A Castle, more toys, and pizza

When it comes to fun, we don't limit our searches to just Seattle. Parents of multiples in Seattle, or closeby, have a sure bet when it comes to a park I wrote about for Red Tricycle. Hope you enjoy the read, and the visit.

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No matter when the urge for a ‘Sunday drive’ hits, the entire family will love a trek up to beautiful Saint Edward State Park, located on the shore of Lake Washington in Kenmore. This parent fave sits surrounded by majestic trees and quaint brick and stone buildings. Kids of all ages will race to the brilliant playground, constructed in 2003. You’ll discover two all-wood play areas, including a totally-fenced area for kids up to age five. Older siblings will enjoy neighboring climbing/hiding structures with a medieval castle theme. Take time to stroll along one of several easy hiking trails winding through the woods, or down near the beach. Next stop, a short drive over to Snapdoodle Toys – they’ve got aisles of fresh-for-the-holidays toys for you and the kids to meander through. You’re sure to find a few holiday gifts in their enormous selection — from indoor, rainy-day goodies like art supplies and books, to get-moving gadgets including Wheely Bugs and Prince Lionheart bikes. Sneak a peak in Snapdoodle’s DoodleZone –a room you can reserve for birthday parties. Grab a free latte or cup of tea at Snapdoodle, or a full meal at neighboring Mia Roma, or local-favorite TaiHo. No time to sit? Plan ahead and give Kenmore’s Jet City Pizza a ring — pick one up to take home (hint: don’t miss the free pizza coupon on their Web site).

Go West, West is Best!

When the sun shines, we all flock to Alki Beach, but West Seattle is scattered with plenty to do on cooler days as well. Start off by visiting West Seattle’s fantastic Fairmount Playground. Boasting a wide array of cool metal climbers atop a gravel base, with plenty of fields for ball chasing, you’ll burn off that morning energy quickly. If the rainclouds are looming, plan ahead and schedule a free trial class at the new Little Gym, which just opened this month. Ready for some tasty treats? Head to the nearby Coffee to a Tea With Sugar where the kids can romp in the toy area. Be sure to take advantage of the printable ‘free cupcake’ coupon online. Treat yourself to something scrumptious, from bakery treats to salads and wraps. Of course, organic coffees and teas await to perk up parents, too. Next, work off those sweet treats with a short walk to Curious Kidstuff. You’ll knock out some holiday shopping while the kids test out new toys at this West Seattle favorite for eco-friendly playthings– every toy in the shop has a USA General Conformity Certificate. They also offer Art classes and a fabulous space for a birthday party, so be sure to explore the entire store.

West Seattle is a parent-and-kid friendly area, whatever the weather. I wrote about some of our favorite spots for Red Tricycle. Check them out, you won't be sorry!

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Toys Toys Toys!

We can never get enough of toys for our twins, triplets or kids in general. I wrote about a new annex to one of my favorite stores, for Red Tricycle, and wanted to make sure all of you saw the news!

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Now that the holiday season is upon us, is there anything better than a family-owned eco-conscious toy store packed with all our favorite playthings? You bet—when the parent-owners open up a second shop. Izilla Toys has launched a new Wallingford Center annex, which made its debut last week. Izilla tells us this is a “holiday annex”— what better reason to tackle that holiday gift list? This location isn’t a permanent one yet, but we think Izilla will receive such a warm welcome, that they will keep it open year round. Stocked with oodles of the same enchanting goodies you’ll find at the other location — Playmobil, PlanToys, Haba and more. We were tickled to see the Wallingford Izilla boasts a huge collection of Uglydolls. Of course, they have some traditional dolls, too, and they’ve stocked up on wooden toys galore. Toy selections satisfy kids of all ages — from wee ones to your near-tweens. Stockings will need stuffing soon, and Izilla already has plans in the works for Santa photos. Wallingford Center is transforming one of their outdoor patios into a Christmas tree and wreath store — a perfect backdrop for those not-yet-in-the-works holiday card photos. So get ho-ho-hopping to Izilla!

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What other toy stores in Seattle do you love?

Treats for your Sweeties

With Winter almost here, I've been longing for those summer treats. I wrote about a new favorite of mine recently, for Red Tricycle, and wanted to share it.

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What’s sometimes messy, changes daily, but isn’t a diaper? Have we “peaked” your curiosity? Better grab the kids and skedaddle over to Peaks Frozen Custard. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 —literally. First, choose one of three flavors, with chocolate and vanilla always being a staple. The third flavor changes daily, ranging from Crunchy Vanilla Fudge Royale to Lavender. Next, chose a size, and third, if you feel adventurous, select a topping or two to crown the creation. Or, let the Peaks’ staff create something whimsically appetizing to suit your mood. Naturally, you can have your caffeine, too, and get a fix at the coffee bar. Lure the kiddies over to a fully-stocked play area with quaint toys, books, a kid-sized table and chairs, and a real wooden rocking moose! (Bring your laptop, as free wi-fi is a bonus.)
Think we’re nuts to be touting frozen treats in November? Think again—warm, comfy chairs, a fireplace, cozy couches and toasty coffee drinks will keep you coming back all season. And to make up for all that decadence, Peaks takes care of the environment and our community by using local produce and products, compostable containers and energy-saving appliances and lighting. Our favorite? The recycled doors on the bathrooms! Visit their Web site calendar and plan ahead!

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Don't just live, Thrive

November is here, and you might be feeling a little overdone just thinking about the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays. I've got some ways to lighten the month up a little, and the first is a short summary of a local shop I wrote about for Red Tricycle.

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When Little One started solids, you pureed concoctions of the freshest organic produce, but now those delicacies been replaced by Goldfish and Fruit roll-ups. Recommit yourself to a healthy lifestyle, which can be made easier with regular visits to Thrive café. This locally owned shop in Ravenna (1026 NE 65th Street, #A-102 ) promises to re-spark your interest in all things green, with a menu brimming with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free items. Sip some freshly minted water from the cooler and shop for raw nuts and seeds from the bulk bins, or sip a smoothie (Coconutty and the flavored Creamsicle varieties tempt our tastebuds) and peruse the eco-friendly totes. Have time to sit with Junior? Then dig into a salad or a warm grain bowl. But Thrive doesn’t stop with instant gratification. Dreading the overindulgence of the coming holidays? Revisit your menu items by educating yourself with a class at Thrive—Have a Rawsome Holiday, and Pies and Cakes, both coming up soon! They also offer private tours and field trips, and even would love to visit local schools. This might be your ticket to showing your new preschooler, or your PEPS group, that there’s more to life than O-shaped cereal. Don’t just live, Thrive!

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