The Cascade neighborhood, tucked between downtown Seattle and South Lake Union, may evoke images of an Amazon (tech) jungle, but in between new apartments and office buildings, bits of history and play spaces for children abound. And if you’ve got a lover of big digs, you’re never far from a construction site!
REI flagship store
Hike through an “urban forest” with a waterfall, sit in a full-sized kayak or try the Climbing Pinnacle (age 5 and older, available by reservation or walk-in on Friday afternoons). Upstairs is a treehouse play structure next to kid-friendly World Wrapps. 222 Yale Ave N
tottini
This hip little store specializes in modern baby and toddler furniture, with a good selection of strollers and other gear and some books, toys and clothing. Check out the monkey-faced backpacks and clever bird and fish mobiles. 259 Yale Ave N
St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral and Caffè Torino
Here’s an old-and-new contrast. The striking church with the blue onion domes and gold crosses, home to Orthodox Christians since 1895, is next door to Caffè Torino, known for true Italian espresso drinks, minestrone soup and Sunday brunch. 400 and 422 Yale Ave N
Big Chimney at Supply Laundry Building
Imagine how it was before the days of home washing machines. People brought clothes to brick laundries like this one, built in 1906. The 125-foot-tall brick chimney in the central courtyard vented steam from the huge boilers. Off 451 Yale Ave N
PlayDate SEA
You can pick from an extensive menu or sip coffee, wine or beer and visit with your friends while your children play in an 8,000-square-foot indoor playground with separate toddler area. You can go in with them or leave them with the attendants. 1275 Mercer St (entrance on Yale Ave N)
Cascade Playground
Stop by this green oasis for its toddler play area and a bigger playground with a “hot lava survival game” obstacle course. There’s a dry streambed and big, safe rocks to climb on, along with a funky, seasonal “art garden,” at Minor Avenue and Harrison Street. Main entrance at 333 Pontius Ave N
Editor's note: This updated article was originally published in November of 2014.
