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

It's Going to be Hot, Hot, HOT.

by Bethany Dunn

July 23, 2009

With weekend temperatures heading towards the mid-90s, you may want to do nothing more than lounging in your backyard in the kiddie pool.

Resist that urge! Here's some fun ideas to enjoy the weekend ahead.

Those in the south end may enjoy Renton River Days. Sponsored by Ikea, this festival has plenty of activities just for kids - from a Lego Playzone to face painting. And, of course there will be inflatables! 

The Tour de Terrace in Mountlake Terrace takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a parade, musical entertainment and plenty to entertain the kids - big and small.

Got an artist in the house? Then ArtRageous in Auburn is your place to be this Saturday. This event boasts over 30 hands-on art activities, plus musical performances and artists in action.

Food more your thing? Enjoy seafood? Then your family will be in HEAVEN at the 35th Annual Ballard SeafoodFest this Saturday and Sunday. And it's not just about the food, kids have their own set of activities to enjoy as well!  Read more...

Outdoor art abounds in Seattle

by Angie McDonald

July 07, 2009

The Sun Is BACK!

by Bethany Dunn

May 14, 2009

The sun will be back this weekend; and I hope you will be able to get outside to enjoy it (a little gardening perhaps?). If you're looking for a break, we've got some great ideas for you.

Did you know that the Seattle International Children's Festival is now called Giant Magnet? Well, it is and it NOW OPEN in Seattle (running until May 16). It then moves to Tacoma for May 17 and 18. There is so much to see and do at the festival!

This weekend may be just the time to break out your shovels and buckets and head out to one (or more!) of Puget Sound's fabulous beaches. Here are my recommendations for the best there is.

Got Elmo or Sesame Street fans in your house? There are a few tickets left to see Elmo's Green Thumb at Comcast Arena at the Everett Events Center this weekend. My preschooler and I will be visiting Elmo on Saturday and she's really looking forward to it.

Sounds like the sun will be hear to stay next week, so here's some options to take advantage of the fantastic weather.

And, since there should be lots of sun this weekend and the week ahead - be prepared!  Read more...

May Day: Seattle Style.

by Bethany Dunn

April 30, 2009

May Day is tomorrow, May 1st; and it's a great opportunity to share some fun, spring crafts with your preschooler.

While May Day is celebrated for many traditions and in many ways across the world; in the United States it is generally celebrated with the creation of May Baskets. The baskets are usually filled with flowers and then left at a friend or neighbor's door. The giver will then ring the door bell or knock and run away. If the receiver of the May Day Basket is quick enough and can catch the giver; a kiss is exchanged.

To me the day puts two of my favorite things together: flowers and crafts! Here's how you can have fun, too.

Make a May Day Maypole. Another fun May Day activity is the tradition of a Maypole. For this smaller version, you'll just need some ribbon or streamers, a paper towel roll and stickers.

No May Day would be complete without a May Day Basket. They are easy enough to make, you'll have enough time to make one to give away and one to keep. Another option for your May Day Basket are these made out of paper plates. So hard to choose, we may make both.

In France, wishing wells feature prominently in the celebration of May Day. Make one of your own and get your wishes (and coins!) ready.

Not up for a full-blown craft project? Then how about coloring some May Day themed coloring pages? Print these out and you're ready to go.

Enjoy May Day!  Read more...

Come On, Let the Sunshine In.

by Bethany Dunn

April 17, 2009

So many things to do this weekend in Seattle; so little time! My family is BOOKED UP this weekend: dance class, Little League, a family barbecue and two (count 'em TWO) children's birthday parties.

WHEW.

Hopefully your schedule has a little more wiggle room in it, so your family can enjoy all the awesome opportunities available this weekend.

(HINT. The sun in the forecast won't hurt either.

Hit up the Seattle Center to enjoy the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, from April 17-19. The event commemorates Japan’s gift of 1,000 blossoming cherry trees to Seattle in 1976 and features tea demonstrations, Japanese food and much more.

