If you and your kiddos lined the streets of Seattle with 750,000 of your closest friends for the Seahawks Super Bowl victory parade in February, then you’ve already crossed off the first item on our under 10 bucket list. Wanna find out about the 10 other Seattle-area activities that made our list? Click through the photo gallery for our picks.

Fly High

Every good bucket list needs a reach. Something that would make Evel Knievel smile. Kids, meet iFly Seattle, an indoor skydiving experience near Southcenter Mall. It’s a full-on (completely controlled) skydive simulation, for daredevils ages 3-103! And it’s totally awesome. Each mini flies with an instructor for two, 1-minute sessions. Suit up with a dose of courage for this one. Then, take flight!

Find it:
349 Tukwila Pkwy.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-244-iFLY

How many of these bucket list items have you checked off? What would you add? Share with us in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photos thanks to: Ben VanHouten, Seattle Mariners; Dianna Clark; iFly Seattle’s website; Seafair’s Facebook page; Big Climb Seattle’s Facebook page; funbeach.com; Joe Mabel on Wikimedia CommonsCharles Buell; Morgan Keuler; Sarah Alston Photography

Even if you can’t jet set around the world with your fam, with these toys and games from around the world it’s a snap to make playtime a global affair. The perfect addition to the toy box, these fun play things range from board games to iconic automobiles. Flip through the photo gallery to discover cool items sure to make everyone feel like it’s a small world after all.

Entertaining folks in Mexico for over 200 years, this “bingo” board game is a fantastic introduction to Spanish for all ages. The cool illustrations are an added bonus, see the mermaid, parrots and hands, for starters. $9 for a set.

How do you help the kids learn about the world? We want to know!

–Gabby Cullen

After Ari declared his love for the zoo, Love and Lion‘s Leah went DIY on the ole’ animal theme and made her tot’s party a pop-art sensation. Decorations were bright on the chromatic scale, with plastic animals dangling from the ceiling to a feed bucket brimming with party favors. Not a single little critter left bored or hungry. Click through the photo gallery to be wowed.

The Little Party Animal

Look how ready birthday boy Ari was to monkey around for the camera! Click through the slideshow for more of this psychedelic safari.

What did you think of Ari’s second birthday? Don’t forget to share the love! 

— Christal Yuen

Photos courtesy of Love & Lion.

 

Crafty leprechauns, rainbows leading to golden riches, and a carte blanche excuse to pinch people? It’s no wonder kids can’t resist the playful spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Grab a pair of scissors and a glue stick and celebrate this colorful holiday by crafting a few shamrocks, leprechauns, or pots o’ gold. Click through the photo gallery for a peek.

Pots o’ Gold and Rainbows

Hide pots of gold around the house with this cute craft from Willowday. All you need to pull it off is a paper cup and some colorful ribbons.

 

— Susie Foresman

The Bay Area is a beacon for awe-inspiring views all around—many of which can be enjoyed from the comfortable vantage point of the playground bench. Scroll through the photo gallery to see our favorite playgrounds with a view.  

Frog Park, Oakland

Stop by this kid's paradise that's complete with peepholes, suspension bridges, castle turrets and even a babbling brook. Settled under Highway 24, this magical park is certainly one for the easily tired moms or eager for an adventure dads. There's sit-down spots under sun or shade, welcoming benches in quiet areas, redwood groves to explore and butterfly gardens to photograph - This adventure is definitely one for the cameras.

Online: frogpark.org

photo credit: niawag via creativecommons flickr

Know any other parks in the city with stellar views? Share you favorites in a comment below.

— Neil Chhabra and Christal Yuen

What better way to procrastinate putting that pesky crib together than to surf the web for decorating ideas? From hand-painted ceilings to DIY decor, there are lots of things you can do with a baby’s room. We rounded up the coolest nurseries from coast to coast. Flip through our photo gallery and imagine re-creating them for your own wee one.

Play With Patterns

As the power couple behind breathtakingly beautiful bridal blog Green Wedding Shoes, it was a given that Jen and Jason Campbell would have an awesome nursery for their daughter Sienna. The Los Angeles-based pair worked with their contacts at Serena & Lily and the Land of Nod to outfit the space, and personalized it with baby animal photos by Sharon Montrose. We love the contrast of the juxtaposing patterns on wall decals by MUR and rug by Serena & Lily.

