Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

It is going to be gloriously summer like this weekend, with temperatures hitting the mid 80's on Sunday. I'll be enjoying it as I celebrate my 41st birthday (sigh). I'm going to focus today on one particular great event that is happening this weekend since I already discussed the Earth Day events in the region earlier this week.

If you live in Philadelphia, you know that the suburbs have a lot of great local community art centers. There's Abington Art Center, the Cheltenham Art Center, the Main Line Art Center, the Wayne Art Center -- just to mention a few. The South Philly folks, of course, have the amazing Fleisher Art Memorial.

Until recently, the other half of the city was missing out -- but five years ago, The Fairmount Art Center came into being, and has since been offering a full range of programs for children and adults, right in the northwestern section of the city. As a former Fairmount resident, I am jealous that you folks are that lucky.

This Sunday, from 2pm to 6pm, the Fairmount Art Center is having a big ol' bash to celebrate their fifth anniversary. Here are the details:

"Open to the public, a free indoor/outdoor celebration will feature make-and-take crafts at sidewalk stations, interactive music, art demonstrations and a special student art exhibition.  At 4:00 p.m., FAC students, teachers and friends will blow out birthday candles atop an elaborate sculptural cake designed by Meredith Frantz, Owner of Tiny Little Oven Cakes.  Birthday Bash celebrants of all ages will learn traditional linen papermaking techniques by Master Crafter Richard Aldorasi and enjoy face painting by Liberty Faces."

It sounds like a wonderful time, and if I wasn't having a party myself I would be there. Enjoy! And Happy Birthday, Fairmount Art Center!

To read more about the Fairmount Art Center, be sure to check out this great article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.