Sunday, February 28, 2010

cafe splotlight: coffee to a tea

RedTricycle: Head to the nearby Coffee to a Tea With Sugar where the kids can romp in the toy area. Be sure to take advantage of the printable ‘mini free cupcake’ coupon online. Treat yourself to something scrumptious, from bakery treats to salads and wraps. Of course, organic coffees and teas await to perk up parents, too.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

plan ahead for the binky fairy!

Need a new way to loose the binky? Come meet The Binky Fairy. On the Second Wednesday every three months, from 10-12, The Binky Fairy flies into PlayMatters and trades binkies for a big kid toy. This is a fun and exciting way to transition out of this binky phase. Our next visit is March 11th. Greenwood.

infant cpr classes

Infant CPR classes at Children's‏ @ Seattle Children's Hospital: Schedule HERE. $40 (Thanks Mariana)

Friday, February 26, 2010

weekend fun x 10

(FRI-SUN) Just Between Friends
Don't forget the big JBF Consignment Sale at Pickering Barn in Issaquah. Details HERE

(FRI) Alki Family Skate Night
Friday Night Family Skating is offered at the Alki Community Center. No pre-registration required. Adults, Children, and Special Needs are welcome. Cost is $3 per person. This weekly event is suitable for skaters of all ages and all abilities. Its a great time to practice your skills and tricks while experiencing a roller-rink atmosphere.

(SAT) Monsters, Inc.
Please Join Magic Lantern Montessori for a community screening of Monsters, Inc. this Saturday, February 27 at the Columbia City Cinema. This event is open to the public and entirely kid friendly. Be sure to arrive by 10:30 to participate in the raffle. Enjoy great prizes like a $75 Starbucks gift card, Tutta Bella Pizza certificates, toys from Retroactive Kids and more. There will also be a silent auction from 10:30am-12:15pm featuring a host of remarkable and one-of-a-kind items. Below is a flyer with further detail. Suggested donation of $5/ticket. (Thanks Stella)

(SAT) Get Crafty Saturdays
Bellevue Arts Museum: Enamel is made from powdered glass that is arranged on a piece and fired so it melts together. Explore the process by using colored sand to fill in sections of your own drawing just as an enamellist would. 1-3pm ($2 materials fee).

(SAT) What a hoot!
It’s a party so fun, it will have your head spinning! Learn about all things owly at the Owl Prowl Party and Walk. Enjoy children’s book readings, games and owl pellet dissections. Then hike deep into the forest to call down our resident barred owls. This is a great opportunity to have a safe and exciting night hike in the forest and to learn how to “speak” owl. Walk is limited to the first 25 registrants and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Buy tickets online here. All ages. Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle. Feb 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Party is free; walk is $3-$4)

(SAT) RedTricycle: Sporty Spice
Dads & Daughters Day at UW Women's Basketball Game, Seattle Some father/daughter bonding is in order while introducing girls to sports at the UW. Watch the Husky Women shoot hoops at Dads and Daughters Day at UW Women's Basketball. Price includes ticket to the UW/WSU women's b-ball game at 2 p.m. Feb. 27, a dads and daughters t-shirt, and an opportunity for post-event Q & A with athletes. Saturday, Feb 27 ($10)

(SAT) Decomposition Rots! Super Saturday
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Seward Park
Cost: Free
What happens to a tree when it falls? What is the difference between dirt and soil? What is in soil and why is soil important? Who might live in soil? Find out the answers to these questions and many more on Decomposition Rots! Super Saturday. We'll have special kid-friendly soil snacks, fun games and activities for everyone to enjoy.

