, offered June through August, are packed with martial arts practice and other activities, including baseball, swimming, gymnastics, and trips.

The JCC's Raymond and Miriam Klein Branch is a full-service JCC, located in northeast Philadelphia. While the Center is designed to fulfill the needs of the Jewish community and preserve and enrich the heritage, values, and traditions of Judaism, participation in Center activities is open to all.

Swim classes are offered for kids beginning at the age of six months (with parent). The classes follow the American Red Cross guidelines and children are grouped by ability. Cost for eight group sessions is $40 for members and $56 for non-members. Children who need extra attention can schedule private lessons at a cost of $50 for members, $70 for non-members, for five half-hour sessions.

Kids in grades one through nine can join the JCC's swim team, which includes drills to help kids develop and refine their skills. An end of season awards banquet and ceremony is included. Cost: $150/members; $180/non-members.

The Free Swim Schedule, while subject to change, includes Sundays from 8:30am-11am, and 2pm-4pm; Fri 11:30am-4:30pm; Sat 1pm-4:30pm.

The Branch houses a fully accredited, comprehensive pre-school and Kindergarten program. Music, art, computers, kindergym, and swimming are available to preschoolers, and the kindergarten program includes language arts, math, social studies, science, and Hebrew. Contact Cheryl Bockol at 215.698.7300, ext. 167 for more information.

An afterschool enrichment program is available for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Transportation is available from most schools in the northeast to the Klein Branch.

Afterschool programs include KidShow, a dramatics program that enhances every child's acting ability, creativity and self-esteem; KidShare, a program that emphasizes the importance of doing community service at an early age; and KidSport, a sports league program that encourages children to experience the team aspect of sports, as well as the satisfaction of individual achievement. Program hours are Mon-Fri 3:30pm-6pm.

Individual classes for kids include karate, nutrition, tumbling, ballet, arts and crafts (jewelry making, caricaturing, pottery), clowning, cooking, science, journalism, photography, sign language, chess, ballet, and more.

The JCC offers a city-wide teen program with a wide range of activities, volunteer opportunities, travel options, and just plain fun for kids in 7th through 12th grades.

The Klein branch also hosts a variety of Summer Day Camp programs for kids ages two and up. Contact Andy Newman by phone at 215.698.7300 or via email to anewman@phillyjcc.com for details.

Kehler's Gymnastics & Kids Fun Factory, one of the oldest family-oriented facilities in the Philadelphia area, has been owned and operated by the Kehler family since 1981.

The Gymnastic Center at Kehler's offers gymnastics instruction in small classes of four to six students, for boys and girls 15 months to 18 years old. Cheer tumbling classes are offered for as little as $10 per class (when registering for 10 weeks) or $12 for walk-ins.

The Fun Factory is an educational, indoor playground designed for children ages one to 11. The 3-floor, 20-foot play structure has tunnels, cargo nets, a ball pit, a giant spiral slide, and a trolley ride. Trained educators are available to supervise and help children, and there is a toddlers-only area with age-appropriate activities. Rock climbing is available by reservation only for children ages five to 14. One hour of climbing costs $10, and one hour of climbing plus Fun Factory admission is $12.

Birthday parties at Kehler's are offered for children up to 14 years of age. Activities include trampolines, moon bounces, ball pits, rock climbing, inflatables, indoor soft play, and more.

Holiday Day Camps and Summer Camp programs are also available. Check the website for details, and be sure to register early to get the discounted price.

Special needs children are welcome at Kehler's classes, the Fun Factory, and birthday parties. Private gymnastics classes, as well as a parent participation class, are offered as well.

Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio offers affordable weekly wet clay classes for kids - and kids at heart. Students as young as three can learn wheel-throwing, hand building, sculpture, and finishing techniques. Each class meets for an hour and 15 minutes. Check the website for a complete schedule of classes.

Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio also offers paint-your-own pottery activities, summer and holiday break camp programs, Parent & Me events, and a variety of party packages.

Kids U is an indoor children's activity center - featuring a 2,000-square-foot play quad - that offers a variety of classes for kids ages 11 months to nine years, including gymnastics, music, martial arts, dance, theater, cooking, science, sports, and games. Kids registered for classes at Kids U also have unlimited access to the play quad. Visit the website for details and a current class schedule.

