ML Interest Tag: moose

10 Must-Have Kids’ Items from IKEA

By Allie Ticktin

As an occupational therapist, I am very critical of toys and baby products. I prefer simple toys that are aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, I search for toys that help babies and children grow developmentally. Ikea’s toy section might be one of the best-kept mom secrets out there. They not only have beautiful toys and equipment, but they are extremely functional and safe as well!

I don’t work with Ikea and don’t get any benefit from sharing these, but you do deserve to know!  Here are my 10 favorite children’s products from Ikea:

  1. Mula stacking rings: Simple ring stackers are one of the best toys you can buy your baby. They help to develop your child’s fine motor skills from a young age and kids love them! Ikea’s version is beautiful and made of wood, which is always a bonus in my book (wood provides texture and is great for developing sensory systems!).
  2.  Mula Abacus: This toy is great for kids of all ages! They start playing with it as a toddler and grow with it into childhood, creating complex designs and patterns. It provides endless opportunity for creativity while promoting STEM, logic and math skills.
  3. Busa Play Tunnel: Tunnels are great to promote crawling and develop your little one’s gross motor and balance skills! Kids also love the feeling of being inside the tunnel. Ikea’s tunnel is not only adorable, but it also fold’s up for easy storage!
  4. PS Lomsk Swivel Chair: I must tell at least one parent a day to buy this chair; it is one of the best tools I know of to help provide sensory input at home! Your child can sit in it and spin or can shut the top to create a little hideaway and a perfect spot to calm down after a difficult moment or just a long day.
  5. Leka Baby Gym: Anyone who knows me knows that I think most baby equipment is completely unnecessary. One piece of baby equipment that I do love is a good baby gym. Putting your baby on a mat with a baby gym is the perfect thing to do to promote development of gross and fine motor skills. I love Ikea’s sleek design, and the quality of their baby gym is top-notch. It’s also a great price!
  6. Duktig Play Kitchen: It is important to give your little one plenty of opportunities for imaginary play, beginning from the time he or she is very young. A play kitchen is the perfect toy to encourage your child to develop the social play skills necessary for childhood and beyond. I love that this kitchen grows with your child and is easily cleanable.
  7. Bunso Children’s chair: Okay, this might be a holy grail chair for me! Ikea markets it as an outdoor chair, but I love using it indoors for everything from circle time in school to simply reading books on the floor. There are so many overpriced floor chairs out there marketed at helping kids pay attention and avoid “w” sitting, but sometimes the best chairs are simple. Often times, kids don’t have the postural support to sit alone on the floor. This chair is perfect because it is low to the ground and provides just enough postural support to help your little one succeed.
  8. Ekorre Rocking Moose: Could this moose be any cuter?! It is functional too! A rocking horse (or moose in this case) is great to help develop your baby’ s sensory system, and to develop a sense of balance while having fun!
  9. Langur High chair with tray: The key to good baby products is keeping them simple! That is why I LOVE Ikea’s high chairs. There is no need for any bells or whistles. This chair provides babies with the postural support necessary to start exploring foods while being aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. As a bonus, it grows with your child and becomes a junior chair!
  10. Ikea PS 2014 Balance bench: Ikea provides yet another great toy to work on balance and gross motor skills! It is perfect for preschool-aged children and will provide tons of opportunities for fun.

Alright mamas, happy shopping! But first, one more quick secret… do you know that many Ikea products can be found on Amazon now? You don’t even have to leave your couch!

Featured Photo Courtesy: Courtesy IKEA
Dr. Allie Ticktin is an occupational therapist with a specialty in sensory integration and early-childhood development. She is the founder of Play 2 Progress in West Hollywood, California, where her mission is to build skills for the journey through childhood using the power of play. 
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Today Is National Comic Book Day

by Tinybeans Team

Daily
Today Is National Comic Book Day
It’s Marvel-ous.
1
Yes, you read all about Jughead and Moose, but what about kids these days? Here’s our must-read list for today’s graphic novels. (Spoiler alert: it includes Archie!)
2

Take a little trip down memory lane and watch throwback cartoons with the kiddos.
3
Create your own comic strip at home with just 3-panels and a lot of laughs.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Pens }

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14 Things You Must Do in Seattle Before Baby Turns One

by Allison Sutcliffe

First smiles. First words. First full night’s sleep… we can dream can’t we? Find out what Seattle firsts your newly minted mini needs to do sometime after her splashy scene entrance and before she smashes some cake at her one-year bash.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

1. Meet the Moose. Babies and baseball. Add a few brews in and an M’s win and it sounds like the makings of a great spring day. Don’t forget to hit the Moose Den with your newly minted M’s fan to snap a keepsake pic with the Mariner Moose. Mission complete!