(SAT) Decomposition Rots! Guided Nature Walk
12:00 to 1:30 pm
Where: Seward Park
Cost: $2 to $4, free for toddlers 4 and under
Grab one of our magnifying glasses and travel through the forest of Seward Park with us to examine the small, smaller, and smallest world of nurse logs. We'll meet exciting insects, get our hands dirty with fresh, rich soil, and maybe even discover that rotting doesn't stink! Seward Park http://sewardpark.audubon.org/

(SUN) Free Admission to SAM!
The Seattle Art Museum will offer free admission to the museum on Sunday, Feb. 28 to anyone who shows a Library card from The Seattle Public Library. 10am-5pm (free)

(SUN) Purim and Pizza
The annual SJCC Purim Carnival has 25 carnival games, an inflatable slide, cotton candy, dancing, music and prizes…and…pizza. Lots of activities for kids 5 and younger, including grogger making, edible necklaces, bouncy ball room, face painting and storytelling. Open to all. Free admission; tickets for carnival games and rides extra. Ages 12 and under. Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island. Sunday, Feb 28, 12-3 p.m. (free)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

polly-glot tots

Polly-Glot Tots host spanish story time @ PlayMatters in Greenwood. Friday 26th @ 10:30am. Open to all ages and no experience necessary (free)

pregnancy 360 giveaway

Rockin Baby Sling, City Threads, and Little Giraffe have teamed up to bring you a gift bag for your little girl or boy! The prize package is worth more than $200 and includes cute clothes, a baby blanket, and a reversible ring sling. Giveaway ends 3/1/10. Click here to enter to win the girl's prize and here for the boy's prize!

farewell to the night (exhibit)

DailyCandyKids: Night Exhibit’s Final Week
What: Pay one last visit to the nocturnal rodents, sloths, bats, and other creepy creatures at the soon-to-shutter habitat.
Why: See ya later, alligator.
When: Thru Feb. 28. Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, N. 50th St., b/t Fremont & Linden Aves. (206-548-2500)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

citymommy

CityMommy Seattle: Now has a directory category just for Etsy folks! Interested in being listed? Join CityMommy Seattle and then send an email to kerrij@citymommy.com and she will get you added!
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jbf spring 2010 sale this weekend!

JBF's Spring consignment sale is here. February 26th - 28th @ The Pickering Barn in Issaquah (near Costco). First Time Parent? You are invited to register as a First-Time Parent (FTP) or Grandparent to shop early at the invitation only FTP pre-sale. Doors open early February 26th at 9:00am just for you! Sign up HERE .

"Due to large crowds and safety issues we are not able to accommodate any strollers, wagons, or children over one year of age at PRESALE Events."

Print this COUPON and get in for FREE!
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From personal experience, I recommend bringing an empty laundry basket or multiple shopping bags to load up.

tugboat story time

From DailyCandyKids...
What: Introduce little skippers to fun maritime stories aboard the historic Arthur Foss.
Why: It’s a vessel adventure.
When: Thurs., 11am-noon.
Where: The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St. (206-382-2628). Map It

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

now on facebook!

http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/dont_break_the_piggy_bank/

lulemon yoga

University Village PlayDays presents...
Come young, come all! Lululemon will host Little Buddha's kids yoga! The 45-minute class is targeted for all ages and taught by one of University Village's ambassadors.
Today, Tuesday, February 23rd, 10-11am @ lululemon athletica

mommy matinee (wednesdays)

Sip a latte and enjoy a movie with your little one -- walk the aisles during the movie if you need to, or hang out in the cry room. This week is "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" @ North Bend Theatre, 125 Bendigo Blvd. N., North Bend.

Time: Wednesdays 10 a.m.
Cost: $5 ages 3 and up
Event Info: 425-888-1232 | Web site

Monday, February 22, 2010

helpful pie

Have another piece of pizza. Go on – it’s for the children! Yes, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to eat a lot of Zeeks Pizza this coming Tuesday. Why shouldn’t it be you? It’s a fundraiser for Seattle Children’s; 20 percent of all “in-restaurant” sales made at the Highlands location during business hours will go toward supporting uncompensated care. Cost: just the pizza!
2525 N.E. Park Dr., Issaquah. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

storytime with stella

It is story time at Tougo Coffee! Bring your toddlers & preschoolers to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and fun with Miss Stella. We are reading through the alphabet this year - this week, the letter I! Come learn a new letter sound with us! Tuesdays 10:30am - 11:00am (free)

Sunday, February 21, 2010

fun with photos

Poladroid: Turn any photograph into a POLAROID picture. Makes for great signature photos and computer wallpaper. Very cool.

