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.

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).

Get a Move On....

I was sorting through the attic in search of some old dress-up clothes, and found a few boxes we never unpacked when we bought our home here 12 years ago. This made me want to share a little eco-friendly blurb I did for Red Tricycle. Hopefully you, or someone you know, can benefit from these Seattle solutions!

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Whether you are moving next door, over the bridge, or across the country, preparing to bundle up those toys and treasures you’ve gathered over the years can be a nightmare. Shuddering at the thought of bug-infested boxes your S.O. picked up off Craigslist? Seattle now has not one, but two solutions to this pesky problem — enter Frogbox and karmaboxx.
Reusable plastic Frogboxes offer eco-friendly, shiny green moving containers, totes and wardrobes, while blue-hued karmaboxxes made from recycled materials are regularly disinfected and reused hundreds of times. Both companies let you order online and deliver boxes ready for you to pack — no assembly required. And talk about full-service—they’ll even pick them up at your new digs after the move.
In keeping true to their names, Frogbox donates 1% of gross revenues to frog habitat restoration, including our very own Woodland Park Zoo, and karmaboxx donates 2% to a variety of community-suggested local charities.
So, when your kids take over the home office or your start-up begins expanding, set a good example by enlisting these companies for your corporate needs. Motivation bonus: You can’t delay unpacking knowing the boxes need to be returned. Clean up those carbon footprints and get a move on—literally.
http://www.frogbox.com
http://www.karmaboxx.com/

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Pumpkin Party

This time of year, we are bombarded with Fall and Halloween ideas for the kids. Hard to pick, isn't it?

Do you love the idea of picking pumpkins and Fall-ish photo ops amongst the Halloween and October images you see everywhere, but hate the idea of a full-day event and way too much slogging through mud and bales of hay? Enter Fairbank Farm -- the perfect solution for all your pumpkin patch needs, just north of Seattle. This farm is very small, easily accessible, and for those of us with more than one child -- very stroller and yes, even double-stroller friendly! Wide cement trails wind through the entire area.

Fairbank features affordable weekday tours (minimum 8 students), led by wonderful staff who speak to the children in their most preschool-teacheresque voices, asking simple questions and providing tiny bits of kid-friendly information. Weekends are open for anyone to visit.

The day I visited the Farm, we ventured through animals a plenty, petting some, feeding others, and even saw newborn piglets!

The tour ends in a 'pumpkin patch', which is a delightful field strewn with tiny tot-friendly pumpkins just the right size to carry home and carve, or simply display as a happy memory of this event. Did I mention you'll be home in time for nap?

Ravenna is ready for us!

One of my favorite multiple-friendly areas of Seattle is Ravenna. I wrote about it for Red Tricycle. I hope you find some useful info here!

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Get revved up and ready to romp through Ravenna with your kids. The renovated Ravenna-Eckstein park & playground (6535 Ravenna Ave. NE) is equipped with the standards, but we think you’ll be tickled by bonus features. There are now ample cement paths for tots to trike before the sunshine becomes scarce. Lure older siblings with the elaborate rock-climbing structure towering over a set of ‘big kid’ swings a few yards away from the littles’ area. Tip: Show your S.O the pix you’ve snapped on your cell while Junior plays, and you’re sure to get some “me” time while he or she takes the kids to do a little climbing of their own. When pesky fall drizzles threaten, head indoors to the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center; the entire playroom has been renovated to include a climber with slides, and oodles of ride-on cars, motorcycles and trikes—perfect for the 0-5 crowd. Starving yet? Zip over to Bagel Oasis, or grab some tasty Mediterranean fare at Vios Cafe, nestled conveniently in the back of Third Place Books.  Let the toddlers snack and then dive into the enclosed, toy-filled oasis while you sip your espresso. Vios features a Kids Meze plate with grilled chicken, hummus and fresh fruit. Visiting on Saturday? Enjoy story time at Third Place.

Jump, Stretch, Play at SGA!

Seattle Gymnastics Academy opens a new location in dear old Ballard. Yipeee!

Offering classes of course, they also offer a drop-in indoor playtime in the gym. Expose your young ones, ages 1-5, to gymnastics as you escort them through the gym. Read about the rules here.

And check out what the gym looks like, in progress!

Indoor Fun at the Movies with Babies

With Winter here, I'm reminded of a story I wrote for Red Tricycle -- bring your twins to the movies and enjoy!

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As the Summer months become a distant memory, and record rains soak through even the sturdiest Seattle Gortex, many a seasoned movie viewer may be kicking the diaper pail in frustration -- especially after learning the local AMC 'Reel Moms' movie showings have been discontinued. If a jaunt over to the eastside isn't out of the question, Kirkland's Parkplace Cinema and Bellevue's Lincoln Square Cinemas offer satisfying indoor outings during their Parent/Baby movie days.

Parkplace runs all of their regular showings for their Baby Day (every other Friday morning) leaving excited parents the freedom to pick from any of the latest new releases. After the film, if Junior is zonked out from nursing through the entire film, zip over to one of the snack shops or get started on your holiday shopping at the neighboring boutiques.

Long to be waited on hand and foot? Lincoln Square Cinema offers you a bit of pampering with comfy, rocking stadium seating, and a full row where Moms can bring in strollers and park them to watch the movie. The 'At your Seat Concession' service assures you won't go hungry -- you'll receive a menu and a tiny pencil on the way in -- just fill it out and a concierge will take your order, and serve it at your seat promptly. The lights are raised a tad and the sound is lower at both venues, but the movie experience is a fantastic reminder that you can have a social life and keep up on the current flicks with Little One in tow.

Hint: Whether breast or bottle-feeding, consider bringing a nursing pillow -- you'll have plenty of room to toss it on the seat next to you when not in use!
Kirkland Parkplace Cinema
www.kirklandparkplace.com/cinema.html
Doors open at 9:15 am, shows start at 9:45 am every other Friday, $6.00
Lincoln Square Cinemas
www.lincolnsquarecinemas.com/
Doors open at 9:30 am, shows start at 10:00am every Thursday (excluding Thanksgiving)
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