Parties at Kids U include 30 minutes of free play on the play quad; 30 minutes of supervised, age-appropriate games and activities in the gymnastics room; and 30 minutes in the facility's party room. Paper goods (in one of six colors) and invitations (in one of three styles) are also provided.

Camp programs for kids ages three to eight are available during the summer and on school vacation days.

The Main Line Art Center supports the development of artists of all ages and abilities through classes, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, trips, and outreach programs.

Children's classes begin with a collaborative family program for two- and three-year-olds. Classes for younger children (ages five through eight) focus on age-appropriate mixed media projects. Older children and teens choose from a wide-variety of classes, including drawing, painting, cartooning, ceramics, and jewelry making.

The Main Line Art Center also offers summer camp programs for kids ages three to 13. Sessions are full of fun, age-appropriate activities in sculpture, printmaking, painting, collage, metalwork, ceramics, papier-mache, more.

The art center's summer Teen Studio gives teens the chance to explore a single medium in depth with an exceptional teaching artists and allows students who are preparing portfolios to concentrate on work that can be presented as part of a college or art school admissions package. Details and registration for all summer programs are available by calling 610.525.0272.

The New Frankford Community Y, a non-profit organization, is partially housed in the Bromley-Garsed Mansion. Built in 1864 and constructed with Pennsylvania-quarried brownstone in Second Empire style, it is two-and-a-half stories with 20 rooms. In 1975 an addition, including a heated pool, gymnasium, and fitness room, was added to the historically preserved mansion.

Swim lessons, for students from ages six months to adult, are divided into different skill levels and are designed as a six-week course. Private lessons are available upon request. Life-guarding courses, which include CPR and First Aid classes, are taught by certified Red Cross Instructors. Scuba diving lessons and swim team are also offered.

Martial arts instruction is available to beginners and intermediates, ages five and up.

The NFCY offers preschool, afterschool enrichment, Before School, Holiday/Snow Camp, and summer camp. Appointments are neccessary to reserve a space and basic youth membership is required for these programs.

The pool and basketball gym are available for birthday parties and special events.

The Philadelphia Zoo, winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Place for Family Bonding in Philadelphia, is home to more than 1,300 rare and exotic animals from around the world and despite its size - 42 acres of gardens and historical architecture - the zoo can easily be seen in a single visit.

Some of the zoo's most popular African species include warthogs, sable antelope, Mhorr's gazelle, reticulated giraffes, hippos, and zebras. Exotic South American animals, such as giant anteaters, capybaras (the largest rodents in the world) and giant bearded pigs, are also on exhibit.

The Primate Reserve houses ten species of primates including Sumatran orangutans, lowland gorillas, lemurs, langurs and gibbons. Giant Rodrigues fruit bats, naked mole rats, blue-eyed lemurs, tree kangaroos, and other rare animals can be found in the zoo's Rare Animal Conservation Center.

The Reptile and Amphibian House features an interactive adventure path - where guests can see giant tortoises up close - and more than 125 species of amphibians and reptiles. A family of playful giant otters frolic in the Carnivore Kingdom, along with snow leopards, red pandas, and clouded leopards in unique, naturalistic environments.

The Children's Zoo, a wildly popular family favorite, includes domestic animals, live animal shows, and a petting yard where kids can feed and brush sheep and goats. The zoo's newest exhibit, Big Cat Falls, features African lions, a Amur tiger, a jaguar, and pumas.

Interactive attractions are available throughout the zoo (for additional fees), including the Zooballoon, Dodge Wild Earth, Talking Storybooks, Swan Boat rides, and camel, pony, and draft horse rides. Hundreds of educational programs, family workshops, special public events, ecotourism travel opportunities, and children's shows and concerts are ongoing at the zoo year-round.

The zoo rents strollers and wheelchairs at the main gate. Indoor and outdoor food concessions provide a variety of eating options, and guests are permitted to bring food and drinks in from outside. Several picnic areas are available. The zoo's gift shops feature an array of gifts and unusual souvenirs for kids of all ages.

The Philadelphia Zoo also offers full-, half-, and extended-day Summer Zoo Camp for children ages three to 15. Campers learn about the world of animals in an exciting, hands-on way, all in the company of the zoo's animals. Sessions run from one to three weeks in June, July, and August. For more information or to register for Summer Zoo Camp, call 215.243.5311. Winter Zoo Camp is offered - with before- and after-camp programs - for kids ages five to eight after Christmas and before New Year's. Call 215.243.5254 for details.

The Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels, a traveling program designed exclusively for kids four to 12 years old, can bring a little bit of Philadelphia Zoo to birthday parties and other special events throughout the Philadelphia area. Call 215.243.5314 for details and reservations.

Radnor Township Parks & Recreation Department provides a wide variety of programs for kids and teens.

In the spring, Radnor Township offers youth lacrosse, Little League Baseball, and softball programs. In the fall, a township soccer league has both house and travel soccer teams for girls and boys.

During the summer, Radnor Township provides reasonably priced, six-week Day Camp for kids ages six to 13, and a Tot Lot program for children ages four and five. A number of specialized camps for theater, science, computers, and sports such as field hockey, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, are also available.

Throughout the year, kids ages three and up can take workshops in theater, chess, cooking, judo, flag football, indoor and outdoor soccer, puppetry, and much more.

Visit www.radnor.com/government/public_serv/parks/parks.html for a complete schedule of seasonal programs.

Riverbend Environmental Education Center was established in 1974 as a wildlife refuge in Gladwyne.

Dedicated to the principle of inspiring people to care for the Earth, Riverbend aims to stimulate awareness, appreciation, and understanding of our total environment, and to preserve a natural wildlife habitat. For over 30 years, Riverbend has opened the natural world to children of all ages, offering nature-based summer camp programs and a variety of nature programs for children and families.

Riverbend's program include science field trips for schools, outreach programs at schools, summer and school holiday camps, birthday partiew, weekend family programs, weekly nature clubs, scout badge programs, and other special events.

The Handwork Studio, the winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Artsy Class for Big Kids in Philadelphia, is a needle arts and fashion community, offering classes, birthday parties, and camp programs. The studio teaches practical arts such as knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, embroidery, quilting, rug hooking, machine sewing, and more.

Kids taking classes at the studio are taught various age-appropriate handwork skills, and get to personalize each project through color selection, technique, and embellishments. The studio offers two types of doll making classes, Knitted Doll Making and Cloth Doll Making. In the yearlong doll making classes, kids make a keepsake doll in their own likeness, including hair color, skin tone selection, clothing and accessory design. Parent/child classes, as well as Passion for Fashion workshops for kids in grades six through 11, are also offered.

Drop in the first and third Friday of every month for Kids' Community Service, when children ages six and older can learn to work on the latest project that will be donated to local charities; no experience necessary.

The Handwork Studio offers 12 weeks of Summer Day Camp for kids in grades kindergarten through six. Fashion Boot Camp is available in the summer for kids in grades seven through 11, and Machine Sewing Camp is offered for students in grades five through 10. Kids' school holiday camps are also available.

Handwork Studio birthday parties are 1 1/2 hours of craft-making where children (minimum of 10 - maximum of 20) can make belts, headbands, purses, scarves, or design their own project. The cost is $20 per child - the birthday child is free if currently enrolled in class at the studio - and goodie bags are included.

The Handwork Studio also offers troop visits to local area Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and Brownie troops. Each workshop lasts approximately one hour and costs $5 per child; additional time may be needed when completing a badge. Call 610.660.9600 to schedule an event.

The Handwork Studio, the winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Artsy Class for Big Kids in Philadelphia, is a needle arts and fashion community, offering classes, birthday parties, and camp programs. The studio teaches practical arts such as knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, embroidery, quilting, rug hooking, machine sewing, and more.

Kids taking classes at the studio are taught various age-appropriate handwork skills, and get to personalize each project through color selection, technique, and embellishments. The studio offers two types of doll making classes, Knitted Doll Making and Cloth Doll Making. In the yearlong doll making classes, kids make a keepsake doll in their own likeness, including hair color, skin tone selection, clothing and accessory design. Parent/child classes, as well as Passion for Fashion workshops for kids in grades six through 11, are also offered.

Drop in the first and third Friday of every month for Kids' Community Service, when children ages six and older can learn to work on the latest project that will be donated to local charities; no experience necessary.

The Handwork Studio offers 12 weeks of Summer Day Camp for kids in grades kindergarten through six. Fashion Boot Camp is available in the summer for kids in grades seven through 11, and Machine Sewing Camp is offered for students in grades five through 10. Kids' school holiday camps are also available.

