Tired of purchasing gifts that end up never being played with? These Bay Area gift experiences offer family-filled fun, and sometimes, a little learning on the side
There is no doubt that your kid’s holiday lists are a long list of toys, games, and just more stuff to add to their collection because let’s face it, material gifts are super fun to unwrap. That being said, we all know that kids remember experiences for far longer than a toy, and can even become a core-memory maker. Experience gifts also have the ability to foster new skills, help with decluttering, and create connections within a family. A LEGO set is fun to put together, but giving an experience gift is also a great way to enhance your child’s interests and foster a love of learning. If your little one is all about animal encounters, the chance to spend a day on the farm where they can feed the chickens and pet the goats may be the best day ever. The options are really endless.
In the Bay Area, there is no shortage of opportunities for experiences that make wonderful gifts—how lucky for us! From cooking sessions to fostering a love of animals, we’ve rounded up our favorite experiences that isn’t just another toy for the playroom.
Animal Rescuers will Love the Adopt-a-Seal at the Marine Mammal Center: For marine-minded kids who love fostering and caring for animals, their Adopt-a-Seal program is a surefire gift that gives back. Choose the pup you'd like to help and you'll receive an adoption package that includes adoption certificate, your seal's photo and history, and all the ways your gift will help ensure the pup's rehabilitation and safe return to the wild. Optional upgrade will deliver a plush harbor-seal for that extra "aw" factor.
For Kids Who Love Steam Trains: Train tickets, tucked under the tree or the menorah, to ride the rails? Yes, please! This gift experience will have you headed south to board the trains at Roaring Camp. In addition to their popular holiday trains, you can buy annual passes that offer unlimited Redwood Forest Steam and Santa Cruz Beach trains for one full year.
Good to Know: There are often other activities happening at the camp like gold panning and scavenger hunts that are great for families and kids of all ages.
For Kids Who Want to Sleep in a Train Car: For the ultimate train lover's destination, book at night at Railroad Park Resort where you can spend the night in a vintage caboose and your little engineer can dream about riding the rails all night long.
Good to Know:Siskiyou County is full of train history and outdoor experiences (picture waterfalls, fishing, and spelunking to name a few) that everyone in the family will enjoy.
For Kids Who Love Swinging and Climbing: Got a kid who loves an adrenaline rush and climbing great heights? Head to Rocklin and spend the day at Quarry Park Adventures. There, they can soar across the ravine on the zipline, balance on the ropes course, and test their strength on the rock wall.
For Kids Who Want to Go Skydiving (without the Plane): Does your kid love jumping off the tops of playground structures and won't stop talking about skydiving one day? Gift them the next best thing with time at iFLY Indoor Skydiving where kids ages three and up can experience the feeling of skydiving.
For Your Mini Martha Stewart or Gordon Ramsey:Cucina Bambini is a great way to get your budding chef to sharpen their kitchen skills. Classes like the macaron workshop or gingerbread house decorating class are not only fun (and festive) but parents will hopefully get to taste some of the sweet treats that come home.
A Holiday-Themed Trip to San Francisco: Always a fun gift, and a great way for the family to spend quality time together, whether you're coming in from out of town or making it a staycation. Our recommend? Book a holiday tea and stay in the Santa Suite at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
An African Safari without Leaving SFO: Safari West is just a short drive away and an experience that the whole family is sure to love. Here you'll see giraffes, zebras, and rhinos that roam freely on the property. Want to continue the fun? Spend the night in a luxury tent.
As spring rolls in and the weather warms up, flower power takes on a literal meaning as colorful wildflowers pop up all over the great outdoors and in cultivated gardens. Share Mother Nature’s seasonal beauty with your budding botanists by visiting some of our favorite places for peeping blooms throughout the Bay Area. Take time to stop and smell the roses on a walk or hike with your brood today and make plans to join a Wildflower Festival!
San Francisco
SF Botanical Garden
At the center of this 55-acre urban oasis is the wildflower meadow where kids will find narrow, winding paths to frolic among the petals. The Children Garden’s Bean Sprout Days invites budding gardeners to explore crafts and practice garden care. Pack a lunch and catch a concert with Charity Kahn or join story time to make a day out of it!
