The magic of the holiday season is a gift that gives all throughout the winter months and not just beginning at Santa’s arrival. For many, the first unforgettable twinkle of the enchantment of a Portland Christmas begins with attending a Portland Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This year, COVID has changed the way your family will experience our local Christmas tree lightings. Many of them have gone online where they can be experienced in the comfort of your very own home. Find out which lightings you can watch every night of the week if you choose. Read on to find out more.
Photo: via Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree Lighting & Sing Along
On Nov. 27, this time-honored tradition was broadcast in an hour-long special featuring a caroling sing-along with Pink Martini. Lyrics appeared on the TV screen so viewers could sing along from home. It is now available to watch online. Your family can enjoy it every day of the season from the comfort and safety of your home.
This 40 plus year-old tradition includes watching the Mayor of Lake Oswego light the giant Sequoia tree that stands in Bigelow Plaza. This year, there will be no public tree lighting ceremony or parade. Instead, you can enjoy a virtual greeting card on behalf of the City of Lake Oswego, the Chamber of Commerce and the sponsor, Director’s Mortgage. Your family can watch an online viewing and enjoy “Company” from Lakeridge High School, “Windjammers” from Lake Oswego High School, and the talented community members who perform in the Millennium Concert Band as they give you a flavor of what you would have heard in person. The elves have told us that Santa will make a special guest appearance at the end!
The Esther Short Park community tree will glow throughout the holiday season in downtown Vancouver. Concern about community health and Covid-19 have cancelled many community events including the annual Rotary Community Tree Lighting ceremony. However, the downtown will be aglow 24 hours per day with thousands of lights hung on a new tree for all to stroll or drive by throughout the holiday season through New Year’s Day Jan. 1.
While there will be no live, in-person Spirit of Gresham Tree Lighting event, due to state restrictions on events to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you're invited to experience it virtually as through a special tree lighting video. Watch anytime and get in the holiday spirit. Your kids will love the annual tree lighting countdown with Mayor Karylinn Echols and Santa!
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Holly Days Celebration in historic Downtown Hillsboro. Although Downtown merchants will be open for business the rest of the event will be broadcast virtually this year to keep our community healthy. Filmed Nov. 21, your family can enjoy holiday music from Leah & Austin, a local favorite band. The Mayor will be joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the tree. All this mixed in with fun things happening around Downtown including our annual Excellence in Downtown Awards and a cameo from a local celebrity.
Your family doesn’t have to miss seeing fantastic light displays in person. Portland has some amazing light displays going on around town. We’ve rounded them all up right here for you. Make sure to check websites for updated information and COVID safety rules before you venture out.
Ree Drummond has been cooking up something special, and it has nothing to do with the kitchen! The Pioneer Woman has just launched her own apparel collection and it’s exclusively available at Walmart.
Drummond is known for her elegant and comfortable style that is focused on florals, and “The Pioneer Woman” lineup is no different. The versatile collection features favorites like blouses, kimonos, layering pieces and denim. It has 38 pieces with sizing in small to XXL, and ranges from $12.99 to $29.99. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite items.
We know most kids would rather stick to their beloved pizza and chicky-nuggies on a daily basis than touch anything green. Instead of trying to fight a losing battle over all their “yucks”, how about trying something you’ll both love that supplements their diet with an infusion of goodness—yes, it does exist! ChildLife® Essentials is the first complete line of premium nutritional supplements made especially for infants and kids. The entire line of supplements was developed bya holistic pediatrician, because who better to understand what kids need? Read on to learn more about ChildLife® Essentials!
For a limited time, ChildLife® Essentials is offering 10% off for Red Tricycle Subscribers! Use Code REDTRICYCLE10 (Expires 12/21/2020, US residents only)
How It Started
ChildLife® Essentials was created and developed by world-renowned holistic pediatrician Dr. Murray Clarke. He’s been a pioneer in holistic pediatrics, treating difficult conditions in babies and children for over 20 years.
