Recently, my two girls and I got to check out NEST Philly, the fantastic indoor family membership club and play space within the heart of center city. We’ve been to NEST a few times before (when it first opened up and then a few times for drop-in play since it opened) but it was great to see how Nest has grown and the new programs and offerings that have been added to their always exciting line-up for kids and families.

We got to experience a tour of the facility which includes a great kitchen/class area, hair salon, boutique and of course several play areas. NEST provided us a great sample music class led by two really wonderful music instructors who sang and guided the class in music combined with some fun activities (like scarf play, instruments, parachute games, hokey pokey, and even surfing!) My kids loved the sample music class and even my typically shy 5.5 year old was up and jumping around, singing, and clapping with the rest of them.

If you don’t know much about NEST, it is the brainchild of six close friends who grew up together in the Philly suburbs. Realizing there were hundreds of families just like them, NEST was hatched – an urban oasis for play, socialization, snacks, shopping and learning. NEST is a kid-centric, parent-friendly enrichment center and indoor playground located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Refreshingly far away from the chaos of traditional playrooms, NEST creates an inviting childhood-meets-neighborhood oasis inside over 12,000 sq. ft. on three levels. Focused on nurturing creative stimulation, NEST provides plenty of space for kids, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, to play and learn while parents lounge, shop, and snack with them in a comfortable, modern setting. Nest has a wonderful 3,000 sq. ft. nature-themed playspace “NEST Play” with dedicated party and playdate areas. We got to enjoy this space after our music class and a delicious lunch (provided by Honeygrow). Literally, we were the last family to leave. My kids simply adore the NEST playspace and love to romp and run and be creative with the different areas and creative toys you can find all throughout the space.

If you’re looking for more structure, NEST offers a great array of classes from cooking classes to soccer class to movement classes and more. Right now, they’re in the Summer Session II but Fall 2013 Classes are also available now, too. One of the really unique things I leaned about NEST is their Enrichment Program Enrichment at NEST is a progressive program where parents begin with the ‘Hatchlings’ class (6 wks-6 months) and move through a series of classes ending with ‘Preschool Bound’ (2-2.5 yrs). In addition to guided discussion facilitated by a child development specialist and parenting expert, classes feature short segments of music, movement, story time, art and sensory activities, as well as cooking. This is such a great way for new parents to feel less isolated during this exciting but often isolating and intimidating time of a new parent’s life while offering a a great opportunity to learn about your baby’s development as s/he grows.

Membership at NEST is available in two levels Green and Purple offering two levels of membership privileges and pricing options. If you’d like to give membership a try, NEST is offering a special trial for phillyfun4kids readers for just $20 for a month. Why not get a trial for August for just $20 and beat the heat and unpredictable weather by always having somewhere to go inside and play if you want?! To take advantage of this special offer, just email NEST Ambassador, Jessica at jessica@nestphilly.com or call her at (215) 545-6378 to sign up for your discounted month of membership.

FREE OFFER: And as an exclusive offer for phillyfun4kids readers, NEST is offering you all a FREE DAY PASS to try out NEST for yourselves. If you use your free daypass before Oct. 1st you’ll even be entered in a giveaway to win a free annual membership to NEST, too. To redeem this offer, simply print out, show or mention this coupon below.

If you do try out NEST, I’d love to hear your experiences there and hope you have as much fun as we did!

Disclosure: I was provided with a free sample music class and play experience for my children and complimentary lunch to come and try out NEST. As always, all opinions about incredible family fun places in Philly being the best thing ever for moms and dads looking to get their kids out for some fun and learning are our own.