MetroKids Ultimate Family Guide - DE 2019 by MetroKids

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• Park Paths • Cool Pools • Super-sized Playgrounds • Schools, Camps & Care Centers

A Hockessin-Greenville Day Trip Amusement Parks without Tears • Stress Less with More Time Off Screens

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Educating children ages 12 months through 8th grade Schedule your visit today!

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1400 Harvey Road, Wilmington, DE 19810

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July 2019 Vol. 30, No. 7

Family Fun 2019 4 Top Spots for Arts and Fun 6 Day Trips to Hockessin/Greenville, Lewes 8 Perfect Paths, Pools and Playgrounds 10 What to Do in Baltimore 12 Save the Dates for These Big Events 13 Amusement Parks Without Tears 20 Day-by-Day Calendar In This Issue 14 School Survey 16 Stress Less with Less Screen Time 17 2019 Camp Directory

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168 S Main St #101, Newark, DE 19711 Offering classes for ages 2 1/2 - adult. Quality training in ballet, modern, jazz, tap & musical theatre. Professional productions and 2 Performance Groups. Offering rewarding Summer Workshops and fun Camp programs. 302-738-2023 • delawaredancecompany.org

Music School of Delaware

Experience the magic of music at The Music School of Delaware - private lessons in 30+ instruments; engaging early childhood classes; an acclaimed Suzuki Academy. All are welcome at the Music School’s Wilmington & Milford Branches and Dover, Pike Creek, Hockessin & Landsdowne, PA satellites. Musicschoolofdelaware.org

550 Justison St.. Wilmington, DE 19801 Museum for kids focuses on science, math & technology and features exhibits such as the Stratosphere, a circular climbing structure; EcoHouse, where interactive activities teach about sustainability; and Bank On It, a financial management exhibit with a working kids’ ATM & an oversized check. In the Training Wheels area, younger kids can ride on a tot-sized train and play in a pretend auto shop. 302-654-2340 delawarechildrensmuseum.org

President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com

Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com Contributing Writers: Terri Akman, Suzanne Koup-Larsen, Frank Lipsius, Kathy O’Connell, Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Production Manager: Veronica Hanna, ext. 103 production@metrokids.com Finance: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Susan Braverman, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com

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The Delaware Contemporary

200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY is the perfect destination for busy families interested in experiencing the art of today. Drop in for rotating art-making activities and exhibitions! 302-656-6466 • decontemporary.org

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Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington DE 19807 Expect interactive experiences here, from stepping over a simulated Great Barrier Reef at the entrance of the shell gallery, to playful science activities in the kids’ Discovery Room. 302-658-9111 delmnh.org

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We welcome your ideas and feedback. Write us at editor@metrokids.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.

MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2019 MetroKids® Magazine. All rights reserved by KidStuff Publications, Inc. ISSN 1094-8503. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. MetroKids® or KidStuff Publications do not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. MetroKids® and SpecialKids® are trademarks of KidStuff Publications, Inc. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Advertisers indemnify and hold harmless the publisher from any claim and all loss, expense, or liability arising out of the publication of any advertisement. SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free. AWARD–WINNING MEMBER OF THE:

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ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Explore Winterthur inside and out! terrific tuesdays

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ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

MetroKids.com 5

Family Fun

TOWN TRIPS

We are lucky to be surrounded by so many small towns that offer plenty for you and the kids to do for a day and are close enough to allow you to be home for dinner or, at least, a reasonable bedtime.

HOCKESSIN/GREENVILLE Hockessin is a small town on the Delaware–Pennsylvania border with a charming collection of museums, shops and restaurants. It is a good starting point for a day trip that can include shopping, trains and history and ends near the Wilmington suburb of Greenville. First stop is the

Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn

Heights, which has open houses on the first Thursday and third Sunday of the month. But the best time to visit is on Steamin’ Days, which are held on select Sundays. This is when kids (and adults) can ride one of the mini locomotives or take a spin in one of museum’s antique cars. Next up is Winterthur, where kids can borrow a scavenger-hunt backpack to explore the children’s garden, Enchanted Woods. There’s hands-on history at the Touch-It Room and a Time Traveler Tour designed just for kids. If that whets their appetite, sign them up for Terrific Tuesdays, an all-day summer program with crafts and games that teach about history and art. Not far away is

Delaware Museum of Natural History,

where kids have the chance to investigate nature and science indoors and out. Home to Delaware’s

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only permanent dinosaur collection, the museum features natural history exhibits, a STEAM trail, a replica of a giant squid and a hall of mammals. At the Nature Nook, young children can meet live animals, make crafts and borrow a backpack with everything they need to be a budding naturalist as they tour the museum and its grounds. The last stop is Hagley Museum and Library, the site of the gunpowder works founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802. It has indoor and outdoor exhibits, including restored mills and the family’s ancestral home. In the Powder Yard, kids can see a 16-foot tall water wheel, experience the sight, sound and smell of a steam engine, and see a black powder explosion demonstration. Boom!

LEWES Lewes is where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen, so of course water-themed activities are a big part of its character. But it is also a very walkable half-square mile town with shops, restaurants, inns, museums and an historic district. Inevitably, though, you’ll find yourself on or in the water. Examine Delaware’s maritime, military and social history at

Zwaanendael Museum, named for the first Dutch colony in

the region. After enjoying the artwork and exhibits, kids can play in the park grounds.

Cape Henlopen State Park, one of the nation’s oldest ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Town Trips public lands, has picturesque beaches and bayside walking trails. Families can also visit Fort Miles, a key point in coastal defense during the Second World War.

Science Sparks! Daily June 17 through September 2 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Lewes offers easy access to Cape May beaches via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. There’s plenty of shopping and things to do with the kids in Cape May too. But the ferry ride itself is as much a draw as the destination. Offering scenic views of the Delaware Bay, it includes a buffet, lounge and bar for a fun and memorable voyage.

Cape Water Tours and Taxi is another way to tour the shore from the water. Board at Fisherman’s Wharf in Lewes or Rehoboth Bay Marina in Dewey. Cape Water Taxi offers narrated and non-narrated tours, Eco Tours, sunset cruises and charters.

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Explore a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities to challenge your creativity during summer break! WWW.HAGLEY.ORG/SPARKS GPS: 200 HAGLEY CREEK ROAD, WILMINGTON, DE 19807 • (302) 658-2400

MetroKids.com 7

Family Fun

FIND THE PERFECT PATHS, PLAYGROUNDS AND POOLS Summer is a great time to reconnect with the family after a year of school, winter and work. Here are places that make great outings for everybody, from the toddlers to parents — parks with smooth paths for strollers and young bicyclists; jumbo-sized playgrounds, and pools that welcome you for the day.

SMOOTH TRAILS AHEAD

POOL FOR A DAY

SUPER-SIZED PLAYGROUNDS

Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail spans part of New Castle County, but the portion of the trail that passes through this park is wide and paved. Along the route, you’ll encounter Piedmont forests and streams, open spaces, historic features and recreation areas including the Can-Do Playground, an accessible space for kids with and without special needs.

George Wilson Center and Park Pool Dickey Park Pool, Newark Both pools up to 5ft. deep. Admission: Free Amenities: None

Big Oak County Park Smyrna, DE This park is partially owned by the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation for Space and Earth Science and it shows. The walking trails that surround it are marked with signs bearing fun facts about science. Kids can have a blast climbing the rocket ship-themed jungle gym and slide.

