Photo: Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Columbia City is a jewel in south Seattle's crown, a diverse neighborhood that manages to simultaneously feel urban and maintain an unusually close sense of community.
Folks come from across the city to Geraldine's Counter for breakfast and lunch (be prepared to wait for a table on the weekends; no reservations are taken), and Tutta Bella pizzeria for dinner, but there are plenty of other places to go and things to see within a short walk.
Rainier Community Center and playgrounds, 4600 38th Ave S
A great place to burn off some energy before hitting the shops, the community center has $3 toddler time in the gym several mornings a week, and, if the weather cooperates, two outdoor playgrounds on the same block. Ball fields across 38th Ave. are perfect for a picnic, too, complete with built-in grills and ADA-friendly tables as well as expanses of lawn.
Ark Lodge Cinemas, 4816 Rainier Ave S
Seattle Weekly named this neighborhood movie theater "Best Arts Comeback" in 2013 for good reason: The new owners show blockbusters, indie films and kid-friendly picks in a historic building that's a nice alternative to the modern multiplex. Tip: sign up for the online newsletter and you'll receive a coupon for free popcorn. And don't miss the affordable, fun "dino tray" for kids that comes with popcorn, a drink and a fruit gummy pack that all fits into a tray that sits in a kid's lap.
Columbia City Farmers Market, South Edmunds St between 37th Avenue South and Rainier Ave South
Open on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., the market attracts virtually everyone in the neighborhood for an assortment of local produce, flowers, snacks and handmade goods. Save your appetite for Indian food (you won't find it offered elsewhere in Rainier Valley), apple cider granitas or ice cream, and take home tasty treasures to enjoy the rest of the week.
Retroactive Kids (and Columbia City Cuts), 4859 Rainier Ave S
A superbly curated toy store, Retroactive Kids has products that will remind you of your childhood, as well as an excellent selection of toys that are wooden, nontoxic, recycled and just plain genius. The store clerks and owners are knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations. And if those bangs are getting a bit long, head to the back of the store for a haircut for you and your kids. One-stop shopping!
Columbia City Bakery, 4865 Rainier Ave S
Coffee, hot chocolate and delectable pastries are just the beginning: Try the savory dishes, including sandwiches and quiches, and custom cakes to please any guest or partygoer. Don't forget to pick up a fresh, crusty baguette to take home – a recent customer described those as "the best this side of Paris."
Jus Bar, 4908 Rainier Ave S
A quick option for lunch with fresh-made sandwiches, salads and soup in addition to smoothies and juices, Jus Bar comes highly recommended by Columbia City moms. It isn't just the staff that is child-friendly, there's also a play area with blocks, toy dinosaurs and children's books.
Full Tilt Ice Cream and Arcade, 5041 Rainier Ave S
If you've never been to Full Tilt, you're in for a treat both sweet and nostalgic. Even vegans can find a cup of frozen joy, and flavors vary from basic vanilla and chocolate to the weird-but-delicious. Buy a cone, settle down in front of a pinball game, and get ready to grin.
Seattle Gymnastics Academy, 5034 37th Ave S
If walking is getting mundane, try the indoor playground, offered most weekdays 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. ($6; Tuesdays are $2 with a food bank item donation) and Saturdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It's much more than a playground, though. Trampolines, a foam pit, balance beams and other gymnastic equipment offers kids ages 1 to 5 an opportunity to safely climb, tumble and hang.
Hillman City
If you find yourself with a little extra time after perusing Columbia City proper, head south a half-mile on Rainier Avenue South and check out the rapidly revitalizing Hillman City, where Tin Umbrella, a coffee shop and bean roaster, has sprung up near the state's only brewery owned and operated solely by women, Spinnaker Bay Brewing. No kids allowed in the brewery, of course, but that's perfect for a beer-tasting date night. Plus, try the insanely good Peruvian-style charcoal rotisserie chicken at Big Chickie.
