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

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Weekend Plans for When You're Not in Water or Melting.

July 30, 2009

All I have to say about this week is:

AGH.

MEH.

GRR.

It is just TOO hot. So hot, in fact, that my preschooler suffered from heat exhaustion this past Monday. It was pretty scary for a few moments, but now we know more about how to keep us all cool. Which basically revolves around drinking LOTS of water and limiting sun exposure.

While the weekend should bring us slightly lower temps - but still in the high 80s and low 90s - you'll still need something to do to fill in the times between dips in your kiddie pool. So pack plenty water and have fun!

What's summer without fresh blueberries? Come celebrate the local harvest as Bryant Blueberry Farm and Nursery hosts their Blueberry Festival on Saturday. They'll have pony rides, BBQ goodies, and, of course, plenty of blueberries to pick and enjoy.

It's Pioneer Days in Lake City! The fun will include a street fair, family activities and a parade! Rumor has it - there may also be a visit from the Seafair Pirates. Start August off right with a visit to this festival on Saturday.

You have a couple of opportunities to see Recess Monkey this weekend as they play two show around town. They'll be at Alphabet Soup Books in Wallingford on at 11am and at 3rd Place Books at 3pm on Saturday. The three members of the band used to be classroom teachers - so they know how to handle a crowd of kids with music and fun.

And remember, whatever you do, HYDRATE.  Read more...

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

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...

Sweating in Seattle.

July 21, 2009

This is one of those rare times that I actually wish I had central air. Staying cool (or not boiling) in our home requires a very specific system of timed window openings, fan positioning and popsicles. LOTS OF POPSICLES.

But in the end, it is just too darn hot. Too hot to cook, too hot to read, too hot to play, TOO HOT TO THINK.

So, here's the BEST of Seattle Savvy for summer. Reminders of how to stay cool in the heat of summer.

We have information on how to stay sane on hot Seattle days.

Yes, popsicles work well to cool down; but so does ice cream. Here's the best places to get ice cream in Seattle.

We pulled together a great list of things to do during the long dog days of summer.

Even MORE ways to cool off in Seattle.

We've found the best places to splash around and cool off.

And, if you are spending time out in the sun, don't forget your sun protections!  Read more...

My Name Is...

June 10, 2009

I love talking about names. I would have more kids JUST so I could name them. I even love to talk to other people about their ideas for their kids' names!

Some people like traditional names (Michael, Sarah). Some like new, adventurous names (Mason, Shyanne). Some people like to share their chosen name THE MINUTE the ultrasound reveals the gender; some keep their picks private until after the child is born.

In 2008, the most popular names for babies (according to the Social Security Administration) were Emma and Jacob; while here in Washington we favored Olivia and Ethan.

My husband and I are somewhere in the middle. We choose relatively different (but commonly spelled!) first names, and traditional family names (of relatives) for their middle names. We also kept our names to ourselves until after our children were born. We wanted to come up with their names on our own! We also wanted to reserve the right to change the name at the last minute in case the baby came out looking like a "Peter" instead of a "David". You never know!

Our children know the general story of their names - my son loves that he is named (his middle name, anyway) after his beloved grandpa and my daughter is just now learning about the grandma that she's never met and whose middle name she shares.

With the dawn of the internet came the many, many baby name sites - no book necessary! My favorite baby name site (which, sadly, was not around for the naming our our children) is The Baby Name Wizard. It satisfies my inner statistic-geek. The graphs of name popularity since the early 1900s BLOWS MY MIND. You can even map names by state! I had no idea that my name was in the top 100 for both Montana and Wyoming!

How did you choose your children's names? Did you share your choices from the beginning? Or make changes right until coming home from the hospital?  Read more...

How to Stay Cool When Seattle Warms Up.

June 05, 2009

The 90 degree weather earlier this week may have been good, IN THEORY, in practice it gave me hot and sweaty and occasionally crabby kids. The National Weather Service is warning us that the seasonal outlook for our region will likely bring us less than normal precipitation and higher than normal temperatures.

Not many of us have air conditioning in the Seattle area (if you are one of them, HELLO! May I bring my two kids over to play? I make delicious cookies!), so when the weather heats up for days on end, we need to get creative to stay cool.

So, what to do when things heat up?

Play find the AC
. Our area's local children's museums are all great places to stay cool. It might also be a great time to go to your local theater to see the movie the kids have been begging to see (I think my family is the last in the world to see Up!), hit up the mall and it's play area or enjoy a meal out.  Or go to the library and instead of just checking out books; stay awhile and read through a stack together. Just a few hours of cooling down may make all the difference.

