ML Interest Tag: paw

5 Ways “PAW Patrol” Will Teach Teamwork to Your Kids

by Jennifer Massoni Pardini
Partner Content

photo: Spin Master Entertainment

As toddlers evolve into preschoolers, so too does their play, from parallel pursuits to shared interests and elaborate feats of imagination. If you want awesome examples of all that teamwork can accomplish, look no further than Nickelodeon’s preschool hit, “PAW Patrol” (created and produced by Spin Master Entertainment). From paw-some pups and vehicles to their fearless pack leader, Ryder, “PAW Patrol” is all about uniting different pups with different skills in order to work together—a perfect template for preschoolers. Read on for five ways this hit TV show models teamwork and how you can bring those life lessons into your everyday routine.

1. Lesson One: Communicate
• How PAW Patrol emphasizes communication: We like that “PAW Patrol” missions always begin with Ryder telling the pups the problem at hand, explaining where each team member’s unique skills can come into play and the tools the team will need to get the job done.

• What you can do every day: When big ideas like teamwork are part of everyday conversations with our kids, they become that much more familiar when it’s time to put them into action and practice what you preach. So talk about teamwork early and often. Show your own team at home that helping a friend build a tower at daycare or sharing brownie-mixing duties at a play date makes teamwork imaginative and fun.

2. Lesson Two: Model Inclusion
• How PAW Patrol models inclusion: Over at Adventure Bay, Ryder isn’t ever looking for just one pup to save the day, but always a team to come together to achieve the task at hand. We love how Ryder’s emphasis on inclusion shows kiddos how to bring different skills and points-of-view together.

• What you can do every day: Model inclusivity like Ryder does, whether that means assigning fun dinner prep jobs to bring one meal together or letting little ones help with tasks a little above their pay grade (like folding laundry). After needing so much support from us in their first years, they’ll learn how it feels to be the one who helps.

3. Lesson Three: Celebrate Difference
• How PAW Patrol celebrates difference: Ryder is always at the ready with words of encouragement as the pups work together.

• What you can do every day: Just like Ryder does with his pup family, make it a habit to tell your kids what makes them different or unique as well. Do they have a special way of calming down a younger sibling? Are they helpful in a pinch? Call it out and thank them for it! They will love feeling special in your eyes and may look for ways to bring those attributes into other situations with their peers. They’ll also start to notice and appreciate what makes those around them special and unique, too.

photo: Spin Master Entertainment

4. Lesson Four: Teamwork for the Win
• How PAW Patrol is all about teamwork: As preschoolers become better versed in what sets themselves apart from others, like a hairstyle, unique personality trait or hobby, they may have more questions about the diverse world around them.

• What you can do every day: So while you are helping make kids feel special for their valuable differences, make sure to also bring the conversation back to what differences contribute to—rather than ever detract—from a greater good. The ability to work together and respect one another from an early age may be one of the greatest gifts we can give.

5. Lesson Five: Have Fun
• How PAW Patrol is all about fun at the end of the day: When everyone has something unique to bring to the task at hand and when those differences are respected along the way, collaboration leads to awesome results.

• What you can do every day: Consider training for a short race as a family, raising awareness for a favorite family charity or packing up for a picnic this weekend.

Tune in to Nickelodeon weekdays for fun-filled original content your kids will love. Check out clips and full episodes of PAW Patrol here anytime!

—Jennifer Massoni Pardini

 

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Why Nickelodeon’s “PAW Patrol” Is Your Preschooler’s Favorite Show

by Jennifer Massoni Pardini
Partner Content

photo: Spin Master Entertainment

Nickelodeon’s pup-tastic show, “PAW Patrol” (created and produced by Spin Master Entertainment), has been a hit with the preschool pack, in part due to the show’s emphasis on teamwork and adventure. With five seasons under its belt, this year will put Tracker into the spotlight during a special episode as he helps Ryder and his lovable posse of pals on a daring mission. Whether you have a preschooler who is already a loyal “PAW Patrol” fan or a rising PAW Patroller eager to meet the team, read on for some of our favorite sayings from the show, and why Tracker’s special episode will have your kids at the edge of their seat.

