New DreamWorks Activity Center Inspires Creativity

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 9, 2020

Are your kids looking for new ways to express their creative side? DreamWorks has launched a new creative hub filled with countless ways to entertain them. Download fun, interactive activity sheets, games, crafts, recipes and more from your favorite DreamWorks TV series and movies including Trolls, The Boss Baby, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Shrek, How To Train Your Dragon and more.

Create Harold and George DIY Sock Puppets or She-Ra’s magical sword, solve a Kung Fu Panda puzzle, Troll-ify yourself with a Trolls headband or try out a delicious Hand Pie recipe courtesy of Spirit Riding Free. Watch for new games and activities to be added soon.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: DreamWorks

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Lay’s Poppables Transform Into Poppy-bles for “Trolls World Tour”

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 11, 2020

The bright packaging of Lay’s Poppables look like something out of Poppy and Branch’s troll world. Now the bags are getting a makeover in honor of the upcoming release of Dreamworks Trolls World Tour. Watch out, the packages are so eye-catching, you’ll want to buy them all.

Fans can collect their favorite Trolls, including Poppy and Branch, plus new characters from the second movie on the following Lay’s Poppables flavors:

Poppy: Sea Salt

Branch: Sea Salt & Vinegar

Tiny Diamond: Creamy Jalapeno

Barb: Honey BBQ

Delta Dawn: White Cheddar

In additon, these new limited-edition bags will include an on-pack code that can be entered at the Poppables website offering fans a chance to win Fandango tickets to see the movie. One grand prize winner will receive tickets to their very own “World Tour” of six music festivals across the country.

The specially-marked bags will be available at retailers nationwide for $3.79.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo courtesy of Lay’s

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OREO to Release New Song from “Trolls World Tour”

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 9, 2020

If you are excited about the new Trolls movie then you’ll want to listen up. OREO is teaming up with Trolls World Tour to release the song “Just Sing (Trolls World Tour)” exclusively on an OREO cookie on March 9. For the first 60 hours, the only place fans can listen to the full-length, original track from the movie is by going to OREO’s website and scanning an original OREO cookie embossment.

The entire cast of the film featured on the track, including: Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Kelly Clarkson, James Corden, George Clinton, Mary J. Blige, Anderson Paak, Rachel Bloom, Kenan Thompson, Anthony Ramos, Red Velvet, Icona Pop and Sam Rockwell.

OREO is also releasing two limited-edition Trolls World Tour OREO cookie packs, a special AR experience on Instagram and a national television commercial celebrating the partnership.

The cookies celebrate two of the film’s characters, Queen Poppy and newborn Pop Troll Tiny Diamond. The Queen Poppy cookies feature pink-colored creme with glitter, and the Tiny Diamond cookies have green-colored creme with glitter and popping candy. Each pack includes three fun cookie designs based on the pack’s featured character.

Also on March 9, Trolls World Tour OREO packs and cookies will come to life with an augmented reality experience on Instagram where Queen Poppy performs a special dance to the new track. To unlock the experience, head to the OREO website to access the filter, place a Trolls World Tour OREO cookie on the pack, use the filter guide and scan.

OREO will debut a Trolls World Tour OREO TV spot featuring the new song. Titled “Road Trip,” the 15-second spot features Queen Poppy and shows how an ordinary car ride playfully comes to life when OREO and Trolls World Tour are involved.

Trolls World Tour OREO cookies hit store shelves starting March 9 and are available wherever OREO is sold, for a limited-time only, while supplies last.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of OREO

11 Things You Must Learn to Love if You Want to Have Kids

By Jamie Johnson

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 15, 2020

Photo: Jamie Johnson via Hashtag Momfail

Over the course of the last few weeks, my four-year-old has developed a horrible new habit. He gets out of bed multiple times a night, begins screaming, “MAMA” at the top of his lungs, and moves into the bedroom, still screaming, until I sit up and have a conversation with him about why he is screaming for me.

I cannot tell a lie, it completely and totally sucks. There is nothing like being jarred from sleep by a four-year-old with a blood-curdling scream. The first time it happened, I was terrified. I thought he had fallen out of his bed and broken his leg or that something equally as terrifying had happened.

But no. That is and never has been the case.

All I have to do is ask him what’s wrong and he will calm down after about 30 seconds and say something along the lines of, “My big toe itches. Will you scratch it?” through snot and tears. So I scratch his toe or rub his back, or get him “this much” to drink.