Free for members and San Francisco residents, for public 7:30 – 9 a.m. every day and 2nd Tuesday of every month otherwise $10 adults; $7 seniors; $3 children ages 5-11
Twin Peaks The informal trails that wind around Twin Peaks not only offer stunning views of San Francisco, but they also sport many a wildflower. Kids can keep on the lookout for the Mission Blue butterfly, a native species that has adapted to the high winds. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a thick jacket to ward off the wind. For a great view, go from peak to peak in a 0.7 mile hike by taking the trail South from the Christmas Tree Viewing Area toward Eureka Peak.
Presidio With Golden Gate views at every corner, that eucalyptus smell and pretty flora and fauna, the Presidio is one of the best choices to catch wildflowers in the city. Lobos Creek Valley Trail, an 0.8-mile hike, is an easy, quick option offering a splash of colorful wildflowers. Park on Lake Street at 15th Avenue and walk up Wedemeyer Street to get to the trail head. Check out other trail maps online at presidio.gov.
East Bay
Check out the East Bay Regional Park District’s wildflower photo guide so you know what you’re looking at (and impress the rest of the family with your botanical knowledge!)
Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol Just outside of Fremont, you can join a guided hike through this beautiful valley or take a ride on the historic Niles Canyon Railway for a view of abundant blooms. To explore the Sunol Regional Wilderness on foot, start at the Old Green Barn Visitor Center and hike 1.39 miles on the Canyon View Trail which winds its way to Little Yosemite through grasslands full of wildflowers as well as oak woodlands. $5 parking fee.
Note: there is no swimming in the creek and boundary signs need to be obeyed as the land is a lease agreement.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, Antioch A lovely display of wildflowers, history and mine tours (kids seven and up), Black Diamond Mines Regional Park should be on your to-do list this season. Picnic spots, camping, and more than 65 miles of trails make Black Diamond an easy, fun choice for exploring with the kids. Check out the Chaparral Loop Trail that starts at the Great House Visitor Center. Of moderate intensity (there are some stairs), it’s a fun way to spot spring blooms while getting some exercise. $5 parking fee applies.
Note: It can get hot so pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Mt. Diablo State Park Get ready for some color at Mt. Diablo State Park! You’ll see tons of wildflowers without having to hike very far, but those who make it to the mountain top will be rewarded with spectacular views. Popular trails for wildflowers include Mitchell Canyon, Falls Trail, Back Trail and Summit Trail. Be sure to check out Rock City where kids can climb on rock formations and explore small caves.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Oakland A mere 20 minutes from downtown Oakland and with both grasslands and dense forests to explore, Anthony Chabot Regional Park has plenty of spring wildflowers for the whole family to identify. Looking for a quick hike? Try the 3-mile round trip Grass Valley Loop, check out the fishing and boating scene on the lake and pack a picnic to refuel.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Oakland Oakland’s very own round-top volcano rises above the region and offers impressive wildflowers as well as year-round beauty that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail runs through this park, connecting Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks. Drive up to Round Top and take the easy, breezy Round Top Loop Trail for some amazing sights.
South Bay and Peninsula
Photo by North Delta Reporter
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve, Redwood City Just a short skip off I-280, the 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands are home to an abundance of wildlife, wildflowers and plants. The park’s proximity to the coast means wildflowers bloom throughout spring and into June. Try the Franciscan Trail for an easy-to-moderate 1.4 mile hike through wild, rustling grasslands and rest at one of the many benches along the way to soak up sweeping Bay views. The 3.5-mile Serpentine Trail is flatter, moderate in difficulty and fab for viewing spring blooms. Check out Friends of Edgewood for info on their docent-led wildflower walks on the weekends March through May. Parking is limited on the weekends; go early
San Bruno Mountain State Park, San Bruno Bordering Brisbane, Daly City, and Colma, this total-escape from the city is less than 15 minutes from downtown San Francisco. The Summit Loop Trail, which is a moderate 3.1-mile hike, offers wonderful views of wildlife and native plants, including occasional reports of the endangered Mission blue butterfly sightings. Grab your magnifying glasses and have the kids keep their eyes peeled!
Almaden Quicksilver County Park, San Jose This spot boasts one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the South Bay. More than 30 miles of hiking trails make for a grand adventure, but the real highlight is the 5.1 mile Historic Trail near the Hacienda entrance. With 15 different significant spots like the Casa Grande historic home, several mines, former town sites and a view of San Jose, this hike has it all. Be sure to stop by the Mining Museum for a unique local history lesson. $6 parking fee.