Picknik: Add FLAIR to any photo. Especially fun for the holidays!

playmatters: baby mondays

PlayMatters. On from Monday's 10-12, come in with a child under 12 months and get $2 off. Meet other families with children the same age!(and babies UNDER 6 months old are normally only $4)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

board game focus group - mom's input needed!

Local award-winning toy and game invention company Forrest-Pruzan Creative is looking for input from moms. They work with publishers like I Can Do That! Games (also local), Cranium (formerly local), Mattel, Hasbro, Disney and many others to create great game and toy products. They are putting the finishing touches on some new game concepts for families. If you are a Mom that buys and plays board games with your family and has kids ages 7-14, they would like your opinions on the game concepts. Information below on how to participate in an upcoming focus group.

Contact: caroline@forrest-pruzan.com
WHAT: Focus Group for Moms only. Come look at some of our new ideas and give us your opinions on what you like and dislike.
DATE: Wednesday, March 10th and Wednesday, March 17th
TIME: 6:30 pm (will last about 1.5 hours, expect to be done around 8:00pm)
PLACE: Forrest-Pruzan Creative – 1100 Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98109 (near downtown and the Seattle Center)
COMPENSATION: $50 and a copy of one of the new games when they are published
OTHER: We will be videotaping this focus group with a passive, wall mounted video camera.

These spots tend to fill quickly. Please RSVP soon to caroline@forrest-pruzan.com with your availability for March 10th or March 17th.

Thanks Stella!

Friday, February 19, 2010

weekend fun

SATURDAY
Listen Up! (Part II)
Storytime at Third Place Books Gather around for wonderful local storyteller Mrs. Wigglesworth, who dons her bi-focals and her super-fancy hat and mesmerizes little ones with her multicultural folktales.Sat., 11 a.m., Seattle, Free.

Elmo Easy as 1-2-3 at Borders. Celebrate Elmo’s third birthday with a special story time featuring Sesame Street tales and a fun art project. For kids ages 2 to 7. Sat. 11 a.m., Redmond Town Center, Free.

Money Workshop for Kids
Take the kids to a cool one-hour class that teaches kids life long lessons about money; each child will receive a Moonjar Moneybox so they can start saving. Snapdoodle Toys, 7330 Northeast Bothell Way, Kenmore.
Date: 02/20/2010
Time: 10 a.m.
Ages: Ages 5-7 Cost: $10
Event Info: 425-408-0021

...and a reminder that the Babies R US "Big Great Trade-In Event" (first blogged about HERE) ends tomorrow! Thanks Amy!

SUNDAY
Community Communing. Benefit For Haiti at My Gym Bellevue. Bring the whole fam for a do-good afternoon of music, games, Haitian themed arts and crafts, plus free pizza and yummy New York Cupcakes. A donation of $5 (or more!) is recommended and all proceeds go to Partners in Health for Haitian relief efforts. Sun., 2 to 5 p.m., Bellevue, Free. Read more.

Kids Knit @ HillTop Yarn. Classes begin Sunday, February 21, 28, Mar 7. 12:00-1:30. $40 per person.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

good grub

Since my baby is starting solids, I've begun to research more through friends and online about baby food, recipes, stages etc. Here are some great sites I found...

Baby: http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/
( 4-6 month chart| 6-8 month chart )

Toddler: http://www.weelicious.com
*This has great baby and kid sections too!

Kids: http://www.spatulatta.com/ & Itsy Bitsy Foodies

RealSimple: 50 Family Recipes Kids Actually Like

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

blog spotlight: "enjoying the small things"

This is the blog of Kelle Hampton. I do not know her, but I read her blog at every post. In the last month she has gone through one of every Mom's worst fears - only to come out the other side stronger.

