Some of the best Amazon products don’t cost an arm and leg

The only thing better than avoiding a shopping trip with kids in tow is scoring an amazing deal. Thanks to Amazon, you can have both. We discovered the best Amazon products and deals right now (most of them are $5 or less!) that will not only make your life easier but will save you money, too. Now that’s a win. And many of them aren’t even discounted for Prime Day, meaning you’ll be able to take advantage of these deals whenever you need to rebuy.

In the market for kitchen supplies? We’ve got them. Budget beauty goodies? Found those, too. Not sure what? Just scroll our list to find some of the best Amazon products that are so wallet-friendly, you won’t even feel guilty for filling your cart (not that you ever should. But just in case.). Plus, there are several products you can set up subscriptions for and they’ll automatically shipped at an even larger discount. Saving time? Check. Saving money? Check. Check out some of the best and most affordable Amazon items we’re filling our carts with.


Amazon

NYX Butter Lipgloss in Vanilla Cream Pie

$5 BUY NOW

This viral lip color has a cult following (thanks to it's neutral-pink hue that's universally flattering and non-sticky formula). Get NYX's Vanilla Cream Pie Butter Gloss for less than $5.


Amazon

Natural Pumice Stone 2pk

$4 BUY NOW

Whether it's hot out (hello, sandals) or cold (dry heel skin catching on your socks—shudder), keeping your feet soft and smooth with these pumice stones is really easy.


Amazon

Travel Pill Organizer

$5 BUY NOW

With 8 compartments in various sizes, it's easy to organize any medications and vitamins in this handy case.


Amazon

6 Pack Large Hair Claw Clips

$6 BUY NOW

Claw clips are back in a major way, and this set has every on-trend version you keep seeing everywhere.


Amazon

Portable Mini Heating Bag Sealer

$5 BUY NOW

It's easy to keep your chips, cookies, and any other edibles fresh! All you have to do is heat the sealer and run it across the top of the bag for an airtight seal. 


Amazon

Fresh Stretch Pod for Avocados

$7 BUY NOW

Finally, a way to ensure your avocado doesn't go brown. Think of all the cash you'll save because you won't have to toss the other half. 


Amazon

Clip-On Light

$4 BUY NOW

Your partner wants to hit the hay, but you've just gotten to the good part of the book. Simply pull out this clip-on light, and everyone wins. It's also great for traveling! 


Amazon

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation

$6 BUY NOW

Don't believe that this $6 foundation is worth it? Just check out the almost 30k Amazon reviewers who rave about it.


Amazon

2-in-1 Dustpan Groove Cleaning Brushes

$7 BUY NOW

How's this for a genius cleaning tool? You can use them on baseboards, and the little brush works wonders in door, window and shower tracks, in corners, and much more. Plus, check out the tiny dust pan.


Amazon

Ring Size Adjuster

$5/5pk BUY NOW

Are your rings too big? This set of silicon noodles will keep your baubles from swinging. They're easy to use and clean.


Amazon

Drawer Organizer

$6 BUY NOW

There are a ton of uses for these drawer organizers around the house, and with this price, you can afford to buy a few. 


Amazon

Elephant Nightlights

$3 BUY NOW

These sweet, color-changing LED lights will bring a cozy glow to a bedroom. 


Amazon

Initial Necklace

$8 BUY NOW

This is an adorable stocking stuffer for kids and tweens. Available in the whole alphabet, of course.


Amazon

Clear Ouchless Hair Elastics

$3 BUY NOW

Those clear elastics everyone uses in the hair tutorials on IG—here ya go.


Amazon

Stainless Steel Straws

$4 BUY NOW

With plastic straw bans steadily growing across the globe, you won't want to leave home without your reusable straws. With these, you can keep a set at home and put a set in your bag for when you're out and about. 


Amazon

Geometric Hair Clip

$5 BUY NOW

Dress up that mom-do with this stylish triangle hair clip that looks way more expensive than its price tag.


Amazon

Chalkboard Labels

$5 for 36 labels BUY NOW

These labels can be used on everything from mason jars to wine glasses, and as a bonus, they're reusable! Kitchen organization has never been this easy.


Amazon

Cradle Cap Brush

$4 BUY NOW

Deal with baby's cradle cap and first wisps of hair with this soft 2-in-1 brush from Safety 1st. 


Amazon

Onion Slicer

$6 BUY NOW

Never suffer from ill-chopped onions again! This stainless steel onion slicer is worth every penny.


Amazon

Travel Flossers

$4 BUY NOW

For those days when you're on the go, having micro dental flossers stashed away in your bag makes it easy to keep pesky dental debris at bay.


Amazon

Neoprene Coffee Cup Sleeves

$5 BUY NOW

Not only does your morning cup of Joe look way cuter, but you're reducing your carbon footprint with these reusable insulated cup sleeves. 


Amazon

Magic Eraser

$5/6pk BUY NOW

You can never have too many of these miracle workers when you have kids at home.


Amazon

Baby Bottle Brush

$5 BUY NOW

This handy tool makes cleaning baby bottles and sippy cups a snap.


Amazon

Sponge Caddy

$7 BUY NOW

When spills happen (it's inevitable when kids are in the picture), your sponge and scrub brush will be right at hand with this caddy.


Amazon

Plastic Bag Holder

$6 BUY NOW

Anything that clears up the clutter of bags for a few bucks, like this super-affordable organizer, is worth a shot. It comes in multiple prints, too.


Amazon

Tenacious Fabric Repair Tape

$6 BUY NOW

This handy stuff comes in seven colors and immediately bonds to nylon, mesh, vinyl, rubber and plastic, which is ideal for repairing items like tents, jackets, sleeping bags, water bottles and more. Be sure to pack a roll for your next camping trip. 

—Shahrzad Warkentin, Karly Wood, & Kate Cartia

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

You won’t need your wallet with so many free activites for the whole family

Fun, kid-friendly activities for Seattle families don’t have to break the bank. And since we’re all trying to save a bit of money these days, being frugal with kids’ activities can help. Earn your adulting star today when you head to one of these places to get your play on with the kids. From play areas to petting farms to story times (almost) every day of the week, we’ve mapped out our favorite free things to do in Seattle for families.