Stay home, but play it cool. Work together to make homemade popsicles or fudgesicles. Fill a store-bought spray bottles with water and ice and spritz each other on your deck. Make your own ice cream.

Head out to the spray parks.
A ton of our local parks have spray pads and wading pools, where your preschooler can enjoy cooling themselves down (and tiring themselves out), while you sit in the shade, sipping an iced tea. In Seattle, just search here by park feature (be aware, several of Seattle's wading pools are closed this summer, until they can be retrofitted with a federally mandated draining system). On theeastside, Bellevue just opened their new spray pad at Crossroads Park. Metro Parks Tacoma has five sites ready to cool you down. And in Snohomish County, you may run into me and my family at the Willis Tucker spray pad. FUN.

But most of all, know that the heat wave will soon be over - as we never get many days of heat in a row in Seattle! And if you are outside playing (in the sun or shade) for any period of time, keep your kids slathered in sunscreen and keep them well hydrated.  Read more...

Bring on the Weekend; Bring on the Fun!

May 28, 2009

If this weather continues - we just may start expecting this! Here's some ideas - both indoors and outdoors - to keep you busy this weekend and into next week.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday head over to Edmonds for the Edmonds Rotary Waterfront Festival. They have an extensive schedule of children's events, with inflatables, duck races and music all weekend. Be sure to pack your sunscreen!

Pike Place Market is hosting their Pike Place Market Street Festival on Saturday and Sunday. They'll have plenty of food, music, and, of course, a KIDS ZONE!

Want to pick up from farm fresh foods this weekend? Saturday and Sunday, South 47 Farm welcomes you to their Fields of Green Farm Celebration. Who doesn't like wagon rides, live music, farm animals, food and your pick of fresh veggies and fruits? You may learn a little, too.

This past weekend marked the opening of the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit at the Experience Music Project. It features more than 100 pieces of drawings, cartoons and storyboards that illustrate Henson’s talent as a storyteller and visionary. Who else could have brought us Big Bird and Kermit the Frog? And don't forget -EMP hosts Family Days each month with free or reduced admission prices.  Read more...

Remembering Seattle.

May 18, 2009

Sometimes I find it hard to believe I have lived in Seattle for almost 15 years. In a few short years, the time I lived in Portland (born and raised!) will equal (and then be less than) the time I've spent here in Seattle. It seems so amazing, especially since I have such vivid memories of growing up there. We spent many days visit OMSI, seeing the animals at the Oregon Zoo, Little League games at Wilshire Park, and ice cream at Burgerville .  

These are the type of memories I hope to instill in my children growing up in Seattle. And these are the spots I hope they remember.

Exploring Woodland Park Zoo. I love that we are members so each visit we can focus on a few exhibits and activities; we don't feel compelled to cram the whole zoo into one day. Because it's not actually possible.

Beach combing at one of our many beaches. Growing up near beaches - both saltwater and fresh - I often forget that not everyone has such immediate access to all the fun and adventure a beach has to offer.

Camping our summers away.
It's true - I was never, EVER!, a camper until my kids entered the picture. Now, I don't claim to be an expert, but if even I can get out and commune with nature, you can, too. Our great state of Washington has so many options, from close-in spots with many amenities - to far off, truly rouging it spots, there is surely a location that will fit your family's needs.

What do you want your children to remember about growing up in Seattle?  Read more...

The Sun Is BACK!

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...

Five Signs Spring Is Here In Seattle.

May 05, 2009

Born and raised in the great Pacific Northwest, I have come to love (and respect) the rain. But, still, every year I look forward to the blooming of the daffodils and the advent of spring. Are you ready for it, too?

Here's five signs spring is here in Seattle:

1. Your preschooler can now wear their Keens WITHOUT socks. Sweet!

2. The tulips have finally bloomed! Sadly, this year's Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is now over, but put it on your calendar for next year.

3. Your kids start waking up at the crack of dawn, which is sadly now at 5:44 am. (Note to self: buy blackout fabric for the windows.)

4. Rain boots are now worn just for style preference, not practicality. (Now that you don't need them to wear their rain boots, that's all they want to wear.)

5. You actually start looking forward to the weekends - so many options when you're not stuck in the house because of rain!  Read more...

May Day: Seattle Style.

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...

Learning from Seattle Moms.

April 28, 2009

I started reading on-line journals a LONG TIME AGO. Like, before I had kids long time ago. Back before they were called blogs; when Dooce was just starting out (and before she got dooced!).

