New Seattle Cafe offers Twin-Friendly Coffeeshop -- and more

If you haven't had a chance to tot your twins over to check out Cafe O'Play, we think you should. Located right near UVillage, this new cafe has a bigger play area than any of our local kid-n-coffee types.

While they are still working out the bugs and kinks, if they fix a few quirky things, like a gate held up only by a small rope (EEK!) this will be a great Seattle resource for play-n-sip gathering place. I love that this spot is geared for the very young, to slightly older children as well.

You'll find a gated play area surrounded by tables from where you can sip coffee, munch muffins and even indulge in pizza and, yes, beer!

Parking is a snap -- plenty of access for strollers, large clean bathrooms and even fun scribbles on the walls from the former bookstore that occupied the space.

They re-open on Thursday and February is pay-what--you-will month.

Spending time on the screen? Why not go 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.

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).

Go West, West is Best!

When the sun shines, we all flock to Alki Beach, but West Seattle is scattered with plenty to do on cooler days as well. Start off by visiting West Seattle’s fantastic Fairmount Playground. Boasting a wide array of cool metal climbers atop a gravel base, with plenty of fields for ball chasing, you’ll burn off that morning energy quickly. If the rainclouds are looming, plan ahead and schedule a free trial class at the new Little Gym, which just opened this month. Ready for some tasty treats? Head to the nearby Coffee to a Tea With Sugar where the kids can romp in the toy area. Be sure to take advantage of the printable ‘free cupcake’ coupon online. Treat yourself to something scrumptious, from bakery treats to salads and wraps. Of course, organic coffees and teas await to perk up parents, too. Next, work off those sweet treats with a short walk to Curious Kidstuff. You’ll knock out some holiday shopping while the kids test out new toys at this West Seattle favorite for eco-friendly playthings– every toy in the shop has a USA General Conformity Certificate. They also offer Art classes and a fabulous space for a birthday party, so be sure to explore the entire store.

West Seattle is a parent-and-kid friendly area, whatever the weather. I wrote about some of our favorite spots for Red Tricycle. Check them out, you won't be sorry!

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Toys Toys Toys!

We can never get enough of toys for our twins, triplets or kids in general. I wrote about a new annex to one of my favorite stores, for Red Tricycle, and wanted to make sure all of you saw the news!

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Now that the holiday season is upon us, is there anything better than a family-owned eco-conscious toy store packed with all our favorite playthings? You bet—when the parent-owners open up a second shop. Izilla Toys has launched a new Wallingford Center annex, which made its debut last week. Izilla tells us this is a “holiday annex”— what better reason to tackle that holiday gift list? This location isn’t a permanent one yet, but we think Izilla will receive such a warm welcome, that they will keep it open year round. Stocked with oodles of the same enchanting goodies you’ll find at the other location — Playmobil, PlanToys, Haba and more. We were tickled to see the Wallingford Izilla boasts a huge collection of Uglydolls. Of course, they have some traditional dolls, too, and they’ve stocked up on wooden toys galore. Toy selections satisfy kids of all ages — from wee ones to your near-tweens. Stockings will need stuffing soon, and Izilla already has plans in the works for Santa photos. Wallingford Center is transforming one of their outdoor patios into a Christmas tree and wreath store — a perfect backdrop for those not-yet-in-the-works holiday card photos. So get ho-ho-hopping to Izilla!

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What other toy stores in Seattle do you love?