Kids love jokes and just because the younger crowd is still working on syllables doesn’t mean they won’t get some good old-fashioned corny jokes for kids. The following jokes for toddlers are officially approved by our kids, so we know you’ll get some guffaws. Read on for some hilarious toddler jokes that’ll have everyone giggling.
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1. What do you say to a bunny on its birthday?
Hoppy Birthday!
2. What is hairy and sneezy?
A coconut with a cold.
3. Why are fish so smart?
They live in schools.
4. What else is hairy and sneezy?
A dog with a cold.
5. What do you call a fly with no wings?
A crawl.
6. What did the paper say to the pencil?
Write on!
7. Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7, 8, 9
8. What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping?
A dino-snore!
9. Why did the cookie go to the hospital?
Because he felt crummy.
10. What did the little corn say to the mama corn?
Where is pop corn?
11. What is fast, loud and crunchy?
A rocket chip!
12. Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert? Because she was stuffed.
13. How do you talk to a giant? Use big words!
14. What animal is always at a baseball game? A bat.
15. What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!
16. How do we know that the ocean is friendly? It waves!
Seeing your little one coughing or sniffly can be heartbreaking. Not to mention exhausting for both of you. So, whether you’re already battling a cold around your house or want to be prepared for the next bout of illness, here are 10 parent-proven ways to soothe and comfort your sick baby. As always, consult your pediatrician about these and other remedies.
1. Get to know your nasal aspirator. As parents, we have to do gross things. It’s inevitable. And when your baby has a ridiculously runny or stuffy nose but can’t blow it, we have to step in and clear that stuff out ourselves. Whether you use a snot sucker like a bulb aspirator, the NoseFrida, or an electronic nasal aspirator like the NoseBot to do the dirty work, you’ll be glad you did when your baby can breathe (and sleep!) easily again.
2. Treat congestion with saline. Saline has been known to work wonders against congestion. Lay your little one down on his/her back and tilt the chin back just slightly. You can then gently spray two or three drops of saline into each nostril. It works best when followed by a nasal aspirator. Yep, you can't get away from that step.
3. Steam it up! When your baby is congested, sleep is almost impossible. (For you and your babe.) One way of easing the congestion is by making things hot and steamy. Running a hot shower and hanging out in the steamy bathroom for a while can give you relief.
4. Run a cool-mist humidifier. If steam isn’t your thing, a cool-mist humidifier can take some dryness out of the air. With the heat running in the house and the dry winter air, stuffiness is almost certain. Run the humidifier while your baby sleeps to offer some much-needed relief.
5. Oatmeal. It’s not just for breakfast. With dry winter air, dry skin is not far behind. If your little one has red, dry, itchy skin, try a soothing oatmeal bath. Grind up some oatmeal in a blender or food processor and sprinkle a half cup of the powder into the bath as the water is running. Be sure to mix it all up and let your baby get a good soak. Around 15 minutes is the most they’ll likely need. Be careful: The oatmeal tends to make the bath pretty slippery.
6. Cuddles & more cuddles. There’s nothing quite like a long snuggle with a parent when a little one has a cold. Even better when it can be skin-to-skin. In fact, being placed directly on a parent's skin is thought to help lower a fever. Get your baby down to the diaper, cover up with a blanket, and settle in for a nice, long cuddle.
7. Fluids. Fluids. Fluids. Preventing dehydration when your baby has a cold is critical. If your baby is under 8 months, breastmilk and formula are the best options for fluids. Offer them often to help with dehydration; plus it gives that extra comfort sick babies need. For older babes, water tops the list.
8. Lukewarm baths. If your baby feels warm or has a slight fever, putting them in a tepid or lukewarm bath can help. Join your baby in the bath to make it extra comforting. Just be mindful of the temperature of the water. Keep it even and avoid too much heat or cold for best results.
9. Try a little sweet & sour. For babies over a year old, honey & lemon help with a sore throat or cough. Lemon is known to dry up congestion, and honey offers a soothing coating for their throats. But this is only safe if your baby is over one year old. If they’ve passed that stage, mix the ingredients and warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave. Once it has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, give your little one a teaspoon to drink.
10. Get out into the cool air. There’s nothing like fresh, cool air to cure what ails you. Believe it or not, a walk in cold, fresh air can help relieve the swelling and congestion your little one gets from a cough. So bundle everyone up and get outside! You could also use the distraction of a nice walk.
Brrr! Baby, it’s cold outside. But have no fear. Even when the weather’s chilly and you’re snowed in, there’s lots that you and your little one can do to fight cabin fever and explore the winter wonderland. Here you’ll find nine of our favorite snow day activities for babies and young toddlers.