1. Read Our Lips: Free Story Times

Kids sit and listen to a storytime, free things to do in Seattle activities like this are great for kids
iStock

Sit back and enjoy a good story at one of the many free storytimes around the city. The King County Library System offers an array of storytimes for every age and in different languages so all families can fall in love with a good book.

Families can also look beyond the library for storytimes. Head to Island Books on Mercer Island to enjoy Saturday storytime with Nancy Stewart, or check out the storytimes at your local Barnes and Noble. Add a little drama to your storytime at the Frye Art Museum’s Small Frye: Storytelling + Art, held on first Wednesdays. There’s also Inclusive & Cultural Storytime on the first Saturdays at the Highline Heritage Museum in Burien.

Remember that many children’s museums also host storytime as part of their programming. If you’ve got a membership, you can add them to your list of free things to do in Seattle. Storytimes are held daily at Seattle Children’s Museum, except Tuesday when they’re closed. But that’s okay because there’s storytime on Tuesday mornings at KidsQuest.

Related: 7 Great Indie Bookstores for Pint-Sized Bookworms

2. Get Outside

Speaking of storytime, families can also get outside and get reading when they check out the latest Pop-Up StoryWalk installation along a trail or at a nearby park. If one isn’t installed, you can still take the kids on a hike at one of our favorite city trails. The trails at Discovery Park, Seward Park, and the UW Arboretum never get old, and neither does a trip out to Maple Valley to check out the Gnomes Trail. If you’ve got a Discover Pass, you can chase waterfalls near Seattle with the kids pretty much all year long.

Even if you don’t, you can hike with a Park Ranger on the Eastside. The City of Bellevue offers free ranger programs at Lewis Creek, Mercer Slough, and Lake Hills Greenbelt multiple times monthly. While programs vary and require pre-registration, they’re all family-friendly and are a great excuse to get the kids outside.

Not so into hiking? Try a family bike ride.

3. Free Indoor Playgrounds

If you have a kid under five, you’ve logged a few hours at one of the many Seattle Community Centers drop-in play areas. But did you know you can get the crazies out for free any day of the week? That’s right. The community center drop-in programs are free with a Quick Card (register during your first visit) and are open for play with limited hours, Monday through Friday. Are you looking for a weekend option? Try Green Lake’s playroom—it’s open on Saturdays in the winter.

new free toddler play gym opened at Salvation Army Seattle White Center Community Center. Drop in for playtime Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with your kids (ages 2-6) to enjoy toys, mats, and slides.

You can also take to the mall and pair a little shopping with your play experience. With the Kids Cove in Bellevue Square, the covered play area at U-Village, and the free kids play area at Westfield Southcenter, shopping malls are about more than just spending money these days. Although it’s not a playspace, Crossroads Mall’s Music on the Market Stage is free entertainment for the family that runs each weekend.

4. Visit The Center for Wooden Boats

This museum, dedicated to preserving and documenting maritime history, might be a frugal parent’s best friend. Kids love wandering the docks, getting up close and personal with tugboats, canoes, and sailboats (not to mention the seaplanes taking off nearby). If you can plan ahead, consider signing up for a free peapod boat rental on Wednesdays through Sundays. Or stop by on the second or fourth Thursdays for Tugboat Story Time at the floating Boathouse (be sure to check the events calendar to verify tugboat story time is running that week).

The warmer months offer even more free things to do in Seattle at the Center for Wooden Boats. On the first Thursday of the month, take advantage of the free Toy Boat Building at South Lake Union and Cama Beach on Saturdays. On weekends and first Thursdays beginning in June, the Center for Wooden Boats brings out ten beautifully crafted wooden boats for passers-by to test on the South Lake Union Boat Pond from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($5 suggested donation). Race them, time ’em, let them float leisurely along. Any way your littlest mate plays will be time well spent on the water.

The spray park at Lake Union Park is another fantastic and free way to spend a sunny day here. Pack a swimsuit and sunscreen during summer for this added maritime adventure. Remember that nearby MOHAI is always free for kids under 14, and the Kid-Struction Zone is open.

5. Sit & Sip at Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops

Hot coffee or tea and comfy spaces where kids can play make for a perfect outing any day of the week. From Sip and Ship in Ballard and Greenwood to Ballard Firehouse Coffee to Kaffeeklatch in Lake City and Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park, there are a plethora of indoor havens that will keep parents and kids happy, all for the price of a cuppa Joe. Popular Eastside spots like mom-owned Bellden Cafe, the Issaquah Coffee Company, Coffeeholic Houseand Mercurys Coffee Co.’s spacious (and busy) locations offer the same.

6. See a Kindiependent Concert

Smiling baby with headphones on in front of a microphone
Alireza Attari via Unsplash

If there’s one thing toddlers can’t get enough of, it’s a chance to bust a move. That’s why we’re adding Mount Baker’s Kindiependent Kids Rock Series to our favorite free things to do in Seattle with kids. You can get tickets to see one of the coolest kindie rockers around for just $5 a person. Concerts run through April 1, 2023 for the current series.

7. Visit Animals

If Old McDonald is one of the songs in your musical repertoire these days, a trip to Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue is an absolute must. Kids love visiting with the cows, horses, bunnies, chickens, sheep, pigs, and more at this fabulous (free) farm in the heart of Bellevue. Families can also explore the walking trails that wind through the park, over the creek, and by the pastures. Bring a lunch to enjoy if it’s a dry day, and be sure to hit the playground when you’re there too.

But that’s not the only place to find furry and feathery friends that are always a safe bet for a fun day out with toddlers. There are lots of other places that don’t require you to drop any money to get your animal fix. Visit the horses at Woodinville stables, meet the resident animals at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park if you’re on the Eastside. In the city you can look for ducks and turtles at Golden Gardens Park in the little pond by the bridge, grab a pair of binoculars and head to Discovery Park to look for more than 270 species of birds, or even stop by your neighborhood pet shop.