photo: Jolene Hufty

2. Tiptoe through the tulips. A trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must-visit for baby’s first spring. That colorful sea of tulips? Best backdrop ever for post-worthy baby pics. Plus, your sidekick can’t get super muddy… yet!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

3. Dip toes in Puget Sound. All it takes is one gloriously sunny summer day for you and your little squirt to cross this one off the list. No suits needed!

photo: Angela Barton

4. See a kindie rock concert. When you’re born in the land of Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam, rock ‘n’ roll is part of your heritage. Acquaint baby with his or her roots at a Kid’s Rock Series concert at the Mount Baker Club. Start ‘em young!

photo: Kindiependent website

5. Climb a mountain. Hold on baby, because this one’s really for your parents. Strap on your little bundle, then start your ascent up Little Si. It’s the perfect sized hike for your petit!

photo: Sarah Lenssen

6. Wade in the water. Nothing beats those gleeful giggles and silly splashes of kiddos hanging at the International Fountain. Whether you escort your almost-walker into the deluge or watch with him in utter fascination from the sidelines, this is one that shouldn’t be missed.

photo: Jen Morris

7. Take the plunge. Prepare your little mariner for a life by the sea with some swimming lessons. We’ve got the scoop on the best lessons in the area for those under 12 months.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

8. Stretch your limits. You and your newly minted mini can strike your best “baby poses” together at yoga. We love the baby class at Limber Yoga and 8 Limbs Yoga’s post-natal class which will leave you and your wee one feeling fine.

photo: Limber Yoga’s website

9. Make new friends. You’re never too young to network! Expand your tiny socialite’s circle at a fabulous parenting group. Both of you can make friends, find support and share your best diaper blowout stories among your parenting tribe.

photo: PEPS Program Facebook page

10. Take in a flick. Bring your future film buff to a kid-friendly matinee on a rainy Seattle day. Because that sweet window, where the wee one sleeps while you watch, only stays open for so long. Catch the latest blockbuster during Mommy and Me times at the Cinemark Lincoln Square in Bellevue while you can!

11. Meet some animals. Old MacDonald and his animal friends are all the rage in your little bundle’s world. That’s why the Woodland Park Zoo’s Walkin’ and Rollin’ class made our list. Your mini me gets to hang with the biggest “stars” in town, while you bond with other parents over sleepless nights and diaper duty.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

12. Make music at the symphony. Put attending a Tiny Tots concert at the Seattle Symphony on baby’s list of memorable, must-do firsts. Linda and Lisa bring music to life, even for the tiniest audience members.

photo: Tracey Marshall Photography

13. Take a ferry ride. Before she turns one, your little eco baby needs to take her first ride on Seattle’s most unique form of public transportation. It’s all about the journey with this one!

photo: Elizabeth LaFever

14. Follow the lead. Check out other cool Seattle families and compare notes. These favorite PNW ‘gramers will help lead the way!

photo: @margejacobsen

What’s on your Seattle baby’s bucket list? Spill in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

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Top 10 Free (or Cheap) Things to do in the Bay Area with Kids Under 5

by Kate Loweth

Want to plan a summer of fun for the little people in your life? Good news! An over-the-top summer doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg or take tons of prep work. With this list of our ten favorite things to do with kids under 5, we prove the old axiom that the best things in life FREE (or at least very cheap).

1. Get Your Hike on at Mori Point

Get out of the city and into the fresh air at Mori Point! Located just south of San Francisco in the town of Pacifica, Mori Point offers hiking trails for all ages and abilities.  If you park on Mori Point Road near the Moose Lodge, you can follow a flat trail to a wooden boardwalk that takes you all the way to the ocean (perfect for that jogging stroller). More adventurous hikers can hike a windy path or a large wooden staircase up to the top to see the beautiful vista. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see migrating whales as they swim past. Hiking got you hungry? Check out nearby Gorilla Barbecue (located in an awesome orange train car) where the kids meals are generously-sized and delicious.

