In every print edition, we present Seattle’s Child’s top picks for food, activities, travel, shopping, kid restaurants and more. Here are highlights from the September/October 2021 issue.
Counting with cake
Learning to count can be sweet: “1 cup of butter pour right in. 2 cups of sugar, and now we begin.” Seattle author Caroline Wright’s newest addition to the HarperCollins Little Bakers series, 1234 Cake!: A Count-and-Bake Book, uses colorful pictures by illustrator Alison Oliver and charming rhymes to help children practice their numbers. With the book’s kid-friendly cake and frosting recipe, children can count to 10 – and eat their cake too. — Jasmin Thankachen
At English Camp on San Juan Island. (Photo by Jillian O’Connor)
Escape from Seattle: Explore the San Juan Islands
The San Juans are home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States and are a must-do for anyone visiting (or living in) the Pacific Northwest. Orcas Island’s Moran State Park features more than 30 miles of hiking trails, five freshwater lakes and gorgeous views from the top of Mount Constitution. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island bustles with shops and restaurants. Drive to the island’s west side and whale-watch through September from Lime Kiln Point State Park. Lopez Island – nicknamed “the friendly isle” – is a bicyclist’s dream with its gently rolling landscape. And check out its Shark Reef Sanctuary, where you’ll be sure to spot sea lions basking in the sun. — Allison Holm
Bracelets at Child Wonder the World in Burien. (Photo by Julie Hanson)
Wearable art
Among the globally sourced goodies at the new Child Wonder the World shop in Burien are these Mommy & Me roll-on glass-bead bracelets, which were made by women in Nepal and ethically imported by Aid Through Trade. (The brightly colored designs have fun names like Dollhouse, Finger Paint and Fruit Punch.) — Julie Hanson
“My favorite place to shop for all our very deserving teachers is Blue Poppy Floral in Wedgwood. Deb and Audrey are a wonderfully friendly mom-and-daughter team and they are incredibly knowledgeable. They source small and local, creating unique curated flower arrangements. They have gorgeous houseplants, succulents, handmade gifts, jewelry, spa products and all kinds of items you don’t know you need until you see them!
— Christi Cruz, owner/founder of Wedgwood Drama Studio and pre-K teacher at University Cooperative School
“My favorite place to shop for all our very deserving teachers is Blue Poppy Floral in Wedgwood. Deb and Audrey are a wonderfully friendly mom-and-daughter team and they are incredibly knowledgeable. They source small and local, creating unique curated flower arrangements. They have gorgeous houseplants, succulents, handmade gifts, jewelry, spa products and all kinds of items you don’t know you need until you see them! A festival of chocolate
Chocolate lovers, get ready: The Northwest Chocolate Festival is returning live in 2021 (on Oct. 30 and 31) and will feature cooking demonstrations, chocolate pairings and workshops. Taste your way through the more than 50 exhibitions, learn about sustainable cocoa practices, and watch chefs take milk chocolate and dark chocolate to the next level. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way; nwchocolate.com — Jasmin Thankachen
(Shutterstock photo)
In every print edition, we present Seattle’s Child’s top picks for food, activities, travel, shopping, kid restaurants and more. Here are the highlights from the May/June 2021 issue.
4 great taco restaurants for 5 de Mayo
These kid-friendly Seattle restaurants offer fantastic takeout tacos for Cinco de Mayo – or any time you might need a taco.
La Vaca: Pike Place Market stand
1429 1st Ave., Seattle
Tacos Chukis, seattlechukis.com
Capitol Hill: 219 Broadway E.
South Lake Union: 832 Dexter Ave. N.
Central District: 2215 E. Union St.
Beacon Hill: 1608 S. Roberto Maestas Festival St.
El Borracho, elborracho.co
Pike Place Market: 1521 1st Ave.
Ballard: 5465 Leary Ave. NW
Tacoma: 2717 6th Ave.
El Camion, elcamionseattle.com
West Seattle truck: 9250 45th Ave. SW
North Seattle truck: 11728 Aurora Ave. N.
Roosevelt truck: 6319 Roosevelt Way NE
Sand Point truck: 4529 Sand Point Way NE
(Courtesy of Kelley Reese)
Shiny objects
Many women have wanted a pair of diamond earrings at some point. This Mother’s Day, you might instead covet these locally made, conflict-free gems – silver studs, each with a cheeky picture of a sparkling diamond. They work as well for children as for adults, and they’re handmade by Seattle jewelry maker Kelley Reese, who has many creative, exquisite silver designs where these came from, including a matching necklace. etsy.com/shop/kr47jewelry
(Courtesy of Tres Sandwich House)
Japanese-style sandwiches for dinner – and dessert
Japan’s sando craze has made its way to the Pacific Northwest. Sando means “sandwich” and TRES Sandwich House in Bellevue offers a wide selection. The restaurant uses savory fillings like pork cutlet, fried shrimp, yakisoba and miso katsu on fluffy white bread. Feed your sweet tooth with treats like strawberry cheesecake, red bean paste and matcha or banana cream pie sandwiches, too. 1502 145th Place SE, Bellevue, tressandwich.com — Jasmin Thankachen
A berry good time!
