2 for 1 Bargains - not just for twins in Seattle

As a Seattle parent of multiples -- or a parent anywhere for that matter, you are probably already seeking out 2-for-1 deals, twin bargains, or savings all around!

Now that I'm on my second set of twins, and my 4th and 5th children, I find myself with so little time to scour the internet, so when I find good deals like these, I want to share with parents of multiple kids first!

You can sign up for these sites for any city, not just Seattle. They all have GREAT customer service policies and excellent refunds should you not like the deal you bought. Tested by yours truly.

Groupon is most famous perhaps.

Tippr is newer, but really great deals have come from this site, including meals, massages, hair salons and more.

LocalTwist is adding more cities every day. Remember, you can sign up and change your city any time.


Mamapedia isn't just for mamas, but it does have tons of parent-friendly bargains and again, a fab customer service department.

Let me know if you try any of these, and what you think!

Urban Nature anyone?

Seattle Parks offers some fantastic, and did we mention, FREE, events you can do with your kiddos. Upcoming on April 10th is a Celebration featuring Caspar Babypants!

Join Magnuson Community Center and EarthCorps for the first “Celebrate Urban Nature” event at the center, 7110 62^nd Ave. NE, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. 

Bring the whole family to enjoy:

• A tour of the Magnuson Park wetland, before the event at 9 a.m. 
• A free concert by Caspar Babypants, (Chris Ballew, formerly of the Presidents of the United States), who performs “simple good time sing along music for kids and parents to enjoy together.” 
• Birds of prey from the Woodland Park Zoo’s UP CLOSE program, which provides programs with live animals and keepers for classroom visits: http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=552. 
• A representative of the marine mammal division of NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration), who will talk about seals and whales. 
• Interactive booths and displays including Seattle Bug Safari, which keeps a bug zoo and provides education workshops at schools; Bats Northwest, and the Washington Native Plant Society. 
• Roving Reptiles, with their slithery collection of snakes, lizards, and more. 
• Art and nature activities, including a worm bin, nature crafts, a recycle art workshop, and a class on how to create a bird-friendly garden. 
• Nature-themed carnival games with nature-related prizes. 

Parks’ partner sponsor, EarthCorps, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build global community through local environmental service. An AmeriCorps affiliate, EarthCorps trains young adults in best practices for conservation and how to lead volunteers. For more information, please see http://www.earthcorps.org/

Time to plan to register for Spring classes -- not just swimming!

How about some indoor swim classes with Little One while we wait for the weather to warm and the wading pools to make their Summer debut?

Mark your calendars, set your Smartphone reminders and take note -- these classes fill up fast. You'll want to be on your computer at 11:55 with codes in hand, credit-card form fillers prefilled (you know, Roboform, 1Password, Google Toolbar...surely you have those set, yes?)

Make sure to sign up for your SPARC account ahead of time and you won't need to wait in line at one of the pools, you can do it all online.

Next, check out other classes like Tot Bop dancing or Little Tweakers sports!

Take a peek at Carkeek!

I recently wrote about Carkeek Park for Red Tri -- have you checked it out lately? Let me know what other great parks you love to visit with the kids -- this weather has been fantastic!

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We all know the northwest corner of Seattle offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, but tucked in between Crown Hill and Broadview is a fantastic oasis known as Carkeek Park. The unique children’s play area was designed by local artists, and boasts a giant salmon-shaped slide. Kids enter the salmon’s mouth, and come out the other end, landing in a huge sandbox. Kids can frolic on swings and seesaws, sneak through a hollow log, or play hide-and-seek amongst kid-sized shelters. Large grassy lawns and picnic tables will have you noting this park for Summer barbecues and parties.

Carkeek is also home to a wetlands walk, located just south of the train track overpass that leads to the beach—note that this bridge is closed for re-painting and will re-open on February 10.

You’ll want to save time to shop at Childish Things on your way home.  You’ll find a fantastic selection of new and gently used items and gear for Moms and Tots. We found this shop to be stroller and child friendly, with open spaces, a kids playroom and plenty of parking. Bring some gently-used goods to sell—we love that they pay cash on the spot, with no appointment needed. Check out their community events and mark your calendar for French and Spanish storytimes.

For your last stop, head down the street to super kid-friendly Luisa’s Mexican Grill to share mini tacos rancheros in a casual environment with fast, friendly service and large-enough-to-share portions—don’t forget this coupon.

Belltown with Bells On

I took my twins and toddler downtown this weekend, again, and was amazed at how much easier it is to navigate, even with a double stroller, than folks might think. I wrote about this for Red Tri - let me know when you plan to visit Belltown - it is really worth it.
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It might seem like ages ago that you and your Sig O shared a late night show or two at the Crocodile, but if you’ve crossed Belltown off your must-see list, thinking it’s more for the single or kid-free crowd, think again. With a bevy of kid-friendly eateries and tempting toy stores, we think you’ll be in for a full parking-meter’s worth of fun.
Rain or shine, start with a stroll along Myrtle Edwards Park’s waterfront paths– bring a trike or two if you dare. You’ll end up at adjacent Olympic Sculpture Park, where you can view contemporary sculpture pieces, and tons of plants indigenous to our Pacific Northwest for free.
Head a few blocks to the Belltown P-Patch (2516 Elliott Avenue) and teach Little One about one of many urban gardening opportunities provided through the City of Seattle P-Patch program.
Next, share a mouth-watering apple turnover (and grab some caffeine to keep up with the tot) at Macrina Bakery, and head on over to Schmancy Toys. This downtown Seattle mecca for those on a mission to seek out quirky toys has a slew of collectibles and even original art work for the grown-ups. Want to go beyond the basics for an original birthday gift? You can’t go wrong with a Zombee Toastee–made exclusively for Schmancy. Save time to savor asian fare at The Noodle Ranch (2228 2nd Avenue) or pop next door to Mama’s Mexican Kitchen — their funky decor, fast service and kid-friendly fare will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for naptime.