What's Happening This Week for Babies & Toddlers (Aug 23-29, 2010)

The Mark Whitman Band (Music in the Park Series)
Magnolia Playfield
Wednesday, August 25th 6pm
These family friendly summer concerts are a great option for a weekday picnic and give children the option of playing at one of the most toddler friendly parks in Seattle.

Dizzy Bus Stop’s 1st Annual Carnival
Saturday, August 28th, 10am - 3pm
Entry fee is $0.50! For that kids can enjoy pony rides, a bouncy house, the tumblebus, a trampoline, clowns, games, face painting and more!

Big Day of Play at Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Saturday, August 28th, 9:30 am – 5pm
Free! Options for little ones include learning about healthy foods and live music

Tracks & Trains Week at KidsQuest Museum
August 23rd – 28th
If your child is into trains, this is the place to be!

Dinner & a Show with the Brian Waite Band at KidsQuest Museum
Saturday, August 28th, 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Come listen to a fund children’s band and enjoy pizza and lemonade. The cost is $10 plus $3 for food & drink.

Favorite Playgrounds for Babies & Toddlers

There are soooo many great playgrounds in Seattle but not all are really ideal for babies and toddlers. Parks with baby swings and/or smaller toddler-size climbing apparatuses can be challenging to find. Unfortunately Seattle Park's webpage doesn't indicate which parks are best for the two and under crowd so I wanted to post a list of the parks I've found so far:

East Queen Anne Playfield - a cozy neighborhood playfield with a wonderful wading pool that is just the right size for toddlers and infants.  There are benches all around the wading area so you can sit and watch your children play.  There is also plenty of shade in summer in the water area but the play equipment can get pretty hot.

West Queen Anne Playfield - this park offers both a full sized play area with slides and climbing areas as well as a separate toddler sized one.  There is  a sandbox, baby and regular swings and a merry-go-round.  The ground is soft and bouncy so it is a very safe place for new walkers.  This park was recently remodeled and is an exceptional spot to come with babies and toddlers.

Magnolia Playground - Located in one of the safest areas in Seattle, this park offers endless options for babies and toddlers, ranging from toddler sized play equipment, regular sized play equipment, baby & toddler swings, spinning chairs, a sandbox and more.  In summer it is not unusual for different children's performers to give free concerts in the park. 

Green Lake Playground - this very popular park offers lots of options for toddlers, babies and older children and is close to the community center which offers an indoor play room for infants as well.  It offers climbing structures, swings, and a wading pool with views of the lake.  Set alongside of beautiful Green Lake, this park is very popular and can get a little crowded.  However, with lovely walks around Green Lake, an nearby indoor play area, tons of coffee shops and ice cream parlors and great people watching, this is a great playground to keep both children and parents entertained.

Madison Park Playground - What's not to love about a playground with a zip line, tons of slides that are easily accessible by toddlers (it's amazing how many playgrounds make getting to the slides necessitate walking across ropeways or worse) and lots of play gyms.  Located along Lake Washington on a gentle hill by numerous shops and restaurants, you can take a lovely walk to the beach, check out the latest fashions at one of the many baby boutiques or simply enjoy the stunning views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier. 

Ella Bailey Park - hidden in the middle of a neighborhood, this park offers breathtaking views of Seattle that give Kerry Park a run of its money.  It is a great spot for a picnic and while it lacks swings, it offers great play equipment for both older children and toddlers.

Webster Playground - located in Sunset Hill (Ballard), this park offers swings, climbing structures, slides, and sand play.

Magnuson Park's Junior League Playground - with a 20,000 square foot playground, you can find climbing structures, a sandbox, slides, swings and more. 

Wallingford Playfield - another park offering play structures for babies, toddlers and older children, this park offers rubber ground areas that are great for new walkers, slides, swings, a merry-go-round and a wading pool.  My only hesitation with listing this park is the apparent increase in crime lately in and around the park.

There are a few parks I haven't gotten the chance to see yet.  If anyone has any feedback on these or other parks good for the two and under crowd, please let me know: Montlake Playfield ("Tot Lot"); Rogers Playground (Eastlake);

Private Deisgner Sample Websites for Parents

A relatively recent phenomena, private online shopping clubs offer both access to hard to find products as well as significant discounts on high quality products. I have found everything from an Italian line (that I’ve still not found anywhere else) to 40-70% discounts on everything from Tea to Melissa & Doug. The sales generally last between 36 to 60 hours and can introduce you to a wide variety of designers.