Good to know: Bring drinking water. You can fill up at the Hacienda Entrance, but there is almost no other potable water in the park and it can get warm in late spring and summer months.
Photo by Colin G. via Yelp
Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill California’s second largest state park at 87,003 acres is one that many haven’t even heard of! Rugged, varied and beautiful, Henry W. Coe State Park has a wide range of areas to explore and native plants to uncover. If you’re after spring colors, take the Springs Trail/Forest Trail Loop and rangers recommend any walk along the Manzanita Point Road to see an incredible array of nature’s blooms. $8 parking fee.
Calero County Park, San José Located in San José’s most southern edge and surrounding the Calero reservoir, you can take an easy and brief hike by simply strolling to the Los Cerritos Pond, less than a half-mile from the trailhead. A longer 2.6-mile hike that includes the Figueroa, Vallecito, Peña and Los Cerritos trails is another option for families seeking a bit more of a challenge while seeking out the best blooms. $6 parking fee.
Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station Stunning views over the Pacific Ocean, wildflower hikes that knock your socks off, whale spotting opportunities AND a lighthouse seal the deal at this family favorite locale. Wildflower hot spot Chimney Rock is a short 1.75-mile round trip complete with lighthouse views. Another great option is Abbotts Lagoon, a 2-mile hike over coastal bluffs and along the lagoon and includes almost every single variety of coastal wildflower you can name.
Tennessee Valley, Mill Valley Nestled within the Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley and beach is less crowded than some of the other headland destinations. An easy breezy 1.7-mile hike one way through the wildflower-peppered valley to the beach at low tide rewards you with views of the SS Tennessee shipwreck peeking out among the surf and spray. California poppies and pretty wildflowers scatter the hills and trails, and make for a fantastic display of native blooms.
Photo by Kath S. via Yelp
Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley Redwood groves, towering oaks, fantastic views of the sea—oh, and an abundance of native wildflowers means your family can hike, camp, bike and wildflower hunt to your heart’s content. Print out their wildflower guide then check out these self-guided loop hike recommendations that start at 1.4 miles.
Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, Novato Bordering a rich wetland, this 522 acre preserve provides a beautiful backdrop for hikes, walks and picnics. Its diversity, which includes marshland, broad-leaf forests and Marin County’s largest stand of blue oaks, is showcased in the springtime display of wildflowers. The Pinheiro Fire Ridge Trail offers a moderate hike and amazing views, and the small circular loop that circles round Cemetery Marsh is the perfect stomping grounds for little feet.
Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve, Tiburon With an entire hillside carpeted by wildflowers in spring, this preserve offers a gorgeous backdrop for scenic views of the Bay, Mt.Tam and San Francisco. Check out this iNaturalist guide for an exact idea of what type of wildflowers you are likely to spot. Large boulders and even Native American petroglyphs add to the allure of this spot and families will love the large, flat fire roads at the top of Ring Mountain that are stroller-friendly.
Any time Halloween falls on a weekend is a big deal so this weekend is chock full of activities! We’ve got a lineup of Halloween festivities for you, last minute Bay Area inspired Halloween costumes and even where to trick-or-treat to maximize your kiddos’ candy haul. If you find extra time, be sure to check out some of the below activities to round out a very exciting weekend!