1. Indoor Beach Day
It’s too cold outside for swimwear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming. Try a mid-day bath to break up tired routines. Most babies adore water play anytime. Throw in a few plastic cups and floating ducks and you have the makings of your own beach party.
2. Shadow Puppet Show
When it’s dark and dreary outside, lights shine even more brightly inside. Bust out the flashlights and shadow puppets and impress your little one with an oversized bunny hopping across the wall and the silly interpretive dance her teddy bear can do under the spotlight.
3. Sensory Play with Snow
Snow can be used in place of sand or play dough, at least until it melts. Scoop up a bunch and bring it inside. Then, set your little one up on towels, get out measuring cups and spoons, and watch your baby build, scoop, and explore the squishy, cold wonder. You can find eight more fun snow sensory play ideas here.
4. Play With Your Food
When you’re trapped inside, sometimes you need to throw the rules out the window. Plain yogurt with a little food coloring added in makes the perfect medium for finger painting. Edible play dough is also easy to mix up. Try this simple oatmeal dough or a brightly-colored mix with Kool-Aid.
5. Go Sledding
They may not be ready to careen down hills, but little ones sitting up independently can chill in a sled, like this one, and enjoy the snow. Bundle up your babe and play Rudolph by pulling them around with a rope. Bonus: you get to battle cabin fever with a little exercise.
6. Snow is Your Canvas
Take a cue from childhood fave The Snow Day and head outside to make tracks in the fresh, pristine snow. Pull on snow boots and stomp around. Budding walkers love to follow a trail or build a new one. Then, make patterns in the snow by drawing lines with a stick.
7. Bubbles
Blow a few bubbles inside for instant baby-mesmerizing magic. Then, if you’re willing to brave the chilly weather, go outside and make your own frozen bubbles. The temperature needs to be 10 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the trick to work. If that’s too cold for you, create semi-solid creations indoors by carefully freezing soap bubbles on a plate in your own freezer.
8. Paint Some Snow
Sometimes the best canvas for a young toddler is a frosty one. Bundle up your little Picasso to sit in the snow outside or fill a bin with snow for some indoor artistry. Now fill a few bowls with water and a few drops of a different food color in each to create the “paint.” Give your baby or toddler a paintbrush and let them craft a melty masterpiece. Bonus: No worries if they taste the paints.
Okay, it’s actually a necessity, but cold weather gear is still trending at the moment. Of course, it’s winter, so that’s not surprising. Especially not to those of us who live in colder climates. And, since the winter solstice is this week, that means it’s officially chilly weather season. And although stocking up on gear to take it all on maybe doesn’t sound like the most fun way to celebrate, we can make your winter so much cozier with these clever products.
It’s not all puffy coats and boots. There are base layers, top layers, accessories…there are a ton of ways to keep your whole family warm and comfortable. And, since there are some brand new products in this list that we’ve never even seen before, you can be sure you’re nabbing the best heat helpers. Afterall, the idea of keeping our kids inside for the entire winter isn’t our favorite, and there are actually studies showing that there are lots of benefits to being outside even when it’s chilly. S0 here are a bunch of ways to stay warm while you’re out there.
Gobi Heat Basecamp Heated Base Layer Shirt
Gobi Heat
This sporty-chic shirt is designed to keep you warm, alone or under cozy layers. You control your level of warmth for 8 hours. It's basically a cute heated blanket. We might not take it off.
Made start to finish in Peru from eco-friendly alpaca fiber, this unisex hoodie is ultra-light, thermoregulating, odor-resistant, and softer than cashmere. It comes in 4 colors, which is good since it'll be your new favorite go-to.
You don't have to give up your leggings aesthetic just because it's cold. These beauties come in multiple colors, in singles or sets of two. And they have pockets.
The wearable lower-body thermal wrap that keeps you 500% warmer than a stadium blanket without bulky layers. We're talking staying warm without messing with losing the corner of your blanket or dragging it around. Available in 3 colors and 2 inclusive size ranges.
This 3-panel core heater fits right inside your jacket with velcro backing, so you can even move it from coat to coat. Plus, you can charge your phone with it, so it's basically a must-have this winter.
It's like your favorite hoodie and favorite puffer coat in one packable piece. You'll want to wear it all season. Available in 3 colorways, and men's sizes, too.
This stuff is more effective than rock salt or magnesium chloride (so you can use less), and it uses calcium chloride pellets that are safe for your furry friends' paws.
