Tag Archives: kids

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Palette Kids Art Class for Kids

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This past weekend my children got to experience Palette Kids art class in Philadelphia it is a art studio for kids. The art classes are given by Perry Milou a Philadelphia artist.  The art class was lovely.  Perry taught the kids about figures, and how to draw them.  He had several assistants to assist the kids.  Then he allowed the children to pick a project to make and create.  I have to say I love the vibe of the studio.  It was a real art studio with art  that fosters creativity,  not some pristine art space that is uninspired.  The inspiration of the space allowed and beckons the children to imagine and create. Some kids did 3 d art, painting, clay, and jewelry.

When school are cutting art budgets. Children are no longer allowed to use really clay in our schools any more.  The are using a commercial crayon company clay like product,  which I find extremely disappointing in the public school system.  At Palette Kids,  Perry’s allows the kids to use really clay and create. Check out my sons project.

Palette kid offers classes and this summer Art Classes   special Come to your 1st class and bring a friend for free.  $40 for a 2 hour class  with one of the most amazing pop arts teachers Perry Milou of Philadelphia. His classes are an amazing gift for any child.  The idea age is 5 to teens.  They also offer Philadelphia birthday parties for your budding artist.

I can highly recommend Palette Kids  both my children hope to return and learn from Perry Milou again.

Palette Kids

116 S. 19th Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Disclosure:  I received the class free of charge, all the opinions in this post are of my own

Parenting, Travel

Visit to NJ Capital

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So recently we were invited to NJ State Museum and The NJ Statehouse.  We had a fun day and learn somethings too.  I grew up in New Jersey  but never tour the Trenton Nj capital till recently.  Jersey Family fun planned the day for us and it was such a treat.

We started with the NJ State Museum which is free,  (you leave a donation if you wish).  The have wonderful museum 3 floor.  Which contains Dinosaurs, Nature, Nj History, and art exhibits.  So a little bit of everything.  The also planned a head for kids and through out the Museum is a kids stations so children can also do small interactive things as well. Like designing a quilt or looking to a microscope.

While we were there that had a singing performer and a large Dino puppet(man ) walking around.

Also the Museum has a Planteriam and for a small fee of about $6.00 you can see there exhibit.My daughter and son loved it because it was 3-D

Then we headed over for a NJ Statehouse Capital Building Tour.  Where we heard about the building and the legistrative process.  Because the house and Nj congress was not in session we really got to see the behind the scenes.

Take a look at the building:

My son got to attend a Mock hearing of law making which he loved in the bottom of the capital building which he loved.  I have to say we had a great day.  I would recommending packing a lunch because there is no place to eat near the capital or museum.

I loved the idea it was in with in a 1/2 drive from where we live in north Philadelphia.  We had a great day it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. Thank you to Jennifer at Jersey Family Fun, NJ State Museum and NJ State House for having us for the day.

Parenting, Travel

Scientist for the Day: Review OceanQuest

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Recently we returned from a lovely vacation in Cape Cod Massachusetts where we discovered OceanQuest Cruise located in Woods Hole as great thing to do with kids.  While in Cape Cod,  I wanted to do a very special experience with my kids and different OceanQuest fit the bill perfect.

OceanQuest is an oceanography cruise that teaches you about the science of the sea. Woods Hole Ma cape cod which is a fishing village and also know as a leading a major center of marine science education area in the world.  In the town is the oldest National Aquarium in the country and  it is located blocks away from the OceanQuest docks, so you can make a full day of the visit.

We arrive at the cruise with my 2 kids, my niece and nephew ages ages from 10-6.  The cruise is broken into 3 parts lasting about 1 ½ total boat time.  Cost about $25 adults $20 for kids reservations are recommended.   Our group was lead by Fox. He has been with Ocean Quest for 11 years and has a great knowledge of the sea, (Fox has even fished in Alaska. which my son was in awe of. ) Once arriving we split into small groups of about 8 people.

As you pull out of the dock,  you learn about Woods Hole some of the history of the area, How cape cod was formed from glaciers, and the arctic shelf.  Our guide Fox did a great job teaching us.  We learned why Cape Cod is great fishing area.   Th also taught us about water testing.  Which we then got to try for ourselves 2 different methods, the kids loved the hands on experience.   My niece got to record our findings.

Next, we moved to live animal tank in the stern.  This was great the kids loved it they got to touch and learn about all the marine life.  Fox taught us the difference between male and female horse shoe crabs. Also that there is more plankton in the world then any other species even bugs.  All of the kids got to touch starfish, lobsters, craps, and more.  My daughter and nephew got to pull in a lobster trap and see what was inside.  So cool for all.

Final of the OceanQuest  tour was learning about how the ocean water effects the earth.  We did the same test oceanographers do to  water testing for ph levels.  They measuring alkaline levels. All the kids took part in the test, and were happy to do so .  Recording there findings.  Once we arrive back at the dock Fox was great with answering all my sons additional questions.

I have to say the Staff on the OceanQuest hands on discovery cruise were extreme knowledgeable and fun.  Fox spoke so the kids understood  and the adults we engaged also. The scenery was amazing  the water the view of the harbor be sure to bring a camera.   Both kids and adults loved learning about the animals and the water.

Upon return from our vacation on the cape.  My kids were asked what was their favorite part of vacation,   both said the OceanQuest Trip hands down. It was unique and fun trip for the whole family.   If you get up to the cape I can highly recommend the Oceanquest Tour and visiting Woods Hole Ma.

To see with your eyes look at our video. If you would like to learn more about our trip to Cape Cod  Mass. check out my full itinerary of Woods Hole  and our visit.

Disclosure: We did receive pass to attend the OceanQuest but all the opinions in this post are of my own