Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in seattle, WA

No April Fools Here!

by Bethany Dunn

April 02, 2009

It's sort of tradition to have cruddy weather during Spring Break in Seattle; and this week has been no exception. My son and I traveled to Idaho to visit family and were greeted by five fresh inches of snow once we arrived. On Wednesday, we ventured back over the snowy Cascade Mountains and were greeted by snow falling in the greater Seattle area.

Ah, April Fool's Day. But, no, REALLY, it happened.

Welcome to Spring in Seattle.

The weather may not be cooperating, but there is still plenty to do now that Spring has sprung (at least on the calendar).

Have a love of alpacas? Head over to the Puyallup Fair Grounds for ALPACAPALOOZA! This free event will feature live alpacas in competitions, demonstrations and more. All day Saturday and Sunday.

It's April - which means it's time for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Other than all the gorgeous tulips to view, there are a lot of family friendly events and activities to enjoy. 

Have a Tuesday music break at the Mercer Island Public Library for Songfest! Your preschooler can dance and sing away their morning energy with performer Patrick Doherty.

And, don't forget, Whirligig at Seattle Center runs through April 12!  Read more...

The Sun is Out, but the Snow May Be On Its Way.

by Bethany Dunn

March 05, 2009

Snow or no snow...spring is just around the corner - I can FEEL it. Here's some great ways to get through another week while waiting for spring to arrive.

This Friday is Free First Friday Concert night at Music Works Northwest (the non-profit community music school). This month will feature Linda Bailey and Klaus Liebetanz performing family-friendly flute duets. Admission is free.

Want something to do together as a family? The Bellevue Family YMCA is hosting a Family Fun Night on Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm - open to the public ($5 for non members). You and your children can enjoy craft projects, gymactivities and swimming.

Go celebrate Dr. Suess' 105th Birthday on Saturday at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park from pm 9:00 - 11:00 am. There will be entertainment, crafts, stories, and, OF COURSE, green eggs and ham!

The City of Kent is hosting Kent Kids' Arts Day on Saturday at the Kent Commons. Artists will guide your little Picasso through a variety of hands-on art experiences. You can also take a brake from all the art and listen to live entertainment all day.

Not ready to give winter up yet? Hold on by enjoying Preschool Skate (Monday through Friday, 11:00am - 3:00 pm) at Castle Ice Arena - free is a great price!  Read more...

Welcome to March!

by Bethany Dunn

February 26, 2009

I can't believe it snowed again, can you? My kids don't even blink and eye seeing snow on the ground, it's just like it happens all the time now.

No worries, though, the snow should be gone by the weekend and none is expected next week. Whew.

Now what to do....

Town Hall Seattle brings you their Saturday Family Concert Series - this weekend featuring Thomas Arthur, Lyrical Juggler. Just what is "lyrical juggling??" Thomas Arthur integrates juggling, music and storytelling into one fantastic show sure to entrance adults and children alike. Shows are at 11am and 1pm; tickets are required, but children under 12 are free.

Salsa comes to the Covington Public Library when The Supersones present The Roots of Cuban Music on Saturday from 3-4pm. Come prepared to learn about its history and, of course, DANCE.

Looking for just music, hold the juggling? Then head to the Mount Baker Neighborhood Community Club - Eric Ode will be performing on Saturday at 10:30am. He's a singer/songwriter who is perfect for your preschooler.

For four days, Pacific Science Center will be hosting Polar Science Weekend, through March 1. You'll be able to step in a REAL research hut and participate in polar bear crafts. Plenty to entertain the youngest and oldest in your household.

And Monday is Dr. Suess' Birthday! Celebrate at home with some green eggs and ham and then head out to one of the many libraries that are offering their own celebrations. Check with your local library system for options.  Read more...

Get your music on in Seattle.

by Angie McDonald

February 24, 2009

Exposing our kids to music early in life benefits them in all sorts of ways. Who wouldn't want their child to have more neural connections, better focus and improved ability to control their body?

Seattle, as luck would have it, boasts all sorts of opportunities for musical enrichment.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Musical Storytelling from Seattle Symphony's Soundbridge. This class is geared for children ages 2 to 5. They'll read a story, play music that relates to the story, sing songs, engage in musical games and often see and play symphonic instruments as well.

The New Eden Music Academy nestled in the Magnolia neighborhood offers Musikgarten in the form of classes such as Playtime and Together Time for ages 16 months to 5 years-old and nurtures beat competency and tuneful singing.

The Music Center of the Northwest gives you several options from which to choose. From the Internationally recognized early childhood program Music Together, to Musikgarten, you can find a class to suit your schedule just off Aurora in North Seattle. 

Sunshine Music Together offers mixed ages classes from birth to 5-years and focuses on informal, non-performance-oriented musical experiences. They have Lynnwodd, Redmond and Woodinville locations.

And you can find a Kindermusik program in the unique venue of West Seattle's Kenyon Hall where pianist Louis Magor incorporates playing, singing, dancing, listening and instrument playing. For infants through six-year-olds.