This extra thick, extra cozy, 10' x 10' (100 square feet) Sherpa Stretch blanket will keep you counting sheep, even on the chilliest nights. Perfect for bedding, movie nights, and camping, plus it comes in a bunch of colors and patterns.
Made with water-resistant, quilted outer shell and a soft, fleece-lined inner lining to keep baby warm and dry. Includes fleece-lined pockets for parents, so everyone stays nice and bundled up.
Crafted in Canada from touchably soft, 100% Merino wool, this moisture-wicking beanie is a classic that you'll be wearing for years. And with this 3-pack, you can keep the family toasty (in your choice of colors).
Set them up for the day with super warm—well, Wicked Warm—base layers from L.L.Bean. Available in midweight and expedition weight, so they'll be comfortable no matter what the day brings.
The fully recycled fabric includes moisture-wicking FlashDry technology to help them stay playing and protected, and this set comes in 3 colorways, too.
Temperature rated all the way down to -25° F and made with waterproof materials, the insulated Kids' Snow Bank keeps feet warm and dry, and it comes in 3 colors to fit their budding style.
Our open-knit design keeps you cozy in any climate, while the 100% recycled filling is eco-friendly and sustainable. Research shows that evenly-weighted blankets support more restful sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost serotonin. It's also super cozy and comes in multiple colors.
Oh Norman! is a dog care line founded by Kaley Cuoco, and has the cutest gifts for dog lovers (all available for under $50). This Freeloader dog hoodie is adorable (and accurate), and the matching Caretaker hoodie for you will keep you both warm.
Musher's Secret creates an invisible layer of protection for their paws to prevent drying and cracking. Works for snow, hot pavement, rough terrains, and more, and is made from food-safe oils and waxes, so it's safe even if they're lickers.
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.
Of all the things that should always be in your bag, car, or backpack, a good leak-proof water bottle is on the top of the list. After all, from the classroom to soccer practice, your kids go hard and need lots of hydration. With so many options out there, it’s important to find the best kids water bottles and with that, we mean the leak-proof kind! We looked everywhere and came up with the best picks. See them all below.
The unique triangle grip on this award-winning leakproof water bottle is perfect for tiny hands. Kids making the move from a sippy cup to a big kid bottle will have no problem with the easy-flow silicon straw, the handle makes getting the bottle from the car to class a breeze, and it's available in eight different color combos.
We love Contigo, and this sleek model is one of the reasons why. Available in bright orange or blue, its patented auto-seal lid is 100% leak- and spill-proof. It’s BPA-free and you can even wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher.
For ages 3 and up, this water bottle is the perfect 12oz size for little ones. From school to hikes to around the house, the Kids Wide Mouth Bottle from Hydro Flask goes any and everywhere. Available in 4 colors.
Your beverage of choice will stay cold for hours in this insulated water bottle from EcoVessel. Choose from fun prints like unicorns, butterflies, rockets and more. An inner silicone straw makes drinking easy.
It's so much fun to have their name on their stuff, and Caden Lane delivers. Pick from a ton of fonts and styles so you can match their personal style!
Star Wars is definitely not going anywhere, and each new generation gets to rock new swag. We're loving this classic 17oz water bottle in the style of their favorite droid.
Offered in nine different color combos, this simple but effective water bottle is insulated, easy to clean and easy to carry, making it perfect for active kids.
Small and lightweight, this durable 12 oz. bottle with a soft silicone spout is the natural progression from a sippie configuration. It fits into just about any cup holder, stroller or car seat, and its large-mouth design fits ice cubes and makes cleaning simple. Go with the leak-proof Loop Cap option to prevent spills in lunchboxes or backpacks—or upgrade to the Sport Cap for older toddlers. Baby bottles can even transition to snack canisters with the use of any of Klean Kanteen’s wide caps!
Help your kids stay hydrated with this fun water bottle from Cirkul that combines a flavor cartridge system. With more than 40 flavors to choose from (made with all-natural flavors, no colors or dyes, and zero calories or sugar) and a customizable flavor intensity dial from 1-10, Cirkul is providing a personalized element to water that has never existed before. Customize with your kid's name so that you know it will come home at the end of the day.
Sometimes you feel like sippin’, other times swiggin’. With both a built-in straw and a wide-mouth opening, FreeSip lets you choose (read: best of both worlds). The push-button-open, keep-it-clean lid means you’ll never have to touch the drinking surface. Add to that an integrated carry loop and your choice of vacuum-insulated stainless steel or BPA-free Eastman Tritan plastic and you’ll be good to go—hydrated like a champ.