Photo courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

How are you decorating your nursery? Chat about your baby’s crib below!

— Phebe Wahl

Click HERE for more baby room decorating ideas all things baby related.

Every week, BabyCenter brings you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the bloggers at the BabyCenter blog. From pragmatic advice for new parents to recipes your picky eaters will devour, the BabyCenter blog has it all. Here are five must-read stories we spotted this week on the BabyCenter blog.

1. Chinese food doesn’t always have to come in white cartons. Ditch the urge for take out and make your own chicken chow mein at home. It’s much healthier and will be as tasty as your favorite Chinese restaurant. Here’s a super simple recipe your kids will love. 

2. Looking for a wow-worthy, but DIY Halloween costume? Click here for a fun box of popcorn that uses balloons, a giant box, and your creativity!

3. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Recognize the beauty of your changing body after childbirth with a stunning photo gallery that celebrates the post-baby female body. Take a look here to view the memorable photos. 

4. For modern parents, there’s a solution for pretty much every hazard that baby can encounter. Click here for 12 problem-solving childproofing products you’ll want in your house if you have little ones.

5. Choosing a nanny or childcare provider can be a stressful process. Here are a few recommendations to make the interview process a little easier. 

Every week, BabyCenter brings you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the bloggers at the BabyCenter blog.

New York parents picked their favorite family-friendly businesses for Red Tricycle’s 2013 Totally Awesome Awards!  Over 236,777 votes were cast and the results are in with all of the Totally Awesome winners listed below.

All of us at Red Tricycle want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the winners, finalists and especially, to everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses. Without further ado, here are your 2013 Totally Awesome Award Winners:

Art Classes for Kids: Oliloli Studio 
Baby & Maternity Shops: Baby/Mama 
Camps for Kids: Kids Creative 
Childcare Agencies & Resources: SmartSitting 
Cupcake, Bakery & Sweet Shops: Mara’s Cafe of Fanwood 
Drop-Off Childcare Programs: Project Playdate 
Family & Pediatric Dentists: Dr. Angie Chin – Kids Only Dental
Family Camping Sites: Malouf’s Mountain Sunset Campgrounds 
Family Escapes & Getaways: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk 
Family Hiking Trails: Pelham Bay Park 
Family Photographers: Meredith Zinner Photography 
Family Restaurants & Cafes: The Burger Garage 
Groups for Moms & Dads: Big City Moms 
Ice-Cream & Froyo Shops: Tina’s Italian Ices 
Indoor Playspaces: Apple Seeds 
Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops: Lark 
Kids Birthday Party Spots: Kidville 
Kids Clothing & Gear Stores: NessaLee Baby 
Kids Consignment & Resale Shops: Little Swappies 
Kids Dance & Theater Classes: Downtown Dance Factory 
Kids Language Classes: French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) 
Kids Music Classes: Little Maestros 
Kids Sports Classes: Elliott’s Gymnastics Classes 
Midwives & Doulas: Northeast Doulas 
Mom Fitness Programs: Mommy Moves 
Mom-Run Businesses: Cozy’s Cuts for Kids 
Museums: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square 
Parent Education Programs: Parent to Parent, New York City Chapter 
Parks & Playgrounds: Jane’s Carousel 
Schools & Preschool Programs: Kidville 
Toy & Book Stores: Norman & Jules

To celebrate the winners, finalists, and the great Seattle, we also threw a #totallyawesomeparty at the Citibabes. The party was so fun and we loved meeting all of the Totally Awesome Awards finalists and winners.

Wondering who is behind your favorite business and services? Click through our photo gallery to find out. Photo credit goes to the Totally Awesome Family Photographer Abby Cope!

They went from tummy-time to homework in the blink of an eye. Slow things down and soak in time together this holiday season with gifts that stretch their imagination, get them moving and will have you beaming with pride. Click through the photo gallery for gift ideas for the school-aged set that they’ll enjoy all year round.

Let’s Color America Giant Poster

Because no matter what age you are, coloring never gets old, it just gets more interesting. Introducing the Let's Color America Giant Poster, which is basically a coloring tour of the USA. The charming map charts out historical landmarks, monuments of nature and specific food and people that make each corner of the country unique and special. It's like a road trip minus the "are we there yet?”

Available at Blue Ribbon General Store, $34.

What will you be wrapping up for your school-aged kiddo this year? Share with us in a Comment below.

— Aimee Della Bitta