Welcome summer! Jun. 21 is the summer solstice and Dunkin’ wants to help you celebrate with free coffee.
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Even though the added daylight gives you the chance to squeeze in just one more errand, run around the playground, or stroller-led jog around the block, it also adds to your exhaustion. And that’s why Dunkin’ is giving customers a free Vanilla Shot in the Dark (coffee espresso blend) delivered to their door!
So how can you get a free can of Vanilla-flavored coffee goodness today from Dunkin’? To start with, you need an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant equipped device. Just say, “send me a sample of Dunkin’ Shot in the Dark.” That’s it!
NYC coffee lovers can also get a free sample in-person (while supplies last). Visit the Dunkin’ pop-up shop at 213 Bowery after 10 a.m. on Jun. 21.
National Coffee Day is quickly approaching and we’re ready to get our java on. Saturday, Sep. 29 marks the special day and we’re celebrating by revisiting some of the best Starbucks secret menu drinks out there.
No doubt you’ve experienced trying to find your favorite coffee on the Starbucks menu, only to have it disappear! Before you lose your cool, it’s important to know that Starbucks frequently shoves its regular beverages off the menu to make room for speciality and seasonal items. As a result, positively tons of Starbucks menu items that have gained “secret” status over the years—so keep reading to see some of our faves!
The colorful frapp was supposed to be limited-time special back in 2015, but since the ingredients are pretty basic, you can still ask for the Cotton Candy Frappuccino at your local Starbucks any time. Among others, a barista will blend vanilla bean powder and raspberry syrup that combine in a shockingly sweet taste that highly resembles your favorite state fair treat.
Peppermint Mocha
The sought-after holiday drink is actually available all year long because it’s made with just two simple ingredients: mocha and peppermint! Whether you’re embracing the winter spirit or just want to celebrate the season in July, don’t be afraid to ask for this drink any time of the year.
Iced Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte
If you prefer more nut and coconut milk-based drinks, don’t worry if you don’t see them on your local Starbucks menu. The beverage tastes a lot like the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino: coconut milk is mixed with vanilla bean powder and used as base for the latte, with a more powerful coconut flavor.
Your favorite drink that you never knew existed is right here: the Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino! The chocolate-based icy cold beverage is basically a Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino made with mocha and hazelnut syrup and then topped with more hazelnut drizzle.
Doubleshot on Ice
If you enjoy Starbucks’ canned version of the Doubleshot then you’ll come to love the simpler in-store version that’s made with espresso, milk and sweetener. Why not make it festive and add in some pumpkin spice while you’re at it?
Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato
If you’re jones-ing for a hot drink, we recommend switching it up like customers do with last year’s originally iced drink, the Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato. It’s made with espresso, almond milk, cinnamon dolce syrup, caramel sauce and a cinnamon dolce topping. It’s proof positive that you can enjoy almost any Starbucks recipe hot or cold.
The aptly named drink is perfect when you need a refresher. The next time you want to try something different, ask for the iced beverage that’s made with a strawberry Acai Refresher, coconut milk, real strawberries and blackberries.
Peach Ring Tea
If peach is more you thing, then order the Peach Ring tea from the secret Starbucks menu. It’s made with half Valencia Orange Refresher and half Passion Tea with no extra water and a just little added peach syrup. It’s the taste of summer!
Butterbeer Latte
Please and thank you when it comes to the Butterbeer Latte! The beverage is actually a Whole Milk Steamer with pumps of caramel, toffee nut and cinnamon dolce strips, topped with whipped cream and caramel bits. Feel free to add a few shots of espresso for an extra kick!
Being a new mama is exciting, but it can be overwhelming, too, especially here in NYC. But have no fear, new parents; help is here. From the best spot to see a movie, fix the stroller, or find like-minded parents, to the must-visit playspaces and smart ways to find a sitter, Red Tricycle can help you navigate new motherhood with ease. Take the below advice as you embark on the important task of raising a savvy city baby.
1. Need to get out of your apartment already? With two Manhattan locations, apple seeds is an-all-in-one playspace that offers cute classes for kids of all ages, starting with newborns. Try Developmental Movement or Songs for Seeds. Your baby can have fun and you can talk to another human (adult). This play space also operates an adorable hair salon/children’s book and toy store called DoodleDoo’s if you’re in the market for a trim and a new toy.
2. Spilled milk and slush-stains taking over your stroller?NYC Tot Squad is a mobile, eco-friendly cleaning service for strollers, car seats and more, and they recently opened a service center in Chelsea’s Buy Buy Baby!) It’s amazing how dirty these must-have baby items can get after spills, winter weather and normal wear and tear. CleanBeeBaby can sanitize and deep clean your soiled baby gear at a local store or play space or make a house call if you’re in Manhattan.
3. Need a reliable, experienced sitter?New York is full of childcare services staffed with pros that will keep your babe safe while you work/do errands/administer self-care, and occupy and entertain your child when they are a bit bigger, too!
4. Miss going to the movie theater? No, you don’t have to give up your cinema habit. Lots of movie theaters cater to families and kids, and Williamsburg’s Nighthawk Cinema even hosts movie screenings for parents and their babies. They show current releases, so you can catch up on the “it” flicks even though this is a big year for you.
5. Need advice about car seats? Call the Car Seat Lady! Even if you don’t have a car, you need a car seat to leave the hospital. The Car Seat Lady has a wealth of knowledge on everything from the best seats for traveling with to the best Zip Cars to rent if you’ve got a baby on board. She’ll also show you how to install seats correctly in both your own car and rental cars. A must-contact if you’re worried about safety on the road.
7. Wishing you had a bra that actually fits? How many bra sizes have your worn in the last year? Keep up with your changing needs at expert fitters Rigby & Peller. It is the place to shop for bras. By taking your exact measurements, trained stylists find you comfortable lingerie that actually fits and flatters.
8. Want some adorable/cool duds for the kid? The baby doesn’t care what it wears. In fact, as soon as it can, it is going to start trying to take it all off. But if you care, NYC is a bonanza of adorable baby and kids boutiques selling one of a kind items. So grab your infant and get ready to browse through the likes of Torly Kid and Babesta downtown, Picnic in Cobble Hill and Smoochie Baby in Williamsburg.