As a person that truly loves sleep and needs at least eight hours a night to function, I have developed a habit where I lie in bed all night anticipating that blood-curdling scream. So needless to say, I have not been getting the best sleep lately.

This morning, I got a blood-curdling scream and thought about how much I miss the little things, like being able to sleep and having alone time.

Disclaimer: Yes, I love my children more than life itself. I would step in front of a train for them. But becoming a parent has taught me that some things are non-negotiable. So don’t comment that I’m a bad mom, Lisa, the internet troll.

Here are 11 things you must love —or learn to love—if you want to become a parent.

1. Being woken up in the middle of the night by a blood curdling scream or by its equally terrifying counterpart, the tiny person staring at you while you sleep.

2. Poop. Cleaning poop. Picking up poop. Finding poop in odd places. Teaching your kid to poop in the potty. Watching them poop in the backyard like the dog. That last one might just be me.

3. Never being alone. The minute you have kids, you will never have alone time again. They will always find you. You could hide in the crawl space under your house and a tiny little hand would find its way under a crack to ask what you’re doing.

4. Fart jokes. Maybe this is just because I’m a boy mom, but my kid is in the “fart, poop, laugh” phase and it’s killing me. Every sentence ends with the word poop, fart, toilet or underpants.

5. Bad knock-knock jokes. Henry just learned what knock-knock jokes are and I have said, “Poop who” at least 500 times in the last 5 days.

6. Crumbs. I don’t care what my kids are eating, they will somehow make a massive amount of crumbs from it. They could eat ice cream in a bowl and somehow develop crumbs. My advice is to get a dog to lick up the crumbs.

7. Someone completely defying societal norms. Having a kid is like one big sociology project. They will stand in the elevator facing the wrong way. They will tickle the back of a random person’s neck while at church. They will scream, “Is that a BUTT?” at someone in Target. And yes, Lisa, I have told my child we don’t say butt, but he has not complied.

8. Tantrums. Wrong color bowl for eggs? Lay on the ground screaming. Wrong superhero cartoon? More screaming. Ask if they had a good day at preschool? Screaming and crying. Taking them to a place they asked to go? Screaming and crying.

9. Doing things that gross you out. I rode a freaking camel at the zoo the other day. Enough said.

10. Teeny tiny toys. Damn the inventor of Tsum Tsums and Shopkins. I know they are tiny so you can sell more and pay less to make them, but I have spent so many hours on my hands and knees searching the backyard for a 3 cm sword that goes to a teeny tiny pirate.

11. Ryan’s Toy Review. So annoying. Props to Ryan for creating a virtual empire, but does he go to school? How does he find time to make all these videos?

So if you are about to have kids, or are thinking about trying, just remember that they are adorable little minions that smell like fresh baby powder for a few days, months or a year if you are lucky. But you will then learn that you won’t sleep until they are 18, your coffee will always be cold and they will repeat the bad words you say.

So don’t yell, “Use your blinker, you as*hole!” in a fit of rage on an Interstate somewhere.

Until next time,

Jamie

This post originally appeared on Hashtag MomFail.

Jamie Johnson

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home.

These New Pillsbury “Trolls” Cookies Will Have You Feeling the Beat

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 17, 2020

If your kids can’t wait for the new Trolls sequel, they’ll be delighted to bake up a batch of the new Pillsbury Trolls Sugar Cookies.

The ready-to-bake Pillsbury Shape Limited Edition Trolls Sugar Cookie Dough features your favorite Troll characters, Poppy and Branch, complete with their colorful hairdos. Each pack contains 12 already cut cookies ready to pop in the oven and enjoy during your next hug break.

photo: Courtesy of Pillsbury

The cookies are available at major grocers nationwide this month and are priced at $2.50 per pack. Trolls World Tour hits theaters Apr. 17, 2020.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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The “Trolls World Tour” Trailer Just Dropped & It Will Have You Feeling the Beat

by Shahrzad WarkentinNovember 15, 2019

Poppy, Branch and the entire Troll village are back and sparklier than ever in a sequel to the blockbuster hit Trolls. A new trailer for Trolls World Tour features a sprawling cast of talent that will dance right into your heart.

