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

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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...

Not Too Far: Bellingham.

by Bethany Dunn

February 23, 2009

Some days, even though Seattle has so much to offer your family, you're just itching to get out of town and experience SOMETHING ELSE, SOMEWHERE ELSE. But where to go?

Before 2005, I only knew of Bellingham as home to the one of Washington's state colleges, Western Washington University, AND a great Starbucks stop on the way to Vancouver BC. (PS. My favorite is right off the freeway at theHaggens store, just as you are arriving into town.) In the summer of 2005, just weeks after the birth of my second child (now a preschooler), my parents moved back to the Pacific Northwest after eight years living in the deep south. After a few months in Everett, they settled in lovelyBellingham. Since that time, my family and I have discovered all that Bellingham has to offer parents of young children (HINT: SO MUCH). And, while Bellingham can seem very far from Seattle, it's just 90 minutes away.

Here's some of my favorite things about Bellingham for families.

Fairhaven is a wonderful old section of Bellingham located on the south side of the city. It's home to the Fairhaven Toy Garden, which is the most adorable educational and earthy toy store you'll ever find. A great spot to pick out a special toy, or just spend a half hour or so out of the rain enjoying all their toy displays.Fairhaven is also a great place to find lunch or dinner, with many locally owned establishments to choose from. 

Another great spot for kids is the Whatcom Children's Museum, which is currently in transition. It closed at the end of 2008, but its children's elements can currently be found at the ARCO Exhibits Building (at 206 Prospect Street). In 2009, the Museum will evolve into an all-ages interactive gallery. Can wait to see what the heck that means!!

We haven't been here yet, but the Birch Bay Waterslides will definitely be on our agenda for summer 2009. Birch Bay itself is also a great place to beach combing. Speaking of water, Bellingham is also home to many spray parks, our favorite located at Cornwall Park (also home to play equipment and family-friendly nature walks).

So, next time you need to get out of town, drive north. You'll be delighted; I promise.  Read more...

Guest Post: All About Potty Training.

by Bethany Dunn

January 23, 2009

Today's guest post is ALL ABOUT POTTY TRAINING! Brought to you by Sean and Cindy Platt of Writerdad and the authors of Potty Training Power . (For my humble insights on potty training my two kids, take a look at my post on the subject here .) Without further ado; Sean and Cindy... Today we are going to discuss Potty Training. That job we get as parents to get ou t of the diapers and into  Read more...

The weekend is almost here! Hurrah!

by Bethany Dunn

January 15, 2009

Last weekend, we had grand plans to make a visit to see the the final days of the Mr. Potato Head exhibit at the Seattle Children's Museum, but, alas, my son had a stomach bug. BOOOO. So! We're REALLY looking forward to THIS weekend - and so much to choose from. Bainbridge Island's Kids Discover Museum is hosting their " Arts Studio ", with a theme to reflect their current Arthur's World  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...

Wintery weekend plans.

by Bethany Dunn

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...

Book Reviews are BACK!

by Bethany Dunn

December 04, 2008

The book reviews are BACK! Five more of my favorite books - perfect gifts for your preschooler or any other child in your life. The Lorax Dr. Seuss This is one of those books that was truly ahead of its time. As I child, I loved this book for its clever wording, colorful art, and interesting story; and now I appreciate it even more for its ability to teach environmentalism to even the  Read more...

Five Seattle Savvy posts I'm thankful for.

by Bethany Dunn

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...

Welcome to your weekend.

by Bethany Dunn

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...

Five great Seattle story times.

by Bethany Dunn

November 11, 2008

I'm sure you've heard it before, but I'll say it again. Reading is fundamental. Reading to your child is one of the easiest and best ways to help them get excited about language and learning. Compelling research tells us that reading aloud to our children (even from birth!) is the single most important activity that we as parents can do to ensure future academic success. And the benefits  Read more...

Perfect activities for a sunny Seattle fall weekend.

by Bethany Dunn

October 09, 2008

Now I realize this weekend you'll be busy with fun Halloween crafts , but there are tons of fun family activities taking place all over the greater Puget Sound this weekend. It is the season of the farm harvest, and I'll do a review of all the location farms on Friday, but what else is scheduled for this upcoming beautiful, sunny fall weekend? The Kelsey  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...

Things you must do with your children in Seattle before they grow up: Volume 7.

by Bethany Dunn

September 19, 2008

With all the excitement of the start of a new school year, it has been about three weeks since I've shared five more items from my list of 100 things to do with your children in Seattle before they grow up. I know how much you've missed it and have looked forward to checking more of these items off your list. You fire up your laptop each morning over coffee; hoping and praying that TODAY  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...

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...

Layover Lifesavers: A Preschooler's Guide to the SeaTac Airport.

by Bethany Dunn

July 02, 2008

With the kids out of school for summer, it's the perfect time for travel. However, just like the high price of gas has upped the cost of most everything we purchase, it has also affected the airline industry. Ticket prices are higher; and you can expect your flights to be fuller and your in-flight time to be longer; all in the hope of saving some money for the airline. For travelers with  Read more...

Campstaycation (or now I'm just making words up).

by Bethany Dunn

June 18, 2008

I can't say for sure if I've ever been camping. Perhaps a night or two in a tent somewhere, but no actual rent a spot at a national park camping. My husband, however, has many fond memories of camping with friends and family and I'm sure that I will soon be able to say with certainty that I have, in fact, been camping. Children have a way of pushing us out of our comfort zone if we think  Read more...

Reading, Seattle style.

by Bethany Dunn

June 09, 2008

Reading, it's what's for dinner . (I hope you get the joke.) Here at Seattle Savvy Source, we've covered how reading benefits your preschooler : it helps them expand their vocabulary, learn listening skills, and best of all, it helps us bond with our children. With the busyness of life, the best way to insure reading actually happens in our homes is to make it part of the routine. Whether it be  Read more...

Story time at the library: why you should let someone else read to your child.

by Bethany Dunn

May 21, 2008

One of the best and easiest ways to help your children get excited about language and learning is to read to them. Additionally, research has shown that reading aloud to your children is the single most important thing we can do to ensure future academic success. By reading books together, we are bonding with our children, expanding their vocabulary, helping them develop listening skills  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

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Angie McDonald, Bethany Dunn

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