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

Photo by Flickr user Neeta Lind

As I promised, this week's column is full of great, and even more exciting, continuing programs for families. This weekend sees the beginning of a free theater series, tours, and story hours-we've got something for everyone to enjoy this weekend.

If you're anything like me, Swine Flu scares the crap out of you. The very thought of having to take care of my daughter and my husband all the while puking into a bucket makes me want to curl up in my bed with a surgical mask and Lysol aerosol can. The world, however, will not allow me to do this. So what works? Not what you think. Did you know the flu virus thrives in an alcohol environment (i.e., antibacterial stuff)? Get all the information you need tomorrow at 11 a.m., at Ali's Wagon (2017 Fairmount Ave.). Dr. Alexis Lieberman will be on hand for an entire hour for "Swine Flu: Facts and Fiction," giving out the facts and answering your questions about this year's most talked about health risk. There is a $10 admission fee, but this covers the lecture and a two-hour post chat with other moms along with delicious treats and drinks. (Try the pumpkin bread—amazing!)

Pennypack Fall Festival and Arts & Crafts Show, held in the Pennypack Environmental Center (8600A Verree Rd.) is a great place to head this Saturday (October 3, with a rain date of Sunday, October 4) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With all kinds of good, old-timey events like cider pressing, pumpkin painting, and candle dipping, along with a storytelling and a live wildlife show, admission to this event is free. Food and refreshments will be available, but seeing as its housed right in the middle of a fantastic park system why not just bring your own? There will also be artists and "crafters" on hand selling their wares so if you need any oil paintings, braided rag rugs, or dolls made from corn husks, I have a feeling this is the place you're going to find them. Parking is plentiful and free, but bring the sneaks because if weather.com is right, you'll need them to tread over the piles of slick leaves.

So maybe the "crafting scene" isn't for you. That's cool. The crafting scene isn't for many; it's pretty hardcore. However, that doesn't mean you can't gear up for fall. Try the apple pressing event on Forbidden Drive, near the Wissahickon Environmental Center in Wissahickon Valley Park. It's this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Using old-fashioned apple presses, everyone's invited to throw in an apple and take a turn at the crank. The finished product, fresh and delicious apple cider, will be enjoyed by all who participate! No registration for this event is necessary and all ages are welcome.

Its Pay-What-You-Wish Admission this Sunday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I always miss this event, and the very cool thing about this Sunday in particular is that the museum is offering two different activities open to parents with young children. Their Early Bird Read and Look event, beginning at 10:15 a.m. and focusing on kids ages three to five, gives special attention to preschoolers (along with their families) and their love for picture books. Coupling a live reading along with art projects presented in the Museum galleries, this week's book is A Hat for Minerva Louise. Tickets are required, but they are free with admission—so arrive a little early and reserve your place! And if Minerva Louise and her hat aren't doin' it for you, take a peek at the Tours for Tots programs. Again, the target age is three to five, and this tour (entitled "Shapes") takes kids on a hands-on trip throughout the museum, incorporating movement, play, and hands on activities. Happily, there are two tours offered on Sunday, one at 11:30 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. As with the Early Bird Read, tickets are required, but are free with admission.

This Sunday also sees the start of the library's series Sunday on Stage, a series of cultural programs featuring live performances by a variety of artists and entertainers. These family programs celebrate diversity through music, dance, storytelling, and more. This week's selection is Alice in Wonderland, complete with all your favorite characters and great for all ages. As a special note, this performance will be interpreted in sign language so that all families can enjoy Lewis's text. Beginning at 2 p.m. in the Montgomery Auditorium of the Central Library (1901 Vine St.), come and enjoy all the fun the Queen of Hearts has to offer.

Also at the Central Library, Fall Story Time begins next Tuesday (October 6). Starting at 10:30 a.m., the library opens its doors to the area's youngest bookworms. Aimed at the children ages 2 to 5, toddlers and their caregivers are welcome to come and enjoy public readings of picture books and craft time following.

That wraps it up for me this week, and remember, if you have a gripe or a tip to share, email me at amym@phillyist.com. Help a mother out.