Pottery Barn Kids
LoveShackFancy Garden Party Slim Damask Water Bottle
Pretty and dishwasher-safe? What can't this Pottery Barn water bottle do? 17oz of hot or cold beverages transport easily thanks to the secure lid and convenient handle.
This vacuum-sealed double-wall water bottle comes in lots of colors. It's dishwasher safe (top rack, please!), plus it's rust-repellent and keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. Choose from 14oz-64oz bottle options!
These water bottles have double-wall insulation to help keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours (or hot for 12 hours). Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, the screw-top lid means no leaks, and it's lightweight so it won't weigh your kiddo's backpack down.
The sleek design of the Welly Bottle traveler means both you and your tween might feel cool sporting it while out and about. The handle makes for easy carrying, plus it's got a removable infuser you can use to add a little flavor to your kids' water. It's double-walled, with vacuum insulation and the bamboo bottom gives it an eco-feel you don't see many places.
The 17 oz. M5 slimmer version of the popular M8. It's a single-wall, stainless steel bottle, with 14 different colors to choose from. You can also choose a color for the twist cap. It's small enough to stash in backpacks or in car seat cup holders, but it's large enough to carry enough H20 to get the kids through the day.
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.
How fast does a tornado go? What’s the tallest tree in the world? Find out!
When it comes to conversation, nothing beats the weather, especially if you can spout off a few cool facts about weather science or space trivia for the kids. Use these fun science facts to create your own trivia questions for teens or kids for a game night or just to learn something new.
1. Some tornadoes can be faster than Formula One race cars!
2. There are 2,000 thunderstorms on Earth every minute.
3. The wind is silent until it blows against something.
4. There are ice caves in Iceland that have hot springs.
5. The fastest recorded raindrop was 18 mph!
6. The US gets over 1200 tornadoes a year.
7. Lightning can strike twice.
8. Clouds look white because they are reflecting sunlight from above them.
9. Yuma, Arizona gets over 4000 hours of sunshine a year, making it the sunniest place on Earth. The least sunny place is the South Pole, where the sun only shines on 182 days a year (Which would you rather live in?).
10. Rain contains vitamin B12.
11. A bolt of lightning is five times hotter than the sun.
12. A hurricane releases enough energy in one second to equal that of 10 atomic bombs.
13. It can be too warm to snow but never too cold.
6. Even in an airplane, a trip to Pluto would take about 800 years.
7. Ham the Astrochimp was the first hominid in space, launched on Jan. 31, 1961.
8. Neptune’s days are 16 hours long.
9. It takes eight minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to Earth.
10. The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years.
11. A neutron star can spin 600 times in one second.
12. Jupiter is the fastest-spinning planet in the solar system (it only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis).
13. Sound does not carry in space.
14. The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun.
15. The very first animals in space were fruit flies... they were sent up in 1947 and recovered alive.
16. In 2011, ten-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray discovered a supernova (a star that has run out of energy, explodes, and then collapses before it dies) that no one else had seen before.
17. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has saltwater geysers 20x taller than Mt. Everest.
18. Saturn's rings are made from trillions of chunks of orbiting ice.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful…luckily, these toddler coats make getting them ready a little less scary
First things first: the best toddler coat is the one they’ll put on and keep on. Toddlers are squirmy little creatures. They’re movers and shakers and they can’t stand being restricted. Winter gear typically makes having a full range of movement hard (think Randy in A Christmas Story), so we have to switch tactics and find toddler coats they won’t mind wearing, even if it means not being able to contort themselves into a pretzel as much as they’d like.
From rough-and-tumble to soft and sweet, these toddler coats are super cute and durable. We have layers for the dinosaur dedicated, we have outer space outerwear, and options for the chilly frilly lovers. And hey, there’s a good chance they’ll make getting your little ones ready to face the elements easier!
3-in-1 Jacket
Anything that multi-tasks is an immediate favorite of ours, and this 3-in-1 jacket fits the bill. The outer shell is specially coated for water-resistance, and the solid interior fleece liner zips out to become its own jacket! Available in four prints.
Mon Coeur from Maisonette is a brand dedicated to putting the planet first. This jacket is made from up-cycled water bottles and recycled polyester. Plus, 1% of each item sold is donated to environmental restoration efforts!
If your season looks more wet than wintery, this warm rain coat from Cat & Jack is a blast! The webbed details will make your little astronaut feel on top of the world.
The North Face is known for handling the cold, so this recycled down-filled, fleece-lined, water-repellent jacket is an easy and cozy go-to all season!
If a coat just isn't going to cut it, this snowsuit set is sure to! Weather-resistant, water-resistant, and insulated, they'll stay cozy no matter what the weather has in store.