Do you "Do The Puyallup" every fall? Did you know they have a spring fair, too? Head south to gobble up some elephant ears and see some animals at the Puyallup Spring Fair.

On Saturday, YMCA's in the greater Seattle area are hosting a Healthy Kids Day. The event will provide information nutrition and education, as well as fun activities, including games and art.

Join the Earth Day celebration at the Climate Day for Kids at the Olympic Sculpture Park on Saturday. They'll learn about climate change and how their families can help reduce their carbon footprint. And since it's the art museum, there will also be opportunities to create art using recycled materials.

So, go on, get out there this weekend!  Read more...

Spring Break!

by Bethany Dunn

March 26, 2009

Next week is Spring Break for the Seattle School District and many of the other local school districts (including the one my kindergartner attends). My son and I will be hitting the road to visit family in Idaho (and, yes, I have Angie's recent post on traveling with kids bookmarked so I can use all her tips!).

Since this is our family's first experience of Spring Break as parents of school-aged children combined with the fact that my daughter's preschool doesn't take a week off, our expectations (especially for the kids) are especially low. But yours don't have to be! If you are not headed out of town to warmer weather (I'm jealous), there are still plenty of activities around town to keep your crew entertained.

Visit the Pacific Science Center to enjoy their annual Spring Fling from April 1-5. Included in the price of admission are visits from special animal guests, nature activities and even pony rides!

Want to keep learning? Then head to the Bellevue Arts Museum for FREE on Friday as part of their First Free Friday promotion.

Spring Break in Seattle means its Whirligig time! Just what is Whirligig? Well, it's a "wacky world of child size action"! The Center House is transformed with bouncy houses, slides and much more. There are also roaming clowns, face painting, and free entertainment. It runs for two weeks from March 27 through April 12. Want to miss the crowds? Plan on attending on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Have a great Spring Break and stay safe!  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...

Your plan for President's Day week.

by Bethany Dunn

February 13, 2009

It's a short week for most preschooler's next week - and some of you may have the whole week off. Here's how to fill it up.

On Monday, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) has a great admission deal; and you'll be among the first to see their new exhibit "The Art of Warner Bros Cartoons". You can learn how cartoons are made and view original cells from old-timeWB cartoons. It will be cool for your preschooler and you.

This weekend (through Monday!) your family can enjoy Northwest Trek's Kids and Critters Naturefest. The fun starts at admission - up to four kids FREE with one paid adult admission. Trams and activities fun all day and all weekend!

ALL WEEK is Octopus Week at the Seattle Aquarium. Daily there will be special hands-on activities for kids of all ages and you can watch divers interact with the underwater wonders throughout the week.

I've also noticed that the local library systems have plenty of story times available this week - go here for more information.

Now, just one word of warning - it's mid-winter break at several area school districts, so you may encounter larger crowds than normal, so pack extra snacks and perhaps a little patience!  Read more...

Things you must do with your children in Seattle before they grow up: Volume 8.

by Bethany Dunn

January 09, 2009

Going through our archives; it appears it's been quite awhile since we've added to our "things you must do with your preschooler in Seattle before they grow up". Uh, September to be exact ! We have had such a fun and active (and SNOWY) fall and winter, our daily posts have been consumed with current events. Time to play a little catch up - here's 36-40! 36. Ride the carousel at the  Read more...

It's raining, BUT...

by Bethany Dunn

January 08, 2009

...it's supposed to stop on Friday. I truly hope that wherever you are; you are warm and safe. Looking for things to do for your preschooler during our relentless rain storm? Here's an old Seattle Savvy post on how to have fun when the rain won't stop . Looking for things to do this weekend? We've got your plans right here. It's the very last weekend to experience the Adventures of Mr.  Read more...

Because I don't want to go shopping: Thanksgiving crafts.

by Bethany Dunn

November 26, 2008

Are you the type of person who heads out bright and early on black Friday to get the best deals? I, unfortunately, am not. No sale or, no matter how great, can motivate me to sit in traffic, crowd in the stores and wait in line. Nope; not going to do it. I don't even like to head OUT on the day after Thanksgiving to any place other than our neighborhood park or to  Read more...