Mori Point Rd.
Pacifica, Ca
Online: parksconservancy.org

Photo: Kate Loweth

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Flycaster Brewing Company: Fun for the Kids, Beer for You

by Jennifer B Davis

You’re no longer pregnant or nursing, and let’s face it—you’re craving a beer. Sitting alongside adults, sipping a frothy, hoppy, delicious treat on a Friday night. We hear you. Good news! There’s a brewery on the Eastside where you can imbibe on a craft beer and bring the littles along for the ride. Read on for the inside scoop on Flycaster Brewing Co.

photo: Amanda Chenoweth for Flycaster Brewery

Bridging the Fly Fishing & Beer Drinking Worlds 
Celebrating their one year anniversary this May, Flycaster is the brainchild of Jeremy (and Tara) Eubanks. Combining his love of fly fishing and well, beer, Eubanks has put his heart and soul into crafting great micro-beer and creating a comfortable environment for all who enter. With wood walls and a stone bar, the brewery has a woodsy lodge vibe. But don’t worry. You won’t find a large moose head on the wall. Just a great hangout where you can get current fishing conditions on the local rivers and a tasty American-style beer by the fire.

 photo: Amanda Chenoweth for Flycaster Brewery

The 411on the Brew
Flycaster offers hand-crafted, small batch beer focusing on a constantly rotating selection of Northwest styles. From a light body Bonefish Blonde and a crisp and hoppy Rocky Ford IPA, to a clear and crisp Hopper Pale Ale and an Amber body Yakima River Red—there’s a beer on the menu to fit everyone’s taste and fishing style. However, don’t expect to find any funky flavors here. Just the kind of brew Eubanks and other fishermen (and fisherwomen) would want to enjoy while catching the big one on the river.

Flycaster sources its hops from Yakima, but that’s not the only secret behind its great tasting brew. According to Eubanks, it’s his head brewer Jonathan Hughes. “Jonathon is a rockstar! He continues to evolve our beers based on customer feedback and the styles that we want to brew,” says Eubanks. So next time you’re at Flycaster, be sure to leave a comment (or two!). You might just see your recommendations on the menu.

photo: Flycaster Brewing Company Facebook page 

Fun for the Kids
While no brewery is an all-out kid zone, Flycaster has a beanbag toss in the back room, along with possibly the best (free) pub mix ever, plus ample seating, a cozy fireplace and TVs, of course. No food is served on-site, but there’s generally a food truck right outside serving its finest. Even better news, Flycaster is dog-friendly, so your four-legged “kids” can join in the fun too.

photo: Steve Todd

On the Horizon
Eubanks hopes to grow his brew system, so he can start selling kegs locally. “We would like to continue with our core brews and continue to come up with seasonal beers and new fun beers,” says Eubanks. Be sure to look for Flycaster at local festivals like the Washington Brewers Festival taking place over Fathers Day Weekend along with festivals in Fremont and Bothell and Oktoberfest Kirkland in September.

Good to Know
Planning a party? The brewery offers a private event space and features live music from local up-and-comers.

Flycaser Brewing Co.
12815 124th St.. Suite I
Kirkland, Wa 98034
206-963-6626
Online: flycasterbrewing.com and on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Psst! Don’t forget about these other kid-friendly Eastside spots for a cold one: Redhook Brewery (Woodinville), newly opened Chainline (Kirkland) and Bellevue Brewing Company (Bellevue).

Clearly, we’re hooked on Flycaster – hook, line and sinker. Have you visited Flycaster? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below.

— Jennifer B. Davis

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Out to Lunch: 5 Scrumptious Spots for a Toddler Lunch Date

by Chelsea Lin

Sometime a few years ago, your typical lunch out likely went from three martinis to three Martinelli’s. But just because you have a toddler in tow doesn’t mean you have to give up your special lunch dates—they just may be a tad messier now and involve more French fries. Check out these casual eateries for a midday meal you and your little one will both enjoy.

 photo: Chelsea Lin

Gnocchi Bar
Chef Lisa Nakamura used to run a fine dining restaurant on Orcas Island; she just opened an uber casual Capitol Hill spot based around one of her most popular dishes: gnocchi. There’s soup, salads, and focaccia sandwiches, but you’ll want to order the signature dish—potato gnocchi with roasted portabellas and spicy pickled peppers for you, polenta gnocchi with meatballs and tomato sauce for your tiny diner. A little secret: the sweets here are just as good as the savories. Pastry chef Adana Protonentis is a whiz with butter and flour, and you can still get a scoop made by former tenants D’Ambrosio Gelato to round out the Italian experience.

Before or After: Walk the few blocks to Cal Anderson Park, where you both can burn off that sugar high in the acres of green space or take advantage of the wading pool, play area or fountain.

1542 12th Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98122
206-328-4285
Online: gnocchibarseattle.com or on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

photo: Sky View Cafe’s Facebook page

Sky View Café
Looking for a better view than the Space Needle? Head to the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, where the Sky View Observatory recently launched a modern, stylish café catered by Ravishing Radish. The menu is perfect for kids, ranging from snacks like popcorn and cookies to full meals like minestrone soup or a ham and Swiss sandwich. And for working parents nearby (or even in the building), this makes an ideal noontime family meet-up.