Private Designer Sample Shopping Websites

TheMiniSocial.com – this is my favorite. They offer samples of designer baby and maternity goods including Tea, Maclaren, Ciocilli, Melissa & Doug and more. The founders are two Moms from Los Angeles with backgrounds in the fashion industry. Everything on their website is the height of quality and they offer some amazing deals. They generally have 5 active sales at a time and the sales usually last a couple of days. As an example, today they have baby/toddler polo shirts by EGG for $17 that are regularly $38 and dresses by Cupcake & Pastries at $32 that are regularly $64.

HauteLook.com – with sales for Women, Men, Beauty, Home and Kids, they generally offer about 3 children’s sales at a time. As an example, today they are offering Men’s Diaper Bags by DadGear at $49 that are regularly $80 and toddler dresses by Hudson Threads at $30 that are regularly $83.

Gilt.com – this website offers designer sample sales for Women, Men, Home, and Children. Their children’s offerings are usually limited (1-3 designers at a time) but their quality is excellent. As an example, today they are offering Kicky Pants romper and blanket sets at $34 that are regularly $68.

Totsy.com - offering around 5 sales a day, Totsy's sales last 48-72 hours and are up to 70% off.  Items tend to be focused on children 0-7 years of age.  Today they have Lillebaby Carriers for $72 that are regularly $120 and onesies from Soy Babies Pukies for $7.20 that are normally $12. 


Zulili.com – with the largest selection of sales, they offer approximately 17 designers at a time. Their sales last 72 hours and they have news sales every day. An example of their sales is dresses from La Fete for $29.99 that are regularly $58, Teutonia Car Seats for $129 that are regularly $225, and baby shoes by ShooFoo for $11.99 that are regularly $20.

RueLaLa.com - this website offers a mix of Home, Women, Men and Kids designers. They don’t always offer children’s products but they are worth checking out.

Groupon.com – for Seattle Moms, Groupon offers daily local sales which can be everything to $50 of food and drink from a local restaurant for $25 to entrance to the Seattle Challenge for $25 (when the value is $70).

Websites Offering Daily Deals on Baby and Children's Products

Babysteals.com & KidSteals.com– offers daily maternity, baby and kid products for sale at 50-80% off. Sales open at 9am and last until everything is gone. Today they had Boogaloo bottle packs at $9.99 that are regularly $20.

Mamabargains.com – sales are 40-80% off retail. They offer one deal at a time. When one sells out, another begins so there can be anything from 1 to 10 sales in a 24 hour period. Their products cover maternity to 10 years of age and you can follow them on Twitter or Facebook to stay up to date. As an example, today they offered Be Loved Maternity Bras for $12.50 that are regularly $25.

Oliviaplace.com – baby and children goods are 40-80% off. They offer several products at once. An example is today they offered a Tomat Organic Onesie for $10.80 that is regularly $27 and Weesqueak baby shoes for $10.98 that are regularly $21.95

KidsWoot.com – offering new deals every day at midnight Central Time, they offer one item at a time and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Today they offered Elenco Skin ‘n Bones Dinosaurs for $9.99 that can run around $31.

BabyHalfOff.com – New products are posted Monday-Saturday, at 8 am MST. Most products are focused at children under 10. Today they offered Bumkin Diaper Clutches at $10 that are regularly $20.

The Diaper Bin Trials....Is There Any Way to Stop that Stinky Bin?

Whether you go with the Diaper Dekor, Diaper Genie II, the Diaper Champ or the $320 Vipp 15 Kitchen Bin, chances are – eventually – you’ll begin the battle of the diaper bin stench. For the first six months you’ll probably be sure you chose the perfect pail – no smell, no problem. Then you’ll move on to solid food and you’ll gradually notice that your “oh so fresh” pail isn’t quite so fresh anymore. Here is a list of great solutions I’ve picked up that hopefully will help you with your own diaper bin woes. As for myself, after 9 months of mighty battle, I surrendered today and bought a new pail.

What's Happening This Week?

Free Nancy Stewart Concert Wednesday, August 11th at Magnolia Playfield! Children's artist Nancy Stewart is throwing a free concert this Wednesday at 6 pm at Magnolia Playfield.  This is a great chance for an evening summer picnic that will keep kids and parents entertained.