Related: 14 Wildly Fun Animal Farms & Petting Zoos to Visit Now

8. Explore Seattle Center

There’s a reason the Seattle Center is one of the top visitor destinations—it’s a blast! And you don’t have to spend a dime to keep the kids engaged. Let them wander around the sculpture garden, create cool sounds at the Sonic Bloom solar-powered art installation, run around the fountain (or jump in when it’s warm enough), play at the always-fun Artists at Play playground, and emote on the stage. 

Time your visit with a free Festál program, and you’ve got your day planned. And if you’ve got a membership to either Seattle Children’s Museum, MoPOP, or PacSci, that’s yet another option for free playtime in the heart of the city. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center is just a hop, skip, and jump away. Admission is always free, Tuesdays through Saturdays, during regular hours. You can even hop on the monorail (it’s just a few bucks for adults, and kids under 5 are free) to see Seattle from above.

Related: Your Guide to a Kid-Friendly Seattle Center

9. Hit a Local Park or Playground

Smiling Asian girl swinging on blue rope
iStock

Never underestimate the power of a playground when you need an impromptu, free kid-friendly activity in the city. In fact, it’s one of the best free things to do in Seattle with kids, year-round, thanks to our mild climate. Seattle kids and families know how to handle the rain (hello, Muddy Buddy and a change of clothes for the car), so even during the wettest months, this is a trusted go-to activity.

Related: Your Guide to Seattle’s Best Playgrounds & Parks

10. Spend Time at a Museum

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Museums and toddlers can be hit or miss, so it’s hard to cough up admission fees for kids when a melt down and early exit are a distinct possibility. Fortunately, we’ve found some great museums that offer times for free admission for kids and have places toddlers can play and explore. Enjoy Free First Thursdays at these area favorites:

You can also score free museum passes (yes, we said free) through The Seattle Public Library and King County Library to some of our favorite places including: KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Seattle Aquarium, MoPOP, Wing Luke Museum, National Nordic Museum, Woodland Park Zoo, and more. These tickets require reservations in advance and they go quickly.

If you’re south of the city or are up for a drive, remember the Children’s Museum of Tacoma is always pay-as-you-will admission, and the Washington State History Museum offers free admission on the third Thursday of the month from 3 p.m.-8 p.m.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Seattle’s Free (& Discounted) Museum Days

11. Visit a Lighthouse

The beaches around the Burrows Island Light Station offer a unique rocky landscape, which adds to the overall charm and attractiveness of the area. Families can enjoy the scenic views and experience the natural beauty of the surroundings. While the lighthouse may be closed to visitors during renovations, the Burrows Island Light Station grounds are open daily. Your crew can still explore and appreciate the outbuildings, adding to the overall experience of the visit.

Point Wilson Lighthouse is one of the iconic landmarks in Fort Worden State Park, situated just 60 miles northwest of Seattle, making it a perfect spot for a day trip. To gain access to this magnificent sight, bring your Washington State Discover Pass. The pass allows you to explore the lighthouse and the vast 432-acre park surrounding it. Point Wilson Lighthouse is particularly intriguing because its fully automated system allows it to operate seamlessly without a full-time operator.

Looking for things to do in Chicago with your family that won’t cost a fortune? This list of free events for kids will keep you busy all November long

Keeping a family entertained, particularly in a big city, can deflate the wallet rather quickly. Teach your family the value of a dollar by exploring the free (or, at the very least, the incredibly cheap) things you do in Chicago with kids. Although there are countless new free events happening every week, we gathered up our top overall picks for November, which add up to a whole wealth of fun. You’ll be busy all month long! Plus, it’s easy on your pocketbook. You can thank us later.

Free Kid-Friendly Events around Chicago in November

Nov. 2: Free Admission at Field Museum - If you're an Illinois resident, enjoy Free Admission Day at the Field Museum! This is an awesome opportunity to explore such a cool museum. Event details.

Nov. 1: Visit MSI Free - Visit the Museum of Science & Industry for free (if you're an Illinois resident) on this day! Check their calendar each month to find more free days. Event details.

Nov. 2: Free Night at Adler Planetarium - The Adler Planetarium is open and free on Wednesday nights to Illinois residents. See space from a different perspective! Event details.

Nov. 4: Take a Naturalist Class - Take your kiddo to the Garfield Conservatory and let them learn to be a roving naturalist! They'll take part in activities and learn about science and plants. Event details.

Nov. 19: See the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Display - Any Monday after November 19th, go to the Lincoln Park Zoo and check out their amazing zoo lights display! The whole family will love it. Event details.

Nov. 4: Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the Center for Arts & Technology - Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the Chicago Center for Arts & Technology with food and festivities. Event details.

Nov. 4: Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Marquette Park - Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with your family at Marquette Park. There will be music, games, and celebration. Event details.

Nov. 5: Check out 'Scopes the City at LaBaugh Woods - Set your sights on Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon at a free 'Scopes the City event! See stars, eat s'mores, and swap stories in LaBaugh Woods. Event Details.

Nov. 5: Compost Your Pumpkin at Plant Chicago - Bring your pumpkins to be composted and smashed at Plant Chicago! Event details.

dads color with their son
istock

Nov. 6: Enjoy a Fall Fest - Bring the family to a fall fest and explore a truck, have some donuts & s'mores, and even pet baby goats! Event details.

Nov. 7: Star-Gaze in the Park - Take the family star-gazing in Bloomingdale Trail Park and see some amazing sights! Event details.

Nov. 8: Visit MSI for Free - As an Illinois resident, you have a second opportunity to visit the Museum of Science & Industry for free! Event details. 

Nov. 12: Make Art at Chesterton Art Center - Explore and create art with the family at the Chesterton Art Center. You'll all love creating art together! Event details.

Nov. 12: Listen to Captain America Story Time - Take your kids to meet Captain America and hear stories read by him. It'll be a day they won't soon forget! Event details.