Park Review: Olympic Sculpture Park.

by Bethany Dunn

November 25, 2008

The nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park is located off Pier 70 in downtown Seattle and opened in January 2007. The creation of the park, which is certainly unique within the United State, was the brainchild of Mimi Gardner Gates (the Seattle Art Museum Director) and MarthaWyckoff (trustee of the Trust for Public Lands). While the park opened with hoopla and celebrations, I was reluctant to  Read more...

Seattle by the letters.

by Bethany Dunn

November 04, 2008

In November, The Savvy Source's theme is "Because a Great Book..." and today in the local city blogs we're all looking at our city "by the letters". Here's what you need to know, see and do in the Seattle are "by the letters". A = Enjoy the sights and sounds of Alki Beach in West Seattle. B = Just a ferry ride away is the beautiful Bainbridge Island . C = Seattle Center , home to many fun  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...

What to do this weekend that has NOTHING to do with Halloween.

by Bethany Dunn

October 23, 2008

SHHHH! Today we are NOT TALKING ABOUT HALLOWEEN. This weekend guide consists of no Halloween related events and activities. Okay, I LIED, there is ONE Halloween related activity. But it should be super fun so I made an exception. This weekend in home to this month's edition of the ever popular Baby Loves Disco . You can pre-order tickets or purchase at the door, but whatever you do: put your  Read more...

This weekend guide practically wrote itself.

by Bethany Dunn

October 16, 2008

I was under the delusional belief that as the summer moved into fall and the weather cooled and the rain returned; my Thursday "weekend round-up" posts would become increasingly difficult to write. This has not turned out to be the case. AT ALL. Each week I discover more and more interesting events, festivals and workshops. And the roster of events for the upcoming weekend just further  Read more...

Fall crafts to keep your preschooler busy.

by Bethany Dunn

October 15, 2008

I had a friend in college whose mother would decorate their home for each season, and by DECORATE, I mean that the take down/set up for each season would take the better part of three days and that decorations would cover every surface in their home. EVERY. LAST. SURFACE. I distinctly remember my friend describing to me in detail the difference in the decorations between fall, Halloween  Read more...

Five Seattle spots that inspire imagination.

by Bethany Dunn

October 14, 2008

We all have some, no matter how little. Sometimes it manifests itself by turning a refrigerator box into a castle or sometimes it shows itself by how they can make a box full of Legos into a spaceship. Just exactly what am I talking about? Imagination. Imagination helps preschoolers learn about their world, cope with problems that occur, and assist them in the learning process.  Read more...

Make at home crafts: Halloween edition.

by Bethany Dunn

October 08, 2008

One of the joys for me as a parent is that we can experience the holidays, no matter how small, with our children. Further, we can use holidays and other events as learning jump off points for more fun at home (oh, and it helps burn daylight, as well). It's a great way to provide ideas and themes for crafts, treats, and meals to assist you in planning your days at home. Also: FUN  Read more...

It takes two: top five activities for your preschooler and a friend.

by Bethany Dunn

September 23, 2008

Some activities are better in numbers, especially for the preschoolers in our lives. I know my children like to share their favorite places, adventures, and experiences with their friends; and I'm sure yours do, too. Here's the top five activities for your preschooler and their buddy in Seattle. (Yes, my kids and I will say, "yes" to your invite.) 1. Visit a museum together.  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...

The littlest Picasso: art classes for your Seattle preschooler.

by Bethany Dunn

September 17, 2008

My three-year-old daughter, Sis, started preschool last week; and THIS week she starting bringing art projects home. (I guess the first week is an "art-free" zone? I have no idea.) Outside of the formal arts curriculum (drawing circles/lines, coloring pictures), our preschool often uses " found objects " for unique art projects. Just what is a "found object"? When used in an artistic  Read more...

