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

No, really, Spring is on it's way. It might seem like we are in the depths of winter, but the truth is that the Spring Solstice is only six weeks away (okay, seven, but still) and you might be surprised to know that a few hardy plants are already starting their life cycles.

Here in Philadelphia, we have some great spots for seeking out wild plants. After all, we do have the largest inner city park system in the United States. My favorite, however, is definitely the Wissahickon creek area in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. This slender section of park curving along with the creek offers both paved (or gravel, anyway) trails and wooded trails as well. For plant watching, I recommend the wooded trails (although they can be both muddy and icy at this time of year, they are so well traveled that kids two and up should be able to handle most of them).

The very first plant you are going to see is an old favorite of mine: Skunkweed. It's an evil looking plant; the flower pokes out of the earth in early February and generates so much heat it actually will melt snow around it. It grows near water or wet areas, and the "blossom" looks pretty much like Satan walked too close to the surface of the earth and one of his horns poked out. No, I'm not kidding! Here's a photo:

See? Disgusting. But hard to hate since it's the very first flower of spring.

Keep your eyes peeled: soon you'll start to see Marsh Marigolds, Spring Beauties, and of course, violets. Chickweed also begins to grow, as does Garlic Mustard. Pennsylvania is one of the best "tiers" in which to see wild plants--we have an amazing variety and can see blooms from February all the way through the Asters of November. We can't be beat for wild flowers!

So dig out those (hopefully waterproof) hiking boots and start thinking about taking your kids outside to greet the coming spring. Because it is certainly on it's way!