9. Building Baby’s library? Books of Wonder , which caters to young bibliophiles, is a NYC institution, and opened an Upper West Side location as a companion to original downtown store. Inside, you’ll find current and rare books for kids of all ages as well as events ranging from writer launch parties and teen author festivals to story times.
10. Need a doula? Your personal network is probably the best way to start, whether that’s your friends or OB/GYN, but The NYC Doula collective is a great resource, and helps make the cost of of doula accessible thanks to different pricing tiers. Birth Day Presence in Park Slope has a similar system.
11. Clueless about breast pumps? Even before your baby needs clothes, furniture or brain-boosting activities (remember, Kindergarten admissions is a scant five years away!), they need to eat. If you choose to formula feed, you’ll need bottles, nipples, a scrub-brush that can go deep, and possibly even a bottle warmer. For those you can go chain, like Babies-R-Us or even your local CVS or Duane Reade. But if you’re nursing, you’ll probably want more personalized attention to help you pick a bra, breast-pump, lotion and pillows. For that, check out The Upper Breast Side, Yummy Mummy or Wild Was Mama.
12. In search of some Mommy & Me exercise? Harlem Yoga Studio is dedicated to being affordable and accessible to all moms and their babies, while The Yoga Room in Astoria and Long Island City brings a similar service to Queens, Bread & Yoga serves Inwood, and Brooklyn has Shanti Baby Yoga. Feel like swimming instead of omm-ing? Imagine Swimming and Take Me to the Water have locations around the city, while 92nd St. Y and 14th St. Y fulfill the needs of those looking for more than just swimming lessons, with other family programming. And don’t forget the gyms that offer childcare (that’s the “Just Me” part).
13. Looking for a place to connect with other families in Brooklyn? Check out The Great Room, a new spot in the Columbia Waterfront District founded by two therapists (and moms) who wanted “to provide a cozy, warm and safe space for parents to connect with each other, share resources, support others and be supported.” Drop-in with or without your kid for $10 and enjoy free coffee and tea, a play area for kids, a work area for parents, information and resources for families and a rotating roster of experts on parenting issues to consult with informally. Plus!: classes and activities for kids (sensory play, singalongs, play groups, Spanish) and adults (yoga, childbirth education, financial planning, breastfeeding support group, creative writing, infant/child nutrition, etc.) And there’s more: they’ve got a great outdoor space (with a play area for kids) and will host your party or event, too!
The Great Room
194 Columbia St.
Columbia Waterfront District
718-797-2469
Online: thegreatroom.org
14. Need some postnatal recovery help? Check out an Everyday Athlete Postnatal Strength Session. It offers exercises, tips, and strategies to getting back to feeling like your pre-pregnancy self again!
16. Have a budding gymnast? Jodi’s Gym offers two sessions offered for youngsters (9-14 months) with adult supervision – Teeny Tumblers, where you and Baby move and groove to music, and Jammin’ at Jodi’s, where you sing along while exploring musical instruments and props. Both classes are 45 minutes.
244 East 84th St.
Upper East Side
212-772-7633
Online: jodisgym.com
18. Wish you had a few new mom friends? The city has no shortage of groups for new moms. Find one based on your neighborhood – HRP Mamas or Park Slope Parents, for example. Or, pick one based on your situation such as New York Newcomers or Executive Moms. Pick the perfect match from Red Tricycle’s list of NYC’s top parenting groups.
19. Looking to boost your baby’s skills? Based in Brooklyn, Bright Start Babies offers a variety of classes for expectant mothers, adoptive families, babies and children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old. Classes are held at TrueNorth Wellness and cover everything from tummy time and hugging to yoga and baby massage.
20. Want to show the world that you’re a NYC-proud parent? For hip, Big Apple-inspired baby clothes and accessories, swing by Piccolini for New York-themed chunky books, Tee’s, rattles, toys and more. Proceeds from many store items go to charity; and the store’s collection of girly accessories and rock band tees is gush-worthy.
230B Mulberry St.
Little Italy
212-775-1118
Online: piccolininyc.com
21. Thinking about going the cloth diaper route? Check out NYC’s cloth diaper service, Diaperkind.
22. Pining for a pre-natal massage?We have plenty of suggestions on where you can get that tension kneaded away. If you’re near Park Slope and ready for a pre or post-natal massage from a specially trained masseuse, doula Lena DeGloma of Red Moon Wellness is your go-to woman. Good to know: Besides having magical hands, DeGloma also teaches holistic birth education classes for couples seeking a home or hospital birth and offers birth tub rentals.
23. Looking for an easier way to get from Uptown to Downtown?Kid Car New York transports kids (solo, or with parent) safely throughout Manhattan in a large vehicle (read no stress about fitting your stroller in the trunk) with car seats. Other company options include car seat rental, seat checks, and pick up of a specific car seat (belonging to customer) to be used in a Kid Car. This means you don’t have to fumble to get your car seat into a cab fast or haul that stroller up and down the subway stairs. (Lyft and Uber now also offer a car seat option. Read our review of Lyft’s here!)
24. Don’t know what to do with that baby wrap? At Wild Was Mama in Greenpoint, besides finding eco-friendly baby and lifestyle clothing and accessories, you can try on any baby carrier in the store. If you go before baby arrives, you can test the carriers with baby dolls to simulate real-life baby wearing. The laid-back, friendly staffers are always ready to help you get the right fit and teach you new ways to wear wraps. Tons of other stuff happens here, too, from parent meetups to classes to singalongs, this is a must-go for all new parents!
26. Need a mommy makeover? Manhattan mom and makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts, launched Mommy Makeup, a cosmetics line catered to busy moms; a full face can be applied in just a few minutes (ahhh…some alone time…) and the web site also has informative skincare videos.
27. Broken stroller? If your stroller breaks, have no fear – it can be repaired. Enter Stroller Spa. Based in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Stroller Spa not only rents strollers to visiting moms, but will repair yours if it’s broken, too.
