While we can't help you figure out that car seat, we can help you figure out where to go and what to do once you've got that sweet baby strapped in! And we do encourage you to get out - especially on those days when even a trip to the local coffee shop feels like a victory! Do it for yourself, your sanity, and the entertainment of those around you ... we love seeing adorable little babies and doe-eyed moms roaming the aisles at Target!
First and foremost, join a local parenting support group; this can seriously be a game changer! It's your chance to interact with like-minded adults, ask questions, share insights, and form lifelong friendships with other parents.
Go to a park or playground - there are so many to choose from locally. Even if your baby is just going to sit in the stroller or hang out in the carrier, the fresh air will do you both a lot of good. Plus you'll have the chance to perform your very own parenting field research - observing real parents with older children and how they manage tantrums, snacktime, and the enigma of toddler sharing!
Visit the animals. Just the right size for little legs or great for a stroller, Cougar Mountain Zoo makes for a wonderful outing. Wednesdays through Sundays you can stop by to see tigers, cougars, lemurs, and an impressive collection of macaws! Admission prices range from $9 for kids to $12.50 for adults; two years and younger are free.
Sip a latte at Issaquah Coffee Company. If your little one is two years or younger, this is a great spot to meet up with a friend. You can sip and chat while your little ones learn to share in the small, raised play area. A basket of books and a train table will keep them entertained for about an hour, and then you can get some fresh air and walk around Gilman Village. Be sure to stop by CleanScapes Recology Store and White Horse Toys!
Let's Play Sammamish is our area's newest indoor play space is located near Beaver Lake. It's a converted and full-finished five car oversized garage with 3,000 square feet of room to play! Inside you'll find everything from a play kitchen and building blocks to a huge train table and even two large inflatables! Even crawlers and new walkers have enjoy this well-designed space. Currently open Mondays from 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm and Fridays from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm; follow on Facebook for announcements of additional drop-in times. Fee is donation-based (suggested $5-$7).
Library Story times and Programs: What a lovely way to spend an hour; sitting in a room full of parents and kids while another (trained, qualified, delightful) adult entertains and educates your little one ... for FREE! Really you can't go wrong, and I encourage you to try a story time at each of the area libraries! All of the story times and programs for our local libraries are conveniently listed on our CALENDAR.
Issaquah Library is walking distance to the train park and the salmon hatchery, plus plenty of kid-friendly places for lunch like the Issaquah Brewery or Flying Pie Pizzeria, and several options for sweet treats like Confetti Cupcake or Yum-E Yogurt.
Sammamish Library also has a park in walking distance, and it happens to be my daughter's favorite - the Sammamish Commons Park. If you need some indoor play time, head to the nearby McDonald's. With Mod Pizza and Jimmy John's nearby, we usually grab lunch on the way home!
Fall City Library is located along 202, and after story time you can walk a short distance to see the large mural painted on the side a building and even stop in Trinkets and Treasures, a cute little thrift store. If the weather cooperates, cross the street and head toward the bridge; you can go underneath to a little beach along the river where kids can dig in the sand or toss rocks in the water.
Snoqualmie Library is walking distance to a Starbucks, so my girls love to check out books and then head across the parking lot, We order hot cocoas and find a quiet table where we read and enjoy our stack of books! There is also a small playground and a walking trail behind that shopping center.
Did you know North Bend Library has a lovely mural of book characters on the walls inside? In fact, Valley residents actually posed for the drawings years ago. My girls love it! If you're hungry, grab a yummy lunch at the North Bend Bar & Grill or a treat at Scotty's Dairy Freeze. And, of course, there's always the outlet malls where I get to browse for a few minutes and my little one enjoys a few of the quarter-operated rides.
Musik Nest: Kindermusik is the world's leading program in music and movement classes for young children. The Musik Nest as been singing, dancing, playing, and twirling with local families for over a decade! And you're invited to try a free trial class at any time!
Music Together: This internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program is offered two local businesses. Tiger Mountain Music Together has classes at Blakely Hall and Swedish Hospital in Issaquah and at the Snoqualmie YMCA. Lake View Music Together is located at Let's Play Sammamish & the Sammamish YMCA. You'll find Seashell Music Together at the Sammamish EX3 Teen & Recreation Center.
SnoValley Indoor Playground: Located at the Community Center at Si View Park in North Bend, kids ages 0 to 5 are invited to come play on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 am. With four zones - the fast lane with trikes and cars, the climbing bridge, giant foam blocks, and a section for the little ones - you're practically guaranteed a good afternoon nap! Drop-in fee is donation-based.
Toddler Time: The Issaquah Community Center provides an indoor playground with toys, bikes, slides, wagons, and more! You can play Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and the fee is just $2 per child.
