ML Interest Tag: outdoor-patio

Grab These Sweet Mini Succulents from ALDI While They Last

by Jennifer Swartvagher

If you love plants, but don’t exactly have a green thumb then succulents may be the perfect variety to add to your collection. This popular garden variety come in a wide assortment of styles and colors. Starting Jun. 17 you’ll be able to pick up a plant (or two or three) from your local ALDI.

Succulent

Since succulents require minimal care and watering they can be a great solution when you want to add a little bit of greenery indoors or to your outdoor patio.

Succulent

Since they will only be available for a limited time, grab these quickly before supplies run out.

Succulent

You can keep your new plants in the pots they came in or transplant them into a fun planter.

Succulent

 

Each mini succulent retails for 1.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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These Outdoor Patio Planters from Target Will Liven Up Your Garden

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Give your plants a summer makeover when you repot them in one of these vibrant colored patio planters. These Outdoor Patio Planters from Sun Shade are available at Target. With four fun shapes – panda, flamingo, toucan and a slice of watermelon you’ll be able to match just about any decor. 

Outdoor Patio Planter - Sun Squad

Bring your garden to life with these quirky designs and eye-popping colors. Place them indoors to liven up your houseplants or out in your garden under the sun for bright flowering plants. Each planter measures 3.88 inches (H) x 3.75 inches (W) x 6.25 inches (D). Order these for curbside pickup or have them delivered right to your front door for only $8. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Jen Watro

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Tacoma’s New Trampoline & Air Sports Park Is Defying the Odds

by Allison Sutcliffe

Seasoned Seattle parents know that tulips and sunshine aren’t signs of spring; they’re harbingers of the rainy season ahead. That’s why we’re super excited Defy Tacoma, the Seattle area’s newest indoor trampoline and air sports park, just opened its doors. It’s the energy burning, indoor activity parents and kids crave on rainy days. Scroll down to learn more!

Jump In!

The newest indoor aerial arts park, Defy Tacoma, makes the most of its expansive 30,000 square foot warehouse space. Attraction density was the goal when the park was designed, and it shows. Everywhere you look, there’s something new and engaging for kids to try. Plus, close together features mean parents can easily keep an eye on kids when one sprints off toward the dodge ball court and another makes a beeline for the battle beam. If trampoline parks are your jam, you’ll recognize some favorites here. Defy Tacoma has the requisite open jump space where kids can bounce from one tramp to the next, until they can’t bounce anymore. There’s also a netted dodge ball court, complete with a referee who not only keeps a watchful eye on things, but also establishes some rules so players can make the most of game time. The basketball court is great for kid dunks and the adjacent ninja warrior course is challenging no matter what your age. Other familiar attractions include circus favorites like the slack line, cloud swings and trapeze bar.

Try Something New

If Defy Tacoma’s familiarity gets you through the door, it’s the not-found-anywhere-else features that will keep you coming back. The most noticeably new feature is Wipeout. The attraction is mechanized, pitting a staff-controlled machine against kids of all ages, as they try to avoid getting knocked off base into the foam pit. It’s sure to attract your kids the moment they walk through the door. Next up are the Zip Lines. There are two that kids can swing on during flight time. We’re particularly taken with the booty ball zip line, which makes the typical traverse a little more challenging than kids are used to. Families can also battle it out on the Battle Beam, a suspended balance beam where players use padded bats to try and knock each other off balance and into the pit below. And finally, the Log Roll for lumberjack wannabes, although this one is padded and the landing is soft and dry.

A Much-Needed Break

When flight time’s over, your kids are sure to be hungry. Defy Tacoma has a café and seating area guests can use whenever they need a break. Families will find the typical snack bar fare (think: pizza, sodas, slushies). Pricing is reasonable (between $5-$15) and there are offerings to feed one or many, so you can get your fill no matter your group size. You can also bring your own food from home, if you prefer. This summer, Defy Tacoma’s outdoor patio will open, so you can take a sun break before heading back in for more off-the-wall antics.

Host the Perfect Party

Busy parents are always on the lookout for great birthday party spots. When the venue does all the work for you? It’s even better. That’s what you can expect from Defy Tacoma’s party packages. Book one of their four party rooms for your next shindig and you can rest easy. They take care of everything, from decorations, to food and drink, to all the paper goods. The only thing you bring is the cake! But if planning is your thing and you want to throw a coordinated or themed bash, they can help you do that too. Reach out to the Event Coordination Team to bring your perfect party vision to life. Weekday packages for 10 jumpers start at $275 ($325 on Fridays and weekends) and include all the party fixings. It’s an easy party win!