The littlest Picasso: the naturalist painting experience.

by Bethany Dunn

August 27, 2008

I'll be the first to admit that I am no artist; I can barely draw a straight line. That said, I want to encourage my children to enjoy creating art - whatever that means to them: painting, pencil drawing and other interests. In order to make art interesting for both me AND my preschoolers, we have to be pretty adventurous. And most of the time that means one thing: FIELD TRIP! So, what's a  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...

Bringing the Olympic spirit home to your preschooler.

by Bethany Dunn

August 20, 2008

I believe my own personal fascination with the Olympic Games (particularly the Summer Games) began in 1984; as I watched my hero, Mary LouRetton , win the first ever gold medal in women's gymnastics for the United States. I'm not sure if it was the flag themed leotard, her numerous perfect tens, or Bela Karolyi yelling from the sidelines; but, MAN, I was hooked. (Gosh, do you remember  Read more...

Top 5 places to see fish in Seattle.

by Bethany Dunn

August 19, 2008

Our water journey continues during the month of August here at Seattle Savvy Source. This month, we've examined the best beaches in all of (greater) Seattle and the best places to learn to swim . Now we'll venture further out: to the oceans and the seas. Where, oh, where might we see the creatures that fill our ocean and our many lakes? Here's the top five water-life experiences for you and  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...

Making the most of the dog days of summer.

by Bethany Dunn

August 06, 2008

Were you aware of the true definition of the term "dog days of summer"? I figured that it related to the long, hot days in late summer; and as it turns out, I was mostly right. The Farmer's Almanac indicates that the "dog days of summer" are the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11. Looks like you've got some time to get some fun in! Make homemade ice cream . It's a treat with a  Read more...

Gearing up for another summer weekend.

by Bethany Dunn

August 01, 2008

No worries, friends, Thursday's rain was just a minor blip on our screen as we look forward to the weekend. (Okay, okay, there's a small chance of rain on Friday, but I'll believe it when I see it.) I even took my own advice and let the kids splash away in the afternoon rain puddles. Got plans for the weekend? Here are some events to help fill your calendar. Judkins Park in Seattle will be  Read more...

How to get the most out of your ventures out around town.

by Bethany Dunn

July 28, 2008

Here at Seattle Savvy Source, we have this habit of sending you all over town and the greater Puget Sound region: to museums, festivals, events and your very own back yard. And, for the most part, you can just pack up your preschooler and be on your way. But could some of these activities be enhanced by a little pre-planning? With a little extra work on your part, you can make your next  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...

Hitting it out of the park (Safeco Field, that is) with your preschooler.

by Bethany Dunn

July 16, 2008

Now that you know the grand history of Safeco Field , let's get down to the business at hand: how to make the most of your visit to Safeco Field with your preschooler. My husband and I have been to the field a handful of times with our kids; this includes the time he took 9-month-old Bubba just long enough to get the Ichiro bobblehead , then came back outside to hand him over to me to  Read more...

"History Lesson: Gas Works Park."

by Bethany Dunn

July 04, 2008

Since many Seattlites will be converging upon the city's iconic Gas Works Park, I thought it might be a great time to look back and piece together just how this post-modern creation came to be. Because, honestly? I had NO idea until I did my research, but it is as cool as a story as I thought it would be. Beginning in 1900, the Seattle Light Company began to purchase lots on the north  Read more...

Budding art critic: how to make the Seattle Art Museum come alive for your children.

by Bethany Dunn

June 02, 2008

You don't need to wait until your kids are school aged and reading to introduce them to art museums. There are great ways to enjoy the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) with children. The first step is to go to their website and click on "Kids & Families" under the "Programs" tab. There you will find a calender that lists all the children and family activities that are taking place at SAM.  Read more...

The littlest Picasso: introducing fine art to your young children

by Bethany Dunn

May 15, 2008

When your children's art projects consist of finger paints and macaroni noodles, you may think they are too young to appreciate "real" art. But, actually, 2-4 years of age is a perfect time to do so. Even if you don't know anything about art (me!), you can help expand you and your children's knowledge at the same time. Visit your local library and check out children's art books . Some  Read more...