Bellevue State Park, Wilmington Explore the 1.6 miles of paved trails by foot or stroller, or take advantage of two-hour bike rentals. The park also offers fishing, disc golf, picnic areas, arts center, arboretum and playground. Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes The 3.3-mile Bike Loop, accessible via the main entrance on Cape Henlopen Road, is a paved path with views of the Atlantic Ocean & Delaware Bay, Seaside Nature Center and a WWII observation tower. After the hike, enjoy a packed lunch on the beach. Killens Pond State Park, Felton The 2-mile bike trail, complete with both paved and crushed-stone paths, comes to a head at the perfect post-hike spot: a waterpark that houses two slides, a kiddie pool and a play area. Lums Pond State Park, Bear The gentle terrain of the Swamp Forest Trail alternates between packed earth, crushed stone and elevated boardwalks and bridges. At nearly 7 miles, it’s a lengthy trek, but there’s plenty to do instead if the fam can’t finish: Check out the campground, boat launch, nature center and picnic areas.

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Killens Pond Water Park, Felton Pool located within Killens Pond State Park. Admission: $6-$8, weekday; $8-$10, weekend & holiday Amenities: Kiddie pool, sprayground, waterslides Jungle Jim’s, Rehoboth Beach State’s largest waterpark. Day rate: $23-$38 Season pass: $125-$190 Amenities: Kiddie pool, lazy river, sprayground, waterslides Lake Como, Smyrna Swimming area at Main St. & Rte. 13. Admission: Free Amenities: Fishing, boat rentals Hatfield Aquatic Center, Hatfield, PA Offers “fitness” and “fun” pools. Day rate: $5-$15, weekday; $5-$25, weekend & holiday Annual pass: $395, 4-person family Amenities: Lazy river, snack bar, sprayground, waterslides Marsh Creek Pool, Downingtown, PA Half-acre pool. Day rate: $8, weekday; $9, weekend & holiday Season pass: $295, 4-person family Amenities: Pavilion with grill, snack bar

Can-Do Playground Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington, DE This accessible playground includes play structures with cool features like musical instruments, telescopes and agility courses. There is also a large sand pit where kids can sit on “back hoes” to scoop up bucketsful of sand. Another accessible Can-Do Playground opened last year at Charles E. Price Memorial Park in Middletown, DE with similar features. John Waples Memorial Playground Dewey Beach, DE The site boasts two play areas — a fencedin grass area for younger children and a larger area for kids 6 to 12. You can let the younger kids play with the toys and trucks in the large sand box. If sand isn’t their thing, there are monkey bars, single and double slides, a play bridge, a large swing set and a geodesic dome for climbing. Or they can romp in a tunnel or slip down the elephant slides. There’s also a lion water fountain where children can cool off. Parents can rest at the gazebo and picnic table nearby.

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

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Family Fun

National Aquarium

BOLT TO BALTIMORE It’s close; its tourist district is compact; and there’s plenty for a family to do for a day or overnight trip

Sometimes you want to get away, but not too much. Maybe a weekend or just an overnight will satisfy the family’s urge to get out of the house without too much stress on your wallet or your patience. Baltimore is an ideal spot for such a short-term excursion. It’s nearby — you can get from Baltimore Pike to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in 90 minutes — and once there, the family-friendly options are close enough that you can walk to most, drive to some and take a water taxi to others. (There isn’t a water Uber yet, is there?)

American Visionary Art Museum

Head south

If you are the kind of parent who wants your kids to learn something even while they are on the road, explain the significance of the Mason-Dixon Line when you cross into Maryland. You won’t be able to avoid it, since it runs along the Pennsylvania and Delaware borders. It’s early in the trip; they won’t roll their eyes too much. Once you get to Baltimore, you might as well make the Inner Harbor your base camp, since much of the city’s tourist venues encircle the water there. If you haven’t been to the National Aquarium before, do go. It’s spectacular fun. But if your kids have been there for a class trip or on a previous visit, skip it and explore less-famous sites, like the Maryland Science Museum. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the Historic Ships that dot the harbor. With a planetarium and an IMAX theater, the Center is comparable to the Franklin Institute back home. Just around the corner is the American Visionary Art Museum, dedicated to selftaught artists, like the Pennsylvania junk collector whose Family of Robots, made of household electronics and car headlights, will delight the kids.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Get weird

Now that you’ve done something smart and educational for the kids, why not head in a more frivolous direction? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is just off the harbor. If the kids don’t know about Ripley’s, you could try and explain its long fascination with the odd/weird/ strange. Or you could just take them inside and let them discover for themselves. Aside from the expected Ripley oddities, there’s a mirror maze and a 4-D theater. Those require additional tickets, but if you can hold off until after 4pm, it’s a little cheaper. Once back in the fresh air, look for a water taxi to take you over to Fell’s Point. You could walk, but it’s a bit of a hike, the kids are probably hungry and, did we mention, it’s a water taxi?

Fell’s Point and pirates

You can catch a water taxi right in Harborplace for the short trip across the water to Fell’s Point, one of oldest neighorhoods in Baltimore with cobblestone streets, restaurants and small shops. Sound familiar? Probably, but once you sit down for lunch, we suggest you look for crabs and crabcakes, not hoagies and cheesesteaks. After lunch, explore Fell’s Point’s shops and stop in its Broadway Market, just renovated to house local restaurants, an ice cream shop and a big, pet-friendly outdoor patio. All rested? Good, let’s go pirating! Just a couple blocks from Fell’s Point is Urban Pirates, where they dress the family up as pirates and take them on an hour cruise filled with swashbuckling songs, water cannons and plenty of “aaarrrrr matey.” It sets sail six times a day. If all that buccaneering has the crew too wound up, catch a ride over to Walters Art Museum. It’s downtown, away from the harbor, but it offers a respite of more than 36,000 pieces of art from 5,000 BC to the modern day. And, hold on to your wallets, it’s free. A couple miles away is the Baltimore Museum of Art, which is also free. We think that sounds like a pretty full day. Whether you choose to end it with a drive home or some more crabs and a night in a hotel is up to you.

10 MetroKids.com

Urban Pirates

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

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SAVE THE DATE!

Family Fun

BEST FESTS The Best, Biggest Events Happening This Summer and Fall

Delaware State Fair

WHEN: July 18-27 WHERE: Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington COST: $9, adults; $4, ages 6-12; FREE, ages 5 & younger WHAT: This good old-fashioned fair features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, a circus, fireworks, cooking demos and games.

Dover Comic Con

WHEN: Aug. 17 WHERE: Loockerman St., Dover COST: Free WHAT: Comic and graphic-novel fans unite to geek out during activities that have previously included artist & author meet-andgreets, cosplay & fan groups, a video-game party, pop-up escape rooms and more than 100 vendors.

Delaware Burger Battle

WHEN: Aug. 24 WHERE: Rockford Tower, Wilmington COST: $50, adults; $32, teens; $12, kids WHAT: Bring an appetite! Visitors dig into a variety of burger samples served up by some of the area’s best chefs and vote for their favorite. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Delaware and Delaware ProStart.

Rehoboth Beach Sandcastle Contest

WHEN: Sept. 7 WHERE: Between Delaware & Laurel Aves. COST: Free WHAT: While you stroll along the beach, keep an eye out for 100plus sandy creations that’ll make you do a double take. You might spot swamp creatures, crabs, dolphins and sharks or pyramids, mermaids and pop-culture characters.

Apple Scrapple Festival

WHEN: Oct. 11 & 12 WHERE: Main Street, Bridgeville COST: $1 WHAT: This culinary odd couple is the centerpiece of the autumnal extravaganza. Festivities include the Little Miss Apple Scrapple contest, the 5K Hogg Jogg, kids’ apple toss, ladies’ skillet toss, a carnival and a car show.

