From Screen to...Green?

As the holidays approach, screen time is inevitable, but why not let the kids learn a little something, too?

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When it comes to kids and computers, you may be torn between handing over the mouse and keyboard, or shuffling Junior outside to get back to nature. Never fear—there exists a balance and we’ll show you where to start.

1. National Geographic Kids has been around since 1975. An interactive and appealing mix of articles, games, videos and activities for kids that focus on wildlife, science, technology, and world wonders, this site will have you thinking, too.

2. The Washington State Department of Ecology sorts out the nitty gritty recycling details, and includes some fun games to challenge you both.

3. The US Department of Energy features Tinker Bell guiding kids through some educational activities, including real action items for the home the kids can do together.

4. Holiday appropriate Treetures teaches us how important trees are to our environment. Seattle’s Saving Water Partnership features a nifty game to give kids—and parents—tips about household water conservation. Upon completion, they learn how much water they saved, rank their high score, and can print out winner’s certificates and an at-home checklist. 4.

5. Let’s wrap up with Kidsrgreen—a clever site that has games, songs, and links to even more sites for next time.

NOTE:  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers computer time screentime too. Guidelines and resources are available from the AAP’s SafetyNet site.

This post appeared in Red Tricycle 12-21-2009.

The Sweetness of Christmas -- Bonus, no calories!

You know it -- another goodie from Seattle's Red Tricycle. This twin-friendly event is especially fun for those that just feel overwhelmed with getting the kids in and out of the car. For this trip to Candy Cane Lane, you can all stay buckled and warm.

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Tree decorated? Check. Gifts bagged and tagged? Check. Next on the list? An evening drive filled with fantasy-like holiday light sightings with the family. Seattle is famous for a Ravenna neighborhood called—what else—Candy Cane Lane. A holiday essential since the 1940s, this fantastic neighborhood Christmas light display is located on NE Park Road, off 20th Avenue NE and Ravenna Boulevard, near Ravenna Park. Make a night of it—stop at nearby University Village for some coffee, hot cocoa and winter treats before heading off for either a drive or walking tour. Virtually every home in this area is adorned with every type of Christmas decoration imaginable — think holiday music, lights-a-plenty, sleighs, reindeer and usually a large display of mechanical decorations in the traffic circle island. We hear Santa makes surprise appearances periodically. Traffic flows in a one-way direction, and back-ups normally last only a few minutes. It is also possible to park and meander through the displays, so grab those parkas just in case. The festivities start this Saturday, December 12, and run through the holidays from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.daily. If you are feeling like a slightly less crowded event, Seattle’s Olympic Manor (Start at Northwest 85th Street and 23rd Avenue Northwest) boasts a similar but much more spread out array of fantastically decked out homes. For a hilltop view from afar, hit Queen Anne’s Kerry Park Viewpoint— gaze down upon city and holiday glitter, including the Space Needle’s topper.

The Colors of Christmas

Holidays, especially if you have more than one child, can make you start seeing dollar signs and shuddering at the thought of spending even one more cent. I wrote about this for Red Tricycle this week and had a lot of fun with my own kids coming up with ways to make our holidays greener. I hope you do, too.

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You may be dreaming of a white Christmas, but when it comes to a holiday so full of buying, wrapping, decorating and yes, waste, let’s take a minute to think Green. This doesn’t have to mean skimping on the goodies. Let’s start with the tree—while re-using an artificial tree works for some, you can also teach the kids about sustainability by buying and decorating a beautiful, living tree. Kid-friendly Molbak’s Garden and Home will help you decide on a perfect tree, with advice on potted-year-round, or plantable options. Collect recycled or handmade decorations — kids will love creating garlands of berries or leaves. LED lights use far less energy than traditional ones, and you can even get solar lights. Next, the gifts. Host a toy swap playdate, and enlist the kids’ help fashioning reusable giftwrap from organic linens. Of course, new gifts aren’t taboo, but consider environmentally friendly, kid-safe products—check Top Ten Toys for great ideas.  Instead of sending out cards, consider caroling together to a select group of friends’ houses. For holiday parties, turn to recycled or compostable place settings, and locally grown, organic edibles. If you didn’t get a chance to hit a local tree farm, or you’ve already picked up that pre-cut tree, never fear. Both King County and the City of Seattle offer Treecycling. Wrap up the holidays with an educational trip to a farm that practices green farming, such as Carnation Tree Farm, to learn first hand about recycling your tree.

Summer memories, from Lakes to Ice Cream

You may think of the 164th exit on I-5 as home to Wal-Mart, and with multiple kids, that might be a smart bet for Diapers and more. But think again, my latest Red Tricycle blurb shows some other super-kid-friendly options!

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If winter has you feeling a tad cooped up, yearning for those summer days you spent lingering by the lakes, we’ve got a perfect solution.  Pack up the kids and head to Lynnwood’s Martha Lake neighborhood. First stop, Martha Lake Park. This often-overlooked gem features a serene fishing dock, as well as boardwalks through wetlands where the kids can feed the ducks. Plenty of parking borders the fully fenced play area. Work up an appetite and then cross the street to mom-owned Kidz-N-Coffee. This recently-opened cafe provides affordable on-site childcare for tots while grown-ups sip espresso, snack on goodies, and maybe even get some online holiday shopping done—mention Red Tricycle to save a buck off the hourly rate! Little ones will enjoy kid-friendly fare at pint-sized tables. We love that Kidz-N-Coffee allows PEPS groups or private parties to make reservations ahead of time. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec 19th, when Kidz-N-Coffee has their holiday party—enjoy a visit with Santa, pictures and art projects. Refreshed and ready for more adventures? Teach the kids about gardening and winter plants at nearby Emery’s Garden. Featuring classes and seminars on winter favorites such as wreath making, container gardening and holiday bow making, you just might end up with some holiday gifts! As you wrap up your lake adventure, hit one of the many drive-thru espresso stands peppering the Martha Lake area. Hot Shots espresso tops the list, featuring not just coffee drinks, but also delicious ice-cream, making for a summery trip down memory lane.

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Julie and KidzNCoffee is really a fan of multiple kids, and is expecting her second next year!

Time to hit the Tree Farms

I had a lot of fun searching for tree farms, while writing this piece for Red Tricycle. There are many farms in our area, so I hope you'll let me know what other favorites are out there!

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Whether you celebrate a tree-decorating holiday, or just want some good old fashioned fun with the kids, a tree farm is sure to have something for all. The Northwest is peppered with fantastic farmlands, and we’ve highlighted a few favorites. First, there’s the centrally located Christmas Creek Farm. Just 30 minutes from both Seattle and the Eastside, you’ll find it well worth the drive. This quaint farm boasts Santa in a sleigh, and free cider or cocoa around the bonfire. Seattle parents also rave about Trinity Tree Farms, nestled on a hilltop in Issaquah. Their new train rides are a surefire hit. Take some photos near the antique fire engine for some adorably quaint holiday cards. For a fun and educational twist, head down south to Tree’s n Bees—an Auburn farm that also features honeybees year-round. Let the kids frolic in the play area with Mrs. Claus while you pick up some holiday gifts—homemade honey’s always a hit. Feel like heading north? You won’t want to miss hay rides and free candy canes at Holiday Forest. Still yearning for more? Visit the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association—a non-profit organization that organizes all our local farms, as well as the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.

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Twin-friendly options exisit for all of these farms -- big bathrooms, double-stroller paths and more.