Dr. Clarke saw there was a lack of high-quality supplements that were geared towards babies and children. This inspired Dr. Clarke to create his own formulas specifically targeting the unique needs of children—both nutritional needs and flavors they’ll love—without the high levels of toxins.
“In the last 30, 40 years, our whole environment has changed. The mineral content of our fruits and veggies has shifted, we have more processed and junk foods, we have an environment that’s adding a toxic burden to children that no other generation has ever faced. All of those things mean that a child growing up in today’s world needs a lot more support, and even if a child is eating perfectly, they might still not be getting everything they need.”—Dr. Murray Clarke, Founder & President of ChildLife® Essentials
What’s Inside (And What’s Not)
ChildLife® Essentials complete line of products are sugar-free, gluten-free and never made with artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners—none of those “yucks” for moms and dads!
They come in a few different forms like SoftMelts™, powder and gel caps, and gummies, but most of them are liquid. Why liquid form? It allows for more nutrient-packing power in each does and liquid tends to be better absorbed by the body. Bonus: it’s great for picky eaters and infants since you can mix it with anything and they are none the wiser.
For a limited time, ChildLife® Essentials is offering 10% off for Red Tricycle Subscribers! Use Code REDTRICYCLE10 (Expires 12/21/2020, US residents only)
Health Benefits & Safety
Only the highest quality, most pure, potent and natural ingredients sourced from around the world are included in ChildLife® Essentials vitamins. They go above and beyond safety standards, testing products by third-party labs to ensure they are safe and some of the best nutritional supplements on the market for kids.
ChildLife® Essentials were made to provide children with the vitamins and minerals they may be lacking from their everyday diet, helping create a strong foundation for health in their early years. The benefits of some of their supplements include environmental protection and detoxification,brain development, physical growth and immune support and so much more.
For a limited time, ChildLife® Essentials is offering 10% off for Red Tricycle Subscribers! Use Code REDTRICYCLE10 (Expires 12/21/2020, US residents only)
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If you’re not a natural historian, you might not know of the hidden treasures in Pioneer Square. But believe it or not, this historic neighborhood is the only place in town where you can pan for gold, view old fire department antiques and go underground to explore the city’s original streets. Sound like fun? Scroll down to find out how you and your crew can get in touch with your inner pioneer in downtown Seattle as well as for a list of Pioneer Square restaurants to refuel your brood during your adventure.
Smith Tower
Head to the top of what was once the tallest building west of the Missippippi in a historic Otis elevator, hand-operated by a conductor. Once there, you and your kids can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from the open-air viewing deck. Built in 1914, Smith Tower was one of the first skyscrapers in the world. It may not be the tallest in the west, or even in Seattle any more, but it’s an amazing historic building with an amazing visitor experience to match. To make your journey even more historical, plan to take the Legends of Smith Tower tour before your ride to top. This awesome tour combines interesting facts and lore—through the past 100 years of the tower’s existence—with bits of humor and intrigue, making it a great experience for any age.
photo: Kristina Moy
Good to Know: On the 35th floor is where you will find the Observatory and Bar—a speakeasy-inspired hangout that pays homeage to the Smith Tower’s rum-running roots and Chinese Room history by serving Prohibition Era–inspired craft cocktails and bites inspired by the roaring 1920s. The best part? It’s open to all ages, so you can sip on a craft cocktail while your kids enjoy Shirley Temples.
506 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-624-0414
Online: smithtower.com
Observatory and Bar Hours: Sun.-Wed. from 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Cost:
Legends of Smith Tower Tour Cost: $19/Adults; $15/Kids (5-12), Seniors (over 65) & Military; 4 & under Free.
Straight Up Tickets: $12/person; under 5 Free. Available every ten minutes beginning at 9 a.m., with ticket sales ending at 5:30 p.m. Note: Save 10% when you purchase tickets online.