28. Need a baby kimono? Of course you do! Just when you thought you couldn’t coo enough over baby clothes, along comes Lucky Wang. Their insanely adorable baby kimonos can be worn every season, alone or layered with other garments and has easy-to-tie ties and snaps. Various locations, Manhattan
29. Desperately seeking sleep? Aren’t we all? If you’re looking for a night nanny, post-baby, so you can score some extra shut-eye, contact Gentle Hands. The company’s Night Nannies help parents guide their baby to sleep throughout the night and help care for baby while you get some much-needed rest.
30.Ready to let the kid roam? Check out our favorite indoor playspaces in around the city, as well as our guides to those in Brooklyn and Queens. The options are (almost) infinite!
Did we miss anything? What do you think new NYC moms need to know about?
Have you ever tried to speak to someone over the phone with your toddler screaming in the background? Or tried to make that elusive deadline, but can’t focus on your work without being interrupted twenty times in an hour…by your child? Well, say hello to The Inc. Coworking + Playschool in West Seattle. It’s the newest answer to your wish of needing uninterrupted (quiet) time to work and a place for your sidekick to play. Read on for the scoop!
photo: Betty Rose Cortes
The Concept Behind This Brilliant Idea
The Women’s Business Incubator launched The Inc. Community Coworking + Playschool in February 2017 in Green Lake with the mission to foster a positive, child-friendly workplace culture that would inspire connection, confidence and growth for parents at any stage of their career development or entrepreneurial journey. Created by mothers, the coworking concept originated with pop-up working events where moms who were transitioning back to work could come together to work and bring their children along to be cared for by nannies. What better way to stay motivated and accomplish tasks than with other like-minded women? As the demand has grown, so has the idea of regular occurring play and work spaces. Today, this model is the cornerstone of The Inc. Community Coworking + Playschool, a solution for parents needing a positive, child-friendly workplace with flexible and affordable child care.
Why The Inc. Rocks:
1. Parents get a break! The Inc. allows moms and dads to accomplish tasks (in a quiet coworking space) without having to juggle their children.
2. Kids get social interaction. For many parents, The Inc. is the first social experience for their children. And it goes beyond the typical play date at the park. The Inc. gives kids a chance to make real friends in an environment that fosters critical thinkers and collaborative partners of tomorrow.
3. Flexible schedules. Unlike other daycare institutions that penalize you for missing a day, parents can choose when and how often to come in and utilize the coworking space.
4. Affordable. The goal of The Inc. is to create childcare that is not only flexible, but affordable—and what parent doesn’t like to hear that? Childcare costs at The Inc. are nearly half that of traditional daycare tuition.
5. Just a room away. The Inc. holds its coworking spaces and play rooms in the same hall, which means parents can check in with their kids as needed without being too far away. The Inc. vibe feels very much like being at home with friends over, who are also working (or making needed phone calls), while your children play together in another room—supervised by an awesome educator.
6. Preschool teachers are educators. We’re talking about degrees, certifications and experience overseeing the development of your child while you work. A win-win for everyone!
7. Free coffee. Enough said.
photo: The Inc. Coworking + Playschool
Two Locations with Options
There’s more to the above general provisions for The Inc. Aside from building community with other members, the Green Lake and brand-new West Seattle location each offer different perks. Both coworking spaces are housed inside community churches, which are equipped with rooms that are perfect for Inc. parents and their kids. But here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Green Lake
The Inc. at Green Lake has multiple rooms for its growing community. There is the traditional coworking office, a meeting room (to make those important calls or to meet with other members) and a coffee-shop like room, where parents can drop in and have their children play at a reduced rate without a preschool teacher supervising their children. This CoWork + CoPlay Community Room is quite similar to going to your neighborhood Starbucks, but with a room full toys for kids to dig into rather than a room full of coffee.
The Green Lake location also has two rooms for kids. The toddler room is where children under three are supervised, and the preschool room is where children ages three and older learn about art, routine and other life and social skills. There is also an outdoor play area where kids can get their ya-ya’s out before nap time!
photo: The Inc. Coworking + Playschool
West Seattle
At the new West Seattle location, there is one coworking space and one play room for both toddlers and preschoolers. As the West Seattle community grows, they’ll be able to add a meeting room similar to Green Lake’s space and additional childcare rooms, including a possible infant room if there is a high need in the members’ community.
How It All Works
Here’s a breakdown on how you can be a part of The Inc.’s coworking community with flexible childcare:
1. Register as a member. Members pay $35 every quarter. What a steal!
2. Choose a bundle from their childcare packages. Options include 4-hour, 10-hour, 20-hour, 40-hour or 80-hour packages. And they’re good for the entire quarter.
3. Select the date you need to cowork. (After registering, you’ll be provided with credentials to book your time and space online.) Then, choose which location and how many hours you’ll be coworking as well as which rooms you’ll need—Coworking, Meeting Room or CoWork + CoPlay.
4. Show up, take your child to his or her teacher and then get to work (and get ‘er done in peace!).
photo: The Inc. Coworking + Playschool
Good to Know
Coworking spaces and childcare are available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. during the week and closed on weekends. You can come and go during these hours.
There’s a two-hour minimum in the toddler room and three-hour minimum in the preschool room.
When teachers are out sick, there’s a back-up plan in place. Awesome nannies from Spilt Milk Nannies step in to ensure there’s always supervision when you cowork. Psst..they are vetted, trusted and amazing nannies!
Pack snacks, drinks, an extra changes of clothes and diapers for your kids. Parents will be responsible for changing soiled diapers.
All working fields are welcome at The Inc. Calligraphers? Check. Artists? Check. Stitchers? Check. The Inc. is happy to accommodate whatever you need, if space allows. And feel free to bring all the materials you need to get your work done.
At the Green Lake location, park inside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s parking lot. The entrance is located in the back of the building.
At the West Seattle location, enter the main doors of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church to find the closest entrance to The Inc.’s coworking space.
photo: Betty Rose Cortes
West Seattle’s Grand Opening Event!
Mark your calendars! On June 13, 2018, The Inc. is celebrating West Seattle’s new location with a free community event and everyone is welcome. Parents can tour the facility and meet members and kids can test out the play space and socialize with others. Food and beverages will be provided as you meet and mingle with board members and community vendors that support The Inc.’s mission. Find the event details here.