Who’s Who (and Who’s New!) in the Pack
Beyond the pack’s ringleader, Ryder, you’ll fall in love with the newest “PAW Patrol” member, Tracker who is one cool Chihuahua. With bilingual language skills and a jungle cruiser at the ready, he helps the team whenever Ryder calls him up on his Pup Pad. This dynamic duo is joined by Marshall the fire dog, Chase the police pup and Skye who flies high in her helicopter. With the fun-loving group always at the ready, your kiddos will be rooting them on as they take on their next grand adventure.

Teamwork for the Win: “All Paws on Deck!”
Preschoolers love this heroic pack of pups and their patient, inclusive leader, Ryder. And it sure takes a team to complete every mission! Each of the six main pups, as well as newer members like Everest and Tracker, reflect a real-life role (like Marshall the fire dog or Chase the police pup) and are equipped with special skills, vehicles, and packs to come to any rescue.

As the the group’s fearless leader, Ryder always knows just who to call on to lend a helping paw— from Skye’s flying skills, Rubble’s digger or Rocky’s mechanical claw to get the job done. No pup ever heads into a mission alone. It’s all about teamwork. After all, “no job is too big, no pup is too small!”

photo: Spin Master Entertainment

Role Models Galore: “PAW Patrol Is on a Roll!”
While this pack is quick to jump into one of their awesome vehicles to come to the rescue, they are also serving as paw-some role models. Ryder, as the leader of the pack, showcases just how much can be accomplished with steady encouragement, clever problem-solving and cooperation on every mission. He’s the group champion and understands each intrepid pup’s strength and weaknesses. When all the pups combine their unique skills and work together, any challenge is surmountable.

New Adventure Awaits: Tracker Is “All Ears”!
Expect grand adventure when Tracker’s episode debuts on February 22. Tracker will be put to the test when three penguins and their ice floe land in the jungle. Ice in the jungle? Preschoolers will quickly figure out that those habitats just don’t mix. Given the icy elements, we have a feeling Ryder will also call up Siberian Husky Everest (whose snowmobile may just come in handy!) to work with Tracker to get the penguins back to their frosty home. Get excited about the new episode featuring Tracker by watching the trailer here:

Nickelodeon is kicking off weekdays with fun-filled original content your kids will love. Check out clips and full episodes of PAW Patrol (created and produced by Spin Master Entertainment) here anytime and be sure to catch Tracker’s new episode on Feb. 22, 2019 at noon/11 a.m. CT!

—Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Spin Master Entertainment

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How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby

By Michelle Stern

For many dogs, the addition of a human baby to the household is a crushing blow. After all, she was your first baby. Here’s the good news: if you start to prepare your dog for the arrival of the baby in the early stages of your adoption or pregnancy, you can give her the support and training she will need to be a model canine citizen.

First thing’s first: it’s never too late to start training your dog. You can take your dog to local classes, such as those offered by the animal shelter or you can follow along with online training videos, such as the ones by Kikopup, my personal favorite.

Step 1: Investigate

Now’s the ideal time to start to think of how your dog asks for attention. Does she bump you with her nose or hit you with her paw when she wants to be petted? Does she jump on you enthusiastically when you come home from work? Will she sit if you ask her to—while you are carrying four bags of groceries or a basket of laundry?

Step 2: Train & Practice

If some alarm bells went off while you were doing your preliminary detective work, don’t worry. With some training and practice, you can make loads of improvement.

Before you decide what types of behaviors you want to train, you need to consider what you want your dog to do when:

  • …you’re feeding the baby or changing a diaper
  • …you come in the house with the baby for the first time
  • …you are carrying the baby in your arms or the baby carrier

Then, you can train the specific behaviors you want your dog to do.

  • Do you want her to go lay on a special mat when you are changing a diaper? No problem. Look for online videos with the topic “go to mat.”
  • Do you want your dog to do a down-stay while you are feeding the baby? There are videos for that, too.
  • Do you want your dog to stop jumping when people come into the house? I’ve got you.

Step 2.5: Getting Used to Equipment

Baby equipment is notorious for swinging, rocking, rolling and making noise. Heck—babies make a lot of noise too, come to think of it. These are all going to be new experiences for your dog, so take advantage of these few months to practice ahead of time.

Start slowly, so you don’t frighten your dog. Gently nudge the rocking chair or stroller and see how your pooch responds. If she has soft body language, you can try more. If her ears go back, her tail tucks or she licks her lips, take it down a notch and help her become more comfortable.