Last Resort Fire Department
Calling all firefighter wannabes! There’s a four-alarm attraction at the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters that you don’t want to miss. This museum, dedicated to local firefighting history and heroes, includes a collection of one-of-a-kind antique fire trucks. It’s not a hands-on museum, but it’s still a thrill for both big and small firefighters wannabes. Psst…be sure to pick up a treasure hunt map when you enter, so your little fire captain can have fun spotting vintage fire hoses, oxygen masks and more.
301 Second Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-783-4474
Online: lastresortfd.org
Hours: Thursdays from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (except holidays) Cost: Free
Bill Spediel’s Underground Tour
As most Seattleites know, pioneers built the city on tidelands and then realized this wasn’t a very good idea. After a boy drowned in a puddle, and flushing the toilet at high tide became perilous, streets were built up a level – creating a hidden subterranean city below. Many of these old buildings and passageways still exist and you can go below to see the original front doors and store fronts. Young urban explorers can imagine what it was like to have to climb a ladder to get up to the sidewalk or walk through tunnels to visit friends. Not to mention, checking the tide table before flushing the toilet!
Good to Know: This is a walking tour that covers approximately three blocks at a leisurely pace. The entire tour, including introduction, takes about 75 minutes. Kids under 6 may find the tour challenging. Grownups and kids 13 & older can get an Underground Paranormal Experience upgrade. Descend if you dare!
Hours: Tours start on the half-hour during the summer; on the hour during the off-season.
Cost: $22/Adults; $20/Seniors (60+); $20/Youth (13-17 & students with valid college ID); $10/Kids (7-12); 6 & under Free. Underground Tour and Paranormal Experience Combo Ticket: $50.
photo: Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Beginning in 1897, thousands stampeded to the Yukon gold fields in Canada hoping to find their fortune. The Klondike Gold Rush was on and Seattle was the last stop in civilization for prospectors heading north on steamers. At this museum, which houses the only national park in a building, you’ll learn all about the men, women and children who headed for the Klondike. Psst…kids can take part in Junior Ranger activities and learn how to pan for gold.
319 Second Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-220-4240
Online: nps.gov/klse
Winter Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Magic Mouse Toys
With two floors and over 6,000-square feet chock-full of toys and games, Magic Mouse Toys is, of course, a magnet for kids. Here, you’ll find all kinds of unique toys along with dolls, puzzles and art projects with the promise that this shop carries, “only the classiest brands of toys that have withstood the test of time.”
603 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-682-8097
Online: magicmousetoys.com
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Agate Designs
So much more than just a jewelry shop, Agate Designs is like a museum full of geological wonders. Although not recommended for tiny tots, kids who can look-but-not-touch will be wowed as they discover Agate Designs’ handpicked crystals, gems and minerals, plus 500-million-year-old fossils.
120 First Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-621-3063
Online: agatedesigns.com
The Globe Bookstore
This inviting new and used bookstore is a perfect pit stop for you and your little book worms. Rest your feet and cozy up with a good read in the children’s area, and be sure to browse the other sections including literature, history and cooking.
Waterfall Garden Park
A waterfall in the middle of the city? This hidden pocket park is a great spot to relax with your crew, read a book or simply rest your tired feet. Pack a picnic and listen to the gentle sound of the 22 ft. waterfall as it washes out the bustle of city life.
Occidental Square Park & Playspace
Play a game of chess, bocce, foosball or table tennis in this leafy cobblestone park in the heart of Pioneer Square. Or sit back and enjoy watching the kids explore the newly installed playground, with its artistically designed wooden jungle gym, swings, climbing ropes and a recycled rubber floor. It makes the perfect pit stop for tired kids touring the city on a fun-filled weekend. Long story short, Occidental Square Park is a great place to seek some shade on a hot day or catch an outdoor concert during the summer months. Plan to stop for coffee or lunch at one of the many eateries surrounding the park or try one of the local food trucks near the park and enjoy plenty of outdoor seating.