The Inc. Greenlake
Inside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
111 N.E. 80th St.
Seattle, Wa 98115
The Inc. West Seattle
Inside St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
3050 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98116
Parents with unpredictable work schedules and even less predictable toddlers, rejoice! We’ve done the child care problem-solving for you and found four local businesses that cater to your parenting and professional demands. Whether you need a freshly-brewed cortadoand a little distraction for the kiddos or radio silence and committed, trustworthy child care, one of these co-work/play spaces in the DMV promises to help keep your wee one stimulated while you get the job done.
Photo: Workafrolic
Workafrolic
This new kid on the block (as far as co-work spots go) recently opened and encompasses three floors of an Eckington row house that feature a playspace for kids up to 6 years old, a coworking space for parents to focus and pursue their professional and personal goals, and a shared multi-use floor where the two worlds collide with adult wellness classes, more structured child programming and other community events. Who wants to move in?
1707 North Capitol St., NE (Eckington) 202-506-2770 Online: workafrolic.com
Grounded Coffee Shop If your kids are a bit older or have honed the fine art of independent play (ahem, share your secrets), the train table and cozy sofa nestled by the fireplace at this delightful little coffee shop are probably just enough to buy you an hour or two of downtime to plow through your to-do list. A chocolate croissant and fruit smoothie for them, a cappuccino and an éclair (made on-site!) for you, and everyone leaves happy. We love that you can look into the kitchen while your pastries are being made, too!
Sprout at Saffron
Sprout at Saffron’s mission is to satisfy the parent, professional, AND yogi in you. With quiet spaces (equipped with printing services and free WiFi) to work, yoga classes to strengthen and relax, and art classes and open play for kids up to six years old, you just might emerge feeling more grounded and well-rounded. Art, dance, and music classes for older kids are available, too. Oh, and did we mention that there’s a parent NAP ROOM? Sign us up.
Grounded Coffee Shop If your kids are a bit older or have honed the fine art of independent play (ahem, share your secrets), the train table and cozy sofa nestled by the fireplace at this delightful little coffee shop are probably just enough to buy you an hour or two of downtime to plow through your to-do list. A chocolate croissant and fruit smoothie for them, a cappuccino and an éclair (made on-site!) for you, and everyone leaves happy. We love that you can look into the kitchen while your pastries are being made, too!
Play, Work or Dash If your kids can entertain themselves for only so long before they start licking the floor tiles, try out the shared office space at Play, Work or Dash while your little ones (ages 9 months to 8 years) frolic in the supervised play space. Adult perks: up to three hours per day of uninterrupted work time, free coffee and tea, tablets with live video feed of your cherubs, and a professional work space to meet with clients. Kid perks: daily arts and crafts projects, story time, organized games, and a huge range of toys and puzzles. If your child is at least two years old, you can even go off-site to run an errand or attend a meeting!
8214-B Old Courthouse Rd. (Vienna, Va) 703-345-7801
Online: playworkdash.com
Ridgetop Coffee and Tea A glass-enclosed play space teeming with climbing equipment, a train table, doll houses, puzzles, and LEGOs galore promises to make your children almost forget to ask for the treats that they probably spied with their laser cookie-eyes when you first walked into this huge and welcoming coffee shop. Don’t fret: the owners at Ridgetop Coffee and Tea truly have thought of everything—including tiny single-serving size containers of plain Cheerios, string cheese, and mandarin oranges to satisfy tiny hunger pangs while you cozy up with your laptop on one of the many tables that offer a bird’s eye view into the play area. Juggling a conference call while you loaded the kids into the car and forgot diapers and wipes? Ridgetop has you covered. We also have a soft spot for their scones and stuffed croissants.
The Wednesday hump is over, but Friday isn’t here, it’s Thursday! Here are 15 spur-of-the-moment activities to make your Thursday easy and fun with the kids. No need to plan ahead, buy tickets or pre-register, just grab the kids and drop in.
1. Visit with the Butterflies While D.C.’s Natural History Museum has a ton of cool things to treat your kids to, nothing brings a thrill quite like mingling with live butterflies. Spend a Thursday in the museum’s Butterfly Pavilion where butterflies fly freely around, landing on living plants, fresh fruits, and even your shoulder! You can purchase tickets in advance, but you don’t have to, just stop by the ticket counter just outside of the pavilion when you arrive.
Second Floor of the Natural History Museum 10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW or Madison Ave. between 9th and 12th Sts., NW Cost: $5/kids; $6/adults Online: naturalhistory.si.edu
2. Visit the Gardens at Tudor Place More than five acres of landscaped beauty in Georgetown gives you an excellent opportunity to stop and smell the roses at this historic property that served as the home to six generations of descendants of George Washington’s wife. Drop in for a self-guided tour of the gardens. Stop by the Visitor Center for an annotated map.
1644 31st St. NW 202-965-0400 Cost: Self-guided tours $3; Children under 5 are free Online: tudorplace.org
3. Play Putt Putt at East Potomac Park Mini-golf is always a safe bet for an hour or two of fun. East Potomac Park is a glorious place that extends from the grounds of the Jefferson Memorial straight down to the point where the Potomac and Anacostia rivers merge. The park’s mini-golf course is the oldest in the nation and the only one in the District. After you play this entertaining course you can head to the Club House and Potomac Grille for a bite to eat.
4. Watch Money Being Made What’s a better day than a quiet Thursday to watch money in action? You can do just that of at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing where you can see millions of dollars being printed as you walk along the gallery overlooking the production floor.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing 14th and C Sts., SW 202-874-2330 Cost: Free Online: bep.gov
5. Discover a Forest in the City You can hike, run, picnic, and explore wildlife in this 1,800-acre oasis that runs smack dab through the center of our bustling city. Rock Creek features hardwood trees, a meandering brook, rocky outcrops, and majestic wildlife. Plus, there’s a Nature Center, Planetarium, Old Stone House, Peirce Mill and Barn, Carter Barron Amphitheatre and more. Visit the website to see locations throughout the city where you can enter the park.
6. Go Food Truck Hopping You might think there’s nothing to be had at those noisy but colorful food trucks you see lined up and down the streets of downtown, but think again. If you’re looking for a Thursday food fix, you can take your taste buds on a trip around the world in the space of one city block. Choices include barbecue, seafood, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Asian fusion, funnel cakes,mac and cheese, and of course good old greasy hotdogs!