No kiddo wants to be weighed down, so this lightweight and packable goose down jacket is a terrific option! It also doesn't hurt that it's budget-friendly.
We're suckers for anything with adorable details, so this puffer coat is high on our list! It's ideal for temps around 50ºF and comes in a ton of different colors.
Talk about cozy! This parka is fleece-lined with a removable hood for the days when they decide that a hood is the most annoying thing on earth after loving it the day before. You know how it goes.
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.
Our guide to kid-friendly things to do in Seattle is here to help when you need a last-minute plan
Are you in search of activities to keep your kids entertained when they’re not in school ? We’ve rounded up the best places around Seattle to get their wiggles out. Pull out these kid-friendly things to do in Seattle whether you need playdates for little tikes or destinations for those school in-service days that pop up on the calendar when you least expect them. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to bookmark this list. Here are 15 kid-friendly places guaranteed to delight your little one and (hopefully) help bounce, climb, jump, run, paint, or skate away your kiddo’s boundless energy.
The Museum of Flight
Kathryn Muelller
Are you ready for takeoff? The Museum of Flight will have your aviation enthusiast taking to the skies with joy. There are more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft to explore. Did you know The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world? With interactive experiences and educational galleries, kids will learn about the history of flight while also getting up close to planes of all shapes and sizes. Test out your piloting skills in a cockpit or walk through a 737–there’s no boarding pass required to step foot on these planes. After you’ve toured the expansive museum, stop at the café to refuel.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum offers an abundance of STEAM-based, hands-on learning opportunities. Geared toward kids ages birth to 10 years old, the museum is full of activities that will keep kids engaged at every twist and turn. Each exhibit gives children the opportunity to work on new skills, from gross motor to problem solving, engineering and more–opportunities are limitless. Climb a two-story work of art, explore machines, including a blue big rig, play make-believe at the mercantile, or get wet in an exhibit all about water. There is so much to explore!
Tucked away in the quaint downtown corridor of Edmonds, is a cute pottery shop with shelves of figurines waiting to be painted. Glazed and Amazed provides the perfect space for your little ones to unleash their artistic talents. The family-friendly studio has hundreds of pottery options available–from unicorns to dragons, mugs to jewelry boxes–choosing a canvas is half the fun. They offer paints of all hues and arrays as well, even glittered and speckled paints, to help bring your creation to life. The process is easy. Choose your pottery, pick your paints, create your art, and leave it with them. Glazed and Amazed does all the hard work. They clean up when you're done, and fire the pottery in their kiln. In five days, your masterpiece will be ready for pickup. All you have to do is decide where in your house you’ll display your work of art.
Insider Tip: Would you rather paint at home? They also have paint-to-go kits to add some creativity and fun to your day.
Lions and tigers and bears–oh, my! Find your favorite animals at the Woodland Park Zoo–rain or shine. The expansive 92-acre zoo features different natural habitats ranging from the African Savanna to the Northern Trail. Discover all the Zoo has to offer by exploring the many meandering trails around the spacious enclosures. Don’t miss out on Zoomazium, an indoor facility geared toward kiddos 8 years old and younger, that features fun, interactive, nature-themed areas devoted to play and learning. Inside, you’ll find a gigantic 20-foot climbing tree (with a slide), caves, and a rope bridge. Zoomazium is a wonderful place to let your imagination run wild.
Good to Know: The Historic Carousel will be closed for annual maintenance Oct. 17-28, and the Butterfly Garden exhibit is closed for the season.
Flatstick Pub located in South Lake Union is a hole in one. The family-friendly mini golf course and restaurant is a fun, colorful environment to cultivate a child’s love of golf. The 9-hole course centers around a giant sasquatch who takes center stage. Each hole has various obstacles and elevation changes, so be prepared for a challenge. After you’ve worked up an appetite shooting for par, head over to the restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal. There is an abundance of children’s games to pick from while you wait for food. Our favorite is Candy Land. At Flatstick, fun and food await.
Insider Tip: Flatstick is 21 and over after 7 p.m.
The newly expanded Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett is full of engaging, interactive exhibits that will have tots so enthralled they won’t want to leave–literally. (Please don't blame us if they want to play all day.) Kids can climb and explore a towering, sprawling tree house, hop aboard a transit bus, milk a cow, pretend to be a train conductor, or dig for dinosaurs. The outdoor rooftop space is truly unique, featuring 9,149-square-feet of adventure. Kiddos will love climbing, crawling, running, and jumping on the massive play structure.
