Spring is just around the corner...

Or at least it should be! All this rain have you feeling soggy and trapped inside with the kiddos? Thinking back on our favorite rainy-day parks, I remembered this piece I did for Red Tri -- one of the best rainy-day neighborhoods in my opinion.

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Ready to turn over a new leaf? Try Maple. Seattle’s often overlooked Maple Leaf neighborhood features several must-dos for tots.
Where to play: Start at Maple Leaf Park and playground. No soggy wood chips here—brilliantly layered gravel simply drains the raindrops and keeps kiddos dry if they take a tumble. With a mix of retro steel climber toys and newer gadgets, this park has something for all.
Fuel up: Next stop, a short walk up to Cloud City Coffee. Its open floor plan, comfy couches, free wi-fi and kiddie play area make Cloud City a perfect place to recharge. Enjoy their wide range of tasty kid and adult menu items. No time to sit? We love the coffee honor bar, where drip coffee is just a buck. Green tip: Bring your own travel mug, drop in a dollar, and head out for more adventuring.
Bonus: Get craft items at Beadworld or stop by the Northwest Puppet Center for a weekend puppet show or weekday Puppet Museum tour.
Possible lunch spot: Gluten-free and kid-sized pasta options available at Cafe Piccolo, or try Maple Leaf Grill.
How to dress: comfy walking shoes and layers, in case the weather gets nice.
Cost of trip: Inexpensive to moderate.
Approximate travel time: about 15 minutes north of downtown Seattle.
Online: Check out the Maple Leaf Life blog for current news and events and links to other nearby neighborhood blogs. Want more restaurant reviews, ratings, and photos? Looking for a kids’ book group?  All this and more is available at Maple Leaf Life.

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.