Nov. 19: See the Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights - Check out the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival at 11am for all sorts of family festivities or at 5:30pm for the parade! Event details.

Nov. 12: Check out Family Day at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago - Take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours, and more. Event details.

Nov. 19: Try a Free Throw Contest - If your kiddo is at least 9 years old, but under 13, bring them to a basketball free throw contest at West Lawn Park! Event details.

Nov. 19: Enjoy a Jam Session - Let the kids dance and sing during a jam session with Miss Dawn. They'll have a blast! Event details.

Free Museums and Zoos around Chicago in November

Lincoln Park Zoo

things to do in chicago with kids
Taylor Clifton

It’s full of creatures big and small, it has the perfect lakeside address with gobs of family activities and restaurants all around it, it’s gorgeous . . . and, it’s free! What’s not to love about Lincoln Park Zoo? Plan a day spent at the zoo visiting hundreds of animals from around the world, including critically endangered animals and species that are extinct in the wild.

Online: lpzoo.org

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Visit the historic Victorian building that is the Lincoln Park Conservatory! There you will see all kinds of amazing and beautiful plants that wow your kids and keep you coming back. Admission is free.

Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Related: 8 Hidden Gems in Chicago That You Definitely Need to Experience

National Museum of Mexican Art

National Museum of Mexican Art

See a colorful new world unfold at the free-admission National Museum of Mexican Art. The 10,000-piece permanent collection spans ancient Mexico to the present day, and is one of the largest in the country.

Online: nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

Free Cultural Sites in Chicago

Cloud Gate

things to do in chicago with kids
Conner Freeman on Unsplash

If you've never heard of Cloud Gate, chances are you are well-versed in this free tourist destination thanks to its more popular name based on its peculiar shape, The Bean. Located in Millennium Park, the lakefront attraction has become one of the most identifiable monuments in the city, and perhaps the most fun one to try to snap a selfie with.

Online: chicago.gov

Related: 20+ Things You MUST Do with a Baby in Chicago

Baha'i Temple

things to do in chicago with kids
Anthony Fomin on Unsplash

The beautiful domed building of the Baha'i Temple was constructed in 1953 and designed by French Canadian Louis Bourgeois. Just a stroll around the outside wows with architectural feats. Be sure to take time to check out the intricately carved stone pillars and surrounding manicured gardens during your visit.

Online: bahai.us

Related: Baha’i Temple Is Just One of Chicago’s Hidden Gems—Discover the Rest

Ping Tom Memorial Park

things to do in chicago with kids
Albany Capture on Unsplash

Expose kids to another culture in their own city with a walking tour through Chinatown. Start things off at Ping Tom Memorial Park, known for its traditional architecture and festive dragon boat races as well as gorgeous city skyline views. Then make your way through Chinatown Gate, which leads into “Old Chinatown,” where the area’s original restaurants, homes, churches, and schools are clustered. Don't forget to check out the Nine Dragon Wall, which is one of only three such replicas outside of China. And consider ending your trip with a stop at Legend Tasty House for delicious rolled ice cream.

Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Free Indoor Activities around Chicago in November

Nickel City

Five cents doesn’t get you very far these days, which is why Northbrook’s Nickel City is so refreshing. Games like Skee-Ball and Bozo Buckets take mere nickels instead of pricy tokens, and old-school arcade staples like Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat operate for free. 

Online: nickelcitygames.com

 

 

“Anybody have a really good babysitter you can recommend? Available at the last minute?” This group text popped up on a Friday afternoon and was quickly drowned in a sea of “nopes!” and “good lucks!” and teary emojis from unrecognized numbers. No one lets go of that number lightly. None of these people, other than the sender, were in my contacts. None of these people, including the sender, will get a response from me.

I could say it’s because this person wasn’t a close friend or that I didn’t have the time while hauling my kids around in the sub-freezing darkness that January evening. But the truth is, I just cannot give it up. Because I only have one number.

Other than family, I have one number, one person, I can call to babysit my children. I’m not being picky; I am being deadly serious. I have a five-year-old with cerebral palsy whose 40 pounds might as well be 100 when you’re carrying him up the stairs or lifting him out of the van and into his wheelchair or changing a diaper on the floor. He also has limited speech, so you must be part psychic, part lip reader, to intuit his needs. His babysitter is an employee at his preschool and has known him since he was two. I can’t afford to give away the one person I trust.

Related: 11 Incredible Books That Feature Kids with Disabilities

I know it’s tough to find someone older than 14 and responsible and available and consistent and friendly and cheap-ish to watch your kids. But for us, it is so much more than that. It takes a background in working with children with disabilities, a secret handshake, a personality test, and some serious magic for me to feel comfortable leaving my children in the hands of someone I’m unrelated to.

That number on my phone with “babysitter” in parentheses is sacrosanct. The days of protecting it began in infancy. When we first brought our son home from the hospital, he came with a tracheotomy, suction machine, oxygen monitor, and g-tube. I barely left the room, much less the house. Date nights were not a priority.

And just before I went back to work, we said goodbye to the daycare we had lined up a year in advance. How could we ask them to hook him up to a feeding pump or suction out the snotty gunk from his trach hole? Not to mention pitting him against the invariable sicknesses that pass from kid to kid. A registered nurse or my mother watched him instead.

Thankfully, the trach and the g-tube and all the most precarious of his medical issues faded away with age. We no longer need a nurse. But we do need someone physically strong enough and trained enough to meet his needs.

Related: 5 Things Every Special Needs Parent Should Hear

And did I mention I also have twins? They are insane, in all the natural ways threenagers are, and require just as much eyes-on time—if not so much hands-on time—as their older brother. They will empty the entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet and lock themselves in the bathroom in under 30 seconds. Date nights are happening again, but they are still rare enough to make me feel giddy just backing out of the driveway.

This is why I let the text go unanswered. This is why I let someone else fill in that blank. Our family situation calls for a very particular set of skills. We need the Navy SEALs version of babysitters. And I don’t know another mother with a child with special needs who doesn’t feel the same. We already get less free time, much less time away without worry over our children’s safety. We can’t afford to hand out freebies.