Handwork Studio birthday parties are 1 1/2 hours of craft-making where children (minimum of 10 - maximum of 20) can make belts, headbands, purses, scarves, or design their own project. The cost is $20 per child - the birthday child is free if currently enrolled in class at the studio - and goodie bags are included.

The Handwork Studio also offers troop visits to local area Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and Brownie troops. Each workshop lasts approximately one hour and costs $5 per child; additional time may be needed when completing a badge. Call 610.660.9600 to schedule an event.

The Mud Shack is a paint-your-own pottery studio and art center offering wheel-thrown pottery, clay hand-building, fused glass walk-in opportunities, and classes led by well-trained and professional staff.

No appointment is necessary; age-appropriate projects are available for all children and adults.

The Mud Shack also offers birthday party packages and hosts camp programs in the summer and over school vacation days.

The Sports Zone is a sports-oriented indoor entertainment and party place for year-round play. The facility features, a collegiate-size basketball court, seven baseball/softball batting cages, team pitching and hitting tunnels, a computerized rock climbing wall, state-of-the-art virtual reality sports games, space jump, slam ball trampoline games, an arcade filled with high-tech and sporting favorites, and more.

A special Kids Zone, for kids ages six and under, consists of a junior rock climbing wall, a moon bounce, a ball pit, a multi-level soft play area, a pipe maze, triple Lego boards, a carousel, and a game room designed specially for younger children.

The Sports Zone also offers birthday party packages and serves as great a destination for parties, corporate events, school nights, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.

The Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY) has extensive facilities, including two indoor pools, three outdoor pools, a martial arts gym, a basketball/volleyball gym, and other facilities for adults. This Y branch also includes an Environmental Education Center that offers a variety of nature-related activities and programs.

UMLY provides both group and private swim instruction for adults and children ages two and up. Competitive and pre-competitive swim programs are open to children four and up with strong basic swimming skills. More information about UMLY swim teams is available at www.swimumly.com or by calling 610.647.9622, ext. 2509. The indoor pools are open daily for lap, recreational, and family swimming. Check the online pool schedule for specific times.

A wide variety of classes for children are available including ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, gymnastics, soccer, karate, lacrosse, t-ball, basketball, floor hockey, tennis, golf, Mommy & Me-type infant/toddler programs, and more. Teens looking for adventure can take advantage of the UMLY Skate Park, a safe, supervised place for young people to interact with friends. The park features ramps, rails, and jumps to for all levels of in-line skaters and skateboarders. Group and private skating lessons are also available.

Youth & Family Programs offer many activities, including festivals and family day trips. The YMCA Adventure Guides provides families with opportunities to spend quality time together while participating in a variety of crafts, games, and exciting activities. Throughout the year, the UMLY Environmental Education Center staff offers special programs to teach families about the wildlife, wetlands, and woodlands in the Family Wildlife Series.

UMLY daycare is available weekdays from 8am-6pm for children ages six weeks to five years. Children are divided into groups by age to better meet their developmental needs. Scholarships are available. Call 610.854.1613 for details. Babysitting (free for full privilege members, $4 for program members) is also available for up to two hours; more information is available by calling 610.854.1621.

Preschool programs, for children ages one to six, foster social and physical development. Afternoon Enrichment, for kids ages four to 12 years old, offer a range of activities, including sports and games, indoor and outdoor play, music, homework help, and arts and crafts. Additional information about preschool and enrichment programs is available by calling 610.854.1607.

UMLY offers a wide variety of Summer Camp Programs for kids as young as two up to teens. A general day camp is offered, as well as Kindercamp, and sports specialty camps. If weeklong school vacations are looming, consider UMLY's Vacation Camp programs for kids ages six to 10. The program includes arts & crafts, nature, games, and more. Registration takes place two weeks prior to camp start dates. Call 610.854.1612 for more information and registration.

Eco-Birthday Parties are offered for kids age four to 10. Guests can explore the woods, wetlands, stream, pond, or take part in nature crafts and meet the animals inside the Environmental Education Center. Parties include access to the party room, paper products, cups, utensils, and party bags for each child. Call 610.854.1612 for details. Pool parties with a certified lifeguard and time in the party room are also available. More information is available by calling 610.249.9622.