I Have a Baby and Ten Dollars... Now What?

Has anyone else noticed it is getting hot? And not just like, oh wow, its certainly summer kind of hot. More along the lines of HOLY CRAP! PACK UP OUR STUFF RIGHT NOW AND LETS MOVE TO THE 'BURBS AND LIVE UNDER A TREE! I was this close to buying a plastic baby pool, setting it up in the middle of my living room, strapping on my wife-beater and sitting in it until I saw the leaves turn color.

I shared my thoughts with my husband who then promptly stole my keys and refused to drive me anywhere near the Target until I promised I would NOT purchase anything that pushes us over that fine line of charmingly carefree and white trash.

But fear not, I've found a ton of deals that will keep you in the shade and in the green with your little one. (see what I did there, in the SHADE, in the GREEN...get it? I'm hilarious.)

*Breastfeeding Support Update!
I have been tipped off that there IS, in fact, a free breast feeding support group in Philly! Facilitated by an RN (Patty Siegrist) as part of an outreach program from the good people at The Birth Center in Bryn Mawr, they meet every other Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon at yoga center Studio 34 in West Philly. The doors are open to all breastfeeding mother and babies! Bring your boppy and enjoy two hours of shared experiences with other moms. As a note of interest, unlike La Leche meetings, this group takes place under the supervision of an IBCLC, or a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Got questions? You can call the nurse who's running it all! Patty's number is (610) 525-6106 and she welcomes your concerns.

Phillyist knows that Linvilla is a little outside our realm, but I felt like we needed to make an exception. On what criteria did I base this bending of our hard and fast city rules? Umm, its called the criteria of where else do they dedicate an entire day to raspberries? The Raspberry Festival at Linvilla is coming up on June 20 and the whole family, even the dog, is invited to enjoy all the music, games, and contests. Linvilla really is dedicated to providing a fun time for families with young children. The band on stage, Makin' Music, is fantastic (I've been to a couple of birthdays where they've performed-awesome!) and there are a bunch of special guests scheduled to appear, (think Dora, Mickey, and Scooby Doo). While raspberries are the star with special treats, preserves, and baked goods available, there are also pick your own strawberries, peaches, and blackberries along with hayrides, face painting, train and pony rides. I think anyone who read either Anne of Green Gables or watched Little House on the Prairie when they were younger has a special place in their hearts for preserves...no, but in all seriousness, this festival is a great. Its part carnival, part concert, all free, and definitely worth the thirty minute drive.

Remember when you went down to New Orleans on your spring break? Remember all the history, music, and art you missed while you were throwing back frozen Hurricanes and "earning" beads? Well the National Constitution Center might be able to help you out. They're sponsoring a Célèbre of the French Quarter on Saturday, June 13, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Based on a "family friendly" version of Mardi Gras, guests will learn about the festival's roots with a Brass Band on hand, a mask making station, and a rundown of the history behind the traditions of Fat Tuesday (including the origin of those awesome beads you have stuffed in a drawer somewhere). Admission to Célèbre is complimentary with the price of a museum ticket and with kids four and under free, its a great time to pack everyone up and head over to the Constitution Center.

Looking for a less pricey alternative to the Please Touch Museum? Try the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. Completely free of charge, this is an incredible resource that EVERYONE should be taking advantage of. Built in 1899 by the wealthy Smith family (in memory of their son, Stanfield, who died very young), the original mission of the Playground/Playhouse was to provide a safe place where children in the city could and play, free of charge. It is my happy duty to report that the Smith play area remains true to this purpose. The Playground (suitable for children 57" and under) is home to the Giant Slide and a fantastic collection of jungle gyms, swings, and monkey bars. Never in my wildest childhood fantasies did I conjure the joy and just sheer coolness of this playground. If your child is under 45" tall you can take advantage of the playhouse as well! Both facilities are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April through October, with additional hours added during the summer.

If you have a tip on a free or next to free class or activity, email me at amym@phillyist.com. I encourage you to be as honest as possible with your description and feel free to let me know if there some places/events/classes to avoid! I'm only one person and can only expose so much awesomeness or suckitude. Help a mother out.

Image Credit: Flickr User TheeErin