The party starts at 10:00 am at the Treehouse.    A special story time is scheduled for 10:15 when the Treehouse staff dressed in their own “Cat In the Hat” hats will be reading some favorites from Dr. Seuss.   Stories will be read aloud in on the play floor.  The fun continues with a “Cat In The Hat” craft planned especially for young ones.  Free gifts and stickers will be available all morning to celebrate in style.  No party would be complete without birthday cake, so the Treehouse will be singing “Happy Birthday” and children will be treated to some special cupcakes designed especially for this occasion.   The festivities conclude with a raffle for one lucky family to get a gift basket of Dr. Suess toys and books.

This special event is free for members and free with regular admission prices.  There are no reservations required.   For more information:  215-247-3637 or www.treehouseplaycafe.com

Over the next few weeks we are having free entertainment at the Treehouse!  These weekend events are designed to showcase local area talent who are available for children’s birthday parties- either at home or at the Treehouse.  They have been handpicked as the best, funniest, most creative and fun entertainers in Philly! 

Saturday, February 18  @12 pm:  Ran’D , Magician – Entertainer  

Mr. Shine’s interactive and energetic style of magic has made him one of the premier magicians in the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, New York area and beyond. Randy has performed at numerous birthday parties, Summer camps and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs including the Magic Castle in Hollywood and Monday Night Magic in New York City.  Randy’s charisma, charm and ability to connect with the audience makes him one of the most entertaining magicians you’ll ever see!  Mr. Shine’s magical style draws from his playful interactive relationship with his audience. His magic is a combination of sleight of hand, and humor with a twist.  Ran’D involves many participants from the crowd to thrill and entertain as they experience magic first-hand.

 www.Randyshine.com 267-303-9004

Saturday, February 25@ 11am- Giggle Magic

The Silliest and Most Magical Shows in the Philadelphia Area! They include awesome magic, wild and wacky wands, a silly balloon bit, and Homer, a rabbit puppet with an attitude. You will find that even the smallest & shyest child will be wiggling and giggling. Wait till you hear the belly laughs… it will be a show to remember.

www.gigglemagic.com  267-222-0079

Sunday March 11^th @ 11am All Around the World

All Around This World is a unique, interactive musical experience for children 0-8 years old that encourages kids to explore the world by enjoying global music, rhythms and movement. Jay Sand, guitarist and children’s music teacher, dad of three girls (2-7 years old) and world traveler (much more so before he became the dad of three girls), developed All Around This World with his girls as a way to introduce them to the countries he’s already visited and the many more he plans to visit with them. Jay will bring songs from many nation, sharing music from many cultures in many languages, getting kids and their parents singing, dancing, and playing instruments as they ‘travel’ around the globe. No prior knowledge of world music, languages or cultures required.

215-913-2679

Sunday March 18 th  @11am Dick Rainer

Since 1985, Dick Rainer has performed in the Northeast states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware. He is past president of the Philadelphia Jugglers Club and member of the IJA (International Jugglers Association) since 1983.

His specialty is making people happy with juggling, stilt walking, unicycling and balloon sculpture.

http://www.dickrainer.com/ 267-474-7417

March 24^th @ 11:00 am - David Darwin – One Man Sideshow

David Darwin has been entertaining audiences all over the country for over 10 years with his circus/variety show. He has entertained people of ages and walks of life, from nursery schools to nursing homes; from colleges to casinos. He has appeared twice on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” where Regis Philbin called Dave his favorite act.

Juggling, unicycling, plate spinning, and lasso tricks are just a few of the skills used in this interactive show. Audience participation and dry wit add to the circus spectacle.

www.onemansideshow.com  or or  215-808-8859

Starting February 13, the Young Rembrandts will be here to teach little ones the fun of drawing.  These new art classes are the perfect addition to our schedule. 

Pre-School Drawing Classes (ages 3 1/2 to 5)

Your pre-schooler’s mind is hard at work building the knowledge and skills it will use for a lifetime.  Now, more than ever, it’s important to challenge their curious minds with activities that will keep them engaged and eager to learn!  The Young Rembrandts pre-school program is specifically designed with the needs of our youngest learners in mind.  We use subjects they’re familiar with such as animals and toys, as well as their favorite learning tools – pictures, stories, touching, and doing – to enhance social and conflict resolution skills while improving listening, fine-motor skills, and time-on-task.  Give your pre-schooler the information they’re hungry for and be amazed by what they’ll create!

Classes are 45 minutes.