Pioneer Square Park
This popular park sits on the site of Henry Yesler’s mill and is home to the ornate Iron Pergola, built over the finest underground restroom in the United States (sadly, the restroom closed its doors in the 1920s). Pioneer Square Park is also home to an Alaskan Tlingit totem pole with an interesting backstory and a Chief Seattle drinking fountain. Psst…Pioneer Square Parkis a great vantage point for people watching and a good spot for a photo opp to commemorate your day in Pioneer Square.
Cow Chip Cookies
What’s that on your boot? It’s not a cow chip, is it? Don’t fear, Seattle parents. You and your crew are going to love these kind of cow chips. An institution in Pioneer Square since 1982 (although the recipe dates from 1883), Cow Chip Cookies serves “the original drop cookie,” a delicious sweet treat baked to perfection from a secret recipe from Butter Creek Farm. Psst..Cow Chip cookies pair best with a cold glass of milk or a cup o’ Joe.
102A First Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-292-9808
Online: cowchipcookies.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
Grand Central Bakery and Cafe
Follow the aroma of fresh-baked treats to this bakery in the Grand Central Arcade. On chilly days, perch by the fireplace and enjoy handmade sticky buns with espresso for you and hot chocolate for the kiddies. On sunny days, take your sweet eats out to the cobblestone patio.
The London Plane
Fresh sustainably sourced ingredients and flavors from around the world make this bakeshop and floral shop a great place to stop for brunch or any time of day. Try their toasted sourdough with hazelnut butter, sea salt and honey or their quiche with ham, asparagus and aged cheddar. Delish! Psst…the bakeshop’s name was inspired by the London Plane trees that dot Pioneer Square.
General Porpoise
In the heart of Pioneer Square is where you’ll findGeneral Porpoise, one of the latest contenders to arrive at Seattle’s growing doughnut scene. (Other locations include Capitol Hill, Amazon Spheres and Laurelhurst.) Since General Porpoise opened its doors in 2016 on Capitol Hill, the eatery has held the number one spot for custard filled doughnuts. Put aside those “eat healthier” resolutions (if you haven’t already) and indulge in delicate clouds of fried dough slathered with sugar and filled with jams, creams, custards and curds made fresh with LFdA farm eggs. The vanilla custard (one of our favorites!), chocolate marshmallow and lemon curd are mainstays along with a couple of rotating seasonal fillings (think peaches and cream, plum jam and white nectarine jam), depending on the day and what local purveyors provide.
There is a dizzying array of tech and STEM-related products for kids and it can be hard to know which are the best. Luckily this year’s picks for the Kids at Play Interactive Awards are the perfect place to start for gift giving.
Living in Digital Times, the producers of lifestyle technology events at CES in partnership with CTA, and Children’s Technology Review have just announced the winners of the 12th annual Kids at Play Interactive Awards. Each year the awards recognize “the most innovative games, software, devices and apps for educating and entertaining today’s tech fluid children.”
Over 500 kid’s technology products were evaluated and reviewed by an independent jury of industry and editorial experts led by Warren Buckleitner, Editor of Children’s Technology Review. The entries are divided into ten categories, like Best Robotics, Best Creative Experience and Best App. Here are the winners in each category.
Marin has so much to offer from its serene open spaces to awesome, scenic playgrounds. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites for packing a picnic, soaking up the sun and letting the minis run wild.
Town Park - Corte Madera
This 22.7-acre park is a local favorite. It features several picnic tables with grills, a tennis and basketball court, soccer and softball fields and a large lawn area for picnicking. Your littles will be entertained with several play structures, swings and rock climbing wall, all enclosed by a gated fence, next to its own parking lot.