Drop some treats onto the floor when she can see the object, but not when she is close enough for it to make her nervous. If she chooses to investigate, reward her when she returns to you, showing her that she has the choice to approach and retreat as needed.

Once your pooch progresses (and if you don’t feel too silly), take your dog on a walk alongside your empty stroller. You can repeat these same steps while you play baby sounds from your phone or computer. Of course, your baby will sound different from the ones you can find online, but if the dog responds well to the concept, it will help her once her new housemate comes home.

Step 3: Set up Success Stations

This brilliant concept allows the dog to be safely included in your family’s life, while ensuring that the baby remains safe. Help your dog get ready to use a Success Station before baby comes home. Ask yourself:

  • Is my dog crate trained?
  • Has my pup learned to eat from a frozen Kong?
  • Can she relax on the one side of a barrier while she can see you on the other side?

If the answer is yes, then start to practice! If not, work on each of these behaviors separately so that your dog will be ready to go when baby gets home. A new parent is a tired parent—and by using success stations, you are being proactive (#parentgoals!).

If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Becoming a new parent is a big deal. But with lots of practice, you can set your pooch up for success. You’ve got this.

This post originally appeared on Pooch Parenting.

I'm Michelle, a mom, educator and dog trainer. I taught high school biology for eight years and spent another eight running a mobile cooking school for kids. I have returned to my first true love of dogs and offer support for families with kids and pooches.

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Seattle Meowtropolitan: The City’s First Cat Café

by Helen Walker Green

Looking for the purr-fect way to spend the day? Seattle Meowtropolitan, Wallingford’s newest coffee shop, is not only a good place to enjoy a cup o’ Joe, it’s home to a friendly clan of resident cats and a few felines looking for their forever homes. Read on for the tail of Seattle’s first and only cat café.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Furry Friends
PAWS for a moment to look through the windows of Seattle Meowtropolitan and you’ll see cats climbing along wooden walkways, snoozing in prime sunny spots, playing hide ‘n’ seek in cardboard boxes and just watching life pass by. You’ll also spot humans drinking coffee and having a bite to eat, surrounded by several bewhiskered friends.

photo: Helen Walker Green

The Cat Lounge
You can pop into the café any time for a coffee, delicious eats and a little cat watching through the viewing window, but you’ll need to make a reservation to enter the cat lounge. Psst… walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended. For $10 per person, you and your sidekick can spend an hour in the company of these fine felines while enjoying a free coffee or kid-sized drink.

Good to Know: You must be 8 and over to enter the cat lounge, but younger sibs can still enjoy viewing the kitties from the café or enjoying a game of Cat-opoly.

photo: Helen Walker Green

The Knights of Meowtropolitan
The cat lounge is a custom-built, kitty hangout complete with medieval cat castle—where cats with names like Robin Masked Maiden and Clouds Soft Paws patrol along aerial walkways and sometimes try to “pet” unsuspecting humans as they pass underneath. The Knights of Meowtropolitan (the resident cats) and Feline Travelers (kitties up for adoption) will be happy to greet you with enthusiastic purrs, head rubs and the occasional playful swat. Cat lounge residents include Penguin the Explorer, Nova the Nose, Django Silky Fox, Pink Skywalker and Lily the Lapsitter (all featured in our photos… see if you can figure out who’s who).

photo: Helen Walker Green

The Furrball Facts
Entry into the cat lounge starts ten minutes after the hour (if you make a reservation for 11 a.m. your cat lounge time starts at 11:10 a.m. and lasts until noon.). Psst… order your free drink from the barista first, then check in. You will enter the cat lounge through an enclosed entry way, so no furry friends can escape. It’s similar to entering or leaving a butterfly garden, except you’ve got to be on the lookout for cat hitchhikers (probably a bit more obvious, what with the claws n’ all, but you never know).