It’s nothing personal. It’s business, the business of running our family. We need the people we trust. And so we keep them close.

This post was originally published in January 2018.

Jamie Sumner is the author of the book, Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood. She is a writer for The Washington PostParenting Special Needs Magazine and Scary Mommy, and an editor for Literary Mama. She is mother to twins and a son with cerebral palsy. 

Family life is busy, and with the start of the school year on the horizon, it’s even busier. Between after school activities, trying to get a dinner on the table, and carving out time for family fun, there’s barely a minute to spare. If you’re feeling pressed for time, these Seattle-area companies can simplify your hectic routine and maybe even give you back a few minutes of much-needed family time. From dinner hacks to an easy way to sell your stuff, pepper your life with these Seattle parent hacks when you need a minute.

This article is sponsored by InnovAsian Cuisine, a world-class provider of pre-packaged, frozen Asian component meals, appetizers and sides. From the freezer aisle to your kitchen table, your kiddos can enjoy a delicious meal in less than 20 minutes. Made with quality white meat chicken and flavorful chef-crafted sauces, InnovAsian Cuisine offers restaurant-quality meals that will delight the whole family. Click here for inspiration for your next dinner.

a woman holds two stacked cardboard boxes to sell

courtesy Sella

When unused stuff is piling up…

It’s amazing how much gear kids require. From their first bucket carseat through their last pair of soccer cleats, there’s a constant flow of outgrown and no-longer-used stuff cycling through our homes. Who has the time to sort through the piles and pass them along, donate them or try to sell them online? That’s what inspired one Pacific Northwest dad to create Sella. An online service that pairs busy families with expert sellers so you can “turn your clutter into cash.” The process is pretty simple. Gather up all that unused Kindle, the baby carrier your kiddo has outgrown, or the baby monitor you don’t need anymore, because baby (finally!) sleeps through the night. Then ship it all out to Sella. They take it from there, snapping pics, listing it on different sites, and writing the listing. All that’s left is for you to approve the listing and wait for it to sell. What will you do with all that free time and space?

Insider Tip: Sella has plans to launch locally in Seattle so parents can drop-off items in person soon, but for now mail-in is how to get things done.

Find out more: hellosella.com

kids reading books on the couch upside down together

iStock

When your bookshelf needs a boost…

How lucky are we that Seattle is home to so many amazing indie bookstores? Some love to leave new books in Free Little Libraries around town. Some host storytimes and author meet and greets for kids. Others help parents keep their kid’s bookshelf fresh with a monthly subscription box. We’re big fans of Phinney Books’ Phinney By Post Kids program that delivers a new picture book to your doorstep monthly or every other month. What could be easier? The books are aimed at kids ages birth through five, and are hand-selected by the discerning staff at Phinney Books. While they have a lot things they take into consideration when selecting the books, the one that matters most to parents is that your kids will want to read it over and over and over again.

Insider Tip: If you’re short on time, but aren’t quite sold on a new book a month, call your local bookstore to get recommendations. Trust us, they know their stuff and have spot-on picks for every kid.

Find out more: phinneybooks.com

Related: 7 Great Indie Bookstores for Pint-Sized Bookworms

When your kiddo needs something new to do…

If you’ve got a toddler you know how quickly they move from one toy to the next. They’re a physical embodiment of the “ohh! squirrel!” phenomenon. And while we know how much you’d love to spend all day playing dress-up, reading stories, or heading out on the next pretend Paw Patrol rescue with them, there’s only so much time in a day to play. Enter Sensa Play Rentals, a parent-owned, Seattle company that makes gorgeous sensory play kits for kids, delivers them to your door, and even picks them up one week later. It’s what every kid wants (and every parent needs).

Find out more: facebook.com/SensaPlayRentals

Related: 11 Totally Useful Delivery Services Seattle Parents Need

When you need to get dinner on the table….

This Tukwila-based company has been helping Seattle families get dinner on the table since 1998. For those nights when sports, or theater, or working late leave you pressed for time, you can grab an Innovasian frozen protein, choose a family-friendly recipe, and have dinner ready in around 30 minutes. Inventive dinner ideas, like Asian Chicken & Waffles or Simple and Easy Spam Musubi are kid crowd-pleasers that fill them up just in time to shuttle them out the door (or maybe off to bed?) again.

Insider Tip: Follow them on Instagram for creative ways to use Innovasian’s entrees, sides, and apps.

Find out more: eatinnovasian.com

When you missed your trip to the Farmer’s Market…

Although you had high hopes for your pandemic garden, it’s a little overgrown at this point. And strolling the Farmer’s Market just isn’t in the cards this week. Let local Seattle farmers help get fresh produce from their fields to your fridge when you sign up for a fall or winter CSA share. In fact, it’s the right time to sign up for the next share with local farms like Skylight Farms, Local Color Farm & Fibre, Jubilee and Full Circle. (Hint: These are just a few of the local area farms growing fresh veggies right now). Then it’s as easy as picking them up on your way home from work (or after your last playdate) to have your fridge stocked for the week ahead.

Related: Unbox Farm-Fresh Produce, Flowers (& More) with These Seattle CSAs

August in Atlanta is all about getting in those last blasts of summer and, for many families, looking toward the start of the school year. In order to offset the BTS drain on your wallet, we’ve rounded up tons of events around the city that are free (or super cheap). It’s just one way you can create family memories and still teach your kids the value of the dollar. Keep reading for our favorite ways to play in Atlanta that won’t break the bank.

Free (or Cheap) Things to Do in August

photo: iStock

Dance like no one is watching
Bring a picnic or eat at a nearby restaurant then sit back and enjoy the sounds of summer on the Green at Halcyon on summer nights. Tue., Fri. & Sat. through Sep. 3. Event details.

Sit down for storytime
Sheri Dillard, author of Cowhide-And-Seek, will entertain kids with books and fun, making sure everyone is entertained. Tue. in Aug. Event details.