Insider Tip: If you plan to spend less than 90 minutes at the museum (which honestly might be hard with so much fun to discover inside the museum), you can opt for free parking on the street.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium lets animal adventurers explore the wonders of wildlife. Exhibits include the Arctic Tundra, Red Wolf Woods, Rocky Shores, Asian Forest Sanctuary and more. You can meet zookeepers, have animal encounters, gently touch sea creatures at the Tidal Touch Zone, feed goats, or you could spend the day playing on one of the many playgrounds. There’s so much to do, see, climb, and discover. One of our favorite new additions is the Little Explorers Nature Play Garden. The immersive play garden is designed to cultivate a sense of excitement and appreciation for nature.
Want to learn to ski or snowboard? You don’t need snow at Mini Mountain. If you’re looking for an out of the box activity, check out this indoor mountain. Mini Mountain Indoor Ski Center has been teaching generations of families to ski since opening in 1983. Learn to carve some turns from the comfort of an indoor facility, and gain confidence before hitting the slopes. Kiddos as young as 18 months can earn some turns.
1900 132nd Ave. N.E., Suite A3 Bellevue, WA Online:minimountain.com
Flip, turn, roll, bounce, and climb around a gym designated for little ones for a whole hour. Seattle Gymnastics Academy gives kids 5 and under a place to play in a space just for them. With three different locations in Seattle (and another coming soon to Burien), you can find a gym near you. Gymnasts can use equipment like a Tumbl Trak, foam pits, trampolines, and balance beams. The indoor playground helps kids get energy out while also honing their gross motor skills.
Insider Tip: Indoor playground times vary by location, so check the website to see what's offered (and when) at the location near you.
The Seattle Aquarium brings a beautiful teeming world under the sea to your fingertips. From wading tide pools where little ones can gently touch sea stars to the deep, dark depths of the ocean, the aquarium helps little ones uncover their inner marine biologist and allows you to "sea" it all. Don’t miss the playful sea otters or the harbor seals. You can also immerse yourself in the Puget Sound without getting wet—through a short tunnel you’ll enter a one-of-a-kind undersea dome with a 360-degree view into a 400,000-gallon habitat. It’s an exciting and unique way to view the waters of the Puget Sound.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save.
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park has activities and attractions for all ages. Jump on trampolines, explore tunnels suspended in air, bounce on inflatables, scale tall climbing walls or play a round of high-tech mini golf. Also available at the activity center is a café to recharge once your little jumper has bounced their energy out. Toddler Time is now available during all operating hours for children 6 and under for only $14 for one hour of jump time.
Insider Tip: Packages for toddlers and family punch cards are available so you can save cash.
Located in the heart of Seattle, the Pacific Science Center will ignite your child’s curiosity. The mission of the Pacific Science Center is to fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation and critical thinking, and each exhibit does just that. Surround yourself with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical habitat, explore the outer most reaches of the universe, walk with dinosaurs or step into the Laser Dome, and experience a brilliant, immersive laser show.
Insider Tip: Looking to extend your playdate? Check out the playground at Seattle Center. Located in the plaza between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Seattle Center Armory, the Artists at Play playground is a wonderful, imaginative place to place for kids of all ages.
Bounce your way into the inflatable FunZone! At Arena Sports, kids can run, jump, bounce and slide to their heart’s content. Each location offers a variety of kid-friendly activities for kids ages 18 months old to 12 years old. Kiddos love the Magnuson location because of the giant inflatables, but all the locations provide epic playtimes your little ones won’t forget.
Locations in Issaquah, Magnuson, Mill Creek, Redmond and SODO Online:arenasports.net
Kraken Community Iceplex
Skate where the Seattle Kraken skate! Public skates are available throughout the week. You don’t have to be an NHL hopeful to glide around the rink–public skating is open to all ages and abilities. Hop on the ice during lunch, or plan an afternoon skate date with friends. Looking for the best time to take your skating tike? Every Friday (from 10:30-11:30 a.m.), little skaters can hit the ice and enjoy open play at the Kraken Community Iceplex. Rent skates and aid seals (or join the fun in sneakers and boots) and spend an hour on the ice. Balls and piles of snow are provided. Helmets are recommended and parent supervision is required. After you skate, head up to the Starbucks on the second floor for a hot chocolate or grab lunch at 32 Bar and Grill. The 5,000-square-foot pub and grill gives lunch goers expansive views of Starbucks Rink where the Kraken practice and the Smartsheet Rink.
