ML Interest Tag: knee-pads

12 Babyproofing Tips to Corral Your Crawler

by Suzanna Logan

Now that baby’s crawling it’s time to start babyproofing the house

Traffic may slow to a crawl, but when a baby starts crawling, they’re zooming. Your former stationary buddy is now heading headfirst down the stairs or digging into your purse, and you’re feeling like you’ll never get a moment to yourself again. Keep kids safe from your home’s danger zones with these clever babyproofing tricks and activities.

1. Safety First
A crawling baby means a new round of babyproofing. Padding furniture corners, covering electrical outlets, tying up loose cords, and installing stairway gates are an excellent start, but there are plenty of less obvious spots that need to be secured. Add locks to toilets and cabinets or doors that conceal electronics, toiletries, cleaners, or glassware, and secure large furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Pro tip: To get a better sense of what could harm your baby, sit down and lie down on the floor to see your home from a baby’s level. You’ll discover sharp edges, dangling cords, and other potential hazards more easily.

2. Toilet Paper Tube Trick
Crawling babies have more access to items they can put in their mouths, whether that’s dog food or an older sibling’s LEGOs. Not sure what’s a choking hazard? Use the toilet paper tube trick. If the item fits through the tube, keep it out of baby’s reach.

3. Skin Saver 
Hard surfaces can damage a crawling baby’s delicate skin. Rough floors, concrete playgrounds or even carpets can cause scraped, bruised or raw knees from frequent contact. Save your baby’s knees—and pants—by slipping leg warmers or baby knee pads, like the cute ones above from Simply Kids, over baby’s legs. Pro tip: Baby knee pads are also good protection for wobbly toddlers who take frequent tumbles.

4. Staying Alert
Any time you venture out and about with a mobile baby, you’ll have to stay on kid watch like your baby’s life depends on it (because it does). Even new crawlers are shockingly quick. If you have any doubts about whether you can stay fully focused on your little explorer, play it safe and strap baby into a stroller or carrier.

5. Timing Is Everything
If you find yourself having trouble accomplishing tasks with a baby on the loose, adjust your schedule where you can. For example, cut down on time in the kitchen by relying on meal planning or quick prep and slow cooker recipes. Consider showering at night after baby’s bedtime and saving certain tasks for naptime or moments when you have someone else to watch your little mover.

babyproofing a living room
iStock

 

6. Try Redirection
A crawling or toddling baby can leave quite a trail as they explore everything in reach. Keep a small basket of baby-safe toys and books in each room to capture their attention when necessary and keep them away from cereal boxes, markers, and other major messes.

7. Get Germ-Aware
Keeping a crawling baby clean when you’re away from home can be a challenge. Keep a stash of wipes and sanitizer in your diaper bag for outings, and a change of clothes in case of bigger messes.

8. Keep a Surprise Toy Stash
How can you entertain your little cruiser when you need to shower, take a phone call or respond to emails? Hide a stash of “surprise” toys that stay out of your regular toy rotation. Pulling out the basket of “new” trinkets can keep your mobile mini-me entertained for a few minutes while you take care of business or relax for some much-needed me time.

9. Plan a Pool Party!
Turn your blow-up pool into a ball pit by adding colorful plastic balls. Your child will have room to move freely while exploring, and you’ll rest easy knowing baby is contained and entertained.

10. Cook Up Some Quiet
If trying to prep pasta primavera with baby running amok (or attached to your leg) sounds like a recipe for disaster, put your babe in the high chair to watch you. Sing songs, tell stories, or offer an assortment of finger foods to keep them entertained. If you want to pretend you have your own cooking show, we won’t tell anybody.

11. Relocate Your Belongings
If you find yourself frequently cleaning up a certain area—whether baby is obsessed with pulling books off of your shelves or shoes out of your closet—save yourself the constant cleanup and move those belongings upward on higher shelves. Consider this the flooding stage of parenting. As your baby zooms through the house like a force of nature, you move items upwards to keep them out of baby’s wake.

12. Repeat After Us
If snagging your baby inches from the curb for the millionth time or babyproofing have you ready to pull out your (now graying) hair, remember: It’s just a phase. Trust us, “It’s just a phase” will become your new favorite parenting mantra. Bonus: This useful phrase is surprisingly versatile! You’ll likely be using it for one thing or another for, oh, the next 18 years or so.