"So, real life has begun. A new life. It's like learning to ride a bike again. I fell off a couple times today and the damn chain breaks loose every once and awhile, but it feels good to ride."

Enjoy her blog and her A-M-A-Z-I-N-G photographs ("Slices of wonderfulness") @ http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/

mandarin and english play and learn group

From Parentmap: Come and join new friends and old as we play and learn together. This group is free, drop-in and no registration is required. We play games, ride bikes and create every craft imaginable. There is also a facilitated circle time in English and Chinese. Our space is clean, indoors, dry and great for burning off extra energy. There is no group on April 1st.

Time: Thursdays 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: International District/Chinatown Community Center, Seattle
Ages: birth-5 Cost: Free
Event Info: 206-725-9740

mother’s day at the movies

Every Thursday at 10:00 AM Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue hosts a presentation specifically designed for parents and their infant children. This is a parents chance to bring their strollers and come watch the latest movies with like minded parents. Shows are presented with the lights up a bit and the sound down a bit. Box office opens at 9:45AM. These show times do not appear on the regular schedule—check back here each week to see what's playing.

Tomorrow’s 10am showing are: Valentine’s Day, From Paris With Love, and Avatar in Real D 3D

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

village playdays

Village Playdays at University Village. Today's event is at is Kid's Club - come play and create with WikkiStix! (10-11am, FREE)

tot trek

Explore Camp Long's pond, forests and fields with your favorite tots. Arrive 10 minutes early and dress for weather. Today's theme is "Winter Wonderland."
Date: 02/16/2010
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Camp Long, West Seattle
Ages: Ages 2-3 with caregiver
Cost: Adult/child pair $7, each additional person $3.50
Event Info: 206-684-7434

Monday, February 15, 2010

911 call

CNN: A mom calls 911 to save her son from choking, only to realize the dispatcher is her husband. KING reports. Interesting, but also good tips to know from video HERE

"story time" returning to west seattle library branches

From WestSeattleBlog:

SouthWest Library:
*New! Baby Story Time (for newborns – 12 months) on Mondays at 11:30am, beginning Feb. 22!
- Toddler Story Time on Thursdays at 11:00am, beginning Feb. 25!
- Preschool Story Time on Wednesdays at 11:30am, beginning Feb. 24!

Delridge Library:
- Pajama Story Time on Tuesdays at 7:00pm, beginning Feb. 23!

High Point Library:
- Toddler Story Time on Thursdays at 11:30am, beginning Feb. 25!

West Seattle Library:
- Toddler Story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30am, beginning Feb. 24!

South Park Library:
- Preschool Story Time on Wednesdays at 11:15am, beginning Feb. 24!

all day skate

From ParentMap: Celebrate mid-winter break with a full day on the ice at the Highland Ice Arena (18005 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline)
Today, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $5.50-$6.50, ages 5 and under free. Skate rental $3.
Event Info: 206-546-2431

Sunday, February 14, 2010

mountlake terrace recreation pavilion

Fun indoor playground with slides, ball pit, playhouses, tunnels, climbing toys and much more! Warm in the winter - and a cool place to play in the summer!

Time: Sundays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Mondays-Fridays 9:30-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m., 3-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion, Ages: Crawlers-age 5 Cost: Drop in fee: $3, $3.50 for non-residents of Mountlake Terrace

fisher price deal

Babies & ToysRUs: Sunday paper President's Day Ad: Fisher Price toys - buy one get one free. Also, Gerber (incl. organic baby) food 10 for $10. Full AD HERE. Sale prices good thorugh Feb. 20.

And be sure to check out ALL the V-Day events again HERE!