Piper Park is located in the heart of Central Marin, along the scenic Larkspur Marina. It boasts of expansive picnic areas, Mt. Tamalpais backdrops and several sports facilities, including beach volleyball court. The renovated, timber-themed playground has several climbing structures, with slides and a rotating cone tower. There’s various picnic tables with grills, a small parking lot and even a dog park for your canine buddies.
Designed by the town's children, this playground is a favorite among Marin County families and will surely be a hit with yours. Its detailed wood train depot, town hall, castle with towers play areas, zip-line, slides, swings and signature giant dinosaur makes for hours of imaginative play. Facilities also include, restrooms, picnic tables, parking and several sports fields.
Parking Lot and playground directly across from the American Legion Log Cabin at:
This 3.5-acre park is popular on hot days for its water play feature. Your water babies will love controlling the water flow via pressing the hand on the red pipes that sends the sprinklers through three giant rings and sprouting up from the ground. If that’s not enough excitement, just a few steps above sits the playground full of climbing structures that will keep the minis busy. There’s also a large field, picnic tables and well-kept restrooms for your needs.
Tucked away in a cul-de-sac in the quiet Terra Linda neighborhood, this playground has a lower toddler area with climbing structure and sandbox and main playground above in the open field with tube slides, steering wheel bars and swings. You can also find a couple of picnic tables, restrooms, grassy field, tennis and basketball court, as well as several scenic Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow open space preserve trails, adjacent to the playground.
Historic Pioneer Park features 9 acres of walking paths, picnic and barbecue areas, tennis courts, ample lawn area (great for frisbee), benches, the Novato creek and Historic Pioneer Memorial Cemetery to explore. The impressive playground offers a tot lot and extensive play structure for the older crowd, full of slides, bars, bridges, sliding poles, climbing walls and swings. Pack a lunch and make it a day, as one can easily spend several hours here, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and letting the youngsters burn some steam.
This spacious park was renovated in 2015 and is the only outdoor recreational space in Marin City-Sausalito. Near the Marin Gateway Shopping Center, it offers a three level, treehouse-themed play structure with climbing wall and slides. An adult fitness area, amphitheater with turf lawn area, several picnic tables with grills, toddler play area with swings, bathrooms and murals showcasing Marin City’s history.
A charming hidden gem in the Strawberry neighborhood and a quiet, less crowded option. The boat-themed play structure and beautiful views of Richardson Bay are perfect for nautical imaginative play. There’s a couple of picnic tables and several waterfront benches. The shore is open to explore but swimming here is not recommended. Be sure to take a break on the tree swing overlooking the water.
Nestled among a redwood grove, this is a popular go to for locals on hot, sunny days. In addition to the large, multi-leveled playground, there's Old Mill Creek (best for splashing during spring and early summer), trails and Reeds Mill—the historical landmark after which the city was named, to explore. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables and grills.
Also known as Leo J. Tugenberg Playground, this playground is located along the San Francisco Bay. You can reach the playground heading south on the graveled Tiburon Historical Trail, from the main parking lot. There are two play areas, one for tots and one catering to older kids with monkey bars and rolling pipe slide. There’s lots of picnic tables, benches, open fields to run around on or take in the views. Restrooms are located behind park.
Love Cupcake Wars? Can’t get enough of the Kids Baking Championship? Then your mini master chefs will be very excited to check out Food Network’s Halloween line up.
Food Network has just revealed it will be launching a whole slate of Halloween-themed programming to kick off the holiday season. While the channel has featured Halloween shows like Halloween Wars in the past, this year there will be even more spooktacular fun to enjoy.
“Food Network is the ultimate destination for Halloween-themed content, showcasing the holiday like no one else can with nail-biting competitions and jaw-dropping creations that viewers just can’t get enough of,” Courtney White, President, Food Network and Cooking Channel, said in a statement. “With Halloween Baking Championship and Halloween Wars both seeing series-high ratings last year, we knew we had to deliver even more tricks and treats this holiday season, upping the ante across both networks.”