I've always steered towards the blogs of moms, even before I was a mom. In the years since, the best parenting advice I have ever read has been in the voices of other moms. They've been in the trenches along with me, dealt with the same parenting issues, and along the way taught me a thing or two. Along the way, I've stumble upon many great Seattle mom blogs. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hola, Isabel. No, she doesn't speak Spanish, but she lives in the Seattle area with The King and her Sweet Babboo (no, not THE KING, but that's probably just as well).

Good Enough. The title alone drew me to Eve's blog, as I always say my mothering mantra is "good enough parenting". What's not to love?

Sundry Mourning. Linda says the things that need to be said; and is not afraid to talk about the tough stuff. There are no rose colored glasses here, but GOSH, she's right on with her parenting insights.

Gang of Peanuts. You may remember them as Alphababy, but with baby number two here, it made sense for them to find a new name. Baby number two (Lucy) is just as cute as the originalAlphababy (Charlie).

Daring Young Mom. Her moniker says it all. She is the daring mom of two with one on the way. Need I say more??

What are some of your favorite blogs of Seattle moms or dads?  Read more...

Because Sometimes? You Just Need Candy.

April 21, 2009

Now, if you don't serve any kind of sugar in your house; you should probably stop reading this post NOW.

You've been warned.
 
Because we're about to delve into the world of candy stores. From mostly chocolate confections to sugar, sugar and MORE sugar - we've got the five BEST right here.

Is fudge a favorite in your house? Seattle Fudge , located at Seattle Center, has the best in town. Really.

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has several Seattle area locations and features some of the best chocolate you'll find this side of the Rockies. My favorite? It's a split vote between the chocolate mint and the chocolate peanut butter.

Located in Pike Place Market, Sweetie's Candy is a great pit-stop for your next downtown family trip. Malt balls? CHECK. Swirly lollipops? CHECK.

I'm not sure what I like better, the name of Frankly Sweets or the fact that they have over 200 different kinds of candy to choose from. Both, probably.

Like the idea of an old fashioned candy store? Then it's time to hit up The Confectionery at University Village. They have all sorts of candy (from gumballs to candy covered pretzels) displayed in large glass containers ready to tempt you. They even have a blog!

Anyone else hungry now?  Read more...

Spring Break!

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...

Getting Ready for St. Patrick's Day.

March 12, 2009

Green may be the color of the season, but did you know that green was not used for St. Patrick's Day until the mid-1700s? Before that time, St. Patrick's Blue was used. See? You can learn a little here, too, at Savvy Source.

What's so fun about St. Patrick's Day? Well, pretty much everything! You can run with the color green from dawn (green pancakes, anyone??) to dusk (green eggs and ham!!) and all hours in between (try lots of fun, festive, St. Patrick's Day crafts).

Looking for something to do out of the house?

All week Seattle Center hosts the Irish Week Festival; which will be full of fun ways to celebrate.

On St. Patrick's Day at Bellevue's Whole Food Market your kids can plant clover seeds in compostable pots - and rumor has it there will be green milk and cookies to snack on.

If you are in the mood to see some festive dancing, then head over to the Covington or Fairview Public Libraries, where you can enjoy Irish Dancing by Rowan Fae. See the King County Library System for more information.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Read more...

5 Things To Do With Your Preschooler Before They Start Kindergarten.

January 28, 2009

'Tis the season for kindergarten registration! Due to our family's schedule, it was crucial that my son get into one of the two all-day kindergarten classrooms at our neighborhood elementary school. We attended the district wide school fair, filled out the many forms, copied out records and so much more. It was more paperwork than getting married or buying a house. (I'm only slightly  Read more...

Concert Review: Juggletunes with Linda Severt.

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...

YUMMMMMM...Donuts!

January 26, 2009

Everyone deserves a treat every once in awhile. Sometimes a tough day on the playground, rough week at preschool, or shots at the doctor's office should be acknowledged with an out of the ordinary treat. And everybody likes donuts, right? What's great about hitting up your local donut shop is that everyone can pick out exactly what they want. My kids usually pick sprinkles, while I choose  Read more...

Weekend Fun: George, Movies, Puppets and MORE.

January 22, 2009

Since the inauguration is over, we may go back to our regularly scheduled programming. Lucky for us, that means a weekend of fun, family events. What will make your short-list? Juggletunes by Linda Severt comes to the Shoreline Library. It is just what it sounds like - circus arts (juggle) and music (tunes). Rumor has it there will be puppets, too! (Saturday only.) Northwest Film Forum  Read more...