photo: iStock
San Francisco
Bean Sprout Family Days at the Botanical Garden Suitable for children of all ages, Bean Sprout days are the garden’s “yes space” for kids. So roll up little sleeves and get ready to dig, weed, water, plant and explore the garden! Sat., Event details
Presidio’s “My Park Moment” Photo Show Over 400 photos in four locations showcase selections from everyday park goers, professional and amateur. Get inspired to go outside and create your own moments! Fri.-Sun., Event details
Free Family Mini Photo Sessions Get your holiday family photos done early this year with a free family mini photo session! With outdoor locations all over the Bay, booking a session has never been easier and pay only $15/photo or less. Sun.,Event details
East Bay
Alameda County Fair This is the last weekend of the county fair so be sure to grab your funnel cakes while you can! Fri.-Sun.,Event details
Lunchtime Music and Dance @ OMCA Pack a picnic and enjoy a ballet performance this weekend at the Oakland Museum of California garden. Sat.,Event details
Dia De Los Muertos Festival This family-friendly event has hundreds of vendors selling traditional Latin American crafts and art, a carnival pop-up with kids’ games and rides, 25 traditional altars on display and three stages. Sat.,Event details
South Bay
Diwali Festival Celebrating the Festival of Lights, the 2021 Diwali Festival will showcase arts and craft, henna, food trucks, a Kids Zone, Halloween costume parade, Bollywood & classical dance performances and more! Sat.,Event details
Coyote Point Movie Night Enjoy the last movie night of the season at Coyote Point! Sat., Event details
Outdoor Story Time at Linden Tree Staff at this children’s book store read-aloud from their favorite stories at the storefront’s outdoor area. Bonus: Manresa bakery is next door so parents can enjoy story time with a pastry and coffee in hand. Sun. Event details
Marin
Lucas Valley Poor Farm and Cemetery Walk Join Ranger Mike Warner for a short walk around the former campus of the Lucas Valley Poor Farm and Cemetery and learn about the history of the facility and some of its inhabitants. Sat., Event details
Weekend Sounds at Strawberry Village Enjoy live pop-up music at the piazza. Sat.-Sun.Event details
We know you are searching for all the things you can do outside with the kids these days. We get it. Good news: the local botanical gardens are open for visitors so you can swing by and smell the roses. From native California landscapes to trees from around the world, there’s loads to explore at our local botanical gardens. Get out and explore!
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Saxon Holt
This 55-acre garden is an urban oasis in the middle of Golden Gate Park. With over 8,500 different kinds of plants from around the world, it's a feast for the senses all throughout the year. Families can still enjoy the Bean Sprout Family Days that is currently being offered on weekdays with pre-registration required. Each pre-registered family will receive an activity bucket containing clean tools, activity suggestions and craft materials. No matter when you visit, be sure to stop by the Children's Garden to hunt for bugs!
San Francisco Botanical Garden Golden Gate Park San Francisco, CA
Admission: $9-12/adults, $7/youth 12-17, $3/kids 5-11, $20/family (two adults and all children in the same family). Free for kids 4 and under, SF residents and Garden members Free days: daily from 7:30-9 a.m., second Tuesday of the month, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year's Day Hours: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (spring/summer) Online: sfbg.org
COVID-19 Update: Pre-purchase of tickets is recommended.
Hakone Gardens - Saratoga
Michael Story
The hills of Saratoga are home to this 18-acre Japanese estate, garden and retreat center. Listen to the waterfalls and surround yourself in the zen of the bamboo garden when you enjoy the tranquility just outside of the hustle and bustle of Sillicon Valley. Hakone hosts a number of seasonal festivals including the annual Matsuri festival in May, where you can enjoy Asian cultural entertainment and Japanese foods. Docent tours and tea demonstrations are available to reserve in advance.
Hakone Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way Saratoga, CA
Hours: weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (March to October) and weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (November-February) Admission: $10/adults, $8/kids 5-17, kids under 5 are free Online: hakone.com
COVID-19 Updates: Face coverings are required for visitors age 7 and up.
The 34-acre UC Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species. The Garden includes a major collection of California native plants as well as plants from around the world. In the summer, kids ages 5-10 come for Green Stuff, a hands-on science camp where they learn about habitats, animals and how to be good environmental stewards. The Garden offers monthly family programs led by education staff in a range of topics from carnivorous plants to cooking (this program is currently on hold).
UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley 200 Centennial Dr. Berkeley, CA
Hours: modified hours 12-5 p.m. Admission: $15/adults, $7/kids 7-17, kids 6 and under are free Online: botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
COVID-19 Update: The Garden is open by reservation only. Make your reservation before you head over.
Filoli Gardens - Woodside
Jim Allen
Visit this historic house and garden in the hills of Woodside and take in the panoramic views, lush vegetation and critters that make their homes there. Explore on your own or take a guided tour. Kids will especially enjoy walking the 1-mile Estate Trail to the Sally MacBride Nature Cente (currently closed). There you can explore the collection of artifacts and wildlife of the natural preserve and maybe even spot a California quail on your walk over. The trailhead is located at the Daffodil Field, on the north side of the garden.
Filoli Garden 86 Canada Road Woodside, CA
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays until 8 p.m. (summer only) Admission: $25/adults, $15/kids 5-17, kids under 5 are free Online: filoli.org
COVID-19 Updates: Pre-purchase of tickets is required. Tickets are not available at the door.