PEPSapalooza - this annual family music fest is sold out! If you are missing out on PEPSapalooza this year, on August 14, 2010 - remember it for next year and buy your tickets in advance.  For those still looking for tickets on Ebay or Craig's List, there are lots of great acts performing including the Not-Its!, Ian Dobson's Pan Leggo, Eric Herman, Johnny Bregar and Recess Monkey. 

Seattle Children's Museum Summer Outdoor Exhibit - the museum is offering a wonderful Summer "Lil' Green Thumbs" Exhibit!  This fantastic outdoor exhibit lets your children learn all about urban gardening.  Don't forget that Clifford the Red Dog Exhibit is Coming this Fall!

Tickets are on Sale for Nickelodeon's Storytime Live - Nickelodeon's Storytime Live is coming to Seattle in October and tickets are on sale now!  Your littles ones can see Dora, the Backyardigans, Wonder Pets and Ni Hao Kai Lan live on October 22-24 at the Paramount Theater in Seattle.  There are three shows a day (noon, 2pm and 5pm) so you should be able to find one to work around nap time. 

The Green Sheep at Seattle Children's Theater - Appropriate for ages 1-4, Seattle Children's Theater is performing the Green Sheep August 11- Sept 12.  We saw a free preview of the show this weekend and the room was filled with toddlers and preschoolers all squealing with delight!  Tickets are $16 for adults and children.

Circus! Science Under the Blog Top - Pacific Science Center's "Circus Under the Big Top" Exhibit is running from June 12 - September 6, 2010. 

How Much Do You Know About Washington's Child Rape and Molestation Laws?

Many of us were rattled in July 2010 when convicted child molester, John Cothern, was arrested in Queen Anne living only 500 feet from a school (in violation of Washington law). Although he was arrested for possession of child pornography, he admitted to having sex with 8 child victims. According to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, 800 sex offenders are released into the community every year.

Many people are under the impression that child rape/molestation includes any improper physical contact between someone over the age of 18 with someone under the age of 18? Unfortunately this is not the rule and the laws are much more complicated than that. First degree child rape or molestation in Washington State involves the victimization of a child under 12! Second degree is under 14 but over 12 and 3rd degree under 16. A child under 18 but over 16 is protected by little more than a Sexual Misconduct law that is limited to being a Class C felony or Gross Misdemeanor depending on the count.

Here is a summary of Washington’s laws: RCW 9a.44 Sex Offenses.  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9a.44

• 1st Degree Child Rape – Child is less than 12, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 24 months older than the victim. It’s a Class A felony. RCW 9a.44.073
• 2nd Degree Child Rape – Child is less than 14 but over 12, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older than the victim. It’s a Class A felony. RCW 9a.44.076
• 3rd Degree Child Rape – Child is less than 16 but over 14, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 48 months older than the victim. It’s a Class C felony. RCW 9a.44.079
• 1st Degree Child Molestation – Child is less than 12, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 24 months older than the victim. It’s a Class A felony. RCW 9a.44.083

• 2nd Degree Child Molestation – Child is less than 14 but over 12, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older than the victim. It’s a Class B felony. RCW 9a.44.086

• 3rd Degree Child Molestation - Child is less than 16 but over 14, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 48 months older than the victim. It’s a Class C felony. RCW 9a.44.089

• 1st Degree Sexual Misconduct – Sexual intercourse with a child over 16 but under 18, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 60 months older than the victim and is in some type of supervisory position. It also covers school employees having intercourse with an enrolled student who is over 16 but under 21 or a foster parent with a child over 16 but under 18. It’s a Class C felony. RCW 9a.44.093

• 2nd Degree Sexual Misconduct – Sexual contact with a child over 16 but under 18, not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least 60 months older than the victim and is in some type of supervisory position. It also covers school employees having intercourse with an enrolled student who is over 16 but under 21 or a foster parent with a child over 16 but under 18. It’s a gross misdemeanor. RCW 9a.44.096

Can Sex Offenders Live Near Parks or Schools?

In Washington State, high-risk offenders cannot live with 880 feet of a school or day care center.

Two great websites to check out are the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs http://ml.waspc.org/ and family watchdog http://www.familywatchdog.us/

Ice Cream! Ice Cream! Ice Cream!