The programming will kick off on Sep. 23 with both the return of Halloween Baking Championship and the new series premiere of Halloween Cake-Off. On Sep. 26 the fun continues with the launch of Kids Baking Championship: Tricks & Treats, which features hosts Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman challenging young chefs to create the spookiest spider web desserts.
Other new series premiering in September and October include Halloween Wars (Sep. 29), Outrageous Pumpkins (Sep. 29) and Haunted Gingerbread Showdown (Oct. 6). There will also be special sweets and treats-themed episodes of Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro,Chopped, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Girl Meets Farm, Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen, The Kitchen, The Pioneer Woman and Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.
It looks like the Gaines family doesn’t have the market cornered when it comes to taking over the world, one lifestyle-branded step at a time. The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is a force to be reckoned with. And now she’s branching out into the sweet treat business!
Drummond recently announced, via Instagram, a brand-new eatery—featuring everyone’s fave summer-time treat. The post features a pic of Drummond’s son Bryce, his friend Kevin and a cherry-topped sundae, with the caption, “When you’re about to open an ice cream place in town, it helps to have teenage boys on hand to taste the sundaes.”
Between another upcoming cookbook, her successful Food Network show, boutique hotel, restaurant, pizza shop, dog treat line, bedding collection and cookware line, you’d think that Drummond’s plate is full. But apparently the Pioneer Woman has room for at least one more entrepreneurial idea.
While Drummond hasn’t released specifics, she did note (on her blog) that the ice cream shop’s name is to Pawhuska, Oklahoma soon (as in “later this week” and, “It might make you cry.” Sweet and sentimental? Yes please!
She may only be three-months-old, but Liberty Wexler has already played many roles. Yep. She’s the baby dressed up as Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Instagram. Oh but that’s not all. Nope. This adorable infant is pictured as some pretty famous figures from history in a series of photos that have since gone viral.
Mom Jenelle Wexler started taking cute costume pics of toddler son River well before she got the idea to put baby Liberty in a RBG costume. So what was thinking behind the Instagram awesomeness? Wexler told Red Tricycle, “I feel it is important to pay tribute to the women who fought for an helped to protect and further women’s causes. I only hope these are the individuals that Liberty herself chooses to admire and aspire to be like.”
What famous women has Liberty played? Check out some of the most imaginative ideas that this creative mama had!
This fab photo features the iconic artist. As the first in Wexler’s “Influential Woman” series, this post is more than just cute. It pays honor to a true pioneer.
With a remarkable career spanning decades, Clinton is much more than a presidential candidate. As a trailblazer and advocate for important issues, such as healthcare reform, she’s a true game-changer. Oh, and this version is aww-dorable too!
Those glasses. That gavel. This couldn’t be cuter pic of RBG highlights the accomplishments of the second female to be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice.
You can’t have an influential women IG without including the “Material Girl” herself!
Wexler also added, “I am hopeful that when Liberty is older and looks back at these photos, she finds them to be fun yet informatively positive. In addition, I wanted to bring attention to specific stories, to show how important these women’s actions were in helping to shape our current society for the better. I believe these women continue to inspire the young females of present day to push boundaries and strive beyond equality.”
If these soooooo sweet photos inspire you (or just makes you squeal, “Aww!”), check out Wexler’s @photographyofliberty IG account!
At this point in the summer, finding free entertainment every day of the week is a parent’s dream come true. Add in a dose of water play on a hot day and you’ve hit the jackpot! Whether you’re in search of the relaxing sound of rushing water, the chance to get your feet wet or the opportunity to view the city’s best man-made wonders, Seattle has a wide array of fountains just waiting to be explored. Scroll down to see our favorites.
International Fountain
Seattle Center
Located at the Seattle Center, the International Fountain is perhaps one of the best known fountains in Seattle and attracts thousands of tourists and Seattleites each year. During the summer months, you will find kids with swimsuits donned, chasing the huge spurts of water and laughing gleefully at the huge explosion of water that feels as though it will reach beyond the clouds.