It’s fun to be a tourist in Seattle. Especially when you and the kids head to Pike Place Market during the weekday. Beat the crowds and snap some truly Insta-worthy pictures. The bustling streets, beautiful bouquets of flowers, decadent donuts, and fresh produce break up the monotony of the typical go-to parks and neighborhood destinations. Making a trek downtown makes for a fun day of sightseeing. Our suggestion? Stop at Daily Dozen (one of our favorite donut shops) and then pick up the biggest, brightest bundle of flowers you can carry. Strolling through the iconic market and exploring all its hidden artisan treasures is an exciting way to spend a day.
I hear it all the time: parents flippantly calling their day care a “babysitter.” It irks me—silently eating away at the pride I carry in the work that I do.
You see, in my mind and heart, I am your child care provider, your child’s teacher. I’m the wiper of dirty faces and hugger of hurt feelings. I love and worry about your kid almost as much as you do. I know who has a poopy diaper by smell alone. I know your child’s favorite colors, songs, and funny little quirks.
I am not a babysitter. A sitter is the teenager who comes to watch movies, eat pizza, and put your kids to sleep so that you can enjoy a rare night off. She does less work and is paid more an hour per kid. She may make your kids laugh—but she won’t understand what brings joy to their hearts.
The truth is, I rarely sit—unless it’s with a baby snuggled in the safety of my arms while I feed him a freshly warmed bottle. Or because your child asked me to read Guess How Much I Love You for the 12th time today. (After all, we both know that lap sitting is the best way to listen to your favorite book.)
Most of the time, when you arrive during pick-up, I’m standing. I’m standing in the kitchen, washing a dish. I’m pulling a child off the furniture. I’m mediating an argument. I’m changing a diaper. A baby is probably slung on my back with my ever-essential Lillebaby and I’m guzzling the last dregs of my cold coffee. I may be found repeating (patiently, but with muzzled exasperation)“keep your hands to yourself” for the 10,000th time. My feet are unpolished, calloused, and aching. Chances are, I’ll be on them.
I will never be just your “sitter”—and here’s why. I am a provider. I provide comfort for boo-boos. I provide discipline, teaching your child right from wrong and showing them how to respect their friends. Together, they learn practical life skills, how to care for their environment (when they aren’t tearing everything apart in their play, because balance) and how to practice gentle hands when they get frustrated and hit a friend.
When the time comes, I potty-train them. We tie shoes, paint, and talk about shapes and colors. As babies, I help them learn to feed themselves. Every day, your kids are provided wholesome meals and a happy, clean(ish) home to spend their days in. When your children are in my care, they are stimulated. I provide them with sensory bins and paint, setting them up in situations where they learn problem-solving and build their vocabulary.
But most of all, I provide your child love. And as any parent who has ever had to leave their child with someone else knows, nothing is more vital to your conscience and your child’s development than being loved.
You see, being a child care provider is about so much more than passing the time with your child until you come to pick them up (although some days, it may feel like that). It’s not about finding a way to be at home with my own kids and still make money.
I am a provider because I love kids. I am a provider because I love your kids. In my eyes, there is no job more vital than raising the next generation to be thoughtful, kind, brave, and confident.
A sitter is an insult to the care I feel for your children. Don’t get me wrong: I am not a replacement for you. No one will ever, ever replace mom. But we are a team, your family and mine. Our goal is to raise healthy, happy children—together.
Last year, one of my day care littles was baptized, and the family asked me to come to the baptism. Honored, I was so happy to go and sit with the family (who really feel like an extension of my own). But during the baptism, when they ushered me to the front, I stood with his Nana and sisters and cousins and aunts, because “You’re family, too.” I grinned awkwardly and inwardly danced with pride while I watched the little man be baptized.
After the service, their pastor introduced himself. “So, how are you related to the family?” he inquired, as his firm, wrinkled hands shook mine. That’s when my day care mom stepped in.
“Oh, well she’s our sitter—but she’s not. She’s so much more than that…sitter doesn’t really cover it, does it? She’s the one who raises our kids when I’m not there.” She knew, and I knew, how valuable we were to each other. How much I loved her children and how much she respected me for it. But that poor pastor’s face…
How do you explain the importance of the woman who helps raise your child? How do you explain the trust and bond between parent and provider? It’s not an easy choice, the decision to leave your child, for much of his or her day, in the care of someone else—particularly in the care of a stranger. It is, however, a decision that is made easier by the knowledge that you are leaving your child with a child care provider. And not just a “sitter.”
As a childcare provider, photographer and writer, I get motherhood: Feeling like you're doing too much, and not enough. Finding your identity somewhere between "I am woman, hear me roar" and "I am mom, hear me yell." I see you, I've been there. We are in it together.
