Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Seattle, WA

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Holidays - July 4

July Fourth, Seattle Style.

July 02, 2009

For the third year in a row it's predicted we'll have a sunny and warm Fourth of July (which is sort of unprecedented for Seattle, really).  So put on plenty of sunscreen, bring your ice cold water and have fun!

Enjoy Seattle at the Chase Family Fourth (pending the outcome of the lawsuit, of course).
Enjoy family activities and entertainment at Gas Works Park . Be sure to come prepared with your blanket and snacks, then spend the day enjoying games, facepainting, kite flying and other fun family activities. Be sure to look for Sound Wave - the Seattle Sounders official marching band.

Or head to the eastside to check out Bellevue's Family Fourth. Family activities start at 2pm and include balloon artists, magicians, jugglers, and MORE facepainting.

Enjoy your holiday through baking. My family will be enjoying a neighborhood block party and will be bringing this flag themed treat. If I'm able to keep it away from hungry kid tummies until the afternoon, that is.

Watch a parade - near you. Everywhere you turn will be a parade. From Edmonds to Bothell, and Issaquah to Enumclaw; there is bound to be one near you. Most parades are a part of a larger festival, so plan your trip with time to enjoy the entire experience. Get your best red, white and blue outfit on, grab a flag and enjoy the show.  Read more...

Keeping Your Family Safe on the Fourth of July.

June 30, 2009

Fourth of July is one of those great, family holidays that kids just LOVE. I'm not sure if it's the great food, weather, or the fireworks (probably some combination of); but my kids LOVE it.

Unfortunately for me - I have an unhappy experience to associate with the Fourth of July. And it includes an eye patch.

I was about 9 at the time (give or take a year or so). I was innocently holding a sparkler when, POW, a bit of it goes in my eye. And I had to spend the next two weeks sporting an eye patch.

Don't let this happen to you - or your kids - by following these simple guidelines.
  • Remember that firecrackers are illegal in most incorporated cities in the Puget Sound; be sure to check the laws in your area.
  • If you DO happen to light some fireworks; keep children at a distance. Don't allow them to handle the fireworks either before or after their use. And be sure to keep a hose or bucket at hand.
  • And fireworks aren't the only damage to be done on the Fourth of July. The improper handling of food (especially in warm weather) can cause illness - so be sure to keep the warm food warm and the cold food cold.
  • If spending the day out at one of the many public events around town (check back here on Thursday for a comprehensive list!), be sure to keep a close eye on your family. These will likely be crowded events - and it's easy to be separated in a moving crowd.
  • It's actually supposed to be a scorcher this Fourth of July - so while the kids are running around be sure they're drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Be safe this Fourth of July!  Read more...

Fourth of July is made for eating

June 29, 2009

It's 4th of July week! This time of year, cook outs abound. Here is one of our favorite barbeque sauce recipes (taken from an old issue of Better Homes and Gardens) and some tips on grilling corn on the cob.

 

Firecracker Barbeque Sauce

1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (in the Mexican food aisle, comes in a small can)
Nonstick cooking spray
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons full-flavored molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

For sauce, remove any stems from chipotle peppers. Place peppers and adobo sauce in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Set aside.

 

Lightly coat an unheated medium saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Cook onion and garlic in saucepan until tender. Stir in chipotle pepper mixture, ketchup, vinegar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.


How to cook Corn on the Cob

Soak your corn cobs (still in husks) in a bowl of water for 1 to 3 hours. (Really, there's no need to shuck silk and twine husks together like some recipes advocate.) Place on grill at low heat, turning often, like hot dogs. To evenly cook, make sure to keep on grill for 20 to 30 minutes.

Not only does the corn come out smokily delicious, but it's easier to shuck once charred.

Have a fun and safe Independence day!

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

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...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in seattle

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy seattle:
Angie McDonald, Bethany Dunn

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