Sea Witch Festival

WHEN: Oct. 25-27 WHERE: Rehoboth & Dewey Beaches COST: Free WHAT: This silly and spooky celebration scares up a slew of activities, including costume and dog parades, a Sea Witch Hunt, trick-or-treat, hayrides and beach games.

FAB FREEBIES Free Days at Local Museums Bank of America Museums on Us

Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders score one free admission to participating museums on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. Be sure to bring your credit or debit card and photo ID. PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: Delaware Art Museum (Saturdays only) Delaware Museum of Natural History Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, MD Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Baltimore, MD

Bank of America Museums on Us, Delaware Museum of Natural History

Museum Day Live

Rehoboth Beach Sandcastle Contest 12 MetroKids.com

Venues across the country grant free access to ticketholders, taking after the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. Held this year on Sept. 21, each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag.com/museumday — admits two people to one museum. Tickets are available starting Aug. 15. PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: Read House and Gardens, New Castle Iron Hill Science Center, Newark Delaware History Museum, Wilmington

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

SpecialKids

Theme Parks Without Tears How to help a child with special needs enjoy a visit to an amusement park. By Rachael Moshman You’ve shelled out a fortune for a magical family trip to a theme park. Sorry to break this to you, but theme parks can be overwhelming and exhausting experiences, especially for young children or those with special needs. There are usually crowds of people who try to navigate through the same small walkways. Much of the day is spent in line. The rides are often loud or have unexpected visual or sound effects, such as flashing lights. Some rides splash water on people as they pass by. There are food carts with smells on every corner. Add in the heat of summer and many adults and typical children will quickly hit sensory overload. The experience is intensified in children who have special needs. My daughter has generalized anxiety disorder, as well as sensory processing issues. We took her to Disney World for the first time when she was nine. We had spent weeks prior to the trip talking about Disney World. We watched videos, looked at photos online and read books. We told her what to expect — for example, it would be a lot of walking and we would have to wait in line to go on the rides. It was still too much for her. We quickly realized within an hour that we would need to develop strategies to have a successful vacation. She was completely overwhelmed. Here are some things that worked for us over the course of that trip as well as subsequent trips to other theme parks.

Tell your child what to expect

Talk about things that might cause your child stress, such as the crowds, screams on the rides, long lines or weather. Plan an exit strategy in case the child becomes overwhelmed. Remind your child of the things you spoke of, including the exit plan, as you enter the park. No matter how much research, planning and discussion you do to prepare your child, it may all go out the window when she is in the moment. My daughter simply couldn’t comprehend how large, crowded, loud and busy the Magic Kingdom was until it was actually in front of her. Get a hotel onsite if possible or at least nearby. If you don’t have your own vehicle, choose a hotel that has a free shuttle service

throughout the day. Even if everyone holds up fine, plan to go back to the hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy a quiet lunch. Cool off in the pool. Maybe even take a nap. Then go back to the park for a few more hours in the evening once the crowds have thinned and your family is refreshed. If leaving during the day isn’t an option, look for quiet places within the park to get away for a break. Let your child kick off her shoes and run around a patch of grass off the beaten track. Sit on the pavement in a quiet space to enjoy a cold drink. Don’t let too much time pass without a snack and drink. It’s easy to get dehydrated when you walk around as the sun reflects off the concrete. Most children have little control over their emotions when their blood sugar drops or they are dehydrated. Bring lightweight snacks, such as fruit leather, nuts and beef jerky. Bring an empty bottle that you can fill at water fountains.

Take cues from your child

Follow your child’s lead. If they find a ride they like, they will most likely want to ride it several times. The unknown of trying out the next ride can be very frightening. If they start to get agitated in line for a ride, it is probably a good indication that the ride will be too intense for them. Encourage your child to ask the park staff questions. The attendant at the front of each ride can tell your child what to expect. Then you can help your child decide if he wants to give it a try. Let go of your expectations. Don’t try to stick to a rigorous schedule. The day might not go anything like you planned, but you can still consider it a success if there were more fun times than meltdowns. With quick adjustments, our first day at Disney World was a success. We arrived as the park opened. As the crowds increased, so did her anxiety. By the time lunchtime arrived, she was out of steam. We caught a bus back to our onsite hotel and grabbed lunch in the food court there. We spent the afternoon playing in the pool. We took a water taxi to Downtown Disney for dinner and then went back to the Magic Kingdom after dark. The temperature was more tolerable and the crowds had thinned. We learned the best time to enjoy the rides is when everyone else is watching the parade. Yes, she was up way past her bedtime, but she left the park with a big smile and felt like she was successful in handling the day. We’ve gone on to enjoy many more theme park days with these strategies.

Rachael Moshman is a freelance writer.

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

MetroKids.com 13

INDEPENDENT AND SCHOOLS FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES SURVEY If you are looking for a new school for the fall, this survey will help. It allows you to see, at a glance, enrollment and tuition at independent all-boys/all-girls, Catholic, Christian, Montessori, Quaker and nonsectarian schools in Delaware, from PreK to high school. It also includes schools that serve students with learning disabilities. Once you’ve found a few schools of interest, contact them for tours. You can also find more in-depth information, such as languages and extracurricular activities offered, at MetroKids.com/edguide.

ALL-BOYS SCHOOLS

TUITION FAO Financial Aid Offered Funding Available from state and FA local districts for qualifying students. PRIV Private Pay $ = < $10,000 $$ = $10,000-$20,000 $$$ = $20,001-$30,000 $$$$ = > $30,000

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVED ASP Asperger syndrome AUT Autism COM Communication/social disorder EMO Emotional/behavioral disorder LD Learning disability/ADHD XXX

= Enrollment = Summer Programs Offered

FIND MORE pre-k • grade school • coed • religious

SCHOOLS

ONLINE

Saint Edmond’s Academy, Wilmington; Grades PreK-8; 243 $-$$; FAO; 302-475-5370; Stedmondsacademy.org Salesianum School, Wilmington; Grades 9-12; 1,040 $$; FAO; 302-654-2495; Salesianum.org

ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS Padua Academy, Wilmington; Grades 9-12; 600 $$; FAO; 302-421-3739; Paduaacademy.org Ursuline Academy, Wilmington; Grades PreK-12; 275 $-$$$; FAO; 302-658-7158; Ursuline.org

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Archmere Academy, Claymont; Grades 9-12; 506 $$$; FAO; 302-798-6632; Archmereacademy.com St. Elizabeth High School, Wilmington; Grades 9-12; 343 $$; FAO; 302-656-3369; Sehs.org St. Mark’s High School, Wilmington; Grades 9-12; 560 $$; FAO; 302-738-3300; Stmarkshs.net St. Anthony of Padua, Wilmington; Grades 1-8; 225 FAO; 302-421-3743; Sapgs.org Holy Cross School, Dover; Grades PreK-8; 400 $; FAO; 302-674-5784; Holycrossdover.org