Tilden Park is a favorite for local families because of the Little Farm and merry-go-round, and a trip there should always include a stop at the Botanic Garden. Not only is it totally free, but they offer free guided tours on non-rainy Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The garden’s primary role is to create beautiful landscapes displaying California’s diverse plant life, from the High Sierras to the southern deserts. Flowers bloom every month of the year, reaching a spectacular peak in spring through midsummer.
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive Berkeley, CA
A cube has landed in the San Fernando Valley. Actually make that The Cube. After nearly 20 years at the original location in Orange County, the Discovery Cube Science Museum has finally expanded to a second location in the LA area. Nestled in a corner of the scenic and expansive Hansen Dam Recreation Area, the new Cube is a great day-trip destination for families looking for great fun with a little learning mixed in.
Plan to spend a whole day exploring the Cube: There are so many activities it’s like a science amusement park, and your kids are going to want to go on every ride. Look for chair lifts, pulley races, a climbing wall, kayaks, a 70 MPH wind tunnel, a competitive recycling game, a clever “aquavator” that simulates an elevator ride into an underground aquifer, and a simulated helicopter ride that illustrates how the water supply is transported from the Sierra Nevadas to the Los Angeles Basin. (Fair warning on the last one: Several adults reported feeling a little ill while watching the film, so consider avoiding if you don’t have a terrifically strong stomach.)
Going Up for Big Kids
And all that is just the downstairs gallery! The partially open upstairs gallery currently includes exhibits on science concepts for fourth and fifth graders, illustrating, for example, the nature of sound waves. There is also space for a future exhibit on the science of hockey, as sponsored by the L.A. Kings. Regulars at the Cube in OC know that the hockey exhibit is actually pretty “cool” for little kids and non-hockey fans, too.
Bring Your Babies, Too
The Cube Jr. Zone downstairs is a safe nook designed for little learners five and under. Your youngest ones can create towers and abstract gizmos in the soft block room, or ride astride stegosaurus and T-Rex models in the dinosaur area. Be sure to get a photo of your own babies hatching out of the nest of Maiasaura eggs!
Good Eats
Forget everything you know about cafeteria food. (Thank goodness!) Bean Sprouts, the restaurant at the Cube, caters to all your specialty diets—vegan and gluten-free—and has amazing kid-friendly plates including a clever avocado crocodile and sandwiches cut to look like piano keys. Incredibly edible, indeed. No need to bring the snacks to this cube.
The 411
Be sure to check the website for new shows and events that will be coming to the museum in the New Year. First up is a Thomas the Tank exhibition that opens on January 24, 2015.
Cost: For a limited time only, all admission tickets are only $10. Beginning in 2015, tickets will be $16.95 for adults, and $12.95 for both seniors and kids ages 3-14. Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Discovery Cube L.A.
11800 Foothill Blvd., Los Angeles
Phone: 818-686-2823
Online: discoverycube.org/la
-Text and pictures by Jennifer Arrow
What’s your favorite L.A. science museum? What else do you like to do out at Hansen Dam? Let us know in the comments!
One of the best things about living in Seattle—aside from the fantastic views, the easy access to nature and the reasonable weather (polar vortex, anyone?) is the wide and delicious variety of available ethnic cuisine. From Thai to Mexican to Italian to Greek, if you crave it, chances are you can get it, and it’s going to be good. Pho (pronounced “fuh”, for the uninitiated) is the latest craze in the Vietnamese dining scene—a new restaurant will likely pop up in your ‘hood before you can say Sriracha. But which ones are kid-friendly? Never fear, foodie family—flip through for nine fantastic pho joints for the whole pho-mily.
Best Family-Friendly Variety: Pho Cyclo Cafe (SoDo, Broadway, South Lake Union, Bellevue)
This totally family-friendly, full service Vietnamese restaurant is named after the French word for rickshaw—the cyclo drivers in Vietnam can always get you to the best home cooked meal at a reasonable price. Pho Cyclo’s expansive menu ranges from banh mi (mouth-watering French bread sandwiches full of fresh ingredients) and spring rolls to rice and bun (noodle) and com (rice) bowls, but their pho is a stand out—robust broth with a generous helping of cilantro and green onion, and all the fresh toppings you’d expect. They offer the full menu of pho options, including rare steak, meatball, tripe and tendon, and even quail egg for the extra-adventurous, as well as chicken and tofu (served in chicken broth).