photo: Helen Walker Green

Cats Rule!
The cats have made their own rules for you to follow: “Dear humans, welcome to the Feline Kingdom of Meowtroplitan.” Their rules include, “gently stick out a human paw and let us smell you first.” There’s also a sign telling you it’s “your own choice to bring food or drink into the cat lounge and you must assume responsibility for consumables” – this is how Seattle gets to enjoy a cat café and still abide by all the rules and regulations of  King County’s Board of Health. Any food and drink you take in has to be consumed in the cat lounge and can’t be brought back out.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Fluffy Encounters
Once you’ve settled in with your java and treats, and the kiddos have their hot chocolates (psst… be sure to ask for a cool cinnamon paw print on top!), you’ll be surrounded by felines of all stripes (and some with none). Feline Guardians (human staff) keep a friendly eye on things and cats can retreat to their cats-only room if they get tired of being social.

photos: Helen Walker Green

The Cool Cat Vibe
The cat lounge has a nice coffee shop atmosphere with wooden benches and sheepskins. You can pet the cats, play with them (cat toys provided) or simply relax and enjoy time spent in the zen-like presence of kitties.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Meowtropolitan’s cats are most active at the beginning of the day, after feeding time. If you’re free at 11 a.m. and want to play with furry bundles of energy, that’s the best time to reserve. But the café encourages everyone to be open to adopting cats who are not the most social and energetic. Some cats just want a loving home to relax in and enjoy sitting on your lap and being pampered.

photo: Helen Walker Green

The Story Behind Cat Cafés
Cat cafés got their start in Taiwan, when the Cat Flower Garden opened in 1998. They soon became a big hit in Japan where many big city residents could not have a pet in their apartments. Now, the cat café business has spread worldwide—you can sip coffee and cuddle with cats everywhere from St. Petersburg to Paris to Mexico City!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Good to Know: Pick up a Meowtropolitan stamp card—you’ll get a stamp for each drink purchased or cat lounge visit. Buy 8 and your 9th drink or cat lounge visit is FREE!

Seattle Meowtropolitan
1225 N. 45th St.,
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-632-2330
Online: seattlemeowtropolitan.com or map it

Cat Lounge Hours: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Note: The cat lounge is closed on Mondays, but the café is open and you’re welcome to come by and watch the cats relax on their “day off.” Visitors must be at least 8 years old to enter the cat lounge and all visitors under 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

Have we purr-suaded you to check out Seattle Meowtropolitan? Did you have a paw-sitive experience? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below!

— Helen Walker Green

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Hot Tickets, Chilly Nights: Kid-Friendly Winter Acts

by rtcarolynross

This winter, the footlights are on and shining bright for young theater and music audiences under ten.  Take a fantasy space flight with your toddler on the H Street corridor at Atlas Center, or introduce your budding English Lit major to Hemmingway on the Potomac with a 60 minute Moby Dick. Live music performance keeps it rockin’ with Laurie Berkner rocking the Lincoln Theater and a country music show based on the diligent Little Red Hen at Olney Theatre.

Photo: Laurie Berkner Band

For Music Enthusiasts

The Laurie Berkner Band
Washingtonians will identify with this commuters’ conundrum. What to do with all that extra time on the road, on the metro or the bus?  Childrens’ performer Laurie Berkner has the answer. Write songs! The movement, she says, is part of what drives her creativity resulting in hugely popular titles from Victor Vito to Pig on Her Head, the one song that may prove your little tyke has British royalty beat when it comes to high hat couture.  Coming to the storied Lincoln Theater in February for her first D.C. show in three years, Laurie’s warm voice backed by a full band, promises interactive fun for all.

When: Feb.28
Where: Lincoln Theater (D.C.)
Cost: $35
Online: thelincolndc.com

Flavoring the Melody
Join Strathmore Center for the Arts for this first installment of a new family series featuring Washington Area Music Association award-winner Seth Kibel presenting Flavoring the Melody,  about the art of jazz improvisation. Aimed at kids ages four to ten, this opening session is the first of six hosted by Kibel and renowned vocalist, Rochelle Rice taking place through June. Later sessions are appropriate for ages two to six.

When: March 5
Where:  Strathmore Center for the Arts
Cost: $10
Online: strathmore.org

For Fairytale Fanatics

The Twelve Dancing Princesses
As its name suggests,  the Creative Cauldron Theater Company’s seasonal plate is a grand mix of adult cutting edge and classical kiddie fare. This Grimm Brothers fairytale mystery about twelve pairs of shoes that seem to wear themselves out each night, comes to life in a musical adaptation, featuring young talent from the company’s Learning Theater Ensemble.