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

life's a stage

RedTricycle: CF Kids Drama Clinic Got a budding actor on your hands? They'll be able to engage their inner drama king or queen at Common Folk Kids, where they'll do fun things like facial warm-ups, character acting and other creative exercises. Sat., 2 to 3:30 p.m., Bellevue, Free.

octopus week

Octopus Week
What: Kids can witness a diver swimming with an octopus, a live release, daily feedings, and a tentacled blind date for V-Day.
Why: Love is in the air (or water).
When: Sat.-Feb. 20.
Where: Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way (206-386-4300).

cruzin kids

Grand Opening of Cruzin Kids! This Saturday don't forget is the grand opening of the store at 10 am we will have the ribbon cut on the new store by our one and only Mayor of Woodinville. Tons of give aways, from See Kai Run, Ergo Baby Carrier, Western Chief Rainboots, BabyLegs. We have rafffles for personal training, Kindermusik classes and more.... Don't forget to put this Saturday on your schedule 10 till 5pm for our Grand Opening Day Party
Location:
13336 N.E. 175th Street
Woodinville, WA, 98072
Phone:(425) 939-0418
Thanks Ste3lla

Thursday, February 11, 2010

valentine's day happenings

SproutOnline: Make a Valentine's Card, Create a cute Craft, or find a new Recipe

Make a cake at your local Safeway bakery! Join their 'Conversation Hearts' Valentine's Cake Decorating Workshop. Friday, 2/12 3-7pm & Saturday, 2/13 12-4pm. See Bakery for details. (May not be available in all stores.)

Need a sitter? See RedTricycles List of Seattle Valentine’s Childcare Drop-offs

Take the kids with you! Or more accurately, let them take you WITH them to Cafe O' Play. They now have BEER! They are now open until 9:00 Thursday - Saturday evenings?
>>Tonight we have a special offer for subscribers to this list -- mention you saw this message and get a bottle of beer for $2.75 and $1.00 admission to the play area for the kids. While you're here, shoot a game of pool or try out some games on the Wii or Xbox. (Seattle)

ParentMap: It’s a family Valentine’s jam! Bring your whole family to celebrate Valentine's Day with dancing, refreshments, photos, games and more. $16/child & 1 family member; $5/additional family members. Ages 2 – 12, with an adult. Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St., Mercer Island. Friday, Feb. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, February 13th from 10-3, Mockingbird Books is hosting Kids (Heart) Books, a Valentine event with some of our favorite local authors and illustrators who you will LOVE meeting. Come and talk to them about their books, which will be available for purchase and autographing. Our guests will be Anderson, Beaufrand, Becker, Brenner, Davis, Dorros, Gallagher, Kvasnosky, Orback, Paschkis, and Patneaude. The day will also be a time for your children to show their creative sides. An art station will be set up for kids to decorate their own valentines. Who is your literary valentine? (Greenlake, 206-518-5886)

...OR just stay in, get cozy, and read some "Good Valentine's tales for your little sweethearts" from the Seattle Times

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

the nursery contest

From Whimsical Photo & Design Blog:

* Is your baby between 6-12 months old (ideally sitting!)?
* Do you have a super cool nursery?
* Would you be interested in winning a free session and mini-print package?

If you answered yes to all three of these questions, I would love to see pictures. What’s in it for you? A chance to win a free photography session and mini-print package featuring your baby and your nursery! I would like to see between 1-4 photographs of your space. At least one photograph must include your child in the nursery itself. We are looking for creative use of light, color and design elements. Images must be taken by you or someone in your family (what I am really saying is “please don’t submit images taken by another professional photographer.”)

All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM PST, February 28, 2010.

show that boogie monster who's BOSS!

This post is dedicated to Jack...who is working on this!

Tip #1: Turn that drawing of the scary monster in your closet into a PLUSH TOY at Make My Own Monster....or also try Make My Own Toy

Tip #2: Become their friend! Meet the ScareMeNots, the "good little monsters"

Tip #3: Adopt your own online pet monster at Moshi Monsters

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brian waite band kids concert

Come check out the Brian Waite Band at 10:30AM, Feb 20, at the Phinney Neighborhood Center. All proceeds support environmental education programs at Homewaters Project.

