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/

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.

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!

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).