When:  Feb. 26 – March 20
Where: Creative Cauldron Theater
Cost:  $14-16
Online: creativecauldron.org

Little Red Hen
This classic story about the value of lending a paw or a claw for the common good, gets an amped up country music treatment that has the whole farmyard hopping. See what happens when the “crimson heroine” tangles with a sneaky fox and watch your little chickadees laugh and learn.

When March 20 – 21
Where:  Olney Theatre Center
Cost:  $15
Online: olneytheatre.org

For Young Theater Goers

Space Bop
This production by Arts on the Horizon showcases the company’s signature multi-sensory, non-verbal approach to keeping young children thoroughly engaged. Get ready for a little hip-hop with the babe at Space Bop, recommended for children up to age two with several morning showtimes, and featuring the original beatbox stylings of one of the D.C. area’s most popular performers, GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon.

When:  March 5-12
Where:  Atlas Center for the Arts (D.C.)
Cost: $9
Online: atlasarts.org

Moby Dick
This classic title needs no explanation, and with an abridged version–just 60 minutes (including music)–and the acting talent of just three performers from Germany’s award-winning Triebwerk Theater, Melville’s tale of a whale and a guy called Ishmael is made tons more accessible for you and your young theater companion this spring. Plus, with first mate Starbuck on board, you’re bound to stay awake!

When:  April 23-24
Where:  The Kennedy Center
Cost: $20
Online:  kennedy-center.org

Which winter show are you looking forward to the most? Tell us in the comments section below. 

–Carolyn Ross

 

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Supercool Southpaws: 70 Left-Handed Heroes to Admire

by Amber Guetebier

For parents, the fascination with figuring out whether a child is left or right handed starts at birth and can last through Kindergarten (Tip: Your child has a 10% chance of being left handed, unless both parents are left handed, and then it increases to 50%).

Most kids don’t show a preference for the right hand or left until around age 2 or 3, and some children remain ambidextrous until they’re 5 or 6. There is some interesting research about when and how child develop preferences here, including whether it develops invitro.

Whether your littles are just mastering the art of holding a crayon or leaning to the left or right, International Left-Handers Day is a celebration of all the dextrous lefties in the world. Read on for cool facts about some of our favorite famous left-handed celebs.

Photo by Angelina Earley via Flickr Creative Commons

Leonardo da Vinci
You probably know him from the Mona Lisa but it may surprise you to learn that Leonardo wrote more than 13,000 pages of writing in notes and journals. Cooler still is that most of it was in mirror-writing: you have to hold it up to a mirror to read it. (Give it a try!) He also invented many things including a mechanical knight, a steam cannon and multiple flying machines.

Photo by OnInnovation via Flickr Creative Commons

Bill Gates
Sure, he co-founded Microsoft, but did you also know he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth? He’s also been given the Silver Buffalo Award, the highest you can achieve, by the Boy Scouts of America. What tops that? Well, he does has have Costa Rican flower fly named after him: Eristalis gates.

Photo by Miriam Pottoni via Flickr Creative Commons

Pink
This fierce and fabulous left-hander was born Alecia Beth Moore in Doylestown, Pa. An outspoken animal rights activist, she’s recorded seven hit albums and her performances often include impressive acrobatics and dance moves. In 2011 she gave birth to a daughter whom she named Willow Sage.

Photo by Barry M. Hackner via Flickr Creative Commons

Barack Obama
The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hi. You probably already know he is the proud father of two girls and an avid Chicago White Sox fan, but did you catch his appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show? Jimmy dubbed him the “Barackness monster.”

 In fact, five recent presidents have been left-handed: Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Photo by Peabody Awards via Flickr Creative Commons

Jon Stewart
Funny man, political satirist and Peabody Award winner Jon Stewart proposed to his wife with a New York Times crossword puzzle, designed wit with the help of editor Will Shortz. She said yes. They have two children, Nathan born in 2004 and Maggie born in 2006. Sidenote: Jon Stewart has been officially named a chief by the President of Liberia.

Photo by Mike Mozart via Flickr Creative Commons

Tina Fey
Born Elizabeth Stamatina Fey, she’s well known for her TV works like 30 Rock, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Saturday Night Live. She might win the award from your kiddos for coolest left-hander ever: she’s appeared on Sesame Street , iCarly, and the 2014 film Muppets Most Wanted. She’s even had a pint of Ben & Jerry’s named after her character, Liz Lemon. Fey is also a mommy of two girls: Alice born in 2005 and Penelope born in 2011.