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Lil’ Skaters Gotta Skate: San Diego’s Top Skate Parks

by Aimee Della Bitta

If you tuned into the skateboarding competitions during the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, you might have recognized some local skaters who are now Olympic medalists. San Diego’s skateboarding culture was on full display throughout the games–leaving the entire community proud and little groms super excited. If you have one of those lil’ shredders at home and want to know where they can safely practice their craft, we rounded up the best skate parks to master that ollie, kick-flip and grind.

YMCA Skate Parks in San Diego

Two locations in San Diego County:

Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Skate Park (Encinitas)
Great for beginners—the world-famous Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Skate Park is one of the biggest and most diverse in San Diego County. Shaun White once told ESPN magazine that he'd been coming to this park every day since he was six. It's where he learned all his tricks, and it's still his inspiration. So if Shaun White approves, your little one should also be impressed. It includes a mixture of transitions and plaza elements. Beginners and anyone looking to increase their ability and learn new tricks should check out mini-land. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are required for all participants 18 years and under. This park also offers private and group skate lessons.

200 Saxony Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
Online: www.ymcasd.org

YMCA Krause Family Skate & Bike Park (Mission Valley) 
Krause Family Skate and Bike Park is home to the first permanent track in the world and several professional athletes. The skatepark is a 60,000 sq. ft. facility that has a variety of ramps for all skill levels. The good news for pint-sized thrashers, they have a beginner course. They also have a brand new remodeled street course, BMX course, 4 ft. mini-ramp with a spine, Dew-Tour vert ramp, concrete pool, and Skatercross Skateboard Racing Track. This park is open and available for people of all ages and skills to enjoy. So pad up and get on over to the park!

3401 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117
Online: www.ymcasd.org

 

CA Training Facility in Vista

CA Training Facility (CA|TF)

Skateboarding is woven into the culture of San Diego, with so many pros coming from North County, so it only makes sense that the first and only high-performance center developed explicitly for skateboarding opened in Vista.  The 28,000 square foot private facility, which includes full-size competition street and park courses, served as a training ground for US Olympic skateboard team members in preparation for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. In addition, they offer a variety of programs for young skaters. From private coaching to open skate, there's something for everyone. So if you have someone interested in skating, you need to check out (CA|TF).

1410 Vantage Court,|
Vista California 92081 
Online: www.ca-tf.com/

Linda Vista Skate Park

iStock

With the help of skaters, skateboard professionals and the community, The Linda Vista Skateboard Park opened in 2018. It is part of the Linda Vista Community Park and is currently the largest skate park in San Diego. The rad development boasts all the must-have elements, from rails, stairs, ramps, banks, ledges, jumps, and bench-like features to satisfy all skill levels. Besides the elements, there are several bowls, a full pipe, a street course, lights, and a bridge. The bridge is not only a focal point of the park. It also serves as a viewpoint to watch the skaters (a must for parents!). Other non-skating but family-friendly features include shade structures and sitting/observation areas. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Sunday. 
Online: sandiego.gov/

Memorial Skate Park

Memorial Skate Park in San Diego features approximately 7,000 square feet with above-ground ramps and rails. Bleachers for parents to sit and watch their children skate and a small area for a post-skate-sesh picnic.

6610 Potomac St
San Diego, CA 92139
Online: https://www.sandiego.gov/

 

Alga Norte Skatepark

There's so much to love about this gem of a park in North County and the state-of-the-art skate park is at the top of the list. Kiddos will be stoked to work on their kickflips and catch some air on the half pipes. The park offers something for beginners to advanced boarders and if you're looking for an evening outing, it's one of the few skate parks in San Diego county that has lights. Roll don't walk, the whole family will love this place!

6565 Alicante Rd.
Carlsbad, Ca 92009
760-268-4777
Online: www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/parks/facilities/south/alga.asp

Poway Skate Park

This kid-friendly skate park allows boards, blades, scooters, skates and bikes. So, if it has wheels — you can ride it here in Poway! It's designed for beginner-level to advanced boarders. Just note that it's on the smaller side, so it can get crowded at peak times. Helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are required and an adult must accompany kids under 12.

13090 Civic Center Dr.
Poway, Ca 92064
858-668-4671
Online: poway.org/328/Skate-Park

 

Carmel Valley Skate Park

The Carmel Valley Skate Park opened in 2008 with the design help of pro skater Chris Miller. The main feature of the park is a challenge course in a concrete bowl. This park also offers restrooms, a shade structure and seating and observation areas so parents can watch their daredevil land his next trick. Full safety equipment is required at all times.