Say “namaste” to family yoga
Grab your yoga mat and head to this family yoga session where kids (3-7) and caregivers learn to breathe, stretch, dance, and do basic yoga poses. Wed. in Aug. Event details.

Head outside
Maybe the Great Smoky Mountains or the Cumberland Gap are on your list. Whatever national park you want to visit, you’ll get in for free with the kids. Aug. 4. Event details.

Visit the Booth Museum
Get your fill of Western Art with the kids when you get free entry to this local favorite. Aug. 4. Event details.

Sing along with a movie
Meet you at Midtown’s Living Room for this free summer movie series featuring High School Musical. Aug. 5. Event details.

Find food trucks and flicks
Bring your appetite to this outdoor summer movie because there will be food trucks a-plenty in the park. Aug. 5. Event details.

Kiss summer goodbye
This luau-themed street festival will also include live entertainment and BTS deals for families. Aug. 5. Event details.

Bust a move
Show off you best dance moves while DJ Jake spins family-friendly dance tunes. This party’s all about dancing, games and giveaways. Aug. 5. Event details.

Hunt for fungi
The hot, humid weather is perfect for finding mushrooms and fungi of all kinds. Bring the kids on this hike to learn the basics of mushroom hunting, the weird ways they grow, and a few of the different species you may find in the area. Aug. 6. Event details.

Listen to a Dixie band
Part of the Village Theatre’s summer variety show series, you and the kids will love this toe-tapping show. Aug. 7. Event details.

Let your tots play
It’s Storybook Day at Atlantic Station. Bring the kids for crafts, sing-a-longs, snacks and more. Best for ages 5 & under. Aug. 8. Event details.

Go Back to the Future
Screen on the Green at Atlantic Station is bringing one of everyone’s favorite ’80s hits to the big screen. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and popcorn, it’s gonna be a good one. Aug. 11. Event details.

Get into the groove
Settle in for a summer concert just before school starts. This BTS bash features Josh Gilbert Band and is a great place to picnic too. Aug. 13. Event details.

Experience the Taste of Nigeria
Come experience the Nigerian culture through food, music, dance, fashion, art and history at this indoor event. Aug. 13. Event details.

Learn about animals
Meet Elachee’s Animal Ambassadors during a 45-minute presentation with a naturalist before touring the Live Animal Exhibit. Aug. 13. Event details.

kids sit and listen during storytime

photo: iStock

Sit for storytime
Ms. Nikita will lead children through stories, songs, and more during this library storytime. Wed. in Aug. Event details.

Attend a community festival
Head to Alive in Roswell to experience the best of life including music, food trucks, hundreds of interactive vendors, kids’ games and entertainment. Aug. 18. Event details.

Enjoy pigs and peaches
Now in its 21st year, Pigs & Peaches has grown into one of the region’s most beloved festivals attracting an estimated 30,000 attendees annually. It’s two days of non-stop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family-fun. Aug. 19 & 20. Event details.

Find art in the park
The Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival is a two-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts and family fun for people of all ages, customs and interests. Look for artist demonstrations, live music, a children’s play area and healthy festival food. Aug. 20 & 21. Event details.

An African American family rides bikes together on a sunny day

photo: iStock

Get on your bikes and ride
Join in on this casual 4.5 mile loop around Dunwoody and stick around for some post-ride socializing. It’s a great way for kids to learn biking safety pointers. Aug. 21. Event details.

Seek out shade
Join the crowd heading to Grant Park to say farewell to summer at the Summer Shade Festival. Families can enjoy the Kids Zone where they’ll find bouncy houses and other free games and activities. Aug. 27 & 28. Event details.

Attend the African American Culture & Art Festival
This open-air, family-friendly festival will feature live performances throughout the day by local artists, singers, poets and dancers so families can experience the talent and creativity of our local African American artists first hand. Aug. 27. Event details.

Always Free in Atlanta

Seek out street art. An art scavenger hunt is always a great way to get out with the kids and explore the city. Whether you’re looking for Tiny Door or the newest Lela Brunet masterpiece, bring your phone and strike a pose.

Walk on the BeltLine. This 22-mile loop gets better every year, with art installations to find and Atlanta’s tree canopy to enjoy. It’s as simple as hopping on at the nearest entry point and exploring as you go.

Give mountain biking a spin at a beginner course. A short drive from the heart of the city you’ll find multiple groomed mountain biking trails—most with beginner courses—for bikers who long to get off the beaten path.

Go skateboarding at a skatepark. Atlanta’s skateparks are spread out, which means accessing one is relatively easy, no matter where you live. The Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is a local favorite, and the Brook Run Skate Park in Dunwoody, the largest skatepark in Atlanta, is surrounded by trees and close to trails for biking, walking, and running.

Spend a day in Piedmont Park. With paved paths perfect for biking, triking and boarding, plus a lake, fields and playgrounds, this Atlanta institution is a great place to spend a day.

Visit the Noah’s Arc Animal Sanctuary. Noah’s Ark is a 250-acre sanctuary for abused, unwanted and neglected animals in a park-like setting with paved pathways. Noah’s Ark is open Tuesday through Saturday. The Welcome Center, picnic area, and playground are open at 9 a.m. for visitors, and the animal habitat is open from 12-3 p.m.

Bike the Silver Comet Trail. Located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, this 61.5-mile long path is free of charge and travels west through Cobb, Paulding and Polk counties. Expect a quiet, non-motorized, paved trail for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers and strollers.

Explore Arabia Mountain. Once part of a quarry, Arabia Mountain is now protected as part of the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. This otherworldly rock outcrop is a monadnock, a geologic formation that has the seen the ground around it erode away, leaving the mountain we know and love today. Arabia Mountain also contains a variety of rare and endangered plants, such as Diamorpha, which grows in the fragile solution pit ecosystems that appear on the rock face. The Arabia Mountain PATH (AMP) is a 30+ mile recreational trail located just 20 minutes east of Atlanta. Walkers, cyclists and joggers share the multi-use trail. AWARE, or the Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort, has been operating at the base of Arabia Mountain since 2006. The nonprofit rescues sick or injured wild animals, rehabilitates them at their facility and returns them to the wild.