As the first trailer for the new Trolls movie already revealed, Poppy and Branch, who are voiced once again by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, discover that they are just one of several different tribes of Trolls in the world. Each new land of Trolls loves a different style of music, from techno to country.

The new trailer gives fans a better look at the newest character, the evil Queen Barb (voiced by Rachel Bloom). As the ruler of the hard rock Trolls she’s on a mission to eradicate all other music.

Poppy and Branch are determined to stop her, however, and unite the rest of the Troll world on their glitter-filled adventure. With so many exciting cast members and musical genres, the sequel is sure to be a rockin’ good time.

Trolls World Tour hits theater Apr. 17, 2020.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: DreamWorksTV via YouTube

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Inside a Trolls The Experience Birthday Party: Best Day Ever!

by Mimi O'ConnorJuly 24, 2019

Got a kid with a special birthday coming up? (Of course they’re all special, but you know…) If your child has a thing for those colorful, positive vibe-loving Trolls—are there any who don’t?—we’ve got a suggestion. Midtown Manhattan’s Trolls the Experience, an interactive journey featuring Queen Poppy and friends, hosts birthday parties, and we were invited to celebrate the Big 7 there. Trolls the Experience solo? Super fun. Trolls the Experience with your snack pack? Best. Day. Ever. Read on for a play-by-play!

photo: Mimi O’Connor

They Deserve It, But So Do You
If you’re like us, your ability and inclination to plan and throw a kid’s birthday party waxes and wanes from year to year. Some years you can whip up a disco dance party in the park (done it), others, not so much. Which is why sometimes you need someone else to do all the planning, work, and entertaining. (Also: a turn-key party with someone else as host gives you the chance to actually enjoy your child’s birthday party—what a novel concept!)

When we say the Trolls the Experience has it “handled”, we mean it. What’s included with your party will vary depending on the package you select (more on that later) but thanks to a decorated private party room, top-notch party help, the Trolls Experience itself, cupcakes, and a personalize souvenir, you really don’t have to do a thing. (We brought a cake and added some doo-dads to a goodie bag, but don’t really need to.)

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Where’s the party at?
Aside from the Experience itself, one of the best things about a Trolls the Experience birthday party is the party room. This festive, roomy private space is not only decked out with balloon towers and lots of party decorations, it serves as a gathering point (all guests are sent up to the third floor prior to embarking on the Experience), home base for your stuff, and, if needed, a spot for parents or kids to take a breather if they need to.

Once our guests had all arrived, our two party hosts (total pros who did an amazing job) briefed the kids on the party’s events. (We hosted 15 kids total, ranging in age from about four to nine, and that seemed to be the sweet spot in terms of age appropriateness.) Since the kids travel as a group through the Experience, they’re taught the phrase “No Troll Left Behind” to make sure they stick together, and are shown a wand that indicates where the group is. It was clear throughout the journey that our guides were mindful of keeping everyone on track and accounted for.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

First stop: Troll-tastic transformation with Glitter Gurus
When it Trollville, get Trolled-up. Kids saddle up to makeup stations for a Troll Transformation from “Glitter Gurus”, with cheeks, eyebrows and the nose getting painted. They can also choose some Troll “hair”—cardboard donned with the use of a rubber band a la a birthday hat—in the style of Trolls like Poppy, Guy Diamond, etc. When they’re done, they can check themselves out in mirrors both normal and “goofy.” (For an extra special treat for the birthday kid, you can opt for the VIP Hair We Go Experience, complete with full facepaint and take-home deluxe Trolls wig!) And then, they’re ready to rumble!

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Follow the Rainbow Path
The loose narrative of Trolls the Experience is visitors complete tasks as they move along a rainbow path in search of Poppy’s Best Day Ever Celebration. At each stop along the way, kids get a sticker badge when they complete the activity found there.

The first stop is “Branch’s Musical Mashup” where kids activate the critters of Trollville to create a music track for the big celebration. It’s a light- and sound- filled sensory experience, with kids activating different character elements in the space.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Caterbus Fun
Next stop—one of our favorites—is a “ride” on the Caterbus, a giant caterpillar filled with paper “gems” that must be collected for the party. One catch: a fan blows them everywhere and kids have to grab as many as they can as they fly around like confetti.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Critter Creek
Party-goers then move on to Critter Creek, where they play virtual tag on a giant screen, “splash” in a virtual creek filled with gems, and climb a tree trunk just because.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

The Big Event
Finally, the group makes it to Poppy’s Best Day Ever Bash. But first, they don special glasses, because this isn’t just any ordinary party—it’s a 3D dance party!