Flat Stanley is coming!

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...

Reflections of you and me.

January 13, 2009

You know the lyrics to the classic Supremes song..."Through the mirror of my mind, Time after time, I see reflections of you and me." Reflections ARE all around us - in our homes, in puddles, in car windows. But, we're searching for the best place for reflections in Seattle, and we're pretty sure we've nailed it. (If I do say so myself!) 1. We may not be the land  Read more...

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

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...

Have you checked out Live at the Green Bean?

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...

Five things that just don't matter to preschoolers.

January 06, 2009

As parents of preschoolers we get the privilege and burden (er, JOY) of worrying about a multitudes of things. I am a worrier by nature, so, in some ways, parenting is a perfect fit for my personality. Though, in the past worrying may have kept me awake at night (hello, COLLEGE!), now I'm too exhausted when I collapse at night into bed to loose much sleep. There are a bunch of valid  Read more...

Last list of the year: I PROMISE.

December 31, 2008

At the end of 2008, I'm feeling a bit reflective. This doesn't always happen, but alot has happened in 2008. My son started kindergarten. My daughter started preschool. We bid a bond farewell to diapers. My son learned how to read. My daughter and I took a trip together. I wore my jeans tucked into boots. BIG STUFF, people. So, after much reflection, here's my list of parenting  Read more...

2008, a look back: my favorite posts.

December 30, 2008

The end of the year, always causes reflecting back on the year that has past. Reviewing, examining, rehashing, etc. Oh, and the LISTS. Top 5 this, Top 10 that. We're not above that here at Savvy Source Seattle! Here's my list of the Top 10 Seattle Posts (in no particular order). Any of my favorites match up with yours? 1. Layover Lifesavers: A preschooler's guide to the SeaTac Airport. Very  Read more...

Quick! Go see these light displays before it snows again!

December 23, 2008

Had enough of the snow? I SURE HAVE. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life and have never experienced anything like this in terms of the amount of snow and the length of the storm. Incredible, really. Hopefully the roads around you are improving (if your situation is anything like mine, the worst part of the drive is just getting from my house, down the driveway and into  Read more...

Going stir crazy? How to avoid.

December 22, 2008

Schools closing for three days last week may just be the death of me. Especially when we're looking down at the barrel of a two-week break. And NOW (!) the snow keeps coming. Now, I don't want it to sound like I was not looking forward to their time off from school and the upcoming holidays. However, the unexpected break, frigid temperatures and icy roads have put a damper  Read more...

Wintery weekend plans.

December 18, 2008

The last weekend before Christmas is usually spend hustling and bustling around with last minutes tasks, gift buying and family events. There is much to do for your family around town, so don't forget to have some fun celebrating together. Want to check out the home light displays in your neighborhood? Then visit Komo News' Pool's Parade of Lights website to view the spectacular light  Read more...

Another holiday themed weekend ahead!

December 11, 2008

Did you hear it may SNOW this weekend? That's, like, REAL weather, people. So, if you will be able to make it out of the house, you should have some activties lined up, right? As for us, Saturday is breakfast with Santa in the morning and then visiting Bellevue's Magic Season that evening. Here's the best of the best of the weekend ahead. Need to visit Santa? The Mountlake Terrace High  Read more...

Bellevue's Magic Season.

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...

A preschooler's guide to Seattle Center's Winterfest.

December 03, 2008

We're just a few days into Seattle Center's annual Winterfest, so there is still so much to see and do. I've pulled together all the best activities and must-see sites of the festival - perfect for tons of family fun, whether is be for an hour or the whole day! Most activities are free or low cost, so be sure to put this on your December must-do list. Everyday at Winterfest  Read more...

Five classic Seattle holiday activities.

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...

What toys are on your list this year? Here's part one of my recommendations.

December 01, 2008

We're back with week two of Savvy Source's Christmas Gift Guide. Here's some of my top toy picks your your preschooler. Mini Calin Nursery 8-inch Doll Set by Corolle My daughter picked up this doll (in purple, however) at our local children's museum. She'd been stalking it for awhile, and we finally relented. She's been clinging to it ever since. It's the perfect size doll for the  Read more...

Five Seattle Savvy posts I'm thankful for.

November 28, 2008

Even though I actually wrote these posts; these are the ones that I keep coming back to. For reference, for details, or, simply, for laughs. Enjoy and Happy Black Friday! 1. It NEVER rains in Seattle, so you'll NEVER need this post about rainy day fun . NEVER. 2. Is your preschooler from Seattle? You'll know when you read this post. (PSST. This is one of the funny ones.) 3. Here we cover all  Read more...