Central Delaware Christian Academy, Dover; Grades PreK-8; 80 $; FAO; 302-697-8407; Cdacademcy.org Day School for Children, The, New Castle; Grades PreK-6; 70 $; 302-652-4651; Thedayschoolforchildrenprep.com Dover First Christian School, Dover; Grades PreK-8; 10 302-526-4998; Doverﬁrstsda.org/doverfcs Fairwinds Christian School, Bear; Grades PreK-12; 200 $; FAO; 302-328-7404; Fcsknights.com Glasgow Christian Academy, Bear; Grades PreK-12; 260 $; 302-392-1090; Gca-de.org Red Lion Christian Academy, Bear; Grades PreK-12; 655 $; FAO; 302-834-2526; Redlionca.org Sharon Temple Adventist School, Wilmington; Grades K-8; 11 $; 302-428-0216; Sharontempleschool.org St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middletown; Grades PreK-8; 265 $-$$; FAO; 302-378-3179; Stannesde.org Tall Oaks Classical School, Bear; Grades K-12; 290 $; FAO; 302-738-3337; Talloaksde.org Wilmington Christian School, Hockessin; Grades PreK-12; 400 $-$$; FAO; 302-239-2121; Wilmingtonchristian.org

JEWISH SCHOOLS Albert Einstein Academy, Wilmington; Grades K-5; 35 $-$$; FAO; 302-478-5026; Aeacademy.org

MONTESSORI SCHOOLS CACC Montessori School, Hockessin; Grades PreK-K; 100 $-$$; 302-239-2917; Caccmont.org Children’s House Montessori School, Wilmington; Grades PreK-K; 100 $-$$; 302-529-9259; Childrenshouse-de.org Hockessin Montessori School, The, Hockessin; Grades PreK-8; 135 $-$$; 302-234-1240; Thehms.org Montessori Learning Centre, Wilmington; Grades PreK-K; $; 302-478-7114; Montessorilc.com Wilmington Montessori School, Wilmington; Grades PreK-8; 220 $-$$$; 302-475-0555; Wmsde.org

NONSECTARIAN SCHOOLS Caravel Academy, Bear; Grades PreK-12; 1,200 $-$$; FAO; 302-834-8938; Caravel.org Independence School, The, Newark; Grades PreK-8; 460 $-$$; FAO; 302-239-0330; Theindependenceschool.org Jeﬀerson School, The, Georgetown; Grades PreK-8; 109 $$; FAO; 302-856-3300; Jeﬀersonschool.com Sanford School, Hockessin; Grades PreK-12; 585 $$-$$$; FAO; 302-235-6500; Sanfordschool.org Tatnall School, The, Wilmington; Grades PreK-12; 600 $$-$$$; FAO; 302-998-2292; Tatnall.org Tower Hill School, Wilmington; Grades PreK-12; 730 $$-$$$$; FAO; 302-575-0550; Towerhill.org

PROGRESSIVE SCHOOLS NCCL School, Newark; Grades K-8; 80 $$; FAO; 302-368-7772; Ncclschool.com

QUAKER SCHOOLS Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington; Grades PreK-12; 700 $-$$$; FAO; 302-576-2900; Wilmingtonfriends.org

SCHOOLS FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES/ADHD

Metrokids.com/ EducationGuide 14 MetroKids.com

Centreville Layton School, Centreville; Grades PreK-12; 90 $$-$$$; FAO; 302-571-0230; centrevillelayton.org; LD College School at the University of Delaware, The, Newark; Ages 6-14; 70 $$$; FAO; 302-831-0222; Collegeschool.udel.edu; LD Gateway Lab School, Wilmington; Grades 3-8; 226 FA; 302-633-4091; Gatewaylabschool.org; ADHD, ASP, LD Pilot School, Inc., The, Wilmington; Ages 5-14; 150 $$$$; FAO; 302-478-1740; Pilotschool.org; LD Positive Outcomes Charter School, Camden; Grades 7-12; 126 FA; 302-697-8805; Positiveoutcomescs.org; ASP, AUT, COM, EMO, LD

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Attention all

readers!

Summer with the library 2019

got music? Private study in 30 instruments or voice

June 1 to August 17

Ages 0 to 17: Read or be read to and receive a certificate and book after reading for 10 hours.

Adults: Ask how you can get in on the fun too!

Early Childhood Music & Movement classes

LEARN MORE!

Visit your local New Castle County Library or sign up online!

nccde.beanstack.org

Group classes & ensembles —youth & teens

Locations statewide: Wilmington (302) 762-1132 Milford (302) 422-2043

www.musicschoolofdelaware.org

Summer 2019 Starts at Tatnall! A Tatnall Summer At-a-Glance

June 17 – August 16 Each summer, Tatnall’s 110-acre, environmentally diverse campus transforms into a venue offering limitless combinations of exciting summer camps and enrichment classes.

On-campus swimming pools

Innovation labs

2.25

Miles of maintained trails

Themed weeks of day camps allow campers to experience a wide variety of activities

MetroKids.com 15

Health

SPF: Screen Protection for Families It’s summer, when kids want to spend all day on their phones, an unhealthy habit. See how parents set limits. By Terri Akman Most parents know that potential health problems can result when kids focus too much on their phones — obesity, poor posture, eye strain, back pain — but there is now concern that a dramatic rise in childhood suicides, suicide attempts, anxiety and depression might be linked to time spent on social media. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that the rate of suicides among girls 10 to 14 years old surged between 1999 and 2014. It didn’t identify a reason, but the Journal of the American Medical Association called for an investigation into what role social media plays. “(It) may be the ‘canary in the coal mine,’” JAMA cautions, “signaling important health concerns arising from the increased and pervasive use of social media affecting child and adolescent development.”

Peer pressure

The average child spends 3.2 hours a day in front of a screen, according to a 2018 study, with the time rising as they get older. When “everybody’s doing it” it becomes more difficult for parents to control. Farah K., of Society Hill, says she does not allow her middle-school-aged son to use social media, but he is an outlier. “In his grade all the kids are on social media and he gets stigmatized for it but I said he’s not ready yet,” says Farah.

16 MetroKids.com

The CDC is not the first to sound an alarm about a link between the rise of social media and mental-health issues. An April study showed that children and teens who went to emergency rooms with suicidal thoughts doubled between 2007 and 2015 to more than 1 million, coinciding with the increased use of smartphones and social media. “Studies show a significant increase in both depression and suicide in about the past 10 years compared with the rates before that time,” says Hoff. “When screen time is taking the place of other behaviors that are important for health and well-being, like face-to-face social interaction, sleep, healthy eating and physical activity, that can have an impact on mental health.” Adolescents who limit their social media to 30 minutes a day, one study showed, are less likely to have feelings of loneliness and depression, notes Katie Lockwood, MD, director of continuing education for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Primary Care Network. “They call this FOMO (fear of missing out),” she says – when kids look at all the things friends are doing on social media and feel lonely and depressed that they weren’t included.

Strategies for parents

Chicken and egg

There’s a chicken and egg quandary — are children who are anxious or depressed likely to spend more time on social media or does spending too much time on social media cause depression and anxiety? That’s what experts will have to find out. “Studies show correlations between increased social media use and increased depression, but we don’t know which of these caused the other,” says Alexandra Hoff, pediatric psychologist at Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

A 10-year trend

“We’ve had a pretty open relationship and I think that has been key. We have an understanding to not cross the boundaries because if you have something to hide, you are doing something wrong.” Amy C. of Elkins Park, PA, limits her boys, ages 13 and 9, to an hour of screen time before school, an hour after and 20 minutes at night and that includes TV. It’s more than she’d like, but “I feel sort of beaten down,” she admits.