Know Before You Go:

1. Be sure to book flight time and sign the online waiver before you make the trek.

2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time so you have plenty of time to get checked in, get your wristband and store your shoes before it’s time for take off!

3. Grippy socks are a must. If you’ve got a pair, great! If not, you can buy them at Defy Tacoma for $3.

4. Special flight times are set aside for the youngest bouncers (6 & under) every weekday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. They get the run of the place, without any of those pesky big kids around.

5. Looking for special pricing and events, like Family Night or Parents Night Out? Follow Defy Tacoma on Facebook to stay up to date and in the know.

Defy Tacoma
1680 S. Mildred St.
Tacoma, WA 98465
253-300-3499
Online: defytacoma.com

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cost: $15/1 hr. flight, $20/1 ½ hr. flight or $23/2 hr. flight (7 & older) weekdays; $11/1 hr. flight, $15/ 1/12 hr. flight or $19/2 hr. flight (6 & under) weekdays; $15/1 hr. flight, $23/1 ½ hr. flight or $28/2 hr. flight (7 & older) weekends & holidays; $11/1 hr. flight, $17/ 1/12 hr. flight or $22/2 hr. flight (6 & under) weekends & holidays.

—Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer)

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Beer Gardens That Welcome Your Kids

by Wendy Altschuler

Say “hello” to sunny days outside at a beer garden. And don’t forget to take your kids! Yep, sippy cups and steins happily coexist at a slew of places across the city and ‘burbs. We tracked down your best bets, from a motorcycle-themed hangout to a pizza joint you can’t miss. Cheers!

photo: Kaiser Tiger

Kaiser Tiger
As if the enormous beer garden that seats more than 200 wasn’t enough, there are also outdoor bocce ball courts available on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy a meal that’s the Bomb — no really, the Bomb Sandwich is a spicy beef and pork sausage served on a bun with pepper jack cheese, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion — or indulge in any one of the many kid-friendly wraps, sandwiches, salads, sides and fries. And if beer os the real reason you’ve brought the family out, Kaiser Tiger will not disappoint with a draft menu that includes brews on tap, in cans and in bottles.

1415 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Online: kaisertiger.com           

The Dec Rooftop Bar
This is where Ritz-Carlton Chicago guests, plus lots of locals, let down their hair. Set high above Michigan Avenue, families can feast outdoors on burgers, salads and more. The drink menu is extensive and of course, you’ll also take dessert — cheesecake, anyone? It’s currently closed for renovation, but set to reopen in July.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 E. Pearson St. at Water Tower Place, Downtown
Online: decarestaurant.com           

Big Bricks
Nineteen beers on tap. Delicious Chicago-style pizza. Smoked meats. If you’re not ready to head on over to Big Bricks to cop a squat on the outdoor patio with the fam on the next warm day, you might not have Chicago blood running through your veins. The folks behind Bricks Pizza in Lincoln Park opened Big Bricks in Northcenter to pay homage to the city’s culinary heritage, with slowly smoked brisket, pulled pork or baby back rib platters, classic mouthwatering pizzas, sandwiches, sides, desserts, and an expansive beer and wine list.

3832 N. Lincoln Ave., Northcenter
Online: bigbrickschicago.com

photo: Chief O’Neill’s via Yelp

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant
Chief O’Neill was a father of 10, so have no fear, your brood won’t rattle the fine folks here. This classic Irish pub offers everything from Shepherd’s pie to yummy meatloaf to fish ‘n’ chips. And of course, like any respectable pub, there’s an ample drink menu complete with whiskeys, crafts, drafts, bottles, wines and drink specials. And when the weather warms up, hang out back in their lovely garden, where Chief O’Neill’s proves that grass can grow in the city.

3471 N. Elston Ave., Avondale
Online: chiefoneillspub.com

Iron Horse Ale House
This place is more than just pizza. It’s all about family friendliness, from the huge menu that has tons of even-your-kids-will-eat-that foods, to a drink list complete with drafts, bottles, cans, spirits, specialty drinks and wine. Oh, and did we mention that you can eat all this, drink all this, and be as merry as you want from the outdoor patio when Mother Nature cooperates? Well, if that’s not enough, did you know there’s an area for kids to make their own pizzas? Yeah, we thought you’d like that.