7. See the World Through a Lens Stunning photography (just like the magazine) and interactive experiences are what you’ll find on a spin through this unique museum profiling explorers, photographers, and scientists all working to inspire people and preserve the planet. Photography exhibits in the Museum’s M Street gallery and outdoors are free.
National Geographic Museum 1145 17th St., NW 202-857-7700 Cost: Free Online: www.ngmuseum.org
8. Learn about Conservation atTheodore Roosevelt Island This 91-acre wilderness preserve honors our 26th president who made significant contributions to the conservation of public lands for forests, national parks and wildlife refuges. Hike the foot trails, see the amazing flora and fauna, and marvel at four 21-foot granite tablets inscribed with Roosevelt’s philosophy of conservation.
George Washington Memorial Parkway 703-289-2500 Cost: Free Online: nps.gov/this
9. Paddle the Potomac River What an amazing way to see the city on a lonely Thursday afternoon. Georgetown’s Key Bridge Boathouse lets you paddle past the Georgetown waterfront, Roosevelt Island and other DC monuments with kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards. You can make advance reservations online or you can just show up and rent by the hour.
Key Bridge Boathouse 3500 Water St. NW
202-337-9642 Cost: $20 and up Online:boatingindc.com
10. Zip through the National Zoo Where else but D.C. can you enjoy one of the best zoos in the country for free? Easy parking and metro accessibility (Woodley Park, red line) make this an optimal destination for a Thursday play date with the kids. See all 2,000 of the zoo’s animal friends here or make a beeline for the giant pandas (they are adorable!).
11. Get Interactive at SkillZone Known as the Apple Store of play places, you can kill hours here enjoying free coffee and WiFi while the kids engage in focused play through structured classes and activities. You can reserve a space in advance or join a monthly club, but you can also just drop in and purchase a pass for the day.
709 8th St., SE 202-763-7629 Cost: $20 for a family with 1 child Online: skillzonedc.com
12. Become an Architect at the Building Zone If you don’t know about the National Building Museum’s popular Building Zone where have you been? This is a mama’s dream when it comes to entertaining the kids for a few hours. This hands-on introduction to the building arts is designed for ages 2-6 and features a host of imaginary play and building activities that will help your kids make sense of the world around them.
National Building Museum 401 F. St., NW 202-272-2448 Cost: $7 and up Online:nbm.org
13. Watch Airplanes Zoom Overhead They’re loud, they’re enormous, and they come amazingly close to your head on their way to landing at Reagan National Airport. Take a picnic and a blanket, lay down, look up, and marvel at the metal birds soaring across the sky.
Gravelly Point Park George Washington Parkway North of Regan Airport (Arlington, Va) 703-289-2500 Cost: Free Online:virginia.org
14. Play at Beauvoir Playground You don’t have to be a student to come enjoy one of the coolest playgrounds in the city. Beauvoir encourages natural curiosity and exploration in a joyful and safe environment. No brightly colored plastic structures here. All of the equipment consists of natural materials with natural finishes intended to blend into the landscape. You can bring food and drinks to the playground, but be aware that there are no restrooms.
Washington National Cathedral Elementary School 3500 Woodley Rd., NW 202-537-6485 Cost: Free Online: beauvoirschool.org
15. Follow the Yellow Brick Road at Watkins Regional Park This Wizard of Oz-themed park lets you follow the yellow brick road through an Oz-like experience with ruby red slipper slides, an Emerald City of climbing walls, slides, tunnels and bridges and more. Adjacent to the Oz park you’ll find a miniature train, an antique carousel, a nature center and the Old Maryland Farm where you can interact with cows, donkeys, llamas and rabbits.
301 Watkins Park Dr. (Upper Marlboro, Md) 301-218-6770 Cost: Free Online: pgparks.com
What’s your favorite Thursday activity? Tell us in the comments.
Routine is important for children – and, let’s be honest, adults – but sometimes you get a little extra free time that you’re not sure how to fill. Well, if that happens on a Wednesday, we’ve got you covered. Want to let Mother Nature be your guide? There’s a drop-in class for that. Need a yoga fix? Get one vicariously through your little one. There’s even an idea on this list of 14 Wednesday drop-in classes that’s geared toward grown-ups.
Photo: Metamorphosis
1. CryBaby Art Studio at Metamorphosis Art and Enrichment Center The littlest kids can get their hands – and probably everything else – dirty during CryBaby Art Studio for kids ages 0 to 1. During this 90-minute class, offered in single or four-week sessions – parents learn watercolor techniques.
2. Snakes, Turtles and Toads at Hidden Oaks Nature Center At this nature center, Fairfax County’s first when it opened in 1969, up to 12 kiddos can learn about local reptile and amphibian characteristics and habitats through hands-on activities “safari” hikes, and spending time with live animals. While you’re there, check out the resource library and interactive woodlands exhibit.
Ages: 4 years, 11 months, to 9 years, 1 month Cost: $44/Fairfax County residents, $46/out of county When: Sept. 27, 4:15 p.m. Where:7701 Royce St. (Annandale, Va.) Online: parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov
3. Raptor Training at Meadowside Nature Center Wednesdays bring lots of options to commune with nature here. For instance, on Oct. 11, head to the Black Hill Visitor Center for Time for Tots: Nuts to You! (10 to 11 a.m.) to hear a story, explore nature with a naturalist and make a craft. Note: Raptor Training (2 to 2:15 p.m.) is offered every Wednesday, giving attendees a chance to see how trainers teach raptors new behaviors through positive reinforcement (sound familiar, caregivers?!).
Ages: 2 and up Cost: Some programs have fees of $5 or $6 When: Check website for times Where:Meadowside, 5100 Meadowside Ln. (Rockville, Md); Black Hill, 20926 Lake Ridge Dr. (Boyds, Md) Online: montgomeryparks.org
4. Strawberry Pots and Seeds with the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department Learn why and how to save a seed garden (Oct. 4, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., ages 7 to 11, $5) using heirloom varieties. Participants take home some seeds. One more option: Make a seed ball (Oct. 18, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., ages 7 to 11, free for Vienna residents, $6 for nonresidents) to use in your garden in the spring.