There are certainly important and beneficial ways for kids to use their screen time. They can do homework on the computer, talk to relatives on FaceTime, and blow off steam to release stress through a video game. But, especially for very young children, time spent online should be strictly limited. “In preschool-aged children, we know that screen time can hinder developmental skills, including social skills,” says Lockwood. Aside from the impact on brain development, screen time detracts from other activities that promote language and social development, like playing, reading and interacting with parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend kids under 5 spend less than an hour a day in front of a screen. But as kids get older, the recommendations are more vague and limits more difficult to enforce. “Parents are important role models in teaching their kids,” said Lockwood. “The time that we spend looking down at our own phones makes us less available for interaction with our kids.” Parents should also be mindful of when they use devices to read. Though you

continued on p. 19 ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Camp Directory

Delaware Nature Society (Ashland, Abbott’s, Coverdale, DEEC), PO Box 700, Hockessin 302-239-2334; candy@delnature.org; Delnature.org

Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2019! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests. Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas. • Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel. • Special features: See the key below. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps.

Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay - Camp Country Center, 1051 Sharpless Rd., Hockessin 302-456-7150; camp@cbgsc.org; Gscb.org/camps Pilot Summer Camp, 208 Woodlawn Rd., Wilmington; cshivone@pilotschool.org; pilotschool.org Prompt & Play, LLC, 5157 W. Woodmill Rd., Ste. 16, Wilmington; 302-691-5658; info@promptandplay.com; Promptandplay.com

Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids. KEY Has extended hours Oﬀers ﬁnancial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Kidz, Ink Camp Wow!, Locations in Bear, Dover, & Smyrna, DE; kidzink2@comcast.net KidzEarlyLearning.com New Castle Cty. Summer Camps Various locations in New Castle County, DE: Claymont, Middletown, New Castle, Newport, Newark, North Wilmington, DE 302-395-5632

DAY Recreation Camps — Full-Day at 5 sites; Half-Day at Battery Park, Old New Castle & Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Newark. Specialty Camps — Safety Town, ArtVentures at NCC Art Studio, Science Explores STEM at Rockwood Park, Musical Theater Camp at NCC Art Studio. CIT SN alexander.stephen@newcastlede.gov; newcastlede.gov/camps

YMCA of Delaware Day Camps Multiple Locations in DE & MD 302-221-9622 Ysummercamp.org

DAY, RESIDENTIAL The YMCA has been hosting camps for 100+ years. Our camps provide youth 5-17 with a safe environment to play, learn, grow and make new friends while fostering social, cultural, physical & emotional development. Many options: arts & crafts, sports, team-building, science & nature, music, teen leaders and more. Staff have background checks and first aid and CPR certification. ACA DELAWARE

2019 Delaware Aerospace Academy, PO Box 125, Bear; 302-834-1978; dasef.outpost@verizon.net DASEF.org 2019 Summer Stage Dance and Theatre Camps at Delaware Arts Conservatory 723 Rue Madora, Ste. 4, Bear; 302-595-4160; info@delarts.com; DelArts.com A Tatnall Summer: Day Camps, Sports Camps, Swim Team, 1501 Barley Mill Rd., Wilmington 302-892-4347; ATatnallSummer@tatnall.org; ATatnallSummer.org Brandywine Zoo Camp, 1001 North Park Dr., Wilmington; 302-571-7850, ext. 209 education@brandywinezoo.org; Brandywinezoo.org

Summer at Tower Hill, 2813 W. 17th St., Wilmington; 302-472-7370; summer@towerhill.org Towerhill.org/summer Summer On Stage Delaware Theatre Company 200 Water St., Wilmington summercamp@delawaretheatre.org Delawaretheatre.org/summer-programs

DAY, PROGRAM Summer on Stage offers children the unique opportunity to develop artistically and socially, building self-confidence in a fun and safe environment. Ages 8-15 are instructed by theatre and education professionals who encourage and challenge them. Extended care is available.

NEW United Cerebral Palsy’s Camp Manito & Camp Lenape Wilmington & Felton Ucpde.org

DAY UCP’s camps serve children ages 3–21 with Cerebral Palsy and a spectrum of other disabilities, including Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD as well as children with mental health and behavior issues. Both camps are open to children ages 5–13 without disabilities and offer a fun, inclusive summer recreation program committed to acceptance, tolerance and fostering self-esteem.

University of Delaware ELC Summer Camps, 489 Wyoming Rd., Newark; 302-831-6205 ud-elc@udel.edu; elc.udel.edu Wilmington Ballet Summer Dance Camp 1709 Gilpin Ave. Wilmington; 302-655-1004 info@wilmingtonballet.org Wilmingtonballet.org/summer-program

DAY Princess Camps for 3-6-year-olds offer a magical experience filled with dancing, crafts, stories, and an end of week performance. For students ages 7-18, we offer several levels of rigorous, professional-level training in ballet and other forms of dance. Summer dance at WB is excellent preparation for auditions for our annual Nutcracker performance at the Playhouse!

Wilmington Friends School Day Camps 101 School Rd. Wilmington 302-576-2998 lscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org Wilmingtonfriends.org

DAY June 17-Aug. 23, 2019: Lower school camp features weekly themes, soccer, tennis, art, STEM design, cooking and adventure camps, plus swimming, ice skating & bowling. Middle school camp offers Base Camp with swimming, fishing, gardening, hiking, ice skating and bowling plus sports camps & programs in art, adventure, sports, STEM, cooking and 3D printing. Before & after care available. Online registration available — early bird discount! Check online for Open House dates. OUTLYING AREAS - MARYLAND

Camp Arrowhead, 35268 Homestead Way, Lewes; wlafontaine@camparrowhead.net camparrowhead.net Camp DSFC 4905 Mermaid Blvd. Wilmington christydsfc@gmail.com delswimfit.com

DAY, PROGRAM Summer camp is filled with many adventures! This year’s camp includes a variety of exciting themes. These themes are incorporated into all the daily activities which include special guests and field trips. Flexible hours and schedules are available. Open door policy - stop in anytime for a tour!

Edu-Care Summer Program 345 Polly Drummond Hill Rd. Newark 302-453-7326 educarepd@verizon.net educarepreschool.com

Easterseals Camp Fairlee, 22242 Bay Shore Rd., Chestertown, MD; 410-778-0566; fairlee@esdel.org Easterseals.com/de/fairlee

DAY, RESIDENTIAL Camp DSFC keeps kids moving with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. From swimming, to open gym and outdoor play, campers will learn exercise is a product of staying active through play. Designed to accommodate all agility levels.

Echo Hill Camp, 13655 Bloomingneck Rd., Worton, MD; 410-348-5303; EchoHillCamp.com OUTLYING AREAS - PENNSYLVANIA Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort, 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com; Roundtopmountainresort.com/camps/summer-adventure-camps

Camp Fireﬂy at Red Lion, 1390 Red Lion Rd., Bear; lpargoe@reachschools.online Reachschools.online

Darlington Arts Center Summer Camp, 977 Shavertown Rd., Garnet Valley, PA; 610-358-3632 info@darlingtonarts.org; Darlingtonarts.org/camp

CCArts Fine & Performing Arts Camp, 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn; 302-239-2434 nschmid@ccarts.org; ccarts.org Centreville Layton School Summer Program, 6201 Kennett Pk., Centreville; 302-571-0230 djarrell@centrevillelayton.org; Centrevillelayton.org Concord Preschool and Childcare, 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington; 302-654-9629 Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com

NEW Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay 2930 Grove Neck Rd. Earleville, MD; 302-456-7150 camp@cbgsc.org; gscb.org/camp

DAY Camp along the Sassafras River with an all-girl, girl-friendly environment where she’ll learn outdoor skills. Archery, sailing, kayaking, horseback riding. Choose from different themes like water, CSI, Disney, Harry Potter, Explorers and more! Ages 6-15. No prior Girl Scout experience needed.