12600 El Camino Real
San Diego, Ca 92130
858-552-1616
Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/skateparks/carmelvalley

 

Rancho Penasquitos Skate Park

©Beth Shea

After a full renovation in 2014, this skate park is now brimming with all the bells and whistles or should we say, grind boxes, bank ramps and multi-height quarter pipes? Whatever trick your pint-sized skater is hoping to perfect he can work on it at this 22,000-square-foot concrete skateboarding facility in Rancho Penasquitos.

10111 Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92129
858-538-8131
Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/skateparks/rancho

––Aimee Della Bitta

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Social Media: It’s like Riding a Bike

By Laura Domer-Shank

Social media is like riding a bike—just make sure you give your child a helmet, knee pads, training wheels, and a whole lot of instruction.

I’ve researched the dangers of social media, including conducting a study on recruitment into sex trafficking through social media. Yes, social media can be very dangerous—particularly with little supervision. So, most are surprised when I allow my children, at age 10 and 11 to use social media instead of waiting for the more accepted age of 13. Before getting all judgy, hear me out.

When the magic age of 13 hits, there is a lot that is going on with your child. Developmentally this is the age when children seek independence, crave having their own space, rely on friendships over family, value privacy and may even dabble in rebellious behaviors. This happens whether we want it or not—they are hardwired for this—it is part of their natural development.

If social media is introduced during this time, parents may have a hard time monitoring, exploring together and many children will attempt to push boundaries. In contrast, my 10 and 11-year-old still find me tolerable, and even (dare I say), cool on some days. They still feel close to the family, eagerly share about their school days, and have a healthy fear of the world. I know that in a couple of short years, that could all change and I may miss my opportunity to lay down some critical groundwork in their ability to safely navigate social media.

So, to their surprise and excitement, we embarked on the ride of social media together—equipped with training wheels, knee pads, a helmet, and strict instructions on where and when to ride the bike. We started off slow, I instructed them along the way, I was there to caution them, I let them have some independence, we processed any mistakes they made, they were aware of the dangers and trusted me to guide them. We also have a lot of fun—I have my own Tik Tok account, we watch together, I try to dance, they are embarrassed by my comments, I learn about their friends, and I have valuable insight into their life. They also know the stakes—any purposeful wrong move and the bike goes in storage.

I know that by the time they are 13, when I ever so slowly let my hand off the back of the bike seat, they are equipped with the knowledge to steer independently.  While I will always make them wear the helmets of parental control, time limits, and privacy settings, I will take off the training wheels and knee pads and trust that the practice we have had will keep them safe.

So, if you get a disapproving glance or are questioned “Your kids are on Tik Tok?” just say “Sure, it’s just like riding a bike.”

Hello!  I am a mom to three children, ages 11,12, and 20 and happily married to an awesome guy!  Professionally, I am a psychologist and Life Coach, and founder of Brave Embrace, a practice focusing on female empowerment.  We are a sports-oriented family and enjoy learning, growing, and laughing through every opportunity!  

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Gone Spelunking: 6 Area Caves to Explore

by rtjamybond

If your kids love getting down and dirty, then spelunking is a great way to let them play in the dirt while learning about science. Spelunking is a fancy way of saying “underground cave exploration,” and our area has some of the most amazing caves in the country. Limestone rock formations create a landscape that will take your breath away. And if you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse a few cave crickets—all white crickets that live completely in the dark. Different caves offer different experiences. Some you can easily walk through without getting dirty, while others let you don a hard hat and a head lamp as you squeeze through narrow, muddy spaces. Whatever your preference, here are some that are open year-round and well worth exploring.

Photo: Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns
Originally discovered in 1878, Luray Caverns is the largest series of caverns in the Eastern US, featuring multiple rooms filled with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Some rooms have ceilings that are 10 stories high. Luray is a popular tourist spot, and if you’re looking for an easy caving experience (Grandma can do it!) then this is your spot. Don’t miss the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a stalactite formation that sings when you gently tap it. There are other fun things here too, including a garden 

maze, rope adventure park, and the Luray Valley Museum.