Ages: 6 to 11 Cost: Some programs have fees of $5 or $6 When: Oct. 4 and 18, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where:Vienna Community Learning and Display Garden, 120 Cherry St., SE (Vienna, Va) Online: viennava.gov
5. Milk a Cow at Frying Pan Farm Park Cow milking demonstrations happen daily in one of the barns at the Kidwell Farm, which re-creates life in the 1920s-’50s. While you’re there, say hi to the pigs, goats, sheet, chickens and horses; take a spin on the carousel or bump your way around the park on a wagon ride.
Ages: Any Cost: Free When: Daily at 4 p.m. Where:2709 W. Ox Rd. (Herndon, Va) Online: fairfaxcounty.gov
6. Young Planetarium at Rock Creek Park Get in touch with the great outdoors smack dab in the middle of D.C. The planetarium in Rock Creek Park offers 30- to 40-minute classes for little ones that encourage them to explore the night sky while listening to stories about stars.
Ages: 4 and up Cost: Free When: Wednesdays, 4 p.m. Where:5200 Glover Rd., NW (Rock Creek Park) Online: nps.gov/rocr
7. Little Explorers at Historic St. Mary’s City This series meets every other Wednesday to focus on a different topic such as farmers, sailors, painters and hunters. The hourlong classes include storytelling, crafts, songs and outdoor adventures. Bonus: The class fee includes full-day admission to the museum.
Ages: 3 to 5 Cost: $4 When: Every other Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where:47621 Old Cove Rd. (Lexington Park) Online: visitstmarysmd.com
8. Sign Language and Dance at SkillZone Day passes are available so stop in for Sign Language Story Time, an interactive class that invites students to help finish the story while expanding their ASL vocabulary. Or shake it off at We Got the Beat, a dance class that focuses on teaching the basics of moving to the beat and incorporates hip-hop.Bonus: Parents can take advantage of free coffee, tea and Wi-Fi.
Ages: 6 and under When: Storytime is 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., dance is 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Where:709 8th St., SE Online: skillzonedc.com
Photo: Circle Yoga
9. Pre-Teen Yoga and Mindfulness at Circle Yoga The tween set will practice yoga poses, breathing, movement, mindfulness – and games. It’s intended to be a time and place where kids at this awkward stage can feel accepted, welcome and free of judgment as they learn how to be present and relaxed.
Ages: 8 to 12 Cost: $22/class or $19/class with registration When: Wednesdays, 5 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Where:3838 Northampton St., NW Online: circleyoga.com
10. Young Warriors Karate at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital This program teaches karate in the Shorin-ryu form. It focuses on teaching discipline, strength, coordination, confidence and respect. Drop-in classes are available at beginner and mixed levels.
Ages: 5 and up Cost: $20/class When: Wednesdays through Dec. 20, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., depending on level Where:921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Online: hillcenterdc.org
Photo: Snapology
11. Monthly Mini Build at the Lego Store Build a different model each month (September is the Lego Dinosaur) and take it home for free. Registration is required and opens on the 15th of the prior month, so go open your calendar app and put in a reminder on Sept. 15 to sign up for the October session. Quantities are limited to about 120 per store, and up to four children per household may register.
Ages: 6 to 14 Cost: Free When: See website for dates Where:See website for addresses of 5 area locations, including Tysons Corner Center and Arundel Mills Online: lego.com
12. Play-based Parkour at Urban Evolution Kids can get a jump-start on this obstacle-navigating workout in a play- and story-based environment. They learn movement and self-regulation that steeped in French military-training tradition. It’s the act of getting from point to point by making the most of the obstacles in your way
Ages: 4 to 5 Cost: $20 When: Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m. Where:5505 Cherokee Ave., (Alexandria, Va) Online: urbanevo.com
13. Story Times at D.C. Public Library locations Stop in for Wonderful Ones, Baby and Toddler Story Time, or Preschool Story Time at various locations. The classes include stories (duh), songs, fingerplays and movement. Be sure to check the website because some classes require students to get tickets in advance.Note: Montgomery County Public Libraries and Arlington County Public Libraries also have great Wednesday story times.
Ages: 0 to 3 Cost: Free When: Wednesdays, times vary Where:Check website for locations Online: dclibrary.org
14. Stroller Strides This one is more for the moms than the kids, but kids get to have fun, too, watching Mom sweat it out. Get a full-body workout through power walking and strength training with exercise tubes, whatever is around and – you guessed it – the stroller.
Ages: Moms of any age, but kids must be in strollers Cost: $15 When: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Where:329 N. Manchester St. (Arlington, Va) Online: fit4mom-arlington-alexandria.pike13.com
What do you do with the kids on Wednesdays? Tell us in the comments below.
Let your little readers roam the shelves and dive into new worlds at these great places around Portland. There are chairs for lounging, quiet rooms for discovering old stories, friendly shopkeepers to recommend new favorites, and even a sneaky cat to find! Whether you are looking for a book for your kids, to give as a gift, or for yourself (we won’t judge, we love kid’s books too), these 6 stores will help you find just what you need. Read on to find out more!
This adorable Alberta Street store is tucked inside a whimsical little red house. Inside shines with a fantastic book collection, couches for lounging, and plenty of events to keep your little readers excited! New release parties and special visiting authors are scattered throughout regular monthly and weekly events– be sure to check out their Musical Spanish Story time, and Read to a Dog!
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
1600 NE Alberta St.
Portland, Or
503-954-2354
Online: greenbeanbookspdx.com
Of course, there’s Powell’s. This giant Portland book behemoth boasts a huge kids section at their downtown location, with lots of space to spread out and browse. But don’t miss out on the other locations: Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing is almost as big as downtown, and is renowned for their children’s and young adult sections. And the Hawthorne Home and Garden location is currently organizing an expansion into the former Pastaworks space next door, allowing them to give a needed boost to the kids’ section.
A Multnomah Village institution since 1978, this bookstore has a perfect nook for kids, complete with a dragon rocking chair. Kids will find a large selection of favorites there, and can while away their time in the back of the store, while parents find their own goodies (along with free coffee). Lure children out of their worlds, if you dare, by challenging them to find the store cat, Molly!
