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.

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!

Treats for your Sweeties

With Winter almost here, I've been longing for those summer treats. I wrote about a new favorite of mine recently, for Red Tricycle, and wanted to share it.

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What’s sometimes messy, changes daily, but isn’t a diaper? Have we “peaked” your curiosity? Better grab the kids and skedaddle over to Peaks Frozen Custard. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 —literally. First, choose one of three flavors, with chocolate and vanilla always being a staple. The third flavor changes daily, ranging from Crunchy Vanilla Fudge Royale to Lavender. Next, chose a size, and third, if you feel adventurous, select a topping or two to crown the creation. Or, let the Peaks’ staff create something whimsically appetizing to suit your mood. Naturally, you can have your caffeine, too, and get a fix at the coffee bar. Lure the kiddies over to a fully-stocked play area with quaint toys, books, a kid-sized table and chairs, and a real wooden rocking moose! (Bring your laptop, as free wi-fi is a bonus.)
Think we’re nuts to be touting frozen treats in November? Think again—warm, comfy chairs, a fireplace, cozy couches and toasty coffee drinks will keep you coming back all season. And to make up for all that decadence, Peaks takes care of the environment and our community by using local produce and products, compostable containers and energy-saving appliances and lighting. Our favorite? The recycled doors on the bathrooms! Visit their Web site calendar and plan ahead!

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Don't just live, Thrive

November is here, and you might be feeling a little overdone just thinking about the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays. I've got some ways to lighten the month up a little, and the first is a short summary of a local shop I wrote about for Red Tricycle.

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When Little One started solids, you pureed concoctions of the freshest organic produce, but now those delicacies been replaced by Goldfish and Fruit roll-ups. Recommit yourself to a healthy lifestyle, which can be made easier with regular visits to Thrive café. This locally owned shop in Ravenna (1026 NE 65th Street, #A-102 ) promises to re-spark your interest in all things green, with a menu brimming with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free items. Sip some freshly minted water from the cooler and shop for raw nuts and seeds from the bulk bins, or sip a smoothie (Coconutty and the flavored Creamsicle varieties tempt our tastebuds) and peruse the eco-friendly totes. Have time to sit with Junior? Then dig into a salad or a warm grain bowl. But Thrive doesn’t stop with instant gratification. Dreading the overindulgence of the coming holidays? Revisit your menu items by educating yourself with a class at Thrive—Have a Rawsome Holiday, and Pies and Cakes, both coming up soon! They also offer private tours and field trips, and even would love to visit local schools. This might be your ticket to showing your new preschooler, or your PEPS group, that there’s more to life than O-shaped cereal. Don’t just live, Thrive!

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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.