6158 N. Northwest Hwy., Norwood Park
Online: ironhorsechicago.com

photo: Twisted Spoke

Twisted Spoke
It might look like a scene from Sons of Anarchy, with a skeleton riding a motorcycle spinning on top of the roof, but this place is tons of family fun. The menu has plenty of kid-approved dishes like burgers, po’ boys, and yes, you can ask for grilled cheese. However, the real gem is the rooftop deck, which was Chicago’s first ever, complete with loads of seats overlooking the city’s stunning skyline. Top the whole trip off with drinks like a Road Rash Mary & Beer Back or a Smokin’ Selma (a scotch-based drink named after Salma Hayek) and you’re in for a real treat.

501 N. Ogden Ave., West Town
Online: twistedspoke.com

The Monarch
Like a beautiful butterfly, the Monarch knows you need to spread your wings when warm weather hits Chicago. That’s why the outdoor seating is so inviting — like a secret garden away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Bring the family out back and check out the brunch, dinner, drinks and dessert menu that even includes Dirt ‘n Worms — a delicious combo of cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate pudding and whipped cream.

1745 W. North Ave., Bucktown
Online: monarchchicago.com

photo: Mrs. P & Me

Mrs. P & Me
Since 1902, Mrs. P and Me has stood the test of time — it even lived through Prohibition. These days, families come for house specialties like Elmer’s ribs and BBQ chicken, and stay for little extras like the awesome outdoor patio. With an endless menu packed with burgers, wraps, salads, kids’ meals for those 12 and under, desserts, and of course, drafts and imports, you might want to bring some crayons and coloring books for the kids … you’re going to want to stay awhile!

100 E. Prospect Ave., Mount Prospect
Online: mrs-pandme.com 

Smylie Brothers Brewing Company
Growing up on backyard family BBQs, the five Smylie Brothers were bound to form a foodie bond that they’d eventually share with the world through mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, smokehouse BBQ, entrees and regional brews. And with an awesome outdoor patio to enjoy the best of their best, including a kids’ menu that has pulled chicken or pork sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese, burgers, fries and more, your family will be transported back to the days of those backyard fire pits, except mom won’t have to help clean up after dinner.

1615 Oak Ave., Evanston
Online: smyliebros.com

photo: Fiammé via Tim H on Yelp

Fiammé
No, you’re not in Italy — it just tastes like it! Especially when you dine with the kids alfresco on the outdoor patio in the glow of flickering torches. While Fiammé gets major bragging rights for the wood-fired pizza, they are also known around town for having tasty apps and drinks, plus gluten-free pizza and pasta. If that doesn’t make you want to say mangia, what will!?

19 N. Washington St., Naperville
Online: fiammepizza.com

photo: Seven Lions

Seven Lions
Belly up for a fresh salad or sandwich at this lovely beer garden, located right across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and down the block from Millennium Park. If you can make it between 3-6 p.m., any day of the week, you can enjoy $8 bites and pours from a select menu and all draft beers are half off! Valet parking is available or you can park at the underground garage (or take the Metra train!).

130 S. Michigan Ave., Streeterville
Online: sevenlionschicago.com

— Wendy Altschuler & Jo Aaron

 

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Sweet Treats: Incredible Desserts to Put on Your Radar

by Wendy Altschuler

Summer is a great time to get out and about to explore the yummy parts of our great city. The mushrooming dining scene in Chicago constantly keeps us on our toes — new and fantastic eateries seem to pop up daily. In fact, according to the City of Chicago, there are more than 7,300 restaurants! Why not take to the streets, with kiddos in tow, and have a dessert fete? Go on a sugary adventure and indulge in the best that Chicago has to offer—here are a few to get you started.

Truco

If you happen to venture to north Chicagoland, stop in at Truco Taqueria & Margarita Bar, captained by Chef Juan Luis. This Mexican street food restaurant has recently rolled out a new menu with loads of specials, which is perfect for larger families. There is a fantastic outdoor patio, ideal for people watching, and the restaurant is located right next to an AMC Theatre — you can take the kids out for dessert and a show. Kids can sip a Mexican Coca-Cola, horchata or jarritos, while mom and dad enjoy a fresh mojito or sangria. Your little taste buds will like the churros, donitas rellenas and choco-flan . . . and so will you!