Ready to snuff out the sniffles? If you’re looking for a way to fight off those nasty colds and flu viruses, the food you eat is a good place to start. These kid-friendly recipes pack a punch with superfood ingredients that help prevent illness before it happens. And with recipes like chocolate chia seed pudding— these are the ones that will stick with you through the cold season and beyond.
Oatmeal Superfood Breakfast Bars Here are the superfood stats on these breakfast bars from A Healthy Life for Me: The oats contain an immune and cholesterol-boosting fiber called beta-glucan. The pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, magnesium, potassium and zinc. And the bananas and blueberries offer a few vitamin bonuses. Plus, they’re pretty to look at and easy to whip up. Get the recipe here.
Carrot Orange Juice Orange juice is a classic cold fighter because it contains a whole lot of vitamin C, which studies have shown can cut a cold’s duration by about a day if it’s taken at the first sign of illness. This O.J drink from My Fussy Eater also features carrots, which provide immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins. For an extra antioxidant kick, you can also add ginger— a natural antihistamine and decongestant. Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Oh, good gourd! This soup from Life Made Sweeter scores major points both for its use of the slow cooker (easy dinner for the win!) and the star ingredients: butternut squash and sweet potato. These superfoods are packed with things like potassium, fiber, and omega 3s. Their orange hue also means that they’re rich in carotenoids that boost bone health and fight asthma.
Roasted Edamame 3 Ways Edamame (a.k.a soybeans) isn’t just a Japanese restaurant staple. It’s also a fiber and protein powerhouse and its nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants do wonders for the immune system. That’s why we love these soy-tastic edamame snacks from Beauty & the Beard. They’re simple to make and have a big flavor and health payoff.
Parmesan Zucchini and Garlic Pasta Sure, pasta is a well-known kid-pleaser. But this dish from Julia’s Album has even more going for it thanks to its hefty dose of garlic. In addition to being a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C, garlic contains allicin, an amino acid that produces antioxidants when it’s broken down. That means that this easy four-ingredient dish is also superfood-rich.
Kid-Approved Kale and Walnut Pesto Pesto with a superfood, kid-approved twist? Yes, please! Out of the Box Food sets up kale as the main green ingredient of the sauce you know and love. This leafy veggie provides lots of vitamins and minerals (like folate, vitamin C, and calcium) that give little immune systems a super boost. You only need minimal time and ingredients to make this pesto, so the only question is: what will you put it on?
Kiwi Agua Fresca Psst! Did you know that kiwis are antioxidant all-stars? They actually offer more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange, more potassium than the same amount of bananas, and are low in sugar. All of that, plus additional nutrients found in kiwis, adds up to serious perks for the immune system. Averie Cooks has a great idea for a refreshing kiwi drink that’s naturally sweet and easy to make.
Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Bark Here’s the deal with Greek yogurt: it contains probiotics that help the body replenish good bacteria and lower the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. It’s also yummy, especially when paired with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For an easy team up of the two, Dash of Butter has you covered with this pretty-as-a-picture snack.
Red Pepper Hummus Good news for hummus lovers! Crème de la Crumb takes your favorite dip and gives it a big health benefit boost in the form of red peppers. These veggies contain high levels of cold-fighting vitamin C, which means you can supplement a morning glass of O.J with an after-school hummus snack. For bonus points, dunk bell pepper strips instead of chips.
Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding It looks like a decadent dessert and it tastes as good as one, too, but this pudding has secret agent superfood powers. Both chia seeds and cacao powder are loaded with immune-boosting antioxidants that can help fight the common cold and flu. Minimalist Baker combines both to create a dreamy creamy treat.
Easy Salmon and Potato Foil Packets The immune info on salmon is that it’s a great source of vitamin D and omega-3s, nutrients that help immune cells function and boost overall immune system strength. And you don’t have to get fancy to add more salmon to your dinner table. Averie Cooks has a great idea for easy-peasy salmon foil packets that also include citrus-y vitamin C.
Secret Veggie Green Rice Go green! This rice is a true triple threat, with spinach, avocado, and cauliflower as its main ingredients. Together, these superfoods provide glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infection), along with vitamins A, C and E. The credit for this colorful and healthy concoction goes to My Fussy Eater, who guarantees that it’s super easy to make, too.
This mega superfood smoothie is not only packed with healthy ingredients and no added sugar—but it’s also delicious. Thanks to this recipe from Emily over at One Lovely Life, your kids will be asking for seconds without realizing just how nutritious it really is. That’s a win/win.
