If you happen to have children that are young babies and toddlers, I just wanted to give some quick encouragement. Life and parenting does indeed get easier as they get older. Particularly, travel to our delight and relief has become simpler, more manageable, and a whole lot less stressful.
#AdventureWithThemOnya: Enter to Win an Onya Baby Pure Child Carrier!
I recently posted about the Pure Carrier from Onya Baby, and I’m thrilled to share that in partnership with Onya Baby, one lucky reader will WIN a carrier of their own! As I mentioned in my review, we are so impressed with the Pure carrier, and in just a short couple of months have taken it on countless adventures. Of course, I’ve carried Georgia in the Pure on hikes, but we’ve also explored gardens, visited the state fair, gone grocery shopping, and attended sporting events.
Babytime! Sunny Sunscreen Video Review
Even more than coating ourselves with bug spray, on our recent trip to St. John, it was so important for us to slather on sunscreen from sun up to sun down. The Caribbean sun is powerful, and our pale Seattle skin was definitely not used to the constant sunshine. While on the island, we had the chance to try out the Babytime! Sunny Sunscreen. We were provided with a sample bottle in exchange for our honest thoughts and review.
Stonz Wear: 3-Season Outdoor Gear for Kids
With winter recently coming to a close, you might not be interested in cold weather gear. However, if you live in a region still experiencing chilly temperatures or want to plan ahead for next fall and winter, you’ll want to consider Stonz Wear.
Stonz Wear is a children’s outerwear brand featuring cold (wet and snowy) weather accessories. They specialize in boots and mittens, and we particularly love the story of their origin. Try as she might, Stonz’ founder Lisa Will, could not keep her young son’s feet warm. She wanted to shoe or boot that would protect those tiny feet from the cold AND stay on, so she got to work designing and creating her own.
Cold Weather Packing List for Families with Babies and Young Children
We still have another month of so left until spring begins, so instead of retreating indoors waiting for better weather, we are embracing it. We’ve actually had some snow days here in Seattle, which is pretty rare for us, allowing us to pile on our cold weather gear and head outside to play.
In addition to enjoying the cold and snowy weather “in our own backyard”, we also recently headed to Mount Rainier National Park for a snowshoe and sledding adventure. A lot goes into planning and packing for a trip like this, so I thought I’d share our Cold Weather Packing List geared toward families with babies and young children. Georgia, our 2-year old, is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, so we have to be extremely careful and intentional when dressing her to head outside.
Snohomish County, Washington: Travel and Adventure Guide for Families
Due to it’s close proximity to our home in Seattle, we usually explore Snohomish County, Washington via weekend day trips. Less than an hour, depending on our specific destination, north of us, we can enjoy all the culture, recreation, shopping, and outdoor adventure the region has to offer, and still get home for naps or bedtime.
Last fall though, we got to do something a little different. We actually stayed the night! As I mentioned in my recent staycation post, planning a trip close to home has so many benefits. One of those benefits is that you get more time to enjoy the destination. We were able to pack so much fun and adventure into a short weekend in Snohomish County! Today I’m sharing our family friendly recommendations for things to do (indoors and out), places to eat and drink, and where to stay.
A note before we start: Snohomish County, Washington is quite a large area (over 2,000 square miles), so this is by no means an exhausted list of all the area has too offer! We’re just scratching the surface of this rich region.
Deuter Kid Comfort 3 Kid Carrier Review
Georgia and I have been busy testing the Deuter Kid Comfort 3 Carrier this past summer and into fall. We’ve loved the opportunity to add some experience with another hiking style carrier to our repertoire. This review is intended to help more families make informed decisions about the product they ultimately decide to purchase. If possible, we always advise to visit an outdoor store, such as REI, to try on the carriers yourself. When you see them in person, you are better able to see each carrier’s features. You can also feel the pack on your very own shoulders, back, and hips. However, hopefully our review will give you some things to think about as you compare and make your decision.
Beach Vacation Packing List for Babies and Young Children
Aloha from Maui! We are so thankful to be be back in Hawaii. Maui happens to be the first Hawaiian Island that I have visited–in 2008, Slaed and I got engaged here! We started our journey of becoming a family on the shores of West Maui, so it only seems fitting to bring our kids to share our love of this island with them.
Yes, the vacation style is a bit different, but we’ve already had a lot of fun reminiscing and pointing out special spots to Bergen and Georgia. In a small way, Bergen actually understands what we’re talking about, so that’s been neat to see.