Ah, the sweet taste of summer! Strawberry season starts in June. Grab fresh, juicy red berries at your local farmers market or check out these U-pick places around town.
Biringer Farms Annual Strawberry Festival: Pick your berries, then indulge in the farm’s special strawberry shortcake. 21412 59th Ave. NE, Arlington, biringerfarm.com
Remlinger Farms: Get your ticket to pick ripe berries and play at the family fun theme park. 32610 NE 32nd St., Carnation, remlingerfarms.com
Harvold Farms: Select from rows and rows of the sweetest berries and start jamming. 5207 Carnation-Duvall Rd. NE, Carnation, harvoldberryfarm.wixsite.com/harvoldberryfarm
Be sure to check farm websites and social media pages for the latest on what’s ripe and ready to pick. — Jasmin Thankachen
Cheap ferry fun
Need to get away from dry land for a bit? Take a fun and cost-effective round trip on a ferry from downtown Seattle and end up feeling many, many miles away. In addition to riding the Bainbridge Island car ferry, which always invites pedestrians, you can try a foot ferry – take the new route to Southworth or head to Bremerton or Kingston, all three destinations across Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. It’s like owning a yacht share (for about an hour and a half). wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
Fuzzy friends
You can pick up crocheting this summer with easy-to-follow crafting kits and instruction books by Kristen Rask, including her latest, Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals. Rask, a veteran crafter, has published eight instructional crocheting books and directs Urban Craft Uprising, the Pacific Northwest’s largest indie craft show. Help your kids learn a new stitch, and create lovable woodland and farm characters all summer long. — Jasmin Thankachen
— Katleen Snedeker, Mill Creek mom of two
Q&A: Where do you love to shop around Puget Sound? “I love 
(Courtesy of Tilth Alliance)
In every print edition, we present Seattle’s Child’s top picks for food, activities, travel, shopping and more. Here are the highlights from the March/April 2021 issue, including fun kid restaurants and great Seattle shopping.
Good, clean fun (in the dirt!)
Does your kid need more time playing in the dirt? Tilth Alliance is offering after-school programs and school-break day camps in person, masked, at two locations: Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands and Wallingford’s Good Shepherd Center. Topics include soil invertebrates, garden art and how to plan and plant a vegetable garden. tilthalliance.org – Fiona Cohen
(Courtesy of Black Coffee Northwest)
Community, caffeinated
Locally owned Black Coffee Northwest uplifts the community, giving families a safe space to meet new people and make new friends. Built on the ideals of social justice and activism, Black Coffee Northwest is not only a coffee shop, but a place that encourages creativity, empowerment and leadership. Be sure to visit Pop Up Saturdays, hosted by the cafe to give Black-owned businesses a way to showcase their talents and products. Stop in for the coffee too! Try the Melanin Mocha, a dark chocolate mocha with a twist, or The Karen, a white chocolate mocha. 16743 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline; blackcoffeenw.com – Jasmin Thankachen
(Courtesy of Buddha Bruddah)
You’ll clean your plate
Buddha Bruddah Mixed Plate: This food truck creating delicious Asian fusion and Hawaiian mixed plates has long made its way around town with a menu of Thai staples like red curry and phad thai and Hawaiian treats like kalua pork and huli huli chicken. There’s also been a permanent restaurant in Rainier Valley since 2018 – and you can order online for delivery or pickup. 2201 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, buddhabruddah.com
Deception Pass (Courtesy of Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission)
Don’t pass this one up
Need a day trip that will knock your socks off? Deception Pass State Park is just about 90 minutes from Seattle, and with nearly 4,000 acres of forest, lakes and saltwater shoreline, there’s fun for every kid. Pro tip: Maybe skip going the whole way over that stunning, iconic bridge with very little ones, who can instead delight in trying to spot a Sasquatch elsewhere in the park. — Julie Hanson
Where do you love to shop for pet supplies?
“Bailey’s food is bought at Health Mutt in Roosevelt. We get points each time we purchase, and our 12th bag is free. The lady there is very nice and Bailey gets free treats!”
– Samrita Dungel, Seattle mom of one child and one dog
Hello … and goodbye
Here are a few of the places that have closed during the pandemic, and a few new businesses that have sprung up or expanded.
A big hello:
Hello Robin (sweets), University Village, opened location in 2020 (also on Capitol Hill)
Oh Hello Again, Capitol Hill, opened in 2020
Black Coffee Northwest, Shoreline, opened in fall 2020
Ada’s Technical Books, expanded into Fuel Coffee shops (Wallingford, Montlake and Capitol Hill)
Friendly Hmong Farms CSA (produce and flowers), opening in March to help farmers affected by COVID-19 situation.