Party-goers are led into a big, colorfully-lit room resembling Troll Village that has a large screen/stage area at the front. With Trolls the Experience party hosts leading the crowd, the soundtrack includes some of the greatest Trolls hits, including, of course, “Best Day Ever” and the finale, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”

All the while, a 3D video featuring all of the Trolls and friends doing their particular thing plays on the jumbo screen. (Guy Diamond, of course, makes an appearance to fart glitter, and everyone does the floss together, as it should be.)

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Don’t Forget the After-party!
From there, your party is led down to an area for a group selfie (another highlight), and kids create their own memento of the experience by scrapbooking it. (This is where the badges they got along the Rainbow Path are used, and everyone gets a copy of the group photo. Staffers are on hand to help with scrapbooking as well.)

Our party hosts were particularly determined to make sure everyone could be seen in our photo, and that it was a good one. It was much appreciated.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

A Special Meet & Greet
It wouldn’t be a visit to Troll Village without an appearance from Queen Poppy herself. Following the scrapbooking, she comes out to present a special gift to the guest of honor, hug each of the attendees, and pose for a group photo.

Let Them Eat Cake!—and pizza
And then, it’s time to eat. It’s back up to the party room for pizza, juice and water, and cake.

Again, our party helpers took care of everything, from serving to cutting the cake, to stuffing the goodie bags, which everyone got on their way out.

photo: Mimi O’Connor

Trolls the Experience Birthday Party Basics
If you can’t tell, our guest of honor gives the Trolls the Experience Birthday Party two thumbs up. We do, too, and were particularly impressed by how well the event was run. We were told to expect and hour for the experience, and an hour for pizza and cake, and the timing was almost exact.

As stated, our party hosts had things well in hand, and kept the kids entertained and in line—an impressive feat!

We had some jitters from a couple kids and parents (would it be too overwhelming?) and let kids know if at any point they wanted to come back to the party room and relax, they could. No one took us up on it, and every kid really seemed yo enjoy themselves. (We received positive feedback from several parents unprompted. One younger sibling wasn’t feeling well, and took a time out in a separate “family room”, which was much appreciated and a great thing to have as an option.

FYI: There’s stroller parking on the main floor if needed.

Troll the Experience Party Packages
Interested in holding a Trolls the Experience birthday party? You have several options. Choose from the Classic Trolltastic Party ($1,200), the Deluxe Trolltastic Party ($1,350), and the Ultimate Trolltastic Party ($1,650). Basic party packages include the Experience, electronic invites, private room, decor, cupcakes, water and juice, setup and cleanup, Poppy meet and greet, and two party hosts. The pricier options include some or all of the following: pizza, sandwiches, goodie bags, and the Hair We Go transformation for guests and birthday boy or girl. You can download a full party brochure with all the details here.

Parties are for 12 people, a combined number for adults and kids; a 5:1 ratio of kids to adults is required. Because of space constraints, this is largely a drop-off party. Parties larger than 12 can be accommodated for additional cost.

Trolls the Experience
218 W. 57th St.
Midtown
1-833-266-5122
Online: trollstheexperience.com

—Mimi O’Connor

We were guests of Trolls the Experience, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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My 6 Favorite Products for Baby and Beyond

By Natalie Gordon

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 22, 2019

Photo: Kelly SIkkema via Unsplash

My kids aren’t babies anymore, but as the founder and CEO of Babylist, I spend all day talking to new parents and checking out gear. One of the pieces of advice I give to new parents: Invest in products that will take you through not just those first months, but the first years. Check out my six, must-picks, below.

Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair: Just having a piece of baby furniture this sleek and simple is benefit enough for many new parents. But this high chair is designed to have more than just good looks. It’s cleverly designed to support your child as she grows, and you can make adjustments to the seat and footrest to accommodate everything from a baby (with the Baby Set that’s sold separately) to a 250-pound adult.
Hatch Baby Rest Night Light and Sound Machine: When your baby is new, the Hatch Baby Rest uses sound and light to create a “custom sleep environment” for your child, which you can program via your phone. It also makes routines infinitely easier. One quick tap turns it from soothing white noise machine into a night light that’s indispensable for late-night feedings. Later, as your kid grows into an early-rising toddler, program the “OK-to-Wake” indicator to signal when it’s okay to get out of bed and wake up mom and dad. You’ll be incredibly thankful for the extra sleep you get.
Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center: One purchase, years of play. This activity center transforms alongside your child to fit kids’ needs as they grow. For infants, it’s perfect for self-contained play (so you can do the dishes or get a much-needed shower). Later, it converts into a play station your child can cruise around while he learns to walk, and finally a sleek, seamless toddler table perfect for tea parties and coloring alike.
Babyletto Hudson Crib: This convertible crib is not just beautiful—behind those mid-century modern lines is a practical solution for a growing child. This crib comes with a kit that converts it into a toddler bed that works for children up to 50 lbs. You can buy a conversion kit to turn it into a full-fledged daybed, as well. In theory, this bed could see your child all the way to college! Pro tip: For any crib you want to convert, buy the kit around the same time you buy the crib. Cribs get discontinued all the time and you don’t want to have to troll the backwaters of the internet to find a conversion kit later.
Nest Cam: Okay, technically, the Nest Cam isn’t a baby monitor. It’s a home security camera that we count among our favorite baby monitors at Babyist. Turns out, the features that are great for home security are perfect for a baby monitor —from live streaming on your smartphone to two-way communication so you can soothe your little one from anywhere. As your child grows, and you no longer need a baby monitor, you can use it to keep an eye on your pet, yard, or empty home while you’re out.
Ju Ju Be Everyday Tote: This diaper bag has tons of pockets for easy organization, an anti-microbial lining to prevent bacteria from growing when you accidentally throw in a damp wipe or a questionable banana. Best of all, it’s sturdy enough to last, and stylish enough for you to carry once you no longer need to lug around diapers.

Natalie Gordon

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Natalie is the founder of Babylist, an online registry platform for new and expecting parents. The idea came to life after Natalie was pregnant with her first son and couldn’t find a registry that met her needs. Today, more than $12MM in gifts are given using Babylist.

Universal Orlando Has a Glitter-Farting Troll (Oh, & It’s Naked)

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 6, 2019

Everyone could use little bit of that Troll sparkle in their lives and now, thanks to one of Universal Studios new attractions, you can experience the magic of glitter farts—yep, you read that right.

Guests at Universal Studios Orlando are now treated to a unique character meet-and-greet with the addition of new Trolls movie characters. One costumed character in particular is equipped with a very special feature.

Guy Diamond, who fans will know from the hit film as the “nude” troll who is covered in glitter from head to toe, has joined Poppy and Branch in greeting guests and snapping pictures at the theme park. Autographs and selfies aren’t the only thing you’ll get when you meet him. As the video hilariously illustrates, the Guy Diamond character also features his signature move: glitter farts.

After the trio perform a little dance, Guy Diamond turns his back to the audience to let loose a cloud of glitter from his rear end. In case you want to get a front row glimpse, the Trolls are greeting guests several times a day at the KidZone in Universal Studios Florida.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Attractions Magazine via YouTube

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Say Cheese! 25 Spots for Frame-Worthy Family Selfies

by Jennifer PintoNovember 5, 2017

On your mark, get set…the holiday card scramble is about to begin. Forget about composing a full-page holiday letter explaining in loving detail how little Johnny learned how to wipe his own nose. Here in Seattle, snapping a cool family selfie in front of scenery that will make far away friends and family drool is much more our speed. So put on those matching shirts and scroll down for 25 spots where you and your kid crew can put your best feet, err faces, forward.

photo: Ingrid Barrentine

South of the City

If you live in Olympia (or are up for a road trip to our state capitol), the fine folks at Experience Olympia & Beyond have all the best spots laid out for you here. Once you’re at your chosen spot, they’ve even labeled the best vantage points with handy decals, so all you have to do is stand, point and shoot.

photo: Experience Olympia & Beyond

Around the Emerald City

Seattleites may have to work a bit harder to find them, but there are plenty of picture-perfect scenes closer to home, too. Thankfully, Seattle parents are never ones to shy away from a challenge (think getting your hands on those elusive eclipse glasses or getting down to South Lake Union for 5:15 p.m. swim lessons.) Plus, we have you covered. Read on for a solid list of the area’s best spots for staging a holiday family selfie full of personality.

photo: SDOT Photos via Flickr

Cool Street Art for Hipster Families
Grab your thick-rimmed glasses (with or without the prescription), hand-knit holiday sweaters and cozy beanies, and head out in search of your favorite Seattle street art. Cool colorful graffiti is pretty much everywhere, but check out these murals from bona fide artists and muralists:

1. Greetings from Seattle mural by mural artist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs on the side of Bedlam Coffee, 2231 2nd Ave.

