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

With weekends getting rainy and cold and just...horrible, the good city of Philadelphia has given anyone with children dozens of good reason to stay inside.

I've mentioned The Expressive Hand in this column before, what with their free babysitting and good times for stressed out parents who love to paint, but they're doing something so cool, we need to rehash the tip. Starting this Thursday, November 5th, at 10am this wonderful little pottery studio (and Sign Language school!) is starting a Read, Sign, and Paint class for preschoolers and their caregivers. Beginning with a reading of the A Very Hungry Caterpillar, with an American Sign Language interpreter so that kids can begin to learn some signs, the class moves on to painting your very own ceramic caterpillar in their workshop. All children ages 3 to 6 are welcome to attend with a very reasonable entrance fee of $10.00. Pre-registration isn't required, but if you have questions call 267-519-2626 or visit the website.

This week's "Free Fridays at the Kimmel Center" features Caryn Lin, an electric violinist. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Commonwealth Plaza Stage, Ms. Lin gives your kids a reason to practice for concert band. If you don't believe me, check out her webpage. Caryn Lin is amazing; I'm talking truly incredible. Also gratis at the Kimmel Center this weekend, Bill and Tammy's Children's World Music Express will be rolling into town Saturday, November 7th. While the Friday night shows are obviously geared towards the older set, the Music Express, beginning at 11 a.m., is great for the younger ones. Welcoming any and all ages, Bill and Tammy bring together music and movement with a message of tolerance and cultural diversity. Pre-registration isn't required for either show, but it's best to get there early.

I am the self-proclaimed queen of over-protection. If it were up to me I would put sunscreen on top of my daughter's playground helmet. I'm just kidding, my daughter doesn't have a playground helmet, but a mother can dream can't she? Anyway, if you're like me, the Philadelphia Flyers Mini Rink at the Discovery Museum is for you. It's a mock ice rink with a slippery surface reminiscent of a bowling lane; it's open to kids ages 2 through 10. They can use their socks as skates and slide around the ready-made arena. Admission to the rink is free with museum admission ($9.95 for adults and kids). For more information visit the website or call 856-424-1233.

It's First Friday in Doylestown and these people take it seriously. Beginning at 6 p.m., many merchants stay open late (all they way until 9 o'clock! The craziness!) and play host to free, family friendly activities—some of them even have free hotdogs. A couple of highlights:

• Michener Art Museum will be offering a scavenger hunt, face painting, Crayola Factory giveaways, a puppet show and live music.
• The Busy Bee Toy Store will be hosting a fairy themed night of fun with crafts, shows, theater games, and a special appearance by a treat distributing fairy.
• The Central Bucks Family YMCA will be giving away the aforementioned free hotdogs.
• The Mercer Museum will be giving a presentation on American Indian Heritage.

Free parking for First Friday is provided at the county courthouse, the Doylestown Library, and the Michener Museum parking lots. The events are held rain or shine. You can get a full list of participating venues and activities here.

The Colonial Theatre is showing a classic this Saturday. For five bucks a head, there is no good reason to miss the masterpiece that is The Muppet Movie. If you are not familiar with The Muppet Movie, know this—your parents hated you. Show your kids you care and take them to check out the 3:30 p.m. showing of this amazing and inspired film. Rated G, The Muppet Movie is great for kids aes 4 and up. For directions and more information about the Henson series the Colonial is running this weekend, visit the website or call 610-917-1228.

If you've already seen The Muppet Movie, check out B. Someday Productions and the Neighborhood Parenting Program of By My Side's Theatre Production of The Runaway Bunny this Saturday at 11 a.m. An interactive performance based on the heart tugging book, the show skews young (think ages 2 to 7) and is being mounted in Hyperion Bank on Girard Street. Stick around after the show for a healthy snack and craft time. Registration isn't required and entrance is on a "pay-what-you-like" scale. For more information on the performance or the Walking Fish Theater (home to B. Someday Productions), check out the website or call 215-427-9255.

The Curtis Institute welcomes kids (ages 5 to 12) and their parents to come and learn the basics of composition and conducting. Students from the famed Institute will explain and then demonstrate with interactive performances designed to introduce kids to classical music. Advanced tickets are available online, but with demonstrations running from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., slots should be open at the door. Adult admission is $5, but children 12 and under are free.

Last week we mentioned that the National Liberty Museum is open for free on Sundays and well, what can we say, the Seaport Museum got a little jealous. Every Sunday is "Pay-What-You-Wish" admission at the Seaport Museum from 10 a.m. to noon. All ages welcome. Check out the website for exhibit information or call 215-413-8616 if talking to a real person is necessary.

That's it for me this week, but remember, if you have a tip (or a gripe—I like to judge others, it makes me feel better about myself) email me at amym@phillyist.com. Help a mother out.