Hilarious antics, crowd participation & excellent musicianship (rock-n-roll splashed with hints of reggae & bluegrass) captivate families with young children up to age 9. Benefit concert & raffle support Homewaters Project's work to connect young people to urban nature.

Nature activities & snacks at 10 AM. Concert at 10:30 AM. $5-$8. Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle. 206-526-0187. $5-$8 Advance tickets available HERE (Thanks Stella!)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

lancet withdraws paper on MMR vaccine-autism link

The controversial research paper that sparked an international scare over MMR vaccine was yesterday withdrawn by The Lancet medical journal, 12 years after it was published. Article found HERE.

amazon open casting call

Amazon is doing an open casting call for kids ages 3-12 for photo shoots for editorial images for the website's clothing pages.

When: Thursday, February 11, 2010 3:30 PM-6:00 PM
Where: 2316 2nd Avenue in Belltown
If your child is selected, the pay for the shoot is $200

Thanks Stella!

knee bouncers

DailyCandyKids: Before your Baby Einstein said "mama" or "dada," he busted out "laptop." Not surprising, considering the hours you logged googling "lose ten pounds fast" since his arrival. Give him his first real byte of technology with KneeBouncers.com. Created by two dads, the site features eighteen toddler-friendly games (we’re using that term very loosely) he can play while snuggling on your lap. The colorful animations advance every time he presses a key — any key — and cover everything from ABC’s and 123’s to shapes and music. You’ll want to add a game of your own. It’s called let’s see how gently you can tap the keyboard, baby.

Monday, February 8, 2010

everett children's museum

If you live in or near Everett - or know someone with kids who does - consider giving the gift of membership to the Imagine Children's Museum there. Tomorrow's activity is Tuesday Tales, where tiny bookworms enjoy a reading of Dr. Seuss’s Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose before crafting their own Valentines. 11-1 ($60 gives you unlimited free admission for one adult and one child)

bebe au lait

Between now and February 22nd, Bebe au Lait is offering one of our reversible double bibs for 50% off with the purchase of $35 worth of products from bebeaulait.com. To get in on this promotion, simply select at least $35 worth of products, and add them to your cart. Next, select any of our reversible double bibs, and add it to your shopping cart. Finally, during checkout, use coupon code FEBBIB to receive 50% off the price of the bib!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

looking to get organized?

CmomGo helps you plan activities, coordinate schedules,and share memories among your private circle

Use Cozi to manage your busy family life with a shared online calendar, shopping lists, to do lists, a family journal, and more. Cozi is free and accessible from any computer and any mobile phone.

Springpad is a free personal organizer to save and use just about anything — recipes, products, restaurants, ideas, notes, articles, and more.

Called "popular and edgy" by the Wall Street Journal, Mommy Tracked is a multi-tasking website for modern moms that stands out from the crowd of parenting sites. Always fresh, funny, informative and entertaining, but never judgmental, Mommy Tracked strives to provide time-crunched, over-extended and multitasked-out moms a much needed and well deserved escape from the chaos of modern motherhood.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

the great trade-in event continutes...

Now through Feb. 20th, at Babies and Toys R Us Stores....

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chinese lantern festival celebration at sponge

Sponge is offering a free family event celebrating the Chinese Lantern Festival, with guest performers from the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, arts and crafts, food and fun. After the dances, native-speaking Mandarin teachers from Sponge will lead the kids in some language learning and activities. In Seattle on Sunday Feb. 7 from 10-12 (ages 10 and under, free)

go ahead, bring baby to work

CNN: One company believes bringing baby to work benefits mom and dad and the success of the business. KUSA reports (video here).

Friday, February 5, 2010

caspar babypants

FREE Caspar Babypants Concert @ The Rotunda, Washington State Legislative Building, Olympia. Join MomsRising and Caspar Babypants for a concert to support early learning issues. Friday Jan 5th from 3:30-4 (Free)

got weekend plans?