What child doesn't love ice cream!  Here is a list of some fun places to cool down from the summer heat and give your little ones a taste of one of the best treats on earth.

D’Ambrosio – many would argue that this shop serves up the most authentic gelato in Seattle.  Offering Stracciatella, Pistachio, Nutella, Riccotta, Panna Cotta and more, this Ballard Gelateria brings exceptional attention to detail resulting in creamy and incredibly flavorful gelato.  http://www.dambrosiogelato.com/

Bottega Italiana Gelato - with two locations in Seattle (Downtown and Green Lake) they offer a number of choices including Stracciatella and their own twist on Salted Carmel (theirs has chocolate chips!).  The Green Lake location is just off the lake making it a nice spot to grab a scoop before enjoying a stroll.  http://www.bottegaitaliana.com/

Gelatiamo - if you're looking for gelato made by hand daily from someone who studied in Italy, this is the place to go.  The flavors rotate regularly and include Tiramisu, chocolate chip, pumpkin pie, and pistachio!  http://www.gelatiamo.com/

Fainting Goat Gelato – located across and down the street from Molly Moons, this is my favorite ice cream parlor in Seattle. I personally think it is the closest thing you’ll find to gelato in Italy. The owner makes the gelato one small pan at a time by hand. They offer authentic flavors cluding Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and Nocciola (Hazelnut). In addition, they offer the creamiest sorbets I’ve ever tasted and unique flavors including a spicy Mexican chocolate, salted caramel and grapefruit.  http://www.faintinggoatseattle.com/

Molly Moons – you can’t miss the two block line commonly flowing down the street from this small Wallingford ice cream parlor. Known for its unique flavors including salted caramel, honey lavender and bacon maple (yes I said “bacon”), they now also offer a mobile ice cream truck that travels throughout the city. http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/

Cold Stone Creamery – This nationwide chain has several locations in Seattle area. It gets its name from the cold stone that they use to blend their ice cream with various topping and fillings. Since you basically get to create whatever ice cream combination you want, it’s hard not to find something that will please everyone here. Best of all the offer child sized cones (3 oz)!  http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/

Cocoa and Cream – this very cute ice cream parlor is located in downtown Magnolia. They sell Snoqualmie Gourmet ice cream which is locally made. The shop is cozy and has a nice play area in the back. The candy pink colors and friendly staff make it well worth the visit.  http://www.cocoaandcream.net/

Scoup de Jour Ice Creamery – if you are looking for ice cream in downtown Madison Park, this is the place. They sell Olympic Mountain Ice Cream which is locally made. It gets very popular on warm sunny days with crowds visiting Madison Beach and enjoying the quaint neighborhood shops.  They don't appear to have a website so here is their address: 4029 E Madison St, Seattle, WA (206) 325-9562.

Tutta Bella – Many Seattleites swear by the gelato at this Seattle pizzeria with locations in Columbia City, Wallingford, West Lake and Issaquah. They generally carry lemon, chocolate, vanilla and Nutella (YUM!) The fact that this is among the most kid friendly restaurants in the Seattle area just makes it even more worth a visit.  http://www.tuttabellapizza.com/

The Scoop at Walt's - This very cute Sunset Hill ice cream shop offers Snoqualmie ice cream.  The neighborhood ambience and incredibly friendly staff lend it a small town warmth that is hard to match.  This is a great place to relax and enjoy the long summer days.  It's located at 6410 32nd AVE NW, Seattle, WA (206) 782-3920.

Full Tilt - this Columbia City ice cream shop offers what is arguably the most unusual collection of homemade flavors in Seattle including lemon lavendar, prickly pear, Vietnamese cinnamin, and peanut butter & chocolate with bacon.  They will also make you your own special flavor for private affairs.  Another fun feature is the collection of arcade games they offer at the 1985 price of only 25 cents a game.  http://fulltilticecream.com/full_tilt/Full_Tilt_Ice_Cream.html

Parfait Organic Artisan Ice Cream - you can find this ice cream truck in any of a multitude of Seattle neighborhoods, selling homemade ice cream made from scratch. Don't miss a chance to support this chef who is making an effort to offer something so original and fun as mobile top-notch ice cream!  Join them on Twitter so you can make sure to catch them the next time they are in your neighborhood.  http://parfaiticecream.com/

Old School Frozen Custard - Capital Hill sets itself apart by offering up some super nummy frozen custard, as opposed to ice cream.  Although you only have 3 choices each day (chocolate, vanilla and a specialty flavor of the day) many argue that the simplicity of it actually sets it apart.  You can follow them on Facebook to see their flavor of the day.  They are located at 1316 Pike St, Seattle, WA (206) 324-2586.

