Philadelphia Area Outings for Young Children: An Early Intervention Physical Therapist’s Perspective
By: Dr. Ra’Sheeda Boyd-Valentin, PT, DPT Early Intervention Physical Therapist
Hi! My name is Dr. Ra’Sheeda of RBV Physical Development and I am an Early Intervention Physical Therapist in Philadelphia. As summer quickly approaches, I am excited to share some of the local businesses that I frequent with my clients. Let’s face it, physical therapy at home can get boring and buying new toys is not always feasible. That’s one reason why I suggest getting out of the house on a beautiful day. It makes therapy so much more fun, not only for the children that I provide physical therapy for, but for their families too! Philadelphia has so many amazing places for children to explore. This is a great way to build their gross motor skills that we are working on in a play-based fashion. My clients have so much fun that they forget that we are doing physical therapy! An added plus is that other families are there too, so new friends can be made! Check out just a few of the many businesses that Philadelphia has to offer. Bring siblings and other family members too! Maybe I will see you there!
Kid Empire (cheltenham.kidsempire.com): Ideal for Infants-10 Years Old
Address: 2385 W Cheltenham Ave, Cheltenham, PA 19012
Prices: infant (0-11 months) = free; child (1-17) = $19.90; adult (+18) = 2 free entries per child
Description: An indoor playground with a toddler section for smaller kids and a section for bigger kids. The toddler section has a ball pit, mini slide, and wall climbing. The bigger kid section has huge slides, a climbing maze, and cars.
Kids at Play (kidsatplaypa.com): Ideal for Infants-8 Years Old
Address: 7201 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19128
Prices: child = $15 adult = $5
Description: An indoor playground designed with early intervention and developmental milestones in mind. A host of activities including swings, blocks, slides, and a ball pit.
Smith Playground (smithplayground.org): Ideal for Infants-8 Years Old
Address: 3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Price: FREE (donations are welcome)
Description: An indoor and outdoor playground with a host of activities for young children. The indoor area has an upstairs and downstairs with a host of activities such as building blocks, pretend kitchen, ride on toys, and a climbing apparatus. Outside has swings, slides, a stationary train, and a huge wooden sliding board.
Please Touch Museum (pleasetouchmuseum.org): Ideal for Infants-8 Years Old
Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Price: $22; $11 after certain times
Description: An indoor museum designed for children where touching and exploring are encouraged. There is section with different vehicles including a Septa bus, a grocery store, water play, sensory building blocks, and a carousel.
We Rock the Spectrum (werockthespectrumnortheastphilly.com): Ideal for All Ages
Locations: 12357 Academy Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Prices: $15; siblings $13 for kids of all ages
Description: A Sensory Gym designed with children’s sensory systems in mind. Children are able to safely experience gym equipment such as climbing apparatuses, slides, and rides.
Contact Dr. Ra’sheeda here!