What I'm thankful for.

November 27, 2008

Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to remember all the things in our lives to be thankful for. I'm thankful for the Seattle rain that nourishes our plants, rivers and lakes. I'm thankful for living in a place so accessible to both ocean and mountains. I'm thankful for beautiful northwest sunsets. I'm thankful for communities  Read more...

Concert review: Nancy Stewart's Hello House!

November 19, 2008

I took my own advice last weekend and packed the kids up and headed to the Woodinville Public Library to enjoy the musical musings of Nancy Stewart . Nancy was provided funding by the King County Library System and Puget Sound Energy Foundation to develop a program addressing home energy conservation and emergency preparedness for the toddler and  Read more...

Five! Fun! Seattle! Activities!

November 18, 2008

Now, I don't have to tell you just how fun Seattle is for preschoolers, do I? (Oh, wait, I do! That's why I'm here.) This Tuesday were looking at five activities that make Seattle fun for our families. So many fabulous things to do - you better get started NOW. The greater Seattle area is home to many fantastic and fun children's museums. From The Children's Museum in Seattle, Imagine  Read more...

Welcome to your weekend.

November 13, 2008

The weekend planner is BACK! Apparently, we needed the break between Halloween and Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the other winter holidays. But, the magic is back this weekend, with activities from concert events to a toy swap. What fits your fancy? The strolling carolers of Emerald City Voices will be performing this weekend at Molbaks in Woodinville as part of their Winter Wonderland  Read more...

Seattle by the letters.

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...

De-stressing Halloween.

October 31, 2008

Thursday my daughter's preschool class celebrated Halloween. We've been through these sort of celebrations before; as fun as they are for the kids (they ARE really fun), they are also very overwhelming. Case in point. They held the party in the morning and it included fun games, a pumpkin craft and then they enjoyed a pizza lunch (which is a real treat for them) and a cupcake for dessert.  Read more...

November is here!

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...

Yummy Halloween treats ideas.

October 29, 2008

I, apparently, CANNOT STOP WRITING ABOUT HALLOWEEN. I am scared to see what Seattle Savvy will be like in December for Christmas, Hanukkah,Kwanza, New Years and just general holiday-ness . You can just picture it now: me sitting in my office dresses in a lovely Christmas/Santa Sweater, plugging away on my Savvy posts. Ah, Christmas. But, honestly, I really am not that into Halloween.  Read more...

Keeping safe on Halloween.

October 28, 2008

Safety is always paramount to parents. But with all the fun and festivities of Halloween, it can slip our minds. But, nor worries, I'm here to remind you! Here's our top five Halloween safety tips: Keep your costumes safe. Check for tripping hazards. Fasten reflective tape if you will be in neighborhoods that lack adequate lighting. Make sure any masks provide adequate vision. Have  Read more...

Where to celebrate Halloween in Seattle (preschooler approved).

October 24, 2008

I never imagined there would be SO many family events for young children in Seattle during the Halloween season (it's not just a day, apparently). In Savvy Seattle, we have covered the perfect pumpkin gathering places , Halloween events and festivals (those not occurring on October 31), and even a gaggle of fall craft ideas . And we're not done yet. While trick-or-tricking through  Read more...

The top fun family Halloween events.

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...

Five Seattle spots that inspire imagination.

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...

Top five Seattle stops for the perfect Halloween costume.

October 07, 2008

Halloween is coming! This morning, while dropping my daughter off at preschool, it appeared that the ghosts of Halloween past had visited her preschool to spread their ghastly goodies. Her teachers had decked the place OUT. Now, I'm not that big on Halloween, per se, but I can get behind something that is so much fun for kids to participate in. Thank goodness my husband took our children  Read more...

Top five Seattle Savvy posts to date.

September 30, 2008

We've been plugging along here at Seattle Savvy for almost five months. With summer turning to fall, and our readership continuing to grow, I thought it would be interesting to look back and share my five favorite posts from the early days of Seattle Savvy. Maybe you're a new reader here and there is something that you have missed (or, maybe you overlooked these posts on purpose!).  Read more...

Has your name come up on the preschool snack list yet?

September 12, 2008

Has your name come up on the calendar to bring preschool treats yet? It's one of those preschool parent responsibilities that can instill fear in even the most experienced parent. We know that good nutrition is crucial in so many ways, and that it can be critical to learning. Your preschool snack will help your preschooler and his or her classmates feel great, have energy and improve  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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