Delaware Art Museum’s Summer Art Camp, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington; 302-571-9590 artiscreating@delart.org; DelArt.org

Science Camp Watonka, PO Box 127, Hawley, PA; 570-857-1401; mail@watonka.com; Watonka.com

Delaware Dance Co. Summer Dance & Theatre Camp, 168 S. Main St., Madeline Crossing, Ste. 101 Newark; 302-738-2023; Delawaredancecompany.org

OUTLYING AREAS - OTHER

Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike, Rte. 52, Wilmington; 302-658-9111, ext. 328; education@delmnh.org; Delmnh.org/camps

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser, 201 Cushion Peak Rd., Wernersville, PA; 610-670-2267; SMYMCA.org Camp Caribbean, Multiple Locations in Mexico; Info@grupoeduplay.com; Campeduplay.com Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Institute, Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada 888-54-WHALE; info@whalecamp.com; WhaleCamp.com

CAMP

MetroKids.com 17

Child Care & Early Education Directory

FY: Full Year AY: Academic Year SP: Summer Program MP: Meals Provided

BS: Before School AS: After School DA: Diapers Accepted TP: Transportation Provided

SN: Special Needs DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv.

DE★: Delaware Stars Participant NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited—PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools * Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually. MSA: Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges

MULTIPLE SITES

HOCKESSIN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY

GREAT NEW BEGINNINGS Independently Owned & Operated 14 St. Andrews Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-1000 210 Cleaver Farm Rd., Middletown, DE • 302-378-5555 GNBKids.com Ages: 8 wks.-School Age • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Serving children 8 weeks through 12 years old. Family owned and operated since 1999. Staﬀ certified through Department of Education. Internet viewing available. Nutritional snack and lunch program provided daily. Proudly participating in the Delaware Stars Quality Rating System. Panic Button Security System. GREAT NEWS! Middletown location NOW OPEN. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, SN, DE, DE H, NAEYC

CACC MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin, DE 302-239-2917 •Caccmont.org Ages: 3 mos. to K • Hours: 7am-6pm The Montessori program at CACC is child directed with individualized instruction and a low student/teacher ratio. Our Enrichments include Chinese Instruction, Gardening, Library, Art, Gym (Zumba & Yoga), Music, and Technology. Preprimary students can also elect to participate in after school activities such as Ballet, Drama, Soccer, Science Club and Piano lessons. AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, DYF, AMS

KIDZ, INK ACADEMY OF EARLY ACADEMICS 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, DE • 302-838-1500 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-5400 345 School Bell Rd., Bear, DE • 302-327-0686 645 W. North St., Dover, DE • 302-730-4730 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, DE • 302-653-4034 KidzEarlyLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-11 yrs. • Hours: 6am-6:30pm Our curriculum is designed to stimulate your child’s mind, strengthen their bodies, and nurture their hearts. National curriculum: core knowledge. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Spanish degreed and experienced teachers, security cameras monitor every room. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, DE, DYF, DA, DE ★ LITTLE STARS INC. 5702 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE • 302-995-2920 947 Old Harmony Rd., Newark, DE • 302-737-9759 Littlestarsinc.com Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Come Join the Fun here at Little Stars. Two locations serving children 6 wks. to 12 yrs. Full day. Family-owned & operated. Warm, qualified staﬀ teaches basic education concepts. Pre-school for ages 3 & 4. First aid & CPR. Breakfast, lunch & snack. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF YMCA OF DELAWARE 100 W. 10th St., Ste. 1100, Wilmington, DE 302-221-9622 • Ymcade.org Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. At the YMCA, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn fundamental skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-esteem through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We oﬀer a variety of programs throughout the state including Before and After School Care, Preschool and Summer camp. Bear-Glasgow, 302-836-9622 • BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Brandywine, 302-478-9622 • half-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Middletown, 302-616-9622 • before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Central, 302-254-9622 • full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Sussex, 302-296-9622 • half-day preschool, extended care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Dover, 302-346-9622 • before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Walnut St., 302-472-9622 • full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Western, 302-453-0123 • full-day preschool, before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★

18 MetroKids.com

THE HOCKESSIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1000 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 302-234-1240 •TheHMS.org Ages: 1 yr.-13 yrs. • Hours: 8am-3pm The school program follows the Montessori Method and emphasizes mathematics, language, humanities, arts and sciences while stressing life skills. All levels participate in enrichment subjects including STEM, art, library, computers, Spanish, music and physical education, which are developmentally appropriate for the age and ability. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS, AMS, MSA

MIDDLETOWN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM 211 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, DE 302-378-3179 ext.1 •StAnnesDE.org Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 8am-3:15pm From Preschool through 8th grade our programs lay the foundation for intellectual growth, moral judgment, leadership, and confidence. Our passionate faculty embraces a progressive child-centered teaching philosophy. Art, music, STEM, Spanish, library, religion, outdoor play. Member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. AY, SP, BS/ AS, TP, MSA

NEWARK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY EARLY LEARNING CTR. AT UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, THE 489 Wyoming Rd. Newark, DE 302-831-6205 •Elc.udel.edu Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. – Hours: 7am-6pm The UD Early Learning Centers provide high quality care and education programs for children and their families by establishing a model for exceptional practices for future early educators. Because the ELC is associated with the University of Delaware, children and their families benefit from clinical placements and current research on best practices in early childhood. SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC EBENEZER PRESCHOOL 525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 302-731-3030 • Ebenezerumcpreschool.org Ages: 2-4 yrs. • Hours: 9am-12pm Since 1965 we have been providing children with a loving environment which guides their physical, emotional , spiritual and social development. We prepare the child for further learning experiences and for entrance into kindergarten. We welcome children of all faiths while teaching Christ-like ideals. AY, SP, MP, DA, SN, DYF

EDU-CARE PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE 345 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 302-453-7326 • Educarepreschool.com Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Edu-Care provides both a nurturing and academic atmosphere. We offer a variety of scheduling options. Feel free to stop in at any time for a tour or contact us for more information. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, TP, DHS*, DE NEWARK DAY NURSERY AND CHILDREN’S CENTER 921 Barksdale Rd., Newark, DE 302-731-4925 • Ages: 6 wks.-14 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am-6pm NAEYC Accredited & DE Stars Level 5. Dedicated to educating, enriching and inspiring children. Highly trained, professional, and experienced teachers, providing a quality program in a warm, family-friendly environment. Developmentally appropriate activities, computers, and separate toddler, preschool and school-age playgrounds provided. POC Accepted. Offers Financial aid in the form of a sliding fee scale. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC, DE ★ ONE STEP AHEAD CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL, INC. 432 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 302-292-1162 • Ages: 1 yr.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Devoted, skilled staff assist your child with age-appropriate weekly themed curriculum to enhance their selfesteem and love of learning. All staff CPR and First Aid certified. All teachers are Board of Education certified. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. Secured premises. All classrooms video monitored. Breakfast, lunch and snacks. Full-time and part-time options. Before- and after-school programs serving Thurgood Marshall and McVey School. Sibling discount. Summer camp with weekly field trips. FY, AY, SP, BA, AS, DA, DHS*

NORTH WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY SAINT EDMOND’S ACADEMY 2120 Veale Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-5370 • Stedmondsacademy.org Ages: Pre-K (age 4) through Grade 8 (age 14) Hours: 7:40am (w/Before Care Avail. at 7am)-2:45pm (w/ After Care Avail. until 6pm) The Academy educates boys’ hearts and minds in the Holy Cross tradition. Core values of responsibility, independence, positive self-image, integrity and community are integrated with an innovative curriculum. SEA is a special place for young learners to grow. AY, BS, AS, MP (lunch)

PIKE CREEK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL, THE 1300 Paper Mill Rd. Newark, DE 302-239-0332 • TheIndependenceSchool.org Ages: 3 yrs.-K – Hours: 7am-6pm Early Childhood is the first step of the exceptional Independence School Education. Children engage in developmentally appropriate learning experiences which contribute to their social, emotional and intellectual development. All faculty hold bachelor’s degrees in education with specific expertise in early childhood education. Fulltime nurse on campus. AY, SP, BS, AS, DE, MSCES

WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY CONCORD PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 302-654-9629 • Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com Ages: 1 yr.- 9yrs. • Hours: 7:15am-5:45pm Our small class sizes enable valuable one-on-one instruction. Caring teachers and rich curriculum including Computer Tots, Spanish, Music and Gym. Serving ages 1 year through Kindergarten. Summer to age 9. FT, PT, Extended, 7:15am5:45pm. Founded in 1956. Financial aid, Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS*

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Child Care & Early Education Dir.

