Not long ago, six close friends read in the
Philadelphia Business Journal that the number of people raising kids in the city had absolutely exploded over the past ten years. It was certainly a good bit of news to discover, especially considering the friends' new business idea: A 12,000-square-foot Center City destination known as
Nest, where children and their parents can play, learn, exercise and grow both intellectually and creatively.
Philly's young families, of course, are the ones who'll ultimately be deciding if the new space is a necessary city addition. The first test will happen on Aug. 11, when Nest--something of an ultimate jungle gym, playground and fun zone for the 6-weeks to 6-years set--opens its doors to the public at 13th and Locust streets in Midtown Village.
According to Stephanie Edwards of
Skai Blue Media, which is handling Nest's PR, the six friends behind the venture had grown "tired of schlepping their kids all over the city to attend a music class here, a mommy and me class there and a birthday party yet somewhere else." They figured that combining the best of various kid-friendly locations into one massive fun-and-education zone would be a can't-miss proposition.
Nest, for instance, will offer a bevy of classes: early enrichment, dance, pottery, art, cooking, and more, all led by area experts. A cafe for the grown-ups, along with a portrait studio and a children's salon, will also be onsite, as will as a 3,000-square-foot play space for the younger children, and a toy and clothing boutique selling unique, design-friendly items.
And given that one of Nest's founders is Scott Caplan, a co-founder of
Sweat Fitness, visitors to Nest can probably also expect lots of color, lots of positive attitudes, and most likely lots and lots of crowds.
Class enrollment begins Aug. 9.
Source: Stephanie Edwards, Skai Blue Media
Writer: Dan Eldridge
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