Before or After: Since you’re spending $12.50 on admission (kids under 5 are free, thankfully) to the highest public observatory on the West Coast, take your time to look around and enjoy the bird’s-eye view.

701 5th Ave., 73rd floor
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-386-5564
Online: ravishingradish.com/skyviewcafe.html or on Facebook
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

 photo: Chelsea Lin

Kukai Ramen & Izakaya
When the weather (or this week’s preschool bug) calls for a bowl of steaming soup, there’s none better than the real-deal ramen at this Northgate location of a Japanese chain. Do as we do: order a bowl of simple shio or more complex tonkotsu shoyu ramen and a side of extra noodles—you can share the broth and toppings. It’s also easy to make a meal out of the small plates, like veggie tempura, fried chicken, or edamame.

Before or After: Catch a flick at Regal Thornton Place, just steps away. The theater is running $1 movie tickets to popular kids’ movies from June 23 to August 19 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

319 N.E. Thornton Pl.
Seattle, Wa 98125
206-946-6792
Online: kukai-ramen.com or on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

photo: Pike Place Market’s Facebook page

Pike Place Market
This may be an obvious choice, but Seattle’s most quintessential hotspot is also one of its best places for a parent/kiddo lunch. The best way to approach your date is a progressive meal: mac ‘n’ cheese from Beecher’s, fresh fruit and veggie samples from the stalls (try to find something your hungry munchkin has never seen before), a baggie of hot doughnuts from Daily Dozen. There are plenty of people to watch, you can sit for a while to check out the ferries, and it’s loud enough that no one will notice a tantrum or two.

Before or After: Walk down the Harbor Steps and take your pick: the aquarium is a delightful place to while away a few hours, or you could simply spend the time watching the sea wall construction machinery.

85 Pike St.
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-682-7453
Online: pikeplacemarket.org or on Facebook
Hours: Vary by business

photo: Senor Moose’s Facebook page

Señor Moose Café
Seattle may not be known for its Mexican food, but this Ballard restaurant breaks the mold—it’s cheesy enough for selective eaters but with options both spicy and authentic for more adventurous ones. There are quesadillas if you must, but we recommend the spectacular chilaquiles (tortilla chips tossed in green or red salsa and scrambled with eggs), any of the sopes (thick tortillas made from masa and filled), and the fried plantains. Weekend brunch means long waits, but weekday lunch or brunch is generally breezy.

Before or After: The Seattle Gymnastics Academy’s Ballard location is within walking distance, and their drop-in indoor playground—where your tot can bounce and run to her heart’s content—opens at noon on weekdays.

5242 Leary Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-784-5568
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: senormoose.com or on Facebook

Did we miss your favorite go-to lunch spot? Share your favorites in the Comments below!

—Chelsea Lin

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10 Musicians for Your Next Birthday Party (They Come to You!)

by Judy Cohen

New York City is full of entertaining characters, and not just in the subways or on the streets. Lucky for you, many of these talented individuals and aspiring musicians use their gift to perform at kiddie birthday parties. We found 10 local sing-along party people that will come to you and provide an awesome time for little ones and parents alike.

1. Live jukebox party – Rockin’ with Andy sing-alongs are an awesome time for all. While your little ones will never tire of hearing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star or Itsy Bitsy Spider, you might so Andy’s gotcha covered with a variety of songs. When he’s finished rocking out with the little kids, he stays and jams with the big kids turning the party into a live jukebox. Ages 0-3; pricing starts at $350; Contact: info@rockinwithandy.com, 917-647-3611.

2. Celebrate with a Moose – Marcia the Musical Moose is sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face and provide an awesome time for all your guests. In addition to a sing-along with favorite kid tunes such as Old MacDonald and Apples and Bananas, Marcia performs silly magic and animal puppet shows. If you like her Facebook page you’ll receive a discount. Ages 0-7; pricing starts at $295; Contact: marciathemoose@gmail.com, 212-567-0682 or 845-641-3068.

3. A musical extravaganza – If you have a pretty princess, rock ‘n roll star or jolly pirate and are looking for a high-energy, interactive, spectacular musical birthday party, Moey’s Music Party is the perfect choice. With a huge repertoire of classic kid tunes and original songs to sing-along, Moey and team will charm your birthday star and all your guests. Ages 0-5; pricing starts at $375; Contact: moey@moeymusicparty.com, 917-680-6789.

4. Have a Jam Session – Rock out with a group of talented musicians and entertainers. Jam with Jamie and her team of talent provide an interactive jam session with all the classic kid favorites and oldies, rock, and top 40 tunes. Want to keep the party going? Add on face painting or clown services and an adult jam session to give the parents a real treat. Ages 0-6; pricing starts at $275; Contact: jamie@jamwithjamie.com, 917-822-0186.