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA GRADE SCHOOL 1715 W. Ninth St. Wilmington DE 302-421-3743 • School.stanthonynet.org Ages: PreK-8th grade • Hours: 7:30am-3pm Preschool 3 and 4 year olds through Eighth Grade (faithbased curriculum). Middle States Accredited. Before care and after care provided. Full-service cafeteria. State of the Art Science and Computer Labs. AY, MP, BS, AS ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2320 Grubb Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 302-475-3747 • Stdavidsdayschoolde.org • stdavidskidsde@outlook.com Ages: 2,3, & 4 (must have reached age by August 31 if starting school in September) Hours: Preschool 9-12; Full day 7:30 – 5:45 A St. David’s Episcopal Church outreach, conveniently located in Brandywine Hundred. Develop- mental Movement class daily, developmentally appropriate curriculum. 2 playgrounds, weekly chapel services. Staff certified CPR & First Aid. Some financial aid . Preschool 9am-12pm; Full day 7:30-5:45; 2, 3 or 5 day options. POC and credit cards accepted. Parent volunteer opportunitites and financial aid available. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, TP, SN, DHS*, DYF, NAEYC, PAIS, MSCES, AMS ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL AND NURSERY 700 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE 302-656-3389 • Stmichaelsde.org Ages: 8wks-PreSchool • Hours: 7am -5:30 pm A 5-Star rated early education center with a recently expanded Infant and Toddler Program convenient to all downtown Wilmington employers. High quality, nurturing environment that prepares children to learn and succeed in school. Large facility with 16 classrooms, gross motor play rooms, dining room, library and spacious, age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily. Our “whole child” approach supports children’s social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive needs. St. Michael’s values diversity, qualified faculty and family involvement. Vouchers accepted. FY, MP, DA, DHS, DE, DYF, DE ★ TOWER HILL SCHOOL 2813 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 302-575-0550 • Towerhill.org Ages: Age 3-Grade 12 • Hours: 8am -2:40 pm Tower Hill’s preschool provides young learners with a quality education in a warm and supportive environment. Understanding that children gain knowledge through play, nurturing teachers emphasize engaging activities that allow students to explore, experiment and discover the world around them. AY, SP, MP, BS/AS, MSCES URSULINE ACADEMY 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 302-658-7158 • Ursuline.org Ages 3-18 • Hours: 8am-2:45pm Our Early Childhood Programs are unique from any other school by offering two paths to First Grade: Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten & Montessori. Children develop social consciousness by responding to personal, community, & global needs, and by becoming true models of Serviam through Christian love. Full & Half Day/Week Options. AY, SP, BS, AS, DAIS, ADVIS, NAIS WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL PRESCHOOL 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 302-576-2930 • Ages: 2 yrs.-4 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm Reggio Emilia inspired preschool offers experiences to stimulate intellectual, emotional and social development. The program is guided, in the Quaker tradition, by values of respect for each individual and responsibility as members of a community. AY, FY, AS, BS, SP, MSCES WILMINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1400 Harvey Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-0555 • wmsde.org dmissions@wmsde.org Ages: 12 mos.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Students follow their passions, discover initiative from within and take ownership of their learning; a place that embraces the power of technology for teaching, exploring, engaging and collaborating. With a diverse student body and a challenging curriculum that promotes mutual respect and a global perspective, WMS graduates are prepared to move fearlessly into the world. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF, NAEYC, DE H, AMS

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Health

continued from p. 16

might be reading the news or an e-book, you think of it as more academic than screen time, Lockwood points out. “But to your child, who is watching you, he is still perceiving that as screen time,” she says. “All they see is that you’re looking at your phone. Maybe when you’re with your kids, put that phone down and actually pick up a book or print newspaper or magazine.” Lockwood also recommends devicefree mealtime for all ages, because it encourages families to interact and talk to each other. We asked some parents to share their strategies to limit non-school related screen time:

Amy C., 42, two boys ages 13 and 9, Elkins Park

The boys are allowed to use screens (including TV) 2 hours and 20 minutes on weekdays. They get an extra hour on the weekend. Though she can’t always monitor what they are doing, “I do have access to their log-ins so I can monitor that,” she says.

Celebrating

63 YEARS

of Excellence! Full Day & Part-Time options available

Small Class Size • Caring Teachers Ages 1- Kindergarten Hours: 7:15 am - 5:45 pm

1800 Fairfax Blvd. • Wilmington, DE 19803

302-654-9629

Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com

PICTURE IT! Your child as the winner of

Jayne B., 40-something, three boys ages 15, 14 and 11, Cherry Hill

“This was a huge issue at the beginning of the school year — coming off the summer when my kids were obsessed with Fortnite,” she says. The family purchased the Disney Circle app for $100, which allows them to monitor all online activity, set bedtimes, blackout periods and limit their hours on Xbox and phones. “The kids fought us and were constantly trying to outsmart the app, but then we would take away their phones,” she recalls. “It especially drives me crazy when they’re doing it on a gorgeous day. I’m constantly pointing out to them all the cool things they’re not doing because they’re in front of screens. Maybe I get through a little.”

Farah K., age 47, daughter, 18 and son, 12, Society Hill

Before her daughter went to college this year, neither child could watch TV during the school week unless they made an exception for event programming. From Friday night through Sunday afternoon, they were allowed to watch TV, but not play video games. Her daughter was allowed to join Facebook in 10th grade and Instagram in 11th grade. “The deal was that I had access to her passwords and I could check, even her text messages, to see if there was anything inappropriate,” she says. “If there was, we’d talk about it.” Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

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MetroKids.com 19

Family Fun

Enjoy rides, music and fireworks at the Delaware State Fair, July 18-27.