We recommend: The rare steak pho is tender and buttery, and the eggrolls are stuffed full of minced pork and shrimp. The noodle bowls can easily serve two and would be great to share with your little ones, or the ginger chicken lettuce wraps are fun little lettuce burritos to keep your tots busy while you devour your pho.
What is Pho?
With an estimated 73 Pho restaurants in the Seattle area (#3 in the nation according to the website phofever.com), you’re likely to find one around every corner. Pho is a Vietnamese beef noodle soup, consisting of rice noodles and a variety of meats (or tofu and veggies) in a beef (or chicken or veggie) broth seasoned with anise, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Yum! Provided with every order, fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges and jalapeno slices can be added, as well as Sriracha and hoisin or plum sauces, depending on your pho preferences.
Also Pho-nomenal What the Pho: Great for the pho beginner—Southcenter, Bothell & Bellevue La Lot: Fancy pho—Downtown Seattle Papaya Vietnamese Cafe: Offers a “light pho” option with zucchini noodles—Renton & Bellevue Pho Tai: Nice kids’ options, friendly service—White Center
Where’s your favorite place to eat pho with the kids? Let us know in a comment below!
-Erin Cranston (words and some photos)
Photos thanks to: Rowena D on Yelp; Atn H on Yelp; Jesse P on Yelp; Paula R on Yelp; Meme S on Yelp
If you haven’t been to what used to be known as The Center House at the Seattle Center, you’re in for a shock. Following suit with Seattle’s recent explosion of to-die-for restaurants, The Armory is the fanciest food court you’ve ever seen. In fact, don’t you dare even breathe the phrase “food court” once you step in the doors of the Armory or you may be taken away to Seattle hipster jail (they make you wear flannel shirts that cost $300, in case you were wondering). Pulling together the best of Seattle’s local food scene, the Armory has been transformed from somewhere you only went to fuel up your starving kids after a long day playing at the Seattle Center into a kid and parent-friendly dining destination that caters to every taste bud in your family.
Bean Sprouts Café
New to Seattle, Bean Sprouts Café makes your kiddos feel right at home. They have created a place that encourages kids to get involved in their dining experience with a kid-height counter, a picture menu to allow them to pick their own meal and even a “gong” for them to ring when they branch out and try a new food. We especially love the Wazzles (Pizza on a waffle? What!) and the salads that are served in whole-wheat tortilla cones. Freshly made organic baby food also available for the littlest Amory diners.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Eventually, every good food truck decides that it’s time to stop playing the field and settle down in a serious, committed relationship with a permanent location and for Bigfood, that new ball and chain is right here at the Armory. Bigfood uses flatbreads at their base, filling them with goodies that make an oversized taco-ish meal. Their daily specials will make you become a loyal follower before you even get the first bite down and your kids will be begging for just one more Sweetbread – their signature grilled flatbread… tossed in cinnamon sugar. They do also still have a roaming food truck that you can follow around the city. Check them out online for a detailed schedule.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Every kid loves a bagel. We’re not sure if it’s the hole in the middle or the fact that they can chew on them for days without making a dent, but bagels are kid-food, through and through and Eltana’s bagels won’t disappoint. You can find Eltana at their own stand near where you can overlook the Children’s Museum, towards the center of the Armory. They make all of the bagels at their Capitol Hill location (which is also fantastic at 1538 12th Avenue, Seattle) and deliver them to the Armory fresh on a daily basis. Don’t forget to take some to go – you’re going to regret it tomorrow morning, if you don’t!
Hours: Weekdays from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and weekend from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… Falafel? Sounds good to us and to your kids! The funniest part of going to Kabab at the Armory is going to be listening to your kids try to pronounce it and the best part is the tasty Mediterranean food that will satisfy your cultural cravings and expand the palates of your little ones at the same time. If your kids aren’t into falafel, check out the basic kababs, which come in beef, chicken or lamb.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
You’ve been playing all day at the Seattle Children’s Museum or the Pacific Science Center and your kids need to eat… like, 20-minutes ago. Head straight to MOD Pizza, which is located along the outside edge of the Armory. Each pizza only takes 2-3 minutes to cook, making them the perfect solution for kiddos who are this close to full-blown hunger breakdowns. Bonus points to MOD for also being budget-friendly – each pizza, no matter which toppings you choose, is less than $7.00. There are seven other MOD Pizza locations in Seattle and on the Eastside to enjoy as well!