Tá Jóia restaurant, Bothell, opened in 2021
Rubinstein Bagels, South Lake Union, previously delivery only, opened storefront in late 2020
Banh Mi Deluxe, Rainier Valley, opened in 2021
Tanoor, South Lake Union, opened location in 2021 (also in Sammamish)
Hello Em Viet Coffee & Roastery, Chinatown-International District, opened in 2021
Spice Waala, Ballard, opened new location in 2021 (also on Capitol Hill)
Shake Shack, University Village, opened in 2020 (national chain)
A sad goodbye:
Retroactive Kids (toy store), Columbia City, closed in 2020
Kids Club Salon & Toys, University Village, closed last day of 2020
Momo boutique, Japantown-International District, closed in fall 2020
Baby & Co., Belltown, closed in summer 2020
Can’t Blame the Youth, International District, closed in August 2020
Long Provincial Vietnamese Restaurant, Belltown, closed in fall 2020
Columbia Sportswear, downtown Seattle, closed in 2020
Toronado bar and restaurant, Roosevelt, closed in March 2020
Nate’s Wings and Waffles, Central District, closed in August 2020
Here’s a roundup of local businesses featured in our Winter 2020 print issue, including fun kid restaurants and great Seattle shopping.
Tamales and tradition
Tamales and traditionIn Mexico, tamales are served on special occasions and all during the Christmas season. But we say, why limit yourself? Frelard Tamales is open year-round. The meat flavors include salsa verde chicken and salsa roja pork, with four vegetarian choices and three vegan options, including tasty caramelized pineapple. Delivery and takeout only. All gluten-free. 6412 Latona Avenue NE, Seattle. frelardtamales.com
Sasquatch spotting
Sasquatch spottingClover Toys in Ballard provides a welcome break from screens – and a chance to play with toys made of wood and fabric, like this fluffy Bigfoot made by Aurora. The independently owned local business has a stockpile of unique toys, including well-crafted finger puppets, which, coincidentally, come in handy for tech – namely video calls with the little ones. 5333 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle; shopclovertoys.com
Chocolate for a cause
Sales of Theo Chocolate’s organic All in WA 70% dark chocolate bars help workers and families who are most affected by COVID-19. Theo reports that 100% of net proceeds will go to the charity coalition All in Washington, making sure Washingtonians get the emergency resources they need during the pandemic. Bars available at theochocolate.com
Here are the highlights from the September/October issue, including fun kid restaurants and great Seattle shopping.
Chilly weather comfort food
If you’re hungry for carbs this fall, you can’t go wrong with Momo & Pizza Ghar in Redmond. Kids and parents will love the piping-hot momos (shown above), dumplings just like they make in Nepal. Get them filled with chicken or veggies, available steamed or fried, with chili sauce or paneer (cheese) options, as well as jhol (served with a bowl of hot chutney).
There’s a pizza menu, featuring popular pie selections including tandoori chicken, paneer and butter chicken toppings. (Fussy kids can opt for standard cheese pizza and plain momos, too.)
Standout appetizers include chicken and goat sekuwa. Delivery and takeout available. 2560 152nd Ave. NE, Redmond; meromomo.com
A well-rounded diet
Rubinstein Bagels has gained a following for great texture, innovative yet classic accompaniments (shallots, anyone? Fried onion and chive cream cheese?) and a trendy twist – sourdough starter. Available throughout the Seattle area by delivery only, for now. (You can get Olympia Coffee, beans or ground, too.) rubinsteinbagels.com
(Steph Forrer photo)
Head east to the Old West
If you’re looking for a change of pace and scenery, Winthrop couldn’t be more different from Seattle. Depending on which of two scenic routes you choose, the drive should take around four hours – and it won’t be boring. In tiny Winthrop, kids and families (wearing masks, of course) are sure to get a kick out of the Old West-theme town, the new Homestream Park, the National Fish Hatchery and Pearrygin Lake State Park, which has a roped-off swim area and, this being Eastern Washington, a decent likelihood of swimming weather, even in fall. — Julie Hanson
Quick thinking at Sloth
This Pike Place Market gift shop has an adorable way to keep young, masked shoppers in line (and enthralled) as they wait to enter the store. Robot vs Sloth offers scratch cards featuring artist La Ru’s cartoon otters and unicorns, and of course robots and sloths. Every player wins a gift with purchase, which eases the short wait to get to the robots and sloths. 1535 1st Ave., Seattle; robotvsloth.com
Masterpieces to go
Need a great craft project for your child to work on at home? Paint the Town now sells Pottery to Go kits: make sublime ceramics for the grandparents, or just your mantelpiece. Bring the painted art back to the University Village store for glazing and firing. Kits include paint and pottery. Order ahead online or at the store; curbside pickup available. 4611 Village Ct. NE, Seattle; paintthetown.studio
Banding Together
When the coronavirus lockdown hit, Seattle Drum School didn’t miss a beat.
Private lessons were quickly moved online and happy kids around the area have been able to continue learning drums, guitar, trumpet, piano and more – it’s “more than ‘just drums,’” as its website proclaims.
Two Seattle locations: 1010 S. Bailey St. in Georgetown and 12729 Lake City Way NE in Lake City. seattledrumschool.com