JULY

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR

Special needs event Family Fun Night

10 Wednesday

Fourth of July event

$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up

1 Monday

Monday Night Movie: Trolls on Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: Mary Poppins Returns at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE

2 Tuesday

Alice in Wonderland at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

Public Archaeology Day

20 Saturday

Terrific Tuesday at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Winterthur. This weekly program explores important inventions and artistic developments via crafts, games and special guests. $

3 Wednesday

Fireworks Cruise on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Lewes. See “Town & County,” p. 22. $$$$ Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

4 Thursday

Fireworks Express on the Wilmington & Western Railroad, Wilmington. See “Town & County,” p. 22. $$$

Fourth of July Celebration at First State Heritage Park, Dover. See “Town & County,” p. 22. FREE

6 Saturday

Hispanic Fiesta at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Enjoy dance, music, food and artisan crafts from Latin-American countries. FREE Lunar Observation Party: Man on the Moon at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Join the Delaware Astronomical Society for a presentation, telescope viewing and spacey activities. $$ Night Hike at Trap Pond State Park, Felton. FREE

7 Sunday

Family Art Fest at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. Make sketchbook journals, paint, draw, try chalk art, get your face painted, up your selfie game and watch a performance by the Philadelphia Jazz Project. FREE Steamin' Day at the Marshall Steam Museum, Hockessin. Enjoy gas, steam & electric car rides and experience what travel was like at the turn of the 20th century. $$

8 Monday

Monday Night Movie: Beauty and the Beast on Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE

Garden Wild

27 Saturday 20 MetroKids.com

See MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information on these and other events. ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

Movie on the Beach: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE

10 Wednesday

PECO Family Jams: Reversed “Stained” Glass at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Phila. Families paint on small pieces of Plexiglass to take home. $$

Family Fun Night at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Meet radio personalities and partake in games & activities. $

Thomas the Tank Engine at Morris Arboretum, Phila. $$$

Alice in Wonderland at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

11 Thursday

Parrot Party Fundraiser at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Expect free-flight bird demos, music and food. $$$$ The Dinosaur Quest of Dr. T. Rex at Copeland Hall, Wilmington. $

12 Friday

Family Game Night at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. Play classic games with a twist, from giant bowling and Memory to plate-toss tic-tac-toe and jumbo Jenga. $$

15 Monday

Monday Night Movie: Finding Nemo on Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: The Karate Kid at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE

16 Tuesday

The Jungle Book at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

17 Wednesday

Full Moon Hike at Bellevue State Park, Wilmington. FREE

Kidchella Music Festival at the Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. The Pop-Ups and Lolly & YoYo will take the stage. $$

Skate Wilmington at the Skating Club of Wilmington, Wilmington. Skaters of all levels compete through July 21. FREE, spectators

Night Hike at White Clay Creek State Park, Newark. $

Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

13 Saturday

Fantastic Beasts and Wizarding Day at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Harry Potter fans are encouraged to come in costume to enjoy hat-sorting and herbology stations, meet-and-greets with Hogwarts creatures and keeper demos. $$ Science Saturday: Hip Optics at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Learn about the power of optics and build a light maze. $$$ Thomas the Tank Engine at Morris Arboretum, Phila. $$$ Try Science: Be an Ornithologist at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$ Wookies, Jedis and Stormtroopers, Oh My! at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Festivities include Star Wars trivia, character appearances, an inflatable planetarium, costume contests and movie screenings. $$$

14 Sunday

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families visit the venue before it opens to the public. $$$

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

18 Thursday

Delaware State Fair at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington. This good old-fashioned fair features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, a circus, fireworks, cooking demos and games. Through July 27. $$ A Year with Frog and Toad at Copeland Hall, Wilmington. $

19 Friday

Dog Days of Summer at the Delaware Children's Museum, WIlmington. Interactive with service animals and learn about local adoption and service organizations. $ Happy Days: A New Musical at Second Street Players, Milford. $$$$ Halo: Outpost Discovery at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. This new fan experience features themed attractions, in-universe encounters, a laser-tag arena and hundreds of game stations. $$$$

20 Saturday

Halo: Outpost Discovery at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See July 19. $$$$

Happy Days: A New Musical at Second Street Players, Milford. $$$$ Islamic Heritage Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Activities include a global market bazaar, giveaways and entertainment. FREE Public Archaeology Day at Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills, PA. Help archaeologists with site excavation and artifact screening and care. FREE

21 Sunday

Halo: Outpost Discovery at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See July 19. $$$$ Happy Days: A New Musical at Second Street Players, Milford. $$$$ Pondside Campfire and Firefly Hike at Lums Pond State Park, Bear. $ Seafood and Art Festival at the Indian River Marina, Rehoboth Beach. FREE

22 Monday

Monday Night Movie: Ralph Breaks the Internet on Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: The Incredibles 2 at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE

23 Tuesday

Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

24 Wednesday

Alice in Wonderland at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$ Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Enjoy extended hours, animal presentations and hands-on activities. $$

26 Friday

Happy Days: A New Musical at Second Street Players, Milford. $$$$

27 Saturday

Garden Wild at the Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin. Junior and seasoned gardeners enjoy live music, local food, outdoor activities and a native plant sale. $$ Happy Days: A New Musical at Second Street Players, Milford. $$$$ Jr. Engineers: Be a Biomedical Engineer at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$

MetroKids.com 21

Family Fun

Pop-Up Naturalist: Stream Life at Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills, PA. Demos, live specimens, games and crafts are part of the fun. FREE Science Saturday: May the Water Force Be With You at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Find out how water wheels and turbines work, then build a water wheel that can lift weight. $$$

28 Sunday

Happy Days: A New Musical at Second Street Players, Milford. $$$$

29 Monday

30 Tuesday

Alice in Wonderland at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$

TOWN & COUNTY: FOURTH OF JULY

31 Wednesday

Fountain Show Opening at Franklin Square, Phila. The 180-year-old fountain just got a major upgrade. Watch choreographed shows featuring light, water and music that change throughout the day. FREE Visit MetroKids.com/july4 for our guide to fireworks and festivals near you.

Movie on the Beach: Little Giants at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE

To learn more about our SUMMER WORKSHOPS & FAMILY ART FESTIVAL visit decontemporary.org

THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY is the perfect destination for busy families interested in experiencing the art of today.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY Wilmington & Western Railroad’s Fireworks Express leaves Greenbank Station for a round-trip ride to Hockessin, where you’ll get prime views of the fireworks. KENT COUNTY Dover’s First State Heritage Park hosts the Fourth of July Celebration, an all-day bash that includes free tours of nearby venues (Biggs Museum, Johnson Victrola Museum, Old State House and others), a parade, kids’ activities, performances and, at dusk, fireworks.

HAPPY 4TH of

JULY

DISCOVER ART CART:

First Fridays, 5 - 8 PM Sundays, 12 - 5 PM Interactive experience of creative projects for all ages.

DISCOVER COLLECTION:

Available any time you visit! Self-guided games and activities to use in the galleries.

THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY 200 South Madison Street Wilmington, DE 19801 302.656.6466 decontemporary.org

Infant, youth, teen, adult – there’s something for everyone at The Music School of Delaware. Choose your passion from 30+ instruments and voice; locations statewide – now in Hockessin, DE and Lansdowne, PA! WILMINGTON BRANCH 302-762-1132 • MILFORD BRANCH 302-422-2043

www.musicschoolofdelaware.org • @MusicSchoolofDE 22 MetroKids.com

SUSSEX COUNTY Get the festivities started July 3 at Rehoboth Beach’s fireworks display, visible from the boardwalk. Or enjoy a Fireworks Cruise on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry overlooking the Delaware Bay. Round out the fun the following evening with fireworks over Dewey and Bethany beaches.

Make This the BEST Summer Yet!

’ Summer Fun promotion helps bring families together with free events, special deals to local venues, tickets to top regional attractions and even trips!

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MetroKids.com/summerfun ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2019

delAWAre dANce comPANy A non-profit arts organization committed to bringing high quality dance training and performance to the community.

AcAdemic yeAr clAsses for Ages 2 through Adult

Bringing outstanding dance education and performance to the Northern Delaware, tri-state area for over 30 years. Experience matters. Summer Camp and Intensive Workshop Programs An annual, fully staged Nutcracker production and spring performance opportunities Two performance groups: The Youth Dance Ensemble and The Performing Company For information on programs and events please visit

delawaredancecompany.org 168 South Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 â&#x20AC;˘ 302-738-2023 This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com