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 am – 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
Online: Visit the MOD Pizza website at modpizza.com
Pie
Pie. Not only is pie the new cupcake, but it’s also not just for dessert anymore. Now that we’ve used every pie-related cliché possible, let’s actually talk about the pie. Pie serves both sweet and savory selections, so you can eat pie for lunch, dinner and dessert, if you’d like. Kiddos devour the Mac N’ Cheese Pies (with peas inside – yum!) and you’ll be hard-pressed to choose from savory pies such as BBQ Pulled Pork and a classic Chicken Pot Pie. For dessert, move your internal pie-switch to “sweet” and select a bunch of their Mini Mini Pies to do some pie sampling. Look! Even Mayor McGinn loves Pie!
No need to declare yourself vegan to enjoy Plum Market! The satellite location of Seattle’s very popular Plum Bistro, Plum Market is an extension of everything that you love about gourmet vegan food. At the Market, Plum serves deli-style dishes. You and your kids will love scoping out their daily offerings – ranging from salads to sandwiches to desserts – and you can choose to have as little or as much as you’d like, making them a great choice for kids who eat like little vegan birds.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online: Visit Plum Market via the Plum Bistro website online at plumbistro.com
Quincy’s
Bringing the Seattle Center back to its old school roots, Quincy’s new location in the Armory is still serving up the tasty kid-friendly burgers and seafood that it did over 30-years ago. And, who can talk about Quincy’s without talking about their milkshakes? Dining at Quincy’s is more of a sit-down, relax, be served and enjoy some quality family time kind of place, rather than just a quickie in and out meal, so be prepared to kick up your feet a bit for lunch or dinner here. Don’t actually kick up your feet. That would be rude.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Skillet Counter
Seattle’s favorite food truck turned restaurant now has a new family member – Skillet Counter in the Armory. And, unlike the around-the-block lines that can have your stomach growling and your kids whining at their other locations, Skillet Counter moves through their line quickly and the crowd seems to be a bit thinner, making it a great choice for enjoying all of the goodness of the Skillet brand with your kiddos. They have a great dedicated kids menu that includes faves like a grilled cheese sandwich (no crust, on brioche) and a grilled PB&J – both served with their yummy fries. Mom and Dad, we suggest anything with bacon on their menu, which is pretty much everything. Yum.
Park in the garage on Fifth Avenue North, which is near the entrance to the EMP. If you spend $10 or more while dining at the Armory, they will validate your parking and knock down the fee to just $1. There is a 90-minute limit, however, so if you’re planning on hanging around at the Seattle Center afterwards, be prepared to pay a little bit more.
Don’t miss the play area that is upstairs from the dining area of the Armory – there are staircases near the stage that head up to that open-aired mid-level of the building.
Snag a seat near one of those adorable kids’ tables. They are tiny and perfect for little ones who are over being in a highchair, but too small to sit at a huge table.
Have you taken your kids to the Armory? Tell us your favorite spots in the comment section below!
Let’s face it, after you pay the babysitter, there’s not a whole lot left over for dinner. That’s why we’re lucky that our friends at Seattle Magazine dished up 18 Seattle restaurants serving up affordable, and delightfully delicious meals. From the Korean Tofu House to La Medusa, you’ll be sure to find cheap eats to satisfy any palate.
$13 Korean Tofu House
University District
True value: Not only do you get exceptionally generous portions, but every meal comes with side dishes. You will not leave hungry.
While most diehard kimchi-heads will claim that the only reliably good Korean restaurants are either to the north or south of Seattle, Korean Tofu House in the U District is a happy, and welcome, exception. Dinner options arrive with a fleet of expertly prepared banchan (side dishes)—chilled bean sprouts fragrant with the taste of sesame oil, neat wedges of savory chive and jalapeño pancake, marinated fish cake, kimchi and sweet, glazed potatoes—all free. For the main event, offerings such as spicy seafood soup with shrimp, oysters and clams, beef bone broth, house-made dumplings and more hover around the $8 range. All come bubbling hot, brought to your table by a server who’ll gladly crack an egg into the tofu soup.
What we ordered: Beef bone broth ($8.99) + soda ($1) + tax/tip = $13 per person
This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.