101 Cave Hill Rd. (Luray, Va)
340-743-6551
Cost: $14 and up
Online: luraycaverns.com

Lost World Caverns
If you’ve experienced some of the easier caving tours and you’re interested in a more adventurous experience, then take the Wild Cave Tour at Lost World Caverns. These tours let you explore the undeveloped parts of the cavern with an expert guide who leads you on an unforgettable 4-hour trip through more than a mile of chambers and passageways. This tour requires some strength and agility as you negotiate narrow spaces with names such as The Birth Canal, The Squeeze Box and The Drain. You’ll get up-close and personal with some spectacular formations. No special equipment is needed. Lost World provides helmets, lights, knee pads and gloves. Be sure to wear athletic clothes and expect to emerge from this tour covered in a whole lot of mud.
907 Lost World Rd. (Lewisburg, Wv)
304-645-6677

Cost: $6 kids 6-12; $12 adults; $79 for Wild Tours (must be 10 and up)
Online: lostworldcaverns.com

Photo: Shenandoah Caverns

Shenandoah Caverns
Like Luray, Shenandoah offers an easy caving experience (they even have an elevator). Take a guided one-hour tour through 17 amazing rooms and see some truly unique formations, including the infamous Bacon Room, where limestone formations look exactly like sizzling pieces of bacon (really), as well as the gorgeous Rainbow Lake where your little ones will squeal at the pink and purple light display. The caverns are a comfortable 54 degree year round. There’s also a museum and café here. Combine your tour with a scenic drive through the Shenandoah Valley for the ultimate above and below ground experience.

261 Caverns Rd. (Quicksurg, Va)
Cost: $12 for kids, 6-12; $24 for adults, $21; under 5 free
Online: shenandoahcaverns.com

Grand Caverns
As one of the the oldest operating caves, Grand Caverns beneath the Shenandoah Valley has an impressive array of limestone shield formations and other features such as flowstone, stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll also find lots of other fun activities here, including swimming, fishing, hiking and mini-golf, all in a beautiful park setting. On the first Saturday in October, you can attend the Fall Festival, as well as a fancy ball in the Grand Ballroom. On the first Saturday in December, you can experience Caroling Caverns when carolers sing Christmas carols throughout the caves.

5 Grand Caverns Blvd. (Grottoes, Va)
540-249-5705
Cost: $11 for kids 6-12; $20 for adults; under 6 free
Online: grandcaverns.com

Photo: Endless Caverns

Endless Caverns
If you’d like a weekend camping getaway with an added caving adventure, then Endless Caverns is your place. The property maintains 148 wooded pull-through and back-in RV sites, along with a large swimming pool and hiking trails. The six-mile long cave that rests at the foot of Virginia’s Massanutten Mountain features a 75-minute guided tour through tunnels, channels, and beautiful rock formations by knowledgeable guides who share unique geological and historical facts.

1800 Endless Caverns Rd. (New Market, Va)
540-896-2283
Cost: $9 for kids 4–12; $20 for adults; under 3/free
Online: endlesscaverns.com 

Crystal Grottoes Caverns
Overall, Crystal Grottoes is smaller and less busy than the better known Virginia caves, but it has more formations per square foot than any other cave known to man. It’s also the only cave in the whole state of Maryland. Located near Boonsboro, a quaint town just 63 miles outside of D.C., you can combine a caving trip with stops at several important civil war sites, a hike on the nearby Appalachian Trail, or some antique shopping for a fun weekend excursion.

19821 Shepherdstown Pike (Boonsboro, Md)
301-432-6336
Cost: $10 for kids 11 and under; $20 for adults (cash only)
Online: crystalgrottoescaverns.com

Have you been spelunking at any of these caves? Tell us about your experience below. 

—Jamy Bond

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Zip, Slide and Climb at Snoqualmie’s New Fisher Creek Park

by Helen Walker Green

A playground designed by kids? It’s gotta be awesome, right? When the Snoqualmie Parks Board asked local Girl Scouts to choose the park’s new amenities, the Girl Scouts provided their input and the newly designed Fisher Creek Park was built. With a ginormous play structure, dueling zip lines, rock climbing wall and mountain bike park, this just-opened park is already a big hit with locals and is well worth the trip for visitors, too.

 photo: Helen Walker Green

Build It and They Will Come
With 37 parks already in Snoqualmie, the City of Snoqualmie Parks and Public Works Director, Daniel J. Marcinko wanted to make Fisher Creek Park (park number 38) a place where families could gather and spend time together and where kids of all ages could be entertained and challenged. By designing an awesome playground with eight slides, a rock climbing wall, merry-go-round, spider ball and dueling 100-foot long zip lines, plus a mountain bike park, a full-size basketball court and a .75 mile trail that’s connected to the Snoqualmie Ridge Trail system, Fisher Creek Park certainly checks both of those boxes!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Slip Sliding Away!
There are many adventures to be had at Fisher Creek Park, especially for slide crazy kiddos. The gigantic play structure boasts six curvy slides to hurtle down, plus monkey bars, bridges, climbing challenges and more. For little adventurers, who aren’t quite ready to tackle the big slides, there are two easy slides and plenty of space at the bottom for mom or dad to catch them.

