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

Years ago I worked at a non-profit community art center planning events, including an awesome outdoor concert series. This series ended every year with a large concert for kid's (as well as art projects for kids, etc), and nothing made me happier than seeing this immense lawn full of happy, dancing kids.

Long before they stand awkwardly at the edges of a school dance, kids have a natural ability to dance and shake their bodies about. So where do you take your kid for a fun musical outing where they can get their groove on? Oh, and where can they get their groove on with music that won't make parents poke out an eardrum? Thankfully, Philly has some great places that fit the bill.

Philadelphia is one of the cities participating in the awesome Baby Loves Disco scene--every month, a local nightclub turns the dance floor over to moms and tots and lets them boogie their hearts out. Not only is it a local club, it's at a HOT local club so your toddlers can become scenesters while still in diapers. Heh.

My personal favorite, however, is the much more subdued kid's concert series offered by one of our local public radio stations. WXPN is a local radio station dedicated to playing both current and classic music by singer-songwriters--you'll hear a wider range of musical artists on this station than anywhere else (and best of all, NO COMMERCIALS). So it's not a big surprise that WXPN offers--through its sister organization the World Cafe Live--a really outstanding concert series for kids, meeting on weekends around lunchtime, and admission includes a kid-friendly lunch. Many acts appearing are easily recognized if you, like me, ever stick your kid in front of the TV to watch Noggin so you can get the dishes done; for instance, Justin Roberts (the guy that sings about tying your shoe on Noggin) just appeared in September.

But there are lots of other chances to see music, some even for free. Another one of my favorites is Media's "Second Saturdays" (stealing from Old City's art gallery fest First Friday), where stores are open late and the local stores and cafes host music, including concerts for kids. On November 8th, World of Song will be appearing at a local toy store in Media. Enjoy!