5. Monkey around with music – Ever watched one of the contagious videos that appear in between showings of Sesame Street and Curious George on PBS and thought how awesome it would be to have that girl perform at your little one’s birthday party? You’re in luck. Meredith LeVande of Monkey Monkey Music and her band are available to play at your next gig and engage you and your kids the same way she does on TV. Options are available for solo, duo and entire band performances. Ages 0-12; pricing starts at $350; Contact: meredith@monkeymonkeymusic.com, 212-673-6472.

6. A wild and crazy sing-along dance party – Favorite entertainer to the stars (and their kids), Bobby Doowah performs at more than 350 parties and events a year. You may recognize some of his original songs and dance moves because he creates programs for Kidville NY, Jodi’s Gym and other popular kid places. Come ready to groove to Bobby’s vast repertoire of well-known favorites as well as his original, upbeat tunes guaranteed to keep everyone singing and dancing. Ages 0-6; pricing starts at $295; Contact: 917-838-4527.

7. A Sing-along with Ryan – One of the most sought-after performers on the kiddie party circuit, Ryan performs everything from the classics – Wheels on the Bus and B-I-N-G-O – to current chart toppers, and even favorite kid’s television theme songs. For an additional fee, Ryan will write a custom song for the birthday star based on information you provide him ahead of time. Ages 0-4; pricing starts at $250; Contact: asingalongwithryan@gmail.com, 646-373-5550.

8. Rock and Roll fantasy party – Give your little ones their first taste of rock and roll with a Little Rockers birthday party. You provide the kids and they provide the band to sing along to classic rock, indie, acoustic and electric guitar sessions giving everyone the ultimate rock star experience. No concert would be complete without t-shirts, mini guitars and stickers and all are available for an additional fee. Ages 0-7; pricing starts at $200; Contact: rockout@littlerockersmusic.com, 732-872-4354.

9. High-energy toddler concert  – If you love the musical performances at New York City’s top play spaces such as Apple Seeds, NY Kids Club and the J.C.C. you will love BrettBand, and chances are you’ve already seen him perform. Now on his own, Brett brings everything you love about him and more to sing-along parties for little ones with a mix of classic kids songs, some famous rock and roll tunes, and original songs. And if you behave he’ll bring bubbles too. Ages 0-4; pricing starts at $350; Contact: brett@brettband.com   

Images courtesy of Sarah Miles, Moey’s Music Party, Bobby Doowah and BrettBand’s Facebook

Have you ever hired entertainment for a kid’s birthday party? Share your story in a comment.

–Judy Cohen

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Explore: Northwest Trek with Kids

by drealestercontributor

The Wilderness at Your Back Door

Hey animal lovers, have you been to Northwest Trek? If not, now is a great time to check out this amazing resource run by Metro Parks Tacoma located just under an hour-and-a-half-drive south of Seattle. The highlight of the park is a 435-acre free-roaming area which is home to bison, moose, elk, big-horned sheep and deer. Ride the range in style, on an hour-long tram tour complete with a naturalist sharing facts about the park and its animals.

Your party will be issued a plastic token for admission to the tram, and volunteers are on hand to make sure you find the station in plenty of time to park  your stroller and settle into a seat. Signs say no food on the tram, but exceptions are made for little ones who are happier with snacks in hand. And make sure you use the bathroom before heading down the trail! The only flush toilets are located just inside the admission gate.

Northwest Trek also has stroller-friendly walking trails for viewing bears, cougars, coyotes and other predators. Many of the birds of prey are rehabilitated from injury and unable to fly, so you can see them up close without even a net to block your view. Trailside Encounters are scheduled throughout the day where you can have an up-close interaction with the animal of the day.

Don’t miss the busy buzzing beehive at the Cheney Family Discovery Center. While there, you can also touch a variety of animal pelts, antlers, and maybe even a snake skin!

The park has a decent  café, and an abundance of picnic areas if you brought your own food. There are few services in the area, but the town of Eatonville is about ten miles further down the road. Check out Jebinos Italian Restaurant if you want to stay in the area for dinner.

Plan ahead for special summer outings. (Yes, summer will come again!). Northwest Trek offers S’mores and Snores Family Camps on certain weekends and you can even take a vintage train to the park from Tacoma through the  Train to Trek program. The downside? After watching the buffalo roam, “Home on the Range” might get stuck in your head for a few days.

Winter hours (October  through March) are 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Park is also open on school holidays.

—Karen McHegg

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