Photo by Juan Salmoral via Flickr Creative Commons

Lady Gaga
Known for her outrageous costumes and elaborate shows, Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She has an entire genus of ferns named after her, Gaga;  a wasp, Aleiodes gaga; and even an extinct mammal, Gagadon.

 

More South Paw Celebs

Robert De Niro

Angelina Jolie

Prince William

Robert Redford

Sarah Jessica Parker (& Matthew Broderick!)

Keanu Reeves

Jerry Seinfeld

Nicole Kidman

Julia Roberts

Jim Henson

Luke Perry

Seth Rogan

Mary-Kate Olsen

Owen Wilson

Bruce Willis

Lisa Kudrow

Morgan Freeman

Diane Keaton

Mark Wahlberg

Matt Dillon

Tim Allen

Michael Landon

Justin Bieber

Oprah Winfrey

John Slattery

Ben Stiller

Emma Thompson

Paul McCartney

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Jay Leno

Demi Moore

Prince Charles

Celine Dion

Martina McBride

Drew Carey

Matt Lauer

Whoopi Goldberg

Richard Simmons

Goldie Hawn

Ron Perlman

Pierce Brosnan

Teri Hatcher

Dan Aykroyd

David Bowie

Spike Lee

January Jones

Eminem

Babe Ruth

Ashley Tisdale

Dennis Quaid

Jimi Hendrix

Ed O’Neill

A.J. McLean

Niall Horan

Greg Kinnear

Oprah Winfrey

David Letterman

Jim Carrey

 

 

Whose your favorite left handed hero? 

 

—Jacqui Boland & Amber Guetebier

 

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8 Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studios That Break the Mold

by rtkellyharamis

Nothing beats a rainy afternoon like paint-your-own pottery studios, where you can paint the town (well, your figurine) red, blue or any other color under the sun. Your little artists-in-training will see their vision of cute animal statuary realized whether they create from clay or paint on a ready-to-go ceramic pottery. Click through our album to see our eight favorites, from Logan Square to Highland Park.

Glazed Expressions

The 411: With more than 300 pieces to choose from, this cozy space includes a vast selection of everything from dishes to cat figurines. And did we mention the glaze? When your child has applied all the color, the studio will add that clear and thin finish that screams “display me prominently with your family heirlooms.”

Kid appeal: After being fired in the kiln, all the items are food-safe. That’s right, your kids can eat off their masterpiece whether it’s a bowl or—if you have a silly sally—a cat’s paw.

Extra touch: The studio offers customized teacher gifts from planters to plates to plaques.

717 W. Armitage Ave.
Lincoln Park
312-867-1792
Online: myglazedexpressions.com

 

What is your favorite pottery studio? Talk it up in the Comments below!

— Kelly Haramis

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Who Let the Dogs Out? Best Off-Leash Areas for Pooches & Kids

by Helen Walker Green

“Big dogs, little dogs, red dogs, blue dogs….“ Dog parks aren’t quite as happening as P.D. Eastman’s Go, Dog. Go!, but they’re still quite a Dog Party. If you’ve got a pooch and a kid (or multiples of either), we’ve rounded up the best places around the city to spend the day with the fam, tails ‘n’ all. Flip through the gallery to get the poop, er scoop.

Off Leash Area Edmonds (OLAE)

The OLAE is a fave of pooches and kids alike - dogs can take the plunge into beautiful blue Puget Sound, run, jump and play on a driftwood-strewn beach, and try their paw at an agility course. This dog park is on the Whale Trail, so you can do some whale-watching while your pooch is squirrel-watching. There’s a grassy spot nearby, perfect for picnicking, and a small playground for younger kids (with no less than three slides). Afterwards, take those sandy paws and sneakers for a walk along the Edmonds Boardwalk, where kids can spot different kinds of boats and marine life and pooches can spot squirrels.

Good to Know: If you have more than one grown-up on hand, you can also explore the non-dog park part of the beach. You’ll need that extra grown-up to keep an eye on the dogs though, as Edmonds beaches are marine sanctuaries (no dogs allowed).

