Kids can play for hours, so finding a play space that caters to them as much as their adults is a big deal. Throw in a space that is chock-full of LEGOs and serves adult-style beverages and you just hit a home run. Say hello to Wunderkind Seattle, the newest, hippest, LEGO-ist place in town where your munchkins will find all things LEGO and you will find a lounge to kick back and relax. Happy hour never looked so good!
photo: Allison Rasmussen
Meet the Owners
Wunderkind is the brainchild of long-time Seattle residents Nick and Shannon Barrett. One day the couple realized there was a shortage of play spaces that not only catered to the younger set, but had adults in mind as well. Seeing a need for a cool hangout that accommodated the old and young, they set about creating one and Wunderkind Seattle was born. With two young kids at home, the duo were fully aware of what kids want in a play place and were able to create a fun, inviting place that appeals to all ages.
photo: Allison Rasmussen
LEGOs and DUPLOs and Trains. Oh My!
Since most families have kiddos of differing ages, the Barretts created separate play spaces for older and younger sibs. The first room you enter is the DUPLO space. Bins full of pieces, just waiting for little hands, line the room. The minis will love building trains and watching them race along the tracks. The older set will find an upstairs room full of LEGOs, train tracks and the hit of the second level—a remote control train! Have no fear though, there are no age restrictions when it comes to who plays with what. Little builders are free to explore and create and will have all the tools needed to craft some amazing creations. Best part? Think of Wunderkind as a safe space where little ones can play and you won’t live in fear of stepping barefoot on a forgotten piece in the middle of the night. We know you’ve been there!
photo: Allison Rasmussen
LEGO Building 101
In addition to an awesome play space, Wunderkind also offers LEGO classes every Friday night from 6 p.m.-7 p.m for kiddos 5 and up. Each class is led by Lucas Bonnema from Fun Assembly Required and centers around a different theme each week. Past themes have included space, architecture and Minecraft. Each LEGO class is $12/kid or $10/kid when a monthly or yearly membership has been purchased. You can sign up for classes by calling Nick at 206-854-7186 or emailing him at nickyb@uw.edu. While younger sibs under age 5 can’t participate in the classes, they are welcome to play at the DUPLO tables downstairs. Psst! Builders are not allowed to take the LEGOs home, so be sure to bring a camera to capture your little creator’s masterpieces.
photo: Wunderkind Facebook page
Eats and Treats
As you walk through the door, you’ll notice a snack bar with food and drink options, perfect for warding off hunger pangs and thirst from all that playing. Wunderkind’s menu includes sandwiches, wraps, and salads brought in daily from Molly’s. In addition, you’ll find snack-type items such as chips and dip, hummus, popcorn, pastries, Goldfish crackers, granola bars and even Beecher’s Mac and Cheese. Drink choices include chocolate milk, juice and water for kiddos and beer and wine for adults. Psst! Look for daily drink specials from 4 p.m.-6 p.m and on Tuesdays, visit their drive-thru coffee window which opens at 6 a.m. Perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up, but don’t want to unbuckle your mini-me.
photo: Allison Rasmussen
Celebrate Your Birthday
Looking for a spot to host your kiddo’s next birthday bash? Check out Wunderkind for a LEGO-rrific good time. If you’re planning a party for the smaller, DUPLO-lovin’ set, you can rent the downstairs room for two hours at a cost of $100. If you need a space for an older crew, you can rent half of the upstairs for two hours at a cost of $100 (15 people max). Have a bigger crowd? Rent the entire upstairs for $150 for two hours (30 people max). Parties can be held any day of the week between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
photo: Allison Rasmussen
Good To Know
While Nick and Shannon get things rolling, they realize there may be bumps in the road and things will possibly need to change. Knowing this, they are completely flexible and open to feedback, so feel free to drop them a line. They are also working on other exciting features such as game nights, painting classes and different menu options, so watch their Facebook page (and soon-to-be released website) for announcements.
photo: Allison Rasmussen
Wunderkind Seattle
3318 N.E. 55th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-854-7186
Online: facebook.com/wunderkindsea
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: $6/kid with unlimited play for the day; $15/month for 1st kid, $10/month for each additional kid for unlimited visits for the month; $150/year for the 1st kid, $100/year for each additional kid for unlimited visits for the year
Do you have a LEGO lover in the fam? Stop by Wunderkind Seattle and tell us about your experience in the Comments below.
— Allison Rasmussen