Concert Review: Juggletunes with Linda Severt.

by Bethany Dunn

January 27, 2009

I don't just write this Seattle Savvy blog: I LIVE IT, too. Other than bringing the best of the fun activities and insights to you, the parents of Puget Sound preschoolers, I can figure out what will fill the days of OUR life. Because goodness knows there are lots of hours that fill those days. And naps only take up so many of them. So last Saturday, my kids and I headed to the Shoreline  Read more...

Flat Stanley is coming!

by Bethany Dunn

January 14, 2009

Ever heard of Flat Stanley ? I hadn't until recently, but now I'm hooked. Flat Stanley is the main character in a series of books authored by Jeff Brown. The first was published in 1964, and the books tell the story of Stanley's adventures after becoming "flat". Just how he becomes flat is a story unto itself. Stanley and his younger brother, Arthur, receive  Read more...

Have you checked out Live at the Green Bean?

by Bethany Dunn

January 07, 2009

Located on 85th near Greenlake sits a special little coffee spot called Green Bean Coffeehouse. Not your basic high-volume stark coffee establishment, Green Bean is actually a non-profit cafe, one set forth as a "vehicle for the creation of community" in their Greenwood neighborhood. The actively support and are a part of the Greenwood Neighborhood Advancement organization.  Read more...

Bellevue's Magic Season.

by Bethany Dunn

December 08, 2008

This year marks the 12th year that the Bellevue Downtown Association has sponsored Bellevue's Magic Season. Held traditionally beginning the day after Thanksgiving into the new year, the Magic Season will run until January 11, 2009, giving you plenty of time to head to the Eastside to experience all the magic the festival has to offer. What I'm looking forward to the most? Each evening at  Read more...

Five classic Seattle holiday activities.

by Bethany Dunn

December 02, 2008

Welcome to December! The holidays have officially begun! There is so very much to see and do this month in Seattle (with many more activities to be highlighted in the upcoming days), so I wanted to give you the top five classic Seattle holiday opportunities to get you in the holiday mood. Still need your Christmas tree (I know we do!)? There's still time to enjoy the classic tree "hunting"  Read more...

November is here!

by Bethany Dunn

October 30, 2008

Halloween is LITERALLY (and finally!) just around the corner. And since it lands on a Friday this year, you have a TON of events available to celebrate on Friday evening . I'm guess that it is due to the holiday and the last weekend of the month that this weekend is slow on events. Like S-L-O-W. You've been warned. Local kids' music favorite, Recess Monkey  Read more...

The top fun family Halloween events.

by Bethany Dunn

October 21, 2008

Each Tuesday is list day at the Savvy Source, and today is no exception. Each Savvy city blog examines the same theme each Tueday: the top five ways to localize Father's Day or the top five places to see fish locally , for example. And this week all Savvy city blogs are covering the top Halloween events around town and for the VERY FIRST TIME EVER I am making an exception and including SIX  Read more...

Welcome to October!

by Bethany Dunn

October 02, 2008

Researching and writing these weekly weekend activity picks has become one of my favorite things about writing for Seattle Savvy. I am amazed about the many fun family events that are available each weekend in and around Seattle. More times than not, my research informs what my family will be doing that particular weekend. This makes me all the more bummed that I will be out of town this  Read more...

Product Review: Leapfrog's Learn & Groove Piano.

by Bethany Dunn

September 29, 2008

When offered the opportunity to review a new Leapfrog product, I jumped at the chance to take a new toy for a spin. Don't worry, I let my kids play, too. My children have received several Leapfrog products in the past and they have always been well received by them and us alike. I received the Leapfrong Learn & Groove Piano, and before I could get it out of the packaging, my 3-year  Read more...

The first REAL autumn weekend in Seattle.

by Bethany Dunn

September 25, 2008

The official start of fall, the autumn equinox, took place a few days ago on September 20. Now that the rain has arrived, there is no denying that the season has changed and we now must say goodbye to summer. But, we don't have to say goodbye to fun family weekend activities (THANK GOODNESS). And the really good news is that the weather should be looking up just in time for the weekend.  Read more...

The weekend is coming, whether you like it or not.

by Bethany Dunn

September 18, 2008

The outstanding warm September weather continues; though they tell us rain should appear by the time Monday dawns. Take part of the weekend (I know it will take me a while) to find where you have hidden yourpreschooler's raincoat in preparation for next week's school and activity adventures. Because, remember, real northwesterners DON'T carry an umbrella. Well, once you locate the raincoat,  Read more...

Warning! Another fantastic weekend ahead!

by Bethany Dunn

September 11, 2008

I'm happy to report that my family has settled into our new kindergarten and preschool routine. Both a plus and a minus of kindergarten is that my son comes home EXHAUSTED; not only is he not napping anymore, but the class schedule is much more grueling (if that can be said about the lesson plan for a five year old) than preschool was. So our night routine is basically: come home, make and  Read more...