Truco Taqueria & Margarita Bar
211 Randhurst Village Dr.
Mt. Prospect
847-577-8226
Online: trucotaco.com

Do you have a favorite spot to grab dessert? We’d love to hear about it in the Comments below!

— Wendy Altschuler

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Give It a Shot: Inside Topgolf’s New Midtown Location

by Tinybeans Team

Looking to ace your next family outing? Head to Topgolf, Atlanta’s newest golf and entertainment venue. Located in a three-level, climate-controlled, open-air complex with a restaurant, two bars, an outdoor patio, and two indoor lounges complete with video games, foosball tables, and more, it is indeed the new sweet spot on Atlanta’s golf scene. We’ve got the details all teed up for you below.

The Facilities

Located just northwest Midtown West, Topgolf is a massive complex that looks like a normal building on one side, but on the other, as if they forgot to build the back wall. The exposed side of the complex opens up to a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground, surrounded by giant nets to protect Atlanta drivers from flying golfballs. Three levels of personal golf bays are serviced by a waiter or waitress, come with their own televisions (in case you need to calm a kiddo who’s jonesing for some Disney Jr., perhaps), and ample seating arranged as either a cocktail tabletop or sectional lounge. And if you feel the need to roam, there are two indoor game lounges, a rooftop patio, and two bars.

Inside Tip: Be sure to request a ground floor bay if you’re playing with little kids, because all that open space on the second and third levels is enough to give us an anxiety attack just thinking about it (there are nets, but still).

The Game

Each personal golf bay seats up to six players and comes with a touchscreen leader board and game selector, a ball machine, and all the equipment you’ll need (they even have clubs for kids). You select which game you want to play, enter the players’ names, wave the club in front of the ball machine, and voila! A microchipped ball appears! The closer to the center or “bull’s-eye” you get and the farther out you hit your microchipped balls, the more points you receive. Games vary by goals; some reward the short game, others reward the long game, and all are fun.

Inside Tip: Sign your kids up for a Junior Lifetime Membership ($5 onetime cost) and they enjoy all KidZone Events (tournaments and special deals), a free birthday item from the restaurant menu, and access to kids clubs each time they play.

With Kids

Don’t mistake Topgolf for Putt-Putt. There are no sherbet-colored dinosaurs or windmill hazards. The interior of Topgolf is sleek and modern, and the clientele can range from corporate during the weekday to club-goers at night (Topgolf stays open until 2 a.m.). However, families are more than welcome, kids of all ages and capabilities are encouraged to give Topgolf a swing, the menu offers selections for children, the lounges house games suitable for all ages, and there is even a Kids Club. And if you’re looking for a new and fun birthday party venue, you’re in luck!

The Cost

Similar to a bowling alley, players at Topgolf pay by the hour for one bay with up to six players. The rate, which is $25 from 9 a.m. to noon, $35 from noon to 5 p.m., and $45 from 5 p.m. to close (12 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday), is for the bay by the hour, not by the person.

Where do your wee ones enjoy tee times? Tell us in the comments section below!

Topgolf Atlanta Midtown
1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW
Atlanta, Ga 30318
404-475-4000
Online: topgolf.com

Have you visited Topgolf? Do you have any insider tips to share?

copy and images by Shelley Massey

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Entertaining Eats: Six Establishments That Serve a Side of Fun

by Abbey McGee

Dining out with your entire brood can be an exercise in extreme patience. Thank goodness for smartphones and tablets to keep tots with growling tummies busy. However, if you’re looking to up the dining out fun factor, these six Seattle-area establishments will provide good eats with a side of entertainment for the kiddies.

Anthony’s Beach Cafe

Gorgeous views of the sound and delicious Northwest seafood are enough to entice anyone to the Anthony’s Beach Café in Edmonds. The kids may not fully appreciate the water views on a sunny, warm day, but they will enjoy the giant sandy play area adjacent to the outdoor patio. You can linger a little longer over your food and beverages while your kids get creative and build their masterpieces in the sand. Petite pescatarians will also enjoy fish ‘n chips, prawns ‘n chips or good ‘ol traditional mac ‘n cheese. Finish off the meal with a kid-sized hot fudge sundae and the minis will be begging to come back!

456 Admiral Way
Edmonds, Wa 98020
425-771-4400
Online: anthonys.com

photo: Barker Landscape Architects, P.S.