photo: Helen Walker Green

For Older Kids
For kids looking for bigger challenges, this epic play structure winds across the park and is full of things to explore, swing from, climb on and slide down.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Creepy Crawlies
Like something spun by an arachnid (albeit a rather large one), Fisher Creek’s spider ball is a huge hit with kids. Creep and crawl through the web and find different routes to the top. Or just hang out, like a lazy spider.

photo: Helen Walker Green

Climbing Wall
For kids who love to climb (and that’s just about every kid we know), the park’s climbing wall will challenge even the littlest of mountaineers. Scale to new heights or go through the tunnel, where little monkeys can practically climb upside down. Once your kids have mastered the wall, perhaps it’s time to try climbing nearby Mount Si.

photo: Helen Walker Green

High-Flying Fun
Once everyone has mastered the rock wall, raced down the zippy slides and gone around (and around) on the shiny new merry-go-round, hit the dueling 100-foot zip lines for lots of heart pumping fun. These zip lines are the perfect place for a speedy race with a friend (or mom or dad) or a solo flight. Psst! The maximum weight for the zip lines is 250 lbs and there is no maximum height, so even grownups can have a go!

photo: Helen Walker Green

Musical Notes
In addition to the play structure and equipment, Fisher Creek Park added some fun tactile features for kids who like to work their hands. Play the piano or the drums or try both. What could be better than a little music with your park adventure?

photo: Helen Walker Green

Snoqualmie Bike Park
Nestled in the woods behind the playground is where you will find the park’s awesome mountain bike park. The park is designed for riders of all ages to practice their skills on different terrain. Phase 1 has dirt rollers in an open area and some small jumps (great for younger kids); and Phase 2 contains wood ladders and is slightly down hill (designed for more experienced riders). Elbow and knee pads are recommended for all riders and helmets are required.

photo: City of Snoqualmie

While You’re in Town
Of course, Snoqualmie is well known for its majestic Snoqualmie Falls, but did you know it also has a historic downtown (with cool antique shops) and the Northwest Railway Museum (where you will find Thomas the Train in the summer and Santa at Christmas)? Next time you’re in town visiting these sights, be sure to check out Fisher Creek Park. It’s a great place to blow off steam or get the sillies out before your return trip to Seattle.

Good to Know
1. You will find plenty of parking which makes unloading and transporting bikes, scooters and strollers to the park easy.

2. Restrooms and water fountains are located near the play structure.

3. The playground is recommended for all ages.

4. There are picnic tables and plenty of grassy space to throw down a blanket and enjoy an afternoon picnic.

Fisher Creek Park
7805 Fisher Ave. S.E.,
Snoqualmie, Wa 98065
425-888-1555
Online: snoqualmie.wa.us or map it

Have you visited Fisher Creek Park? What do you and your family like best about it? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Helen Walker Green

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Ready to Roll: 11 Rad Skate Parks for Pint-Sized Daredevils

by Allison Rasmussen

Since the 50s, little daredevils have taken to the sport of sidewalk surfing. And though the design of the board has changed over the years, the thrill of landing a 1080 has not. If practicing on homemade ramps in the driveway is no longer cutting it, we’ve rounded up our area’s best skate parks. From parks with ramps and ledges to ones with half-pipes and stairs, your tyke will be mastering some sick tricks in no time and you may just find a killer new hangout.

 photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Seattle

Seattle Center
Known as “Seask8” to local skaters, this 10,000 square foot skate park has ledges, stairs, and transitions for all skill levels. Even if your cruiser isn’t comfortable showing off their kickflips, they can sit on the sidelines and watch the older crowd perform some killer moves. Bonus: With so much to do at the Seattle Center you can make a day of it. Check out the International Fountain and the Seattle Children’s Museum or grab a bite to eat at the Armory.

305 Harrison St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
Online: seattlecenter.com/skatepark

photo: Nancy at Skate Like a Girl

Ballard Commons Park
Located across the street from the Ballard library and a block from the main Ballard drag, this park offers a huge skate bowl, fit for riders of all abilities. With plenty of grass and benches, all you have to do is pick a spot and cheer from the sidelines. When your little skater gets tired, let the skills and tricks of the older crowd entertain you.