This neighborhood spot is a relaxed place that carries a great selection of kids books. With a devoted staff ready to find the perfect book for your reader, it prides itself on attentive service. And with a (hot pink!) frequent buyer card, your little one can earn their way to a free book in 12 visits!
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1714 NE Broadway
Portland, Or
50-284-1726
Online: broadwaybooks.net
With a Sesame Street signpost in the corner of the store, your kids will know they’re in the right place. They’ll find classic comics like Archie and Nancy Drew, as well as newer ones like Powerpuff Girls and Star Wars. Take your little nerds here and, as the store says, “discover the secret world of comics!”
This comic book store labels itself as an inclusive women-friendly, kid-friendly hang out. Comic books and graphic novels are a great way to get kids and teens into reading more, and there are so many options. Chat up the workers here and they’ll point your tween to the best ones for them, whether they want dragons, inner turmoil, escapist fiction, or just something goofy.
The bright and happy toy store has a small selection of unique zines, books, and magazines for kids. Don’t miss their Rebel Kids Story Club, featuring great stories and crafts around a theme like Amelia Earhart or Frida Kahlo. Find the club there every other Thursday at 11 a.m!
Mon. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2418 East Burnside St.
Portland, Or
503-719-7906
Online: madeyoulookpdx.com
A kids store for dads! Focusing on supporting dads on their parenting journey, the book section features ideas for fun activities and things to do, and the story characters highlight (you guessed it): Dads.
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
4029 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Or
971-352-6130
Online: seahorsespdx.com
Feel like your kids are bouncing off the walls? Let them do it literally at one of the area’s many bounce house places. Giant slides, obstacle courses and plain old jumping will be sure to get them good and tired for nap or bedtime. At most places, parents looking to burn off a little steam (yes, the Fitbit counts each jump) can bop around with their kiddos, but for those who need a break, many also have cafes.
Photo: Pump It Up
Pump It Up Open jump times welcome kiddos of all ages to hop around the giant bounce houses, which feature slides, climbing and obstacles. Area locations offer special events, too. In Manassas, wear tie-dye on Tuesdays and get $2 off, keep it safe with Little Tikes Jump for ages 6 and under while parents enjoy a free cup of coffee in Loudoun County, and make it a family affair with Family Jump in Silver Spring. It’s $11/kid and $3/adult, including 90 minutes of bouncing, 30 minutes for pizza (two kid-sized slices per person) and a drink.
Cost: About $10, varies slightly by location Where:10110 Battleview Pkwy. (Manassas, Va); 73 Lawson Rd. SE (Leesburg, Va); 12210 Plum Orchard Dr. (Silver Spring, Md); 109 Post Office Rd. (Waldorf, Md) Online:pumpitupparty.com
Jumping Joeys Tap your inner kangaroo and head here to bop from inflatable to inflatable. There’s one set aside for the littlest boppers and a long one with basketball hoops on either end. Tall slides and obstacle courses are plentiful. Note: It’s a nut-free facility.
Cost:$10.60/single session, bulk passes available Where:1425 N. Quincy St., Arlington; 402 W. Broad St., Suite 200, Falls Church Online:jjbounce.com
SportBounce of Loudoun It’s tough to get bored with 10,000 square feet of jumping and playing potential. Two steep slides greet you at the door, with two more giant slides waiting farther back. There’s also a colorful jumping pillow that’s huge, basketball challenges, obstacle courses and a bounce house for the 36-month-and-under set. The back room houses some climbing and seesaw-like toys, and there’s a café for mom and dad. Remember to bring socks!
Cost: $10/child over 24 months, $6/child 18 to 23 months Where: 44710 Cape Ct. (Ashburn, Va) Online: sportbounce.com
Kid’s Choice Sports Center Lots of options during open play here, including bounce houses, basketball, soccer, aquatics and bubble ball. There’s also the new Toddler Town for kiddos 1 through 5. It features more than 100 games, a playhouse and mini sports. Each pass gets you 2.5 hours of play time. Check out the after-school programs and day camps, too.
Cost: $8 for single play, $35 for five passes, $55 for 10 passes Where: 13000 Sport and Health Dr. (Woodbridge, Va) Online: kidschoicesportandfuncenter.com
Bounce Mania In its 8,700-square-feet of space, this family-owned indoor playground and bounce house place offers two bouncing areas and a full arcade plus a parents’ lounge serving free coffee. Look for discounts such as the $5 Bounce for late-afternoon jumpers and $7 sessions on Wacky Wednesdays.
Cost: $10 Where: 7679 Limestone Dr. (Gainesville, Va) Online: mybouncemania.com
Monkey Joe’s Keep an eye out for the furry purple Monkey Joe mascot as kids 12 and under bounce around on the giant inflatables. There’s a separate area for the youngest guests, and an arcade where the machines give tickets that can be exchanged for prizes. Note: Adults can help children 4 and under but are not allowed to bounce for safety reasons.
Cost: $12.99/child over 2, $6.99/child 2 and under who are playing Where: 23521 Overland Dr. (Sterling, Va); 13032 Middlebrook Rd. (Germantown, Md) Online: monkeyjoes.com
BounceU Check out the All-Age Open Bounce on Mondays through Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ($10.95/bouncer), Cosmic Open Bounce on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ($13.95/bouncer, parents bounce for free) when the facility breaks out glow-in-the-dark accessories and turns up the tunes or Preschool Playdate, which happens on weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ($11.95/bouncer) for kids 5 and younger. It includes 90 minutes of bouncing with a snack and story break in the middle. Toddler Time is offered four times on weekends for kids 4 and under.
Cost: $10.95 to $13.95 Where: 1632 E. Gude Dr. (Rockville, Md) Online: bounceu.com
Jump!Zone The five giant inflatables here feature superhero and princess themes, and a firetruck with a slide. Stop by for Family Fun Night on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m., when you can get the Family Package for $30, which buys you admission for two children (adults are free), a one–topping pizza and a 2-liter bottle of soda.
It’s as Swedish as ABBA and Swedish Fish. For lovers of affordable stylish furnishings and tasty meatballs, there’s no place like IKEA. And now, shoppers of the popular ready-to-assemble store have twice the reason to love it. A brand new mega store has just opened adjacent to the old store in Renton. Read on for our flat-packed guide to the new IKEA Renton—no Allen key required!
photo: IKEA
The Biggest Store You’ve Ever Seen!