2. Mural by Seattle muralist Ryan Henry Ward on the west side of Sloop Tavern, 2830 N.W. Market St.

3. “Girl with Umbrella” mural by Los Angeles’s Bumblebeelovesyou on the Smith & Burns apartment building at 45th St. & Stone Way N.

4. The Aurora Bridge mural by artist Patrick Gabriel at 38th St. & the Aurora Bridge overpass

5. “Traveling With Out Movement” mural by Chicago graffiti artist Hebru Brantley on the temporary Civic Square construction fence between 3rd Ave. & 4th Ave. on James St.

Bonus blink-and-you’ll-miss it photo opp: Your wee ones will love posing on the wall next to a tiny elephant holding an umbrella on the side of Café Mox, 5105 Leary Ave. N.W.

photo: Jennifer Pinto

Nature’s Greatest Hits for Outdoorsy Families
This year, ditch the humble brag in favor of a family photo set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, and let the natural setting do the talking. Not sure where to start? Try these gorgeous gifts of nature:

6. Mt Rainer National Park in Ashford, Wa. Click here for a list of the best photo spots. The Nisqually entrance at 39000 WA-706 is open to vehicle traffic year-round.

7. Deception Pass in Oak Harbor at 41020 SR 20.

8. Franklin Falls in North Bend. Avoid deep winter snow by taking the I-90 Exit 47 for Denny Creek.

9. Golden Gardens in Ballard at 8498 Seaview Pl. N.W.

10. Louisa Boren Lookout on Capitol Hill at sunrise, 1606 15th Ave. E.

photo: Jennifer Pinto

City Skylines for Newly Transplanted Families
New to Seattle? You’re not alone. Some 1,000 people move here every week, making our city the ninth-fastest growing metro area in the country. Recent transplants and longtime residents alike can show Seattle some love with a holiday portrait in front of our stunning (and always changing) city skyline. Try these spots with a view:

11. Seacrest Park in West Seattle at 1660 Harbor Ave. S.W.

12. Kerry Park on Upper Queen Anne at 211 W. Highland Dr.

13. Gas Works Park on the north shore of Lake Union at 2101 N. Northlake Way.

14. Bainbridge Island Ferry on Bainbridge Island at 801 Alaskan Way.

15. Olympic Sculpture Park on the downtown Seattle waterfront at 2901 Western Ave.

photo: daveraley via Flickr

Iconic Views for Landmark-loving Families
Want to stage a photo that’s quintessentially Seattle? Choose a coordinated wardrobe and set out for your favorite instantly recognizable hotspot. These notable locations will fit the bill:

16. Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle at Pike St. & First Ave.

17. The Space Needle on Lower Queen Anne via The Seattle Center at 305 Harrison St.

18. University of Washington Campus in the U-District at 45th St. & 17th Ave.

19. The Great Wheel on Pier 57 at Miners Landing, 1301 Alaskan Way.

20. Fisherman’s Terminal in Ballard at 3919 18th Ave. W.

photo: Lane Fournerat via Flickr

Oddball Scenes for Families With a Sense of Humor
Moody pre-teens? Tantruming toddlers? No problem. Let your freak flag fly this holiday season with a family selfie that celebrates the joy that comes from being, well, your weird selves. Seattle has plenty of quirky landmarks that fit the bill. Find your favorite and strike your silliest pose. These kooky suggestions will get your wheels turning.

21. The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market, 1428 Post Alley.

22. The Fremont Troll in Fremont at Troll Ave. N.

23. “Waiting for the Interurban” sculpture in Fremont at Fremont Ave. N. & N. 34th St.

24. Archie McPhee in Wallingford at 1300 N. 45th St.

25. Mini Statue of Liberty replica at Alki Beach in West Seattle, 1702 Alki Ave. S.W.

Have a favorite spot for selfies that’s not on our list? Share a pic and tell us where to find it in the comments below!

— Jennifer Pinto

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