5701 22nd Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park

photo: Brian W. via Yelp

Lower Woodland Park
With 9 separate skate areas, your little boarders are sure to find something that strikes their fancy. If they are still learning the basics, the 4-sided clover bowl is an awesome place to start. There are no scooters or bikes allowed on the track, but there are several dirt jumps located right next to the park. Hint: The skate park can be a bit hard to locate, so just look for the tennis courts and baseball fields and you’ll run right into it.

1000 N. 50th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park

photo: Will P. via Yelp

Jefferson Park
You really can’t go wrong at a park that offers a huge skate park with twists and turns, perfect for the Littles to work on their nosegrinds and fakies. In addition to this super fly skatepark, the park boasts a playground suitable for the small and big crowd, two ziplines, two long slides, and a view of the city to boot. Pack a lunch and plan on staying for the afternoon.

3801 Beacon Ave. S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
Online: seattle.gov/parks

photo: Allison Rasmussen

Delridge Playfield
This sweet skate park, located in West Seattle, has a skating bowl that’s worth the trip. Aspiring skaters can sit along the edge and watch some radical moves, after trying some of their own. After skating, take a break at the playground or pack a lunch and enjoy a bite to eat before you do some more grinding and carving.

4458 Delridge Way S.W.
Seattle Wa 98106
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=450

photo: Terry Reed for Seattle Parks and Recreation

Judkins Park & Playfield
Located in Rainier Valley, this skate park offers plenty of grassy areas and even a nicely paved trail for your kiddos to ride if they get tired of the ramps and ravines. The skate park is located in the South portion of the park. To get there, simply turn west off 23rd S. at Day St.

2150 S. Norman St.
Seattle, Wa 98144
Online: seattle.gov/parks

photo: Isaac Bruh via Flickr

Paramount School Park
A skate park, swings, two playgrounds, covered picnic tables, and a paved track circling the park will make for a day packed full of fun at Paramount School Park. This park also offers adult-sized fitness equipment so you can work on your pecs while your skater carves and grinds his way around the park. With all these amenities, it’s easy to see why this park is a Seattle fave!

15300 8th Ave. N.E.
Shoreline, Wa 98155
Online: cosweb.ci.shoreline.wa.us

photo: Joe S. via Yelp

Roxhill Park
Roxhill Park (aka Castle Park) received a new skate park last year and it’s definitely worth mentioning since it’s perfect for little ones just learning how to ride. There are smaller ramps for newbies and larger more intense ramps for pros. Bring your scooter along to mix things up. Once your skater grows tired of riding, head to the playground complete with swings, a climbing feature, a sandbox, and a castle playground. Bonus: There is plenty of parking and shade, two wins in our book!

2850 S.W. Roxbury St.
Seattle, Wa 98126
Online: seattle.gov/parks

photo: Seattle Parks & Recreation

Eastside

Peter Kirk Skatepark
If you’re looking for a one-stop park that really has everything, look no further than Peter Kirk Park. The Park Place Shopping Center is nearby, along with the Kirkland Library, and Kirkland Community Center. The playfield itself has a playground and swimming pool, but it’s the state-of-the-art skate park with ample space that keeps little daredevils coming back to perfect their alley-oops and 360 kickflips.

202 3rd St.
Kirkland, Wa 98083
Online: parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com

photo: Björn Söderqvist via Flickr

The Edge Skate Park
This skate park has all the ramps and rails bound to please any skate pro. If you have a little one who would rather scoot than board, bring the scooter along because there’s plenty of space for that too. This park is sure to provide hours of entertainment for your little Tony Hawk or Lyn-Z Pastrana wannabes. Psst! Don’t miss the graffiti wall, it’s city approved and welcomed.

Corner of N.E. 83rd St. & 161st Ave. N.E.
Redmond, Wa 98052
Online: redmond.gov/cms/one

photo: Ran Yaniv Hartstein via Flickr

Liberty Park
Your kids will be stoked to try out this course! Renton’s skate park offers skateboarders of all ages an ideal skate area full of quarter pipes, half pipes and bowls, plus skateable artwork which is not only cool to look at, but even better to skate on. The park is full of what skaters call whoop-de-doos (or hump-like ramps to us non-skaters). Don’t forget helmets and knee pads and of course, all your best sick tricks.

1101 Bronson Way N.
Renton, Wa 98057
Online: rentonwa.gov/living

photo: Incase via Flickr

Do you have a budding skater in your house? Which skate parks are your family’s favorite? Let us know in the Comments below.

-Allison Rasmussen

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Just Opened: Seattle’s Only Indoor Skate Park

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