The old IKEA store was squeezed into a converted aerospace warehouse, so it didn’t quite have all the features the company wanted to offer. The new 399,000-square-foot store is a traditional IKEA: two stories loaded with furniture and a restaurant on the top floor, plus a Marketplace and checkout area below and convenient escalators and elevators to navigate between floors. It also boasts 1,600 parking spaces (with more in the works) and five electric re-charge stations.
IKEA FACT: Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retail company, in 1943.
Småland
For families with kids in tow, your first stop is likely to be at Småland—IKEA’s signature play area enjoyed by kids from Stockholm to Beijing. If your tykes thought the old Småland was fun, they’re sure to be wowed by the new one!. This play area is completely different and is the same design as most IKEA play areas worldwide. It’s based on a farm, in a Swedish forest, with logs to jump off and trees to hide behind. Potty trained children 37″ to 54″ tall are welcome to play for 45-minute sessions, with the option to stay longer if there’s room.
photo: IKEA
IKEA Toolkit
Before you set off on your IKEA adventure, don’t forget to grab the essential IKEA tools: pencils, shopping lists, tape measures and a trusty store map—all provided in the entrance lobby and at other stops along the way. Shopping carts and IKEA’s iconic big yellow shopping bags are also available along with specially deigned strollers for the wee ones.
IKEA FACT: The name IKEA comes from Ingvar Kamprad, who grew up on a farm called Elmtaryd in the parish Agunnaryd in southern Sweden.
Begin Your Bargain Hunt
IKEA’s unique layout showcases their furniture and accessories in room settings, so you can picture how it would work (and look!) in your home. The new store really emphasizes family life, so even kids can get in on the act and be little interior designers.
IKEA bases its rooms on various “life situations” — from a single mom and daughter, to a couple moving in together, to a large family with lots of kids and pets. The idea is—it’s just like home.
Try it Out!
Shoppers are encouraged to be hands-on, so this mean kids can test out the bunk beds (lower ones only, please) and help design their own rooms. You can even stretch out on a bed, see how many people can fit on a sofa or cozy up to a breakfast bar.
IKEA FACT: The new Renton store has Washington’s largest rooftop solar array; and only LED lighting fixtures are used inside and outside the building.
Children’s IKEA
The Children’s IKEA department is super-fun, offering lots of interactive play. Why not take a spin in a PS LÖMSK?
It’s a Hoot!
Kids who are frequent IKEA shoppers will be happy to spot some new products on the shelves, including fun stuffies along with old faves and new books that come with matching stuffed friends like The Owl Goes on Holiday.
I Want to Ride My Bicycle
Imagine a flat packed bike! IKEA has just introduced an awesome urban bicycle called the SLADDA. And, yes, you assemble it at home! It comes with some cool accessories, including a trailer (for your IKEA purchases), front basket and, of course, helmets.
A Bite to Eat
Stop off at the new 600-seat restaurant before heading down the escalator to the Marketplace. You’ll find all your old favorites, plus some new options. The new menu includes additional healthy choices, including a sumptuous salmon dish as well as some super kids’ meal deals, too. Psst! Baby food and bibs are even available for the youngest visitors.
Cloudy With a Chance of (Veggie) Meatballs
IKEA ‘s breakout hit has been its veggie meatballs. Veggie Swedish meatballs, your say? Surely not. But these are SO GOOD even carnivores are switching. Psst! The restaurant opens one hour earlier than the store, so you can have breakfast and a cup o’ Joe to give you sustenance for your marathon shopping trip. Bring your sidekick and take advantage of IKEA’s full hot breakfast selection, including scrambled eggs, potatoes, turkey sausage and Swedish pancakes for only $2. That alone is worth the trek to Renton!
Marketplace
Head down the escalator to the Marketplace where you’ll find lighting, cookware, rugs, picture frames, plants and all sorts of odds and ends along with a variety of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.
IKEA FACT: IKEA’s top seller is the BILLY bookcase, followed by the KALLAX, the MALM bed and PAX wardrobe.
Light up Your Life
The lighting section has some stylish options for everyone in your family. Kids lighting includes fun night lights, wall-lamps and more—just right to make your little one’s bedroom or playroom rock!
Swedish Food Market
Make like the Swedish Chef and rustle up some Scandinavian recipes at home! The Swedish Foodmarket offers delicacies, snacks and treats from Sweden. Psst! You can even buy IKEA’s famous meatballs in the frozen section and prepare them at home.
Pick It All Up
Stop by the Self-Serve Furniture Area to collect your furniture in a flat package and check out some other cool displays. Note: IKEA does offer home delivery and assembly services at reasonable rates.
IKEA FACT: Now in his nineties, IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad still travels the world visiting IKEA stores. He was 17 when he founded the company.
Check It All Out
After you’ve loaded up your bags and carts, hit the checkout lanes which have much more space than the old store. And since you deserve a treat after all that hard work shopping, stop by the Bistro for a fro-yo (or hot dog or giant cinnamon roll).
Save Some Dough with IKEA FAMILY
Looking to save some green on those dressers, chairs and lighting fixtures? Sign-up for the free IKEA Family membership (online or at kiosks throughout the store). You’ll get free coffee and hot tea in the restaurant, and your kids will get an extra 30 minutes in Småland during non-peak periods. Plus, you can score discounts on select products in each department, including the Restaurant and Swedish Food Market. Discounts on the IKEA FAMILY department’s unique products are available on the top floor near the restaurant. Sign up and you could win a $100 IKEA gift card in a monthly sweepstakes and access to the special IKEA FAMILY website.
Good to Know
1. IKEA has attention-to-detail amenities such as child size stair railings, family-friendly parking, strollers and a baby care room.
2. The old store will eventually be demolished, creating more room for parking. For now, IKEA is providing off-site parking with shuttle service and furniture valet on holidays and weekends. This offsite parking and shuttle arrangement will be maintained until the new lot is finished.
3. Is your kiddo too small for Småland? The new IKEA has tot activity stations throughout the store which is a perfect distraction—especially when you’re trying to keep those little hands busy for a few minutes while you discuss a full kitchen remodel.