 Mondays at 11:00 and 12:00

The Little Treehouse was named Best Restaurant for Kids (Worth the Drive) by Main Line Today Magazine.  Their editors chose the Little Treehouse as part of thier 2011 Best of Main Line and Western Suburbs.  Here is what they said:

Restaurant for Kids (Worth the Drive) >>> The Little Tree House
Not only is there ample space for your little ones to play, with wooden toys and structures to explore, but the food is really good. Brick-oven, whole-wheat pizzas, pasta dishes, soups and salads are comforting but not too heavy, and parents will love the healthy, organic (and affordable) options for kids. 10 W. Graver’s Lane, Chestnut Hill; (215) 247-3637, treehouseplaycafe.com.

Sign up for a class and get Unlimited Free Play

Because we value our regular customers, we’ve created a membership package specially designed for families who visit us weekly for classes.  Our package, priced at $80, includes many valuable benefits including one class per week and Unlimited Free Play so you can drop in any time you like, for as long as you like, free of charge.

We offer classes in Gymnastics, dance, music, and more. Classes are designed for infants through pre-K and kindergarten ages, with some classes for children aged 6-8 years

Classes are 45 minutes long and are offered on a rolling basis. Fees will be charged monthly. You may cancel your enrollment at any time without penalty. You may switch classes at any time, subject to the availability of your class of choice.

The cost of our package is $80 per month and includes the following:

•  One 45 minute class per week for one child
• Additional classes for enrolled child 25% off
• UNLIMITED free play ANY TIME at The Little Treehouse for enrolled child
• Sibling membership 50% off
• 20% discount at The Little Treehouse online store
• 10% discount at The Little Treehouse retail store
• Additional member-only special discounts throughout the year
• $50 discount off birthday parties
• 1 guest pass per month (value $8.50)
• 1 kids meal coupon per month (value $8)
• 1 free coffee per month (value $2.25)
• Exclusive member-only event invitations

Families may enroll for a class only for $65, however no membership benefits will apply

Classes are offered on a rolling basis. Fees will be charged monthly. You may cancel your enrollment at any time without penalty. Families may switch classes at any time, subject to availability of class of choice.

Purchase online and we will contact you to schedule your class, or call us at 215-247-3637.

Babysitting is available for $10 per child ($5 per sibling).

Call 215-247-3637 to sign up!

Wednesday  October  5 – Limit Setting: Skills for Dealing with Young Children

It seems to happen overnight: your sweet, cuddly baby becomes an active toddler and a tyrant.  How can you set limits while preserving your child’s self-esteem?  Learn approaches to handling your toddler’s need to be independent and your need to keep a semblance of order in your home.

Wednesday  November  9 – Building Character, Confidence and Self-Esteem in Your Children
There is no greater gift we can give to our children than high self-esteem, which is the cornerstone of their success personally, academically, and behaviorally.  But fostering it in your children takes more than simply telling them how great they are. In this course, you will learn the skills to nurture a deep sense of self-worth and capability in your children.

Wednesday  December  7 – “You’re So Mean- I Hate You” – Taming the Anger Monster in Children
Anger is an inevitable part of life and yet can be a frightening emotion.  Children are not born with the knowledge of how to handle their frustrations, disappointments and limitations.  In this workshop, learn ways to cope with your child’s anger and how to help him or her find acceptable ways to express the anger.

Projects: help the kids rearrange their bedroom furniture (which can end up being a cleaning project also so that’s a win-win); gather up old photos and organize them into an album; research/plan ways to help the planet (believe it or not my kids really enjoyed our “cleaning up the neighborhood” events – we would take plastic bags leftover from shopping and walk around the neighborhood picking up trash – amazing what kids might do when you frame it as “fun”); put your bathing suits on and wash the car.

Freebies: If you find your funds running low, go to your local library to rent dvds for free or look for farmers’ markets where you can taste test. Also, the Philadelphia Art Museum is free on Sundays – go to phillyvisitor.com or patch.com for more suggestions.

Miscellaneous: go hiking (exercise is good for the brain) and gather wildflowers to take home, identify and display; read aloud to each other (with free library books, of course); bake, emphasizing the math involved in measuring, and then give some of the goodies to someone who might enjoy them – frame it to the kids as a random act of kindness.

and, then there’s always

Nothing.

What do I mean by nothing? Some of the best days I had with my children were when we just lazed around the house, talking, maybe listening to music and dancing, or just relaxing. Pencil in a Tranquil Tuesday or a Slow Sunday so that the kids know it’s a day to “re-boot” and for parents to take time offfrom worrying that the children’s minds may be turning into summer mush.

By Claire Gawinowicz,Certified ParentingEducator

For more resources: http://www.centerforparentingeducation.org/