International Fountain 305 Harrison St. Seattle, WA 98109 Online: seattlecenter.com
Fountain of Creation
Seattle Center
Located just northeast of the International Fountain, the Fountain of Creation offers a much tamer version for those afraid to get hit by spraying jets. This is more of a wading pool than a fountain, but offers spraying jets and is definitely worth mentioning. With a depth of three feet in its deepest parts, this fountain definitely hits the afternoon cool down spot.
Note: As of July 2019, the fountain is temporarily closed due to Arena construction.
Located on Alaskan Way, next to the Seattle Aquarium, the Waterfront Fountain is a very cool, architectural design that is a hit with Seattleites and out-of-towners alike. Kids will love watching the water cascade down over the block shapes. Bonus: there are stairs all around the fountain to climb; and what kid doesn't love climbing stairs?
If you've been to a Mariners game at Safeco Field this summer, you've likely spotted SoDo's urban fountain across the street from Home Plate Gate. Located at KING 5's studio, this fountain is the perfect place to cool your jets before or after an M's game.
KING 5 Television 1501 1st Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134 206-448-5555 Online: king5.com
Also located on Alaskan Way as part of the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Father and Son Fountain is definitely an interesting piece to check out. You can walk fully around it and see different views depending on the time of day you visit. Psst...don't forget to bring your pennies as your kids will most definitely want to throw in one, or two!
If your kiddos need a break from all that back-to-school shopping, head to Westlake Park to check out this very unique fountain. Not only can you admire it from a distance, but you can become a part of it, too. The daring and those who don't mind getting a little wet will love walking underneath the fountain and everyone will happily like watching the water cascade down on both sides.
Known for its locally-owned boutiques, signature national retailers and plethora of restaurants and eateries, University Village is popular destination for Seattle families. On hot summer days, expect to find lots of kiddies splashing around in the popular frog and turtle fountain located by Trophy Cupcakes or sitting on the edge of the Stonehenge Fountain located next to Ravenna Gardens. It’s the perfect way cool off after a long day of shopping.
University Village 623 Northeast University Village Seattle, WA 98105 Online: uvillage.com
Freeway Park is an oasis in the middle of the city. Here, you will find what is commonly referred to as the "waterfalls." The gushing water drowns out the city noise and kiddos young and old will love climbing on the rocks and getting their toes wet.
Not only is the U-dub campus beautiful year-round, it's also an awesome place to wander through and check out some amazing architecture. The Drumheller Fountain is one worth checking out if your littles love seeing lots of geese and ducks. Make a day of it and bask in the Husky spirit.
Drumheller Fountain 4014 University Way N.E. Seattle, WA 98195 Online: washington.edu
Next time you're in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, head over to Cal Anderson Park to check out this awesome fountain. Not only will you be mesmerized by the design, hearing the rushing water flow from the top and down the sides into the wading pool below will make it a top-notch experience.
So technically this is not a fountain, but a 22-foot waterfall nestled in Pioneer Square and definitely worth a shout out! Pack a sack lunch and enjoy listening to the rushing water while sitting at a nearby table. On a hot summer day, this spot can't be beat.
If you love fountains and roses, this is the place to be. Not only is the scenery peaceful and awe-inspiring, your kid crew will love checking out the sensory garden. Head a little further and check out the fountain and have fun counting the water lilies. Best part, it's free of charge!
Rose Garden (south entrance at intersection of 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.) 750 N. 50th St. Seattle, WA 98105 Online: zoo.org/roses#.U9-uQIBdUkc
Ballard Commons Park features a skate bowl, public art, relaxing seating areas with lots of lush grass, perfect for an afternoon picnic, plus a fun water feature the kiddies will love. The park forms part of the municipal center in Ballard, with a Seattle Public Library branch and Neighborhood Service Center located across the street.