Peaks Frozen Custard -  the custard here is made every two hours or less in front of customers from local ingredients.  Like Old School, they offer vanilla, chocolate and a flavor of the day.  They were featured on the Food Network and are located half way between Green Lake and Ravenna.  Thursdays are family game night! http://www.peaksfrozencustard.com/

Mae's Cafe Ice Cream Shoppe - if you are looking for ice cream in Phinney Ridge, this is the place to be!  Offering Snoqualmie Gourmet ice cream, they make great sundaes, splits, milkshakes and floats.  http://sys118.is2systems.com/sys/nl/ai.esp?cid=bb46baa3a5b0a57e3daf9b873aa65f37&iid=3937&taf=0&show=12250&slot=&show_related=

Blue Bird Homemade Ice Cream and Tea Room - not only does this Capital Hill parlor offer homemade ice cream but they also serve up some totally unique Seattle flavors like Elysian Stout, Theo Chocolate Chunk and Stumptown Coffee.  http://bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com/2009/07/bluebirds-menu.html

Seattle's Play Cafes

Along with some of the best coffee in the country, Seattle's coffee houses also offer play areas for babies and toddlers which act as a great central meeting area for parenting groups. Here is a list of my favorites:

SEATTLE AND WEST SEATTLE CAFES

Serendipity Cafe - located in Magnolia this place is actually more than a coffee house, offering a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. They have a wonderful play area for children where your little ones can play while you enjoy your meal. http://www.serendipitymagnolia.com/

Firehouse Cafe - next door to the Gymboree in Ballard, this internet cafe offers a small play area where parents can rest before or after mommy 'n me class. I could not find a website for them so here is their info: 2622 NE Market St, Seattle, WA 98107, (206) 784-2911.

Mosaic Coffee House - you pay what you think your food or drink are worth at this unique Wallingford establishment located in the basement of a church. This play centric cafe is loved by both kids and parents. http://mosaiccoffeehouse.org/

Vios Cafe and Marketplace - in Capital Hill, patrons can enjoy either a cup of coffee or a Greek meal at the Vios Cafe which offers a large play area in the back. http://www.vioscafe.com/

Twirl Cafe - we are very excited to welcome this newcomer to Queen Anne which is expected to open late summer 2010. Make sure to join their site so you can get updates of their progress! http://www.vioscafe.com/

Coffe to a Tea with Sugar Rush Baking Company - I haven't had a chance to visit this coffeehouse yet but am planning to visit soon based on the recommendations I've received. They have a children's play area and apparently even offer mini cupcakes! http://www.sugarrushbakingcompany.com/

Cloud City Coffee - this Maple Leaf Community Coffeehouse offers a cozy atmosphere complete with good coffee, books, games and a children's play area. They also offer a nice menu ranging from breakfast burritos to BLT's. http://www.cloudcitycoffee.com/


EAST SIDE CAFES

Third Place Books - This Lake Forest Park new/used bookstore also contains the Honey Bear Cafe which is a Seattle staple. Coffee and other goods are on the second floor. http://www.thirdplacebooks.com/about


Tot Spot Cafe - This pay-to-play Woodinville play cafe offers a cozy home-like ambience along with staff couches for parents and plenty of toys for babies and little kids. For the cover charge they also provide and extra set of eyes (through staffers) watching over little ones as they play. http://www.totspotcafe.com/


Orange Blossom Society - another pay to play cafe, this time located inside a house in Redmond. They have lots of toys for the kids along with pastries, coffee and Wi-Fi for the adults. They also offer classes for kids in thing like yoga, art, movement, gardening, sign language and more! However, only the art and movement classes are for the under 3 crowd. http://www.orangeblossomsociety.com/class-descriptions.html

It is with a sad farewell that we say goodbye to the neighborhood play cafes that have closed this year including My Coffeehouse in Madison Park and Cafe O'Play in Univeristy Village.