BabiesRUs Safety Expo. See local stores for details. Sat 12-3pm (free)

ParentMap: Got kids? Get to CampFair 2010! There you'll find info on more than 85 summer programs for kids. It's one of the largest camp fairs in Washington! Come and say 'hi' to your ParentMap pals at St. Thomas School’s new campus in Medina. Free. All ages. 8300 N.E. 12th St., Medina. Saturday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ridge Romp: Valentine's Performing Pigs. Those talented pot-bellied pigs are back at Ridge Romp at the Phinney Neighborhood Association with silly stunts and amazing feats of physical skill. Sat @ 10am ($3)

Baby Wearing with Karen Shelver @ PlayMatters, Sat 10 - 11:30. Come and learn the art of baby wearing during this interactive workshop! ($15)

Storytime at Ravenna Third Place Books always have a groovy lineup of storytellers and performers at its popular Saturday 11am story time (free)

Red Tricycle: Molly Moon's Breakfast Bash. Did ya hear what Saturday is? It's International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, and Molly Moon's is celebrating big time with hot bowls of Washington-grown, steel-cut oats, served with a scoop of ice cream (try Moon's newest flave: Maple Bacon) and a trip to the fab toppings bar. And while you're enjoying all that goodness, you're doing good too, as all proceeds go to Partners in Health, which supports Haiti healthcare relief. Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Capitol Hill and Wallingford ($6)

Red Tricycle: Better Than TV. Concerts For Kids with Debbie Dimitre. Watch actress/storyteller extraordinaire Debbie Dimitre bring to life (in costume and character) The World of Beatrix Potter, author and illustrator of the Peter Rabbit tales. Sat., 11 a.m., Northgate Community Center (free)

Red Tricycle: Music To Our Ears. Pied Piper Concert Series in Mount Baker. Spend the morning bopping along to the tunes of Eric Ode, who blends clever lyrics with gentle wit and superb musicality, making every show a treat for Little Ones and parents alike. Sat. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (free)

Thursday, February 4, 2010

see kai run

Enter HERE for a chance to win one of five $100 gift certificates towards See Kai Run shoes!

pop in playtime

From ParentMap: Bring a pair of socks for unstructured playtime on Pump It Up's huge inflatables, One parent must stay. In Tacoma on Thursdays 9-10:15 a.m. or 10:30-11:45 a.m. (Ages 5 and younger, first child $6, siblings $4, parents free)

free first thursday

On the first Thursday of every month, enjoy free admission to Seattle museums, including the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, The Burke Museum, Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Museum of History and Industry and the Museum of Flight. Hours vary - call ahead (all ages free)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

rsvp for bottle exchange

The Washington Public Interest Research Group (WashPIRG), the Washington Toxics Coalition, and Neighborhood House are hosting a Baby Bottle Exchange on Tuesday, February 9th from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Neighborhood House High Point Center.

play matters!

Enjoy toddler art exploration at PlayMatters today and tomorrow from 10:30-12. Class will start with a circle time. Circle time will consist of a greeting song, and introduction to the activity, a story may also be read at this time. February's theme is Hearts...Red, Purple, White, Pink ($10)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

looking to volunteer WITH your kids?

Join the OhMamas, whose mission is to raise a new generation for whom active service to community is a part of life. They introduce children to community service in fun and friendly ways.

Today they will repackage bulk food at the White Center Food Bank (9-10am). They will sort items such as rice, beans, even dog food - into family-sized portions. This activity involves lots of scooping and pouring, and is great for young kids.

village playdays

University Village PlayDays: Barnes & Noble invites you to come and enjoy refreshments at our special reception with Ruby, our American Girl Storytime celebrity reader. All are welcome - you may bring your American Girl dolls too!

Monday, February 1, 2010

messy monday

ParentMap: Children's Museum has sensory activities for all ages. Today is "I Heart Dough" at 10:30 a.m. (ages 10 months-5 years), where kids can explore materials used to make dough; and "Sculptural Hearts" at 1:30 p.m.(ages 5-10), in which kids use paper, wire and paste to create a heart sculpture.