Do you have a favorite restaurant that entertains your kid crew? Tell us about it in the Comments below. 

— Abbey McGee

feature photo courtesy of Dee L. via Yelp

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Cheers! 3 Kid-Friendly Portland Breweries

by Katie Kavulla

Portland locals know that the brewery scene is popular – there’s an entire downtown district dedicated to the brewing of beer! And if you’re in town visiting, it won’t take long for you to realize that brewing is a part of Portland’s culture. Luckily for families, there are breweries in Portland that are welcoming to children so that you don’t have to find a sitter every time you want to have a delicious pint! Check out these kid-friendly breweries in Portland where the entire family can enjoy themselves.

Laurelwood Public House and Brewery
Beer loving parents rejoice! Laurelwood was created as a place where families could go to enjoy each other’s company and a pint of local, handcrafted beer. Even better – Laurelwood’s beers are all certified organic, their food is all-natural, and they are committed to running a sustainable restaurant. Be sure to treat your kiddos to a rootbeer float for dessert!

Laurelwood Public House and Brewery
5115 Northeast Sandy Boulevard
503-282-0622

Burnside Brewing Co.
Burnside is the hottest new brewery in Portland and is getting buzz with beer lovers and parents, alike. They offer a simple, but tasty kid’s menu at $5 a plate (Psst! The hotdog is actually a kielbasa!). Parents who love a gourmet meal with their pint will love Burnside’s sophisticated twist on traditional pub-fare. However, if you’re a family that prefers vegetarianism, Burnside’s meat-heavy menu may not be for you – stick to the delicious handcrafted beers!

Burnside Brewing Co.
701 East Burnside
503-946-8151

Breakside Brewery
If you’re looking for a great spot to sit outside this summer and enjoy some sunshine with your beer, give Breakside Brewery in Northeast Portland a try. The restaurant has huge garage-style doors that open up to a big patio with picnic tables that are perfect for a meal out with the family. The mac n’ cheese on the kid’s menu is a favorite amongst the underage crowd and the black bean burger is a must for mom and dad! For families with dogs – the outdoor patio section is quite pup-friendly as well!

Breakside Brewery
820 Northeast Dekum Street
503-719-6475

Don’t forget to check out our recent article about Hopworks Brewery, another great, family-friendly Portland brewery!

— Katie Kavulla

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Date Night: Explore Phinney Ridge

by Erin Lem

It’s easy to drive past small neighborhoods and great Seattle nooks while running errands or rocking the daily routine. That’s where Seattle Magazine comes in. They do the exploring for you, so all you have to do is show up! This week we’re checking out Phinney Ridge, and we think you should too!

With more backyards than bistros, Phinney Ridge tends to attract more dog walkers than foodies. But what started as a trickle of new restaurants has turned into a full-on food avalanche on this hilltop nabe nestled between Woodland Park Zoo and Greenwood, bringing with it a hearty selection of new shops and boutiques.

EAT + DRINK

The bustling corner of 74th and Greenwood just got a little cooler: Located across from Herkimer Coffee (7320 Greenwood Ave. N; 206.784.0202; herkimercoffee.com) is Bluebird Ice Cream’s newest “microcreamery” (7400 Greenwood Ave. N; bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com), which will sate your palate with both ice cream and new in-house microbrews.

If you need some savory to go with your sweet, head next door via the shared outdoor patio to Cornuto Pizzeria (7404 Greenwood Ave.; no phone at press time) for a slice of fresh, thin-crust wood-fired pizza.

Grab a hand-pulled espresso at renowned Caffé Vita (7402 Greenwood Ave. N; 206.588.1519; caffevita.com) or down a pint at PROST! (7311 Greenwood Ave. N; 206.706.5430; prosttavern.net). The bar’s owner Chris Navarra also has a new neighborhood-centric bar and pizza palace, The Ridge (7217 Greenwood Ave. N; no phone at press time), complete with game room.

Though several blocks south, be sure to head to Chris Porter’s first brick-and-mortar A La Mode Pies (5821 Phinney Ave. N; 206.383.3796; alamodeseattle.com), where straight-from-the-oven slices are topped with Bluebird ice cream, closing the circle of Phinney’s wonderful new culinary delights.

Check out the rest of Shopping and Dining in Phinney Ridge to discover great places to shop and new local boutiques to support.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

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