Getting out of Seattle: the car trip survival kit.

by Bethany Dunn

August 22, 2008

The kids and I are heading over the mountains and through the woods tomorrow to visit family. The whole trip should take approximately six hours; which includes stops and lunch. Gah. Here's how I'm planning to make the time FLY by. Well, as least not CRAWL by. Map your journey. If you're going somewhere you've never been to before (like me), be sure to have your route figured out. There  Read more...

Seattle weekend plans? CHECK.

by Bethany Dunn

August 21, 2008

We're heading out for one last hurrah this weekend - over to Idaho to visit family - before school starts and my son enters kindergarten (!!!). It will just be the kids and me in the car for about six hours (ONE WAY), so if you're hanging around Seattle this weekend, you're definitely getting the better end of the deal. Anyone want to meet for lunch in Othello at the Burger King around  Read more...

Things you must do with your children in Seattle before they grow up: Volume 5.

by Bethany Dunn

August 15, 2008

We greet you this warm Friday with volume 5 of our series "Things to do with your child before they grow up". For this edition, I can honestly tell you I have completed only ONE of these activities - can you guess which one? 21. Go camping on the Olympic Peninsula . Did you know Olympic National Forest holds an actual rainforest ? True story. 22. Bike across Lake Washington on the I-90  Read more...

What will you be doing this weekend? Here's your guide!

by Bethany Dunn

August 07, 2008

The summer weekends keep rolling ahead - one of the great things about living in the great Pacific Northwest is that summer (while late to start) really keeps going deep into August and September. And, lucky for us, that means many more weekends filled with fun summer activities. Here's your weekend guide. Picky eaters? Head to the Taste of Edmonds , where there is sure to be something to  Read more...

Trade your preschooler's kazoo for a summer concert.

by Bethany Dunn

July 22, 2008

My husband recently returned from a business trip that caused him to be away from the house for an entire week He brought them kazoos . KAZOOS. As much as I like to support my children's interest in music; I've had to set some rules regarding the use of the kazoos. The two main rules are nokazooing while someone in the house is sleeping (mostly for my benefit) and no kazooing in the car  Read more...

Gearing up for the weekend: are you ready?

by Bethany Dunn

July 17, 2008

I realize that I keep saying this OVER and OVER, but isn't this weather FANTASTIC? You can tell that we're deep into the month of July because there are so many events this weekend that are PERFECT for families with young children. So, take a look, there's sure to be something to please you and your preschooler. As for us, we'll be at the Shoreline Solar Fest - rumor has it, they'll get  Read more...

Three Days In and Around Seattle: Day 2, the Kitsap Peninsula.

by Bethany Dunn

July 09, 2008

The great month of escapes continues at The Savvy Source; yesterday was day one , covering the urban Seattle highlights. We started the day at the Seattle Aquarium , played at the Seattle Center , and shopped at the historic Pike Place Market . Whew. Day two of our "Three Days In and Around Seattle" series will take us west out to the Kitsap Peninsula. Your preschooler and friends are in for  Read more...

Five ways to make the most of your three day 4th of July weekend.

by Bethany Dunn

July 03, 2008

In Seattle, it's practically tradition that it rains on the 4th of July. So, it's sort of unprecedented that it will be somewhat sunny for the holiday for two, count it TWO, years in a row. Since you won't be stuck in the house with the kids all weekend, here's the best of Seattle area activities to get you moving. Enjoy Seattle at the WaMu Family Fourth . You'll find family activities  Read more...

Five songs to keep you dancing all summer long.

by Bethany Dunn

July 01, 2008

The longest day of the year was just over a week ago, but these summer days still contain plenty of daylight hours. And I'm always looking for fun ways to fill them. So, how about putting some of these songs on and dancing the day away? Because, sometimes, my son has got to ROCK.  Read more...

Events preview for this weekend: it's going to be hot, hot, HOT.

by Bethany Dunn

June 26, 2008

Even though the first of July is next Tuesday (!!), only in just this past week has it really felt like summer in Seattle. The beautiful summer weather should come to a crescendo this Saturday, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-to-high eighties. So if you're not headed out camping (like my husband and son are) or out to the beach; it would be a great time to slather on some  Read more...

Mozart, Moby or Miles: Seattle's own music man.

by Bethany Dunn

May 30, 2008

I'm sure you've heard of New York's Laurie Berkner , who burst onto the children's music when neighborhood moms started passing her bootleg tapes around the playground. But Seattle has it's very own children's music maestro in the form of Brian Waite of the Brian Waite Band. Brian started writing children's music in 1999 and formed his eponymous band in 2001. Since that time they  Read more...

The summer of music in Seattle.

by Bethany Dunn

May 26, 2008

It seems to be the summer of music in the Seattle area; with a variety of options for free or low cost concerts for you and your family to enjoy. City of Shoreline Summer Lunchtime Concert Series . They have many choices for you to enjoy; from jazz, polka or steel drum - they've got it. They are scheduled for Wednesday at lunch - a perfect way to get through "hump day". Bring your  Read more...