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

Find out more about:

Concerts

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...

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...

Come On, Let the Sunshine In.

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...

What Will You Be Doing This Weekend and Upcoming Week?

March 19, 2009

Starting when I was five, I played years and year and years AND YEARS of Little League. Well, thirteen years to be exact. I considered the experiences I had as some as my favorites from my youth. I waited years and years AND YEARS to have kids of my very own who could play Little League, too, and have just as much fun as I had.

That year has finally come.

My son is now in tee-ball and this weekend is the annual pancake breakfast and JAMBOREE. So, I know what WE will be doing this weekend - but what will you be up to?

It's Baby Loves Disco weekend! On Saturday head down to Heaven in Pioneer Square and boogie on down!

Do you have a rock lover in your house (and not the musical kind)? Then they may enjoy the Rock and Gem Show at the Lake City Community Center held this Saturday and Sunday. It's free!

And next week brings lots of fun activities as well.

This Monday is Ivar's Flounders Day, where you can enjoy a choice of entrees for $1.04 (with the purchase of any regular prices entree)! My kids love the clam strips. Lunch? CHECK.

On Tuesday you can enjoy Nancy Stewart at the Burien Public Library as she performs her Mother Goose on the Loose show. Be prepared to sing along!

Have a great week!  Read more...

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

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!

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...

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...

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...

Holiday fun for the weekend ahead.

December 05, 2008

The holidays are in full swing...do you even NEED more activities to fill your weekend? If you do - here's the funnest stuff out there. As part of their Little Maestro Series , the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra presents a Holiday Hooray with Lisa & Linda . Be prepared to sing and dance along! (Saturday only.) Mountlake Terrace Elementary School is hosting a Holiday Bazaar . You can get  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...

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...

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...

The first REAL autumn weekend in Seattle.

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...

Just when you thought it was safe to start your weekend.

September 04, 2008

I thought FOR SURE that the first weekend after the start of the school year would have preschool-age appropriate events few and far between. Boy, was I wrong. Very, very wrong. This weekend is teaming with fun, family events for our community to enjoy. So get out there - the weather should be gorgeous. The Puyallup Fair is the largest single attraction held annually in the state  Read more...

Seattle weekend plans? CHECK.

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...

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

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...

Gearing up for another summer weekend.

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...

Are you ready for the weekend?

July 11, 2008

You've got to admit it, this week has been SPECTACULAR. The weather has been my version of perfect, mid 70s and not-too-hot evenings. Bliss. And it seems to be no end in sight. This weekend would be perfect for you to head out and enjoy these preschooler-approved events: For those of you with Nordic background (or just an interest), your family can celebrate Viking Days at the Heritage  Read more...

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...

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

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...

Things you must do with your children in Seattle before they grow up, Vol. 2.

June 12, 2008

I started this list a few weeks ago - a list of the 100 must-do activities for you and your children to do before they grow up and are "too cool" to hang out with mom and dad. (Am I the only one that fears this?) We covered the Fremont Troll, a visit to Pike Place Market, sledding at Snoqualmie , eating a Top Pot donut right off the conveyor belt, and riding the Tacoma Link light rail.  Read more...

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

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.

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...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in seattle

urbanjungle.jpg

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

doremi.jpg

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

artisticendeavors.jpg

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

roomtorun2.jpg

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

rain.jpg

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

localhistory2.jpg

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

waterparks2.jpg

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

holdinghands2.jpg

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

bestofcity2.jpg

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

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

Read more Being Savvy for: