Wednesday, April 5, 2023

April Activities—Spring into fun

Posted on

A wee bit behind on getting my April post up but here ya go....

BTW—If you have a 4 or 5 year old that enjoys art make sure to check out this amazing opportunity at the High Point Community Center. They are hosting a Sensory Art Class with 6 weeks of classes for only $30, thanks to the Alki Art Fair subsidizing the cost. It's Tuesdays 11:30am-12:30pm, April18- May 23 and you register through Seattle Parks and Rec. In addition they, and other WS community centers, have oodles of other fantastic offerings for every age, include adults. Check out the brochure.

EVENTS
One-time events, listed chronologically. 

ONGOING
Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically. 
  • Free Drop-in Tot Gyms
    • Salvation Army Seattle Community Center White Center / 9050 16th Ave SW
      Monday thru Friday—3:30-5pm 
      Playtime for ages 2-6 years old. Parent supervision is required. More details here. 
    • Stay 'N Play at Arbor Heights Church / 4113 SW 102nd Street
      Fridays—10-11:30am
      Indoor play gym for kiddos 5 and under. More details here. 
  • Story times & Events
    Lots of options for in-person story times!
    • Seattle Public Libraries 
      • Baby Story Time
        • Southwest Branch
          April 3 - May 22
      • Preschool Story Time
        • West Seattle (Admiral) Branch
          Thursdays 10:30 - 11am
          April 13 - May 18
        • South Park Branch
          Tuesdays 10:30-11am
          April 4 - May 30
      • Family Story Time
        • High Point Branch
          Saturdays 10:15-10:45am
          April 8 - June 3
    • Paper Boat Booksellers
      6040 California Ave SW Ste A
      Saturdays at 11am
  • Games
    • Meeples Games
      3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B 
      Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more
    • The Missing Piece
      9456 35th Ave SW
      Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more. 
    • Till Dawn
      5048 California Avenue SW
      Been hearing a lot about this spot and it's on our list to check out. Video and pinball games plus coffee and nibbles. Website notes rooms to rent for D&D and other board-like gaming.
    • West Seattle Arcade—Opening Spring 2023
      2758 Alki Ave SW
  • Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
    2820 Alki Ave SW #2
  • West Seattle Farmers Market / Sundays 10AM-2PM
    Year-round event in the Alaska Junction. 
CAMPS/CLASSES

Multiple options:
  • Seattle Parks and Rec
    Lots of awesome spring programs plus registration for summer activities and camps. Brochure available here. Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers.
    • Upcoming Registration Dates
      • April 4th
        • Summer Activities (Term 2) — Seasonal Outdoor Pools, Summer Swim League, Boating, Sports Leagues
      • April 18th
        • Summer Day Camps (Term 3) — Day Camps, Activity Camps, Preschool Camps, Nature Day Camps
Art:
  • CraftLab Seattle
    Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
    Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available.
  • Curious Kidstuff 
    4740 California Ave SW
    Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
    Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts.
  • Seattle Parks and Rec
    • Sensory Art Class 
      High Point Community Center. 6 weeks of classes for only $30, thanks to the Alki Art Fair subsidizing the cost. It's Tuesdays 11:30am-12:30pm April18- May 23.
    • For a full list check out their Spring brochure.
  • West Seattle Art Nest
    2903 SW Cambridge Street

Music:

Sports:
Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.

Swimming:

All options are now indoors.

    PLANNING AHEAD
    Hard to think but summer planning has already begun! Have something to share? Let me know.

    Wednesday, February 15, 2023

    Exploring family-fun in Georgetown

    Posted on


    One of my favorite types of adventures are the ones that end up leading you to another and then another. The last one as awesome as the first. And Georgetown, just minutes from West Seattle, is is full of them!

    What started out as a random Saturday when I came across a once-a-month open house at the Georgetown Steam Plant, led to meeting a local author who was there selling her book—filled with even more fun things to do nearby—and then getting a bit hungry. Mix in my never-ending curiosity (Hmm, I wonder why there's a scooter on that roof?) and shameless bribery of my children (This one has donuts, cookies AND ice cream.) and you get my latest article for Seattle's Child.

    Have something to share? Let me know!

    Bonus material:
    Because I just couldn't fit everything in...
    • Book/Author I met: 111 Places In Seattle That You Must Not Miss, Harriet Baskas
    • Self-guided food tour: While researching this story, I came across The Emerald Palate's downloadable PDF. It's beautifully done, informational and I absolutely love her writing style.
    • More family-friendly breweries: In addition to Georgetown Brewing, Lowercase Brewing, not only has tasty beer and snacks anytime but ramen bowls Friday nights and donuts Sunday mornings. Jellyfish Brewing and Machine House Brewery are two more on our must try list the next time we go back.
    • Other cool places: If you’ve ever wanted to join the circus you’ll be thrilled to discover the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA). In addition to a wide range of weekly classes for all ages, there are options for the whole family too. On Friday nights try flying through the air on a trapeze at their Pay Per Flight class (for ages 4 and up) or for more flexibility book a private lesson with a custom class just for your group.
    • Music more your thing? Swing by the Seattle Drum School. It’s so much more than drums! Not only do they offer different types of music lessons including rock band classes, you can come listen to music or even perform. They host a monthly youth music showcase “Second Sundays at Six” plus several public shows at their all-ages space called The LAB at 1010.
    Other fun adventures I've written for Seattle's Child.

    Wednesday, February 1, 2023

    February Fun—Love rocks

    Posted on


    While looking for February pics, I came across this one—taken during the pandemic when we painted rocks while stuck at home. We'd leave them in front of our house for anyone walking by to take as a way of connecting when we couldn't be together. Messages ebbed and flowed from hope and kindness to advocacy and lots and lots of love. 

    It also reminded me how grateful I am to be back celebrating together. So, with that, here are lots of things to do this month for kids and families. Plus even a handful of ideas for getting a jump on summer planning. 

    EVENTS
    One-time events, listed chronologically. 

    • Lunar New Year Celebration / Friday, February 3rd—11:50am-12:40pm
      • Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW
      WSHS Chinese students will be putting on a Lunar New Year event. They will do lion dances and a dragon dance with drumming. They will be sharing their Chinese calligraphy and some small sweets to share for a sweet New Year. The community is welcome!
    • Chinese New Year Lantern Festival / Sunday, February 5th—1-4pm
      Seattle Chinese Garden @South Seattle College, 5640 16th Avenue SW
      Come celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a full line of up family-friendly activities at one of my favorite hidden gems in West Seattle.
    • Jewish Story Hour@the High Point Library / Sunday, February 5th—3pm
      3411 SW Raymond
      Join us for a children’s story time at the library and learn about tu bishvat – the birthday of the trees!
    • Free Tiny Movers Class at Mode Music / Thursday, February 9th—12:20-1:15pm
      Chance to check out their movement and dance class for ages 2-4 and their grown-ups for free.
    • West Seattle Art Walk / Thursday, February 9th—5-9PM
      Explore art throughout the Junction on the second Thursday of every month. Visit their website for more info.
    • Mode Music All-Ages Open Mic / Thursday, February 9th@8pm
      Skylark West Seattle,  3803 Delridge Way SW
      Join in on celebrating Black History Month with Mode Music Studios' all-ages open mic night at the Skylark West Seattle.
    • Family Reading Time@Paperboat Booksellers / Saturday, February 11th & 18th—11am-noon
      6040 California Ave SW, Suite A
      Join for a special Family Reading Time in celebration of Black History Month with the middle schoolers from Explorer West! 
    • Hearts at the Nest / Saturday, February 11th—1-3pm
      The Heron's Nest, 4818 Puget Way SW
      Celebrate love with a variety of arts and crafts activities—cards, suncatchers, candles, ornaments and fairy hair sparkles. All-ages, free. 
    • Women in Entrepreneurship Meetup / Monday, February 13—7:30-9:30
      Work & Play Lounge, 4700 42nd Ave SW Suite 535 Seattle, WA 98116
      Free event for West Seattle female entrepreneurs. Hosted by Sensa Play Rentals, Pearsall Properties, Work and Play Lounge, and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Register here.
    • Great Backyard Bird Count—President's Day Weekend
    • Winter Evening Beach Walk with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists / Saturday, February 18th—8-10pm
      Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
      Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. Free event.
    ONGOING
    Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically. 

    • Free Drop-in Tot Gyms

      • High Point Community Center / 6920 34th Ave SW
        January 3rd-March 30th—Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-12:30pm
        Ages 5 and under. Open play time with all sorts of toys in the gym. Parent/guardian must stay with their kiddo/s. More details here.
      • Salvation Army Seattle Community Center White Center / 9050 16th AVE SW
        Monday thru Friday—3:30pm-5pm starting January 23rd
        Playtime for ages 2-6 years old. Parent supervision is required. More details here. 
      • Stay 'N Play at Arbor Heights Church / 4113 SW 102nd Street
        Fridays—10-11:30am
        Indoor play gym for kiddos 5 and under. More details here. 
    • Indoor options for rainy days
      Here's my post from last November that includes oodles of options, listed by age (babies, preschool, K-5 and tween/teens.
    • Late Night for Teens@High Point Community Center 
      Fridays 7:30-Midnight. Ages 13-19  
      Recreation-based program with a focus on positive teen interactions and engagement where all teens are welcome. Dinner is provided each night. FREE 
    • Library Programs—Story times & Events
      Seattle Public Library is still only hosting online story times but King County Libraries have several in-person story times and events for kids, tweens and teens. Closest KCLS from West Seattle with programming are White Center, Burien and Boulevard Park. Search the calendar by location and/or ages. 
    • Meeples Games
      3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B 
      • Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more
    • Open Gym Basketball at High Point Community Center 
      Free pick-up basketball games for ages 17 and under. 
      1/3-3/31:  M/Tu/Th/F 3:30-5PM
      1/4-3/29:  Wednesday 2-5PM
    • Parkour classes@Hiawatha Added 1/4/23
      Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW
      • Tuesdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Kids • 6:45pm Teens
      • Wednesdays: 2:30pm Young Kids • 3:45pm Kids • 5:15pm Teens
      • Thursdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Youth • 6:45pm Teens
      • 12 week session (Jan-Mar) for $348 
      • Visit website for dates, registration and payment. 
    • Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
      2820 Alki Ave SW #2
    • Teen Sundays@High Point Community Center 
      Sundays (January 8th-March 26th) / Noon-6PM
      Ages 12-19. Calling all neighborhood teens! This day is for you. We’ll play a lot of basketball, and those that attend will be able to set the agenda for the day. Options can include video gaming, volleyball, dodgeball, floor hockey and the like. Come with friends or come and make friends. FREE
    • The Missing Piece
      9456 35th Ave SW
      Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more. 
    • West Seattle Farmers Market / Sundays 10AM-2PM
      Year-round event in the Alaska Junction. 
    ANYTIME IDEAS
    OUTINGS
    Check out these awesome adventures around the peninsula and beyond. 
    CAMPS/CLASSES

    Multiple options:
    • Seattle Parks and Rec
      Winter programs and registration opened December 6 at noon. Brochure available here.
      Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers.
      • Upcoming Registration Dates
        • February 7th
          • Winter Activities (Term 3) — Amy Yee Tennis Center
          • Spring Activities (Term 1) — Spring Sports, Volleyball, Track and Field
        • March 7th
          • Winter Activities (Term 2) — Aquatics, Amy Yee Tennis Center, Community Centers, Lifelong Recreation, Citywide Athletics, Boating, and Specialized Programs
          • Summer Camps (Term 1) Specialized Programs
        • April 4th
          • Summer Activities (Term 2) — Seasonal Outdoor Pools, Summer Swim League, Boating, Sports Leagues
        • April 18th
          • Summer Day Camps (Term 3) — Day Camps, Activity Camps, Preschool Camps, Nature Day Camps
    Art:
    • CraftLab Seattle
      Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
      Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available.
    • Curious Kidstuff 
      4740 California Ave SW
      Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
      Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts.
    • West Seattle Art Nest
      2903 SW Cambridge Street

    Music:

    Sports:
    Registration for several winter sports is now open and planning for spring is coming up. Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.

    • Registration open for West Seattle Little League's 2023 softball and baseball season

    Swimming:

    All options are now indoors.

      PLANNING AHEAD
      Hard to think but summer planning has already begun! Have something to share? Let me know.
      • Summer Camps@West Seattle Art Nest
      • Summer Camps@ModeMusic&Performing Arts
      • Seattle Parks and Rec Summer Camps
        Upcoming registration dates:
        • March 7th
          • Summer Camps (Term 1) Specialized Programs
        • April 4th
          • Summer Activities (Term 2) — Seasonal Outdoor Pools, Summer Swim League, Boating, Sports Leagues
        • April 18th
          • Summer Day Camps (Term 3) — Day Camps, Activity Camps, Preschool Camps, Nature Day Camps
      • Summer camps@Pedalheads
        Biking camps at South Seattle College.
      • Tree Walk in Highland Park Neighborhood / Saturday, March 11 at 10 am
        Pierre is back for another easy stroll around the Highland Park neighborhood in West Seattle. This walk explores the bountiful urban forest found in an around Westcrest Park as well as delightful canopy in yards and along streets. We will be walking a little over a mile over flat surfaces with a small amount of uphill/downhill travel. Please register here, bring snacks and a full water bottle, and be prepared to be outdoors in whatever weather we find ourselves in.

      Wednesday, January 18, 2023

      Fun find for little dinosaur enthusiasts!

      Posted on

       
      Update: 2/3/23—No more dinos. Display has been updated with a fun Love the Library theme for February.

      It doesn't seem that long ago when my now teens were in preschool and life was all about dinosaurs. We watched Dinosaur Train daily, created a dinosaur-themed birthday and I figured out how to make a Troodon costume for Halloween because all we could find to buy were T-Rexs. 

      So, when I was at the library this week and spotted a fun dinosaur scavenger hunt in the children's area I just had to post about it for anyone in this phase now. Start by picking up a booklet and then keep your eyes open for printed images of eight different dinosaurs sprinkled throughout the rows of books. There's also a creative display of lift-the-flap dinosaur puns and a whole section of dinosaur books at the front of the library you can check out and take home. 


      Wednesday, January 4, 2023

      Nantes Park—Gem of a little park

      Posted on


      While out walking with a mama friend the other day, we came across Nantes Park as we huffed up Admiral Way. Wow, what a gem of a little park! I'd probably driven past it hundreds, if not thousands of times, in our 20+ years of living in West Seattle but we were always on our way to somewhere else—hiking in nearby Schmitz Park, playground time at Whale Tail Park or a day at the beach on Alki.

      Tucked in this tiny pocket park is a unique and fun art installation celebrating a sister city partnership with Nantes, France. Whimsical sculptures by Claude Ponti, a beloved French children's author and illustrator, and a sitting wall filled with a variety of tiles created by middle and high school students in both cities. As you walk along there are questions prompting you to explore the different tiles in creative ways. 

      There's still one last piece of the project to be completed which they hope to do this spring, a concrete path with the footprints of Ponti's creatures scattered throughout. Once they do we'll be back again!

      If you curious: 

      Wednesday, December 28, 2022

      January activities—plunging into the new year

      Posted on

      Kick off the new year with this list of family-friendly things to do in West Seattle. There's a handful of ways to ring in the new year before plunging right into January with lots of options for younger kiddos and even a few teen-only events for those with older kiddos. Have something to share? Let me know.

      EVENTS
      One-time events, listed chronologically. 

      • New Year's Eve Family Vibe@West Seattle Bowl / December 31
        Two hours of VIBE bowling, shoes, one 1-topping pizza, one pitcher of soda or juice boxes and party favors for $129.99. Two sessions available (3:30-5:30pm & 6:30-8:30pm).
      • Highland Park Not-So-Silent Night Parade / December 31—5:30PM
        This fun neighborhood event is returning this year! 
      • Alki Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day / January 1st—10AM
      • West Seattle Art Walk / Thursday, January 12th—5-9PM
        Explore art throughout the Junction on the second Thursday of every month. Visit their website for more info.
      • Georgetown Steam Plant Tour (Georgetown) / Saturday, January 14, 10AM-2PM
        On the second Saturday of every month you can explore this historic steam plant located just outside West Seattle. Guided tours happen between 11AM and 1PM. Free event.
      • Bird & Plant Walk@Seahurst Park (Burien) / January 16—10AM–12PM
        • Also just outside WS. Free guided walk with naturalist to learn about the birds and plants around you. Geared towards ages 13+ and registration required.
      • MLK Day of Service—Monday, January 16
        • I haven't seen anything listed yet but there are usually several volunteer opportunities in parks around the peninsula. Until then, you can check out a post I did about Giving Back for a list of organizations that you can volunteer with year round.
      • Winter Evening Beach Walks with Seattle Aquarium Naturalists 
        Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
        Meet beach naturalists near the Seattle Aquarium canopy, located at the corner of 63rd Ave. SW and Beach Dr. SW. Free event.
        • Friday, January 20, 2023 from 8–10pm
        • Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 8–10pm

      ONGOING
      Recurring/Weekly/Multiple events. Listed alphabetically. 

      • Free Drop-in Tot Gym 
        Ages 5 and under. Open play time with all sorts of toys in the gym. Parent/guardian must stay with their kiddo/s.
        • High Point Community Center / 6920 34th Ave SW
          January 3rd-March 30th—Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-12:30pm
      • Indoor options for rainy days
        Here's my post from last November that includes oodles of options, listed by age (babies, preschool, K-5 and tween/teens.
      • Late Night for Teens@High Point Community Center 
        Fridays 7:30-Midnight. Ages 13-19  
        Recreation-based program with a focus on positive teen interactions and engagement where all teens are welcome. Dinner is provided each night. FREE 
      • Library Programs—Storytimes & Events
        Seattle Public Library is still only hosting online storytimes but King County Libraries have several in-person storytimes and events for kids, tweens and teens. Closest KCLS from West Seattle with programming are White Center, Burien and Boulevard Park. Search the calendar by location and/or ages. 
      • Meeples Games
        3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B 
        • Weekly—family game nights, Pokemon training camps, D&D and more
      • Open Gym Basketball at High Point Community Center 
        Free pick-up basketball games for ages 17 and under. 
        1/3-3/31:  M/Tu/Th/F 3:30-5PM
        1/4-3/29:  Wednesday 2-5PM
      • Parkour classes@Hiawatha Added 1/4/23
        Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW
        • Tuesdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Kids • 6:45pm Teens
        • Wednesdays: 2:30pm Young Kids • 3:45pm Kids • 5:15pm Teens
        • Thursdays: 4pm Young Kids • 5:15pm Youth • 6:45pm Teens
        • 12 week session (Jan-Mar) for $348 
        • Visit website for dates, registration and payment. 
      • Open Play at Outer Space Seattle
        2820 Alki Ave SW #2
      • Stay 'N Play / Fridays—10-11:30am
        Indoor play gym for kiddos 5 and under at Arbor Heights Church.
      • Teen Sundays@High Point Community Center 
        Sundays (January 8th-March 26th) / Noon-6PM
        Ages 12-19. Calling all neighborhood teens! This day is for you. We’ll play a lot of basketball, and those that attend will be able to set the agenda for the day. Options can include video gaming, volleyball, dodgeball, floor hockey and the like. Come with friends or come and make friends. FREE
      • The Missing Piece
        9456 35th Ave SW
        Weekly—Scrabble, cooperative games, D&D, crafting and creativity and more. 
      • West Seattle Farmers Market / Sundays 10AM-2PM
        Year-round event in the Alaska Junction. 
      ANYTIME IDEAS
      OUTINGS
      Check out these awesome adventures around the peninsula and beyond. 
      CAMPS/CLASSES

      Multiple options:
      • Seattle Parks and Rec
        Winter programs and registration opened December 6 at noon. Brochure available here.
        Variety of classes (sports, art, dance, music, etc) and one time events happening at Delridge, High Point and Hiawatha community centers.

      Art:

      • CraftLab Seattle
        Mobile location—comes to your house, a park or TBD location of your choice.
        Upcycling crafting activities and offers classes, birthday parties and other events for kids or adults. Holiday-themed classes now available.
      • Curious Kidstuff 
        4740 California Ave SW
        Variety of classes on Mondays and Fridays. $12/child, each day. Ages 18 months+.
        Also offering birthday parties packages again with teacher-led arts and crafts.
      • West Seattle Art Nest
        2903 SW Cambridge Street

      Music:

      Sports:
      Registration for several winter sports is now open and planning for spring is coming up. Check out my post all about when and where to play sports locally throughout the year.

      • Registration open for West Seattle Little League's 2023 softball and baseball season

      Swimming:

      All options are now indoors.


        PLANNING AHEAD

        Wednesday, December 7, 2022

        Snow day—Spots to go sledding

        Posted on

        The first snow of the season wasn't quite enough for full on sledding but it did make us pull out our winter gear and sleds so we're prepped and ready for the next time. 

        Living within walking distance of a great sledding spot—Westcrest Park pictured above—I never thought too much about other places until I saw others around the peninsula asking for ideas last year. So here's a recap of some non-street spots, organized by location (north and south of Camp Long). Plus a Google map so you can see what's closest to you.

        Have fun, be safe and enjoy some hot cocoa when you get back home!

        NORTH (Camp Long and north)
        • Camp Long
          5200 35th Ave SW
        • Hamilton Viewpoint Park
          1120 California Ave SW
        • Madison Middle School
          3429 45th Ave SW
          Spot: Back of school, between school and sports field.
        • West Seattle Golf Course
          4470 35th Ave SW
          Note: Opens after a certain amount of snow and announced via Seattle Parks and Rec.
        • Dragonfly Park
          4111 26th Ave SW
          Spot: East of the dragonfly pavilion
        • Jack Block Park
          Terminal 5 / 2130 Harbor Ave SW
        SOUTH (of Camp Long)
        • High Point Commons Park
          3201 SW Graham Street
        • Myrtle Reservoir Park
          3600 SW Myrtle Street
        • Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex
          2600 SW Thistle Street
          Spot: West of the grass soccer field and north of the main baseball field.
        • Solstice Park
          7400 Fauntleroy Way SW
        • Westcrest Park
          9000 8th Ave SW
          Spot: South of the playground and north of the p-patch.
          Parking: In either the south-end parking lot or the lot off 8th Ave SW.