Insider Tip: If your little one is a train buff, this is the dog park for him or her – a train track runs right by the park and kiddos can get a close-up view of freight trains, the Sounder and Amtrak.

Off Leash Area Edmonds
498 Admiral Way
Edmonds Wa 98020
Online: olae.org

photo: Helen Walker Green

Dog Park Etiquette for Kids
Kids and dogs can have a very special relationship, but please use caution in the dog park. Remember that this is the pooches’ park and little ones need to know how to behave around dogs. Here are some tips to keep everyone in your brood safe and happy:

1. Never bring food or toys to the park (dog toys are fine, or course).

2. Keep a close eye on your kids, especially tots.

3. Discourage your kids from running, dogs may think they want to play chase.

4. Teach your tyke to always ask the dog’s human if it’s OK to pet their dog.

5. Dog parks are not the place to help your little one get over their fear of dogs – there’s too many dogs, and most are in that rambunctious,”Hey, wanna play?” mood. Setting up a quiet meeting with a friend or family member’s mellow dog is a much better place to start.

Where is your favorite off-leash area? Tell us about it in a comment below.

— Helen Walker Green

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Explore the 5 Senses at the San Diego Zoo

by Cherie Gough

The San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s best spots to visit. But if you find yourself a bit bored by constantly visiting the lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), explore the Zoo in a new way. Plan your next trip as a way to teach your kiddos about connecting with their five senses and observing nature. We’ve got your insider’s guide on what to see, hear, eat, touch and smell at the Zoo.

Photo Credit: Jayme J via TripAdvisor

Do You See What I See?
The Reptile House is the perfect place to slow down and look carefully to spot that snake or lizard that looks just like a log. Watching the flamingos over the seasons offers a great learning experience. In spring, see the males run and wildly flap wings, while females begin to sit on nests. See if you can spot the fuzzy gray chicks, and on your next visit, notice how those chicks begin to change color as they develop.

Does your kiddo need a break from the stroller? Do your feet need a rest? Stop and sit right next to the glass at an enclosure. Taking a wait-and-see approach for just a few minutes can lead to a exciting close encounter with an animal.  Talk about the color and texture of the animal’s skin, feathers or fur.

Photo credit: Ashley via TripAdvisor

Listen Carefully!
What can you hear by listening to the beautiful waterfalls abound in many areas of the Zoo? You can find them in Gorilla Tropics, Terrace Lagoon, Scripps Aviary, and the tapir exhibit. Listening to the rushing water is thrill enough for many kids even if the animals aren’t active. At various times each day, “rain” falls around the perimeter of Scripps Aviary. (Don’t worry – you won’t get wet!) Birds and kiddos will love experiencing this awesome rainforest experience.

Encourage kiddos the listen carefully as you can often hear the bells ringing at The Museum of Man’s Bell Tower throughout your visit to the Zoo. If it’s the top of the hour, count the bells together.

Image Credit: Cherie Gough

What’s that Smell?
Whew! Those camels sure are stinky. Challenge your kids to use their noses to find other smelly creatures on your next Zoo visit. If animal smells just aren’t your thing, then check out the abundant herb garden just across the street from the camels. You will enjoy the tasty smells of thyme, rosemary and other herbs and flowers planted along the wall.

Image Credit: Cherie Gough

Hands On!
What kid doesn’t love putting their hands on everything they see? The petting zoo is must-visit for those who only want to touch the animals. After petting the baby goats, ask your little one how an animal’s fur feels and compare it to pets at home. Stop by the bronze gorillas in Gorilla Tropics for a fun experience. Kids can compare their hand to a life-sized gorilla’s paw.For added fun, count the gorilla’s digits and your little one’s too. Be sure to snap a photo of your rugrat climbing on the gorilla.

Image Credit: Cassie N. via Yelp

Let’s Eat!
If you visit the Zoo in the morning, you may find orangutans and gorillas romping and leaping toward their snack. Ask your kids if they can find animals eating foods that are similar to their own snacks. For a real “taste” of how the animals eat, kids can feed a giraffe on the weekends from 12 – 1 p.m. for $10. Little ones will love watching these amazing creatures with long necks and tongues reach so close to them for a snack. The giraffe-feeding can get quite crowded, so be prepared to wait in a long line. But it’s worth it!

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, Ca
619-231-1515
Online: sandiegozoo.org

– Cherie Gough

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