Check out the High Museum of Art on the second Sunday each month. That’s when The High offers free admission for all visitors from noon to 5 p.m. Right now you can enjoy the Oliver Jeffers exhibit before it heads elsewhere.

Check out Kennesaw Battlefield Park. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Picnic and play in designated areas and then enjoy a hike on some of the over 22 miles of maintained interpretive trails.

Explore Historic Oakland Cemetery. Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens, Oakland is less than a mile from downtown on 48-acres. Explore history and gardens, sculpture and architecture, and play under the ancient oaks and magnolias.

Head to Zoo Atlanta with your library card. Gain free admission to the wonderful Zoo Atlanta through the Library Pass Program. If you have a library card, you can check out a family pass (for a family of four) at Georgia’s public libraries. The pass is available at participating branches in all 159 counties. It’s a great way to see Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! exhibit while you still can.

Pay a visit to the Marietta Fire Museum or the Roswell Fire Museum. Discover and learn the history of the firefighting through collections of antique fire apparatus, tools, and gear dating back to the 1800s. Learn how fire departments have changed over time through self-guided tours.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Shelley Massey

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Raising kids isn’t easy on the pocketbook and escaping for a night away isn’t either. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering about the going rate for a sitter, Care.com has the answer.

The online mecca of childcare resources has a babysitting rates calculator that helps you pay a fair wage based on your location! The easy-to-use feature lets you input your zip code, years of experience you’d like your sitter to have, number of children and how often you’ll need help. Then, like magic it spits out the going rate in your area for childcare.

While parents don’t love forking over the dough for babysitting, there’s no denying that you can’t put a price on the safety of your kids. Knowing the cost of a sitter with the experience you want will go along way in finding the perfect person (not just anyone) who will become part of the fam.

Once you’ve nailed down the going rate for a local sitter or nanny, you can use Care.com‘s super helpful lists of the best sitters in your area with a quick click of the button, and you’re off to the races.

—Karly Wood

Feature photo: Care.com/Shutterstock

 

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At twenty-eight, I was older than most other students in beauty school when classes started. A few girls had just graduated high school, others had already worked in salons. And then there were a few like me, people looking for a different way to make a living. I’d tried being an actor in New York City for eight years, to no avail. I’d found myself stuck in the dream machine, feeding money to the shady industry that dangled vague promises of success in front of hopeful actors like a carrot. 

The first day, we received our kits, including two mannequin heads, a set of plastic rollers, cheap scissors, a comb, a brush, a jar of Queen Helene green gel and another pot of cholesterol. There was a smock with the school acronym LIBS, and a cutting cape—everything a beginner at beauty school might need. The teacher, Ms. Evalyn, said in her Staten Island accent: “If you finish this course, you’ll never be without five dollars in your pocket.” To this day, I’ve found this to be true. I finished the course. I earned my license. And I don’t think I’ve ever been without enough scratch to buy myself, or someone else, a cup of coffee. 

I didn’t feel it at the time—I suffered through getting lost in a haircut on the school’s salon floor and lumbered through a poodle perm—but taking the chance on beauty school not only changed the trajectory of my life, it also allowed me the space to be as uncomfortable and bad as I needed to be as I embarked on learning a skill I had no talent for and no earthly idea of how to even start. But it also presented the tools I needed to learn how to learn.

Every new step was a series of mini-journeys reliant on my willingness to listen, not only to my human teachers, but also the materials I was working with, who were the real teachers. And with each new challenge, I found myself a perpetual beginner again, caught in an endless loop of pushing forward and circling back. 

The benefits of the beginner’s mind are well documented. The absence of expectation is a boon to the human experience, and an open mind is key. But aside from all that, being a perpetual beginner has other benefits as well. A life of learning keeps things fresh. The connections between disparate ideas and skills become apparent. And when a hopeful beginning ends in abject failure, as it did when I earned my motorcycle license, despite driving a scooter into a ditch, one not only learns about the benefits of failure but that a whole new beginning lays in wait.

Some beginnings are simple. Learning to bake bread. Hiking the mountains in Maine. Reading a book in a genre you’ve never read before. Some are more complex. Adopting a pet. Learning to drive. Getting married. Starting a new profession. And other new beginnings are thrust upon us—the times in life when a person doesn’t choose the beginner’s path, the path chooses them. The new experience of having a child, for instance. Or ushering a loved one into death—the sort of new beginning that occurs when something else ends. What if the practice of beginning and of learning is also the practice of humility? What if living life as a perpetual beginner teaches us to weather the hardest beginnings with a little grace, a little kindness, and maybe, even within the pain of loss, a tiny, perhaps nearly invisible, glimmer of hope?

It might not seem logical but stepping into that first day of classes released a chain of events, beginnings, endings, and middles that forked like rivers or cracks in glass. It led me to work backstage on Broadway, a whole new world I explored for over fifteen years. Working in theater is one of the very few places where working on a different job every year is an asset instead of a liability. Every new show was a new beginning and required new ways of thinking, new strategies, new experiments, and new subtle and surprising teachers. I suspect this practice and profession of beginnings and endings led me to graduate school, which led me to write a book, which led me here, writing this article, another new beginning, for I’ve never written about being a perpetual beginner before. 

Ms. Evelyn knew the score as she led us through unpacking our kits, counting our rollers, and setting up our mannequin heads that first day. In my memory, she had a slightly mischievous quirk at the corner of her mouth as she watched us struggle to comb our mannequins’ knotted hair. None of us were good. All of us were beginners. This moment, she knew, would be the beginning of things we never saw coming. 

This New Year, dare to become a perpetual beginner. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it. Learn a new skill, start a new hobby, pick back up the instrument you played in high school. You’ll become a better listener with a more open mind who isn’t afraid of failure. And with those evolutions, you live and see a brighter life. 

—Amy Neswald, author of I Know You Love Me, Too

Amy Neswald is a recipient of the New American Fiction prize with her debut novel-in-stories I Know You Love Me, Too. Prior to moving to rural Maine, she was a wigmaster for Broadway shows. She teaches at the UMaine, Farmington and continues working on her next novel and short film.

Winter has arrived, which means it’s hot chocolate season. But don’t waste your time sipping an inferior cup: head to a place that serves some of NYC’s best hot chocolate. (There are many!) From classic with oversized marshmallows, to thick and rich or flavored, NYC has a hot chocolate for every kind of kid (and adult). Get cozy this winter at one of our many favorite hot cocoa spots in NYC!

La Maison du Chocolat

Karen R. via Yelp

La Maison du Chocolat isn’t cheap, but if you’re up for a slight splurge this French chocolatier is one of the best. The hot chocolate is everything you hope a cup would be: silky, rich and perfectly sweet. The luxurious taste may not be one to get every day, but for a special occasion with your little ones this is sure to satisfy your wildest hot chocolate dreams.

30 Rockefeller Plaza
Midtown West
212-265-9404
Online: lamaisonduchocolat.us

Serendipity3

serendipity
Serendipity3

Yes, it's a bit of an oxymoron, but people have been making a pilgrimage to the Upper East Side for Serendipity3's Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for a few decades now. Recently reopened, everything about Serendipity3 is a little extra: the decor (stained-glass lamps, disco balls, puppet of Andy Warhol—a fan—suspended from the ceiling), the menu, giant both literally and figuratively, and the food. Make a reservation before heading over. 

225 E. 60th St. 
Upper East Side
212-838-3531
Online: serendipity3.com

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

Amanda H. via Yelp

Stellar hot chocolate is just one of the reasons to visit this Soho chocolate shop. It's also famous for its handmade chocolate mice and penguins; see how they make them here. Come back in the summer for a rich and refreshing chocolate frappé.

156 Prince St. 
Soho
212-796-0143
Online: burdickchocolate.com

Max Brenner

Gabriel N. via Yelp

One of our picks for the best theme restaurants in NYC, Max Brenner is dedicated to all things chocolate, including hot chocolate. (They have a full food menu as well.) Pick from dark, milk, or white hot chocolate, or one of the many flavored options, such as Mexican spicy hot chocolate, Oreo, peanut butter, or the "Italian Thick", melted blocks of chocolate with fresh vanilla cream. You can get all of these to go, but sipping there means you get to experience the signature Max Brenner "hug mug", shown here. Reservations are recommended. 

841 Broadway
Union Square
646-467-8803
Online: maxbrenner.us

720 Seventh Ave.
Times Square 

Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain

Amber W. via Yelp

A longtime favorite spot for locals, tourists and film scouts (this place looks like an old school soda fountain and ice cream parlor) Brooklyn Farmacy serves a classic cup of cocoa several ways. Options include oat milk hot chocolate, hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or house-made toasted marshmallow fluff, or the delectable salty caramel hot chocolate. Love it? You can buy a tin of it to bring home and make it yourself. Brooklyn Farmacy is closed Tuesdays. 

513 Henry St. 
Carroll Gardens 
718-522-6260
Online: brooklynfarmacyandsodafountain.com

MarieBelle

Mariebelle Facebook page

It's not cheap and it’s not basic, but for a fancy outing with a child with discriminating tastes, SoHo shop MarieBelle is worth a trip. Antique furnishings and sparkling chandeliers complement fine chocolates of all kinds and a hot chocolate the store describes as "thick and decadent." Choose from a menu with variations such as Aztec (an "Oprah's Favorite Thing"), spicy, Tahitian Vanilla, white chocolate and even hot chocolate with natural banana pulp. A refined menu of cafe bites such as quiche, soup and crepes offers light eating options.

MarieBelle
484 Broome St.
SoHo
212-925-6999
Online: mariebelle.com

Jacques Torres

Jacques Torres Facebook

Before he became a television star alongside Nicole Byer on Nailed It! Jacques Torres was (and still is) “Mr. Chocolate." Unhappy with the quality of chocolate that was available to him while working as a pastry chef, Jacques Torres constructed his own factory so he could make chocolate exactly the way he wanted from scratch. Try a cup of Classic, made from real chocolate, not powder. Or if you're more daring, go for the Wicked, with its extra kick of allspice, cinnamon and ground chili peppers. Both varieties are so thick they might be mistaken for milkshakes. Tip: They’ll let you try a little sample before you choose your cup. And FYI, JT also sells a Hot Chocolate Gift Set.

Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water St.
DUMBO
718-875-1269
Online: mrchocolate.com

285 Amsterdam
Upper West Side 
212-787-3256
Online: mrchocolate.com

Grand Central Terminal
Lexington Passageway
107 East 42nd St.
Midtown
929-427-0988
Online: mrchocolate.com

Bibble & Sip

Bibble & Sip Facebook

The house-made hot chocolate at Bibble & Sip tastes like something just lifted from your grandmother’s stove. Even the marshmallow floating on top is homemade. This family-run business specializes in gourmet coffee, espresso and pastries, made in the French Confectionery tradition and inspired by Asian flavors. Good to know: the word “bibble” means “to eat indulgently”—so order up some sweet treats with your cocoa and coffee.  

Bibble & Sip
253 West 51st St.
Midtown West
646-649-5116
Online: bibbleandsip.com

The Chocolate Room

Pat L. via Yelp

The Chocolate Room is known for all of its outstanding chocolate products, but the Dark Hot Cocoa is our favorite. Made with 61% Belgian chocolate, it is one of the cafe's most popular drinks. Obviously, this is a good choice for chocolate-lovers; pair a cup with the brownie sundae or the chocolate pudding. 

The Chocolate Room
269 Court St.
Cobble Hill
718-246-2600
Online: thechocolateroombrooklyn.com

feature photo: Mehkt via Unsplash

—Danielle Krupa & Ilyssa Smith

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