Since we’re here, and beach vacations are so popular with families, I thought I’d share our packing list. On the list you’ll find all (most?) of the items we bring to prepare us for a beach vacation with babies and young children. We don’t bring the entire kitchen sink, but I must admit that we bring a lot! Some items, of course would depend on the type of lodging you choose, and whether or not your property owners have some of the things you need on hand, and weather is always a factor to consider…and consider again!
Lake Chelan, Washington: Things to do with Kids
When I first moved to Seattle so many of my colleagues and students that I taught (I’m an elementary school teacher currently on “sabbatical” raising my kids), raved about this mysterious place called Lake Chelan. Growing up on the east coast, I’d never heard of the area hosting Washington State’s largest lake, but I quickly learned that it was the place to go to get away from the gloomy and gray of Western Washington. Visitors could swim in the water (in summer) and play on the sandy shores, participate in water sports, and generally just enjoy the lake life taking in views of the surrounding mountains and being treated to the region’s natural bounty. I put Lake Chelan on my already long and growing list of places to see in the Pacific Northwest.
Sleep for the Traveling Baby: 5 Must-Have Items
Home or away from home, sleep is extremely important to us as parents. The downtime that occurs between our kids’ bedtime, and when we turn in for the night recharges us, and nap time is as much of a restful, restorative break for us parents as it is for our kids.
Since we have a good sleep routine at home, we do our best to replicate that dreamy environment when we travel. We’ve shared our routines and tips for getting babies to sleep when traveling, so I thought I’d share the specific gear we bring along to help create the perfect snooze situation. Make sure to reference our packing lists as well to help prepare you for your next trip!
Car Camping Packing List for Families with Babies and Young Children
We’ll soon be headed on our first tent camping adventure as a family of four! While Georgia has had two cabin camping experiences, she’s yet to see what it’s like to be without the comfort of four solid walls. As we prepare, I’m realizing that camping takes a little more planning ahead than our typical travel. Maybe that’s just because of the freqency. I’m sure we’d turn into a well oiled organized machine if we went more often, but I’m definitely finding that lists provide a lot of guidance and help for us.
Ike Kinswa State Park in SW Washington State: Long Weekend Itinerary
For spring break this year, we added one more lovely cabin to our list of favorite Pacific Northwest Cabins & Yurts. Ike Kinswa State Park is located in Southwest Washington State, and is situated between Mount Rainier (to the north) and Mount St. Helens (to the south).
We chose it for it’s close proximity to our home in Seattle and it’s natural appeal of being set along the confluence of two rivers–so much to outdoor beauty to explore! Plus, we knew that even though we were visiting during spring break, we wouldn’t be dealing with the crowds that can tend to form in the busier summer months. One more benefit came along when we arrived–no cell phone coverage (and of course, no wifi)! It was delightfully refreshing to never have to worry about looking at my email or checking-in on social media. And one more benefit! Staying at state park cabins is very friendly on the budget!
Zoo Tunes with Kids: Seattle Area Adventure with Steel Pulse and Ziggy Marley
Outdoor concerts are a huge part of summer in Seattle, so we were happy to return to one of our favorite outdoor venues at the Woodland Park Zoo for their Zoo Tunes Summer Concert series. We’ve enjoyed many concerts, it’s a bit of a family tradition, here on the north meadow, and all the effort to prepare a picnic, fight traffic (we have a few tricks), wait in line, and madly search for the best possible spot when the gates finally open is always worth it!
This year we were able to arrive earlier than usual in order to view two of the zoo’s latest additions: Yola, the baby gorilla, and the Butterfly Garden. Members of the zoo are allowed to “line-up” early inside the zoo & are admitted first, so thanks to our cooler and chairs, we saved ourselves a spot in line, and went on to explore the new exhibits.
Hiking with Kids: Chirico Trail to Issaquah, WA’s Poo Poo Point
The hike to Poo Poo Point via the Chirico Trail in Issaquah, Washington can get a bad rap because of its crowds and steep climb. We recently hiked the trail as a family, and while we found both of these things to be true, we also came away with the conclusion that it’s well worth the effort. Even if you might need to let other hikers pass every couple of hundred feet (we were hiking on a sunny Saturday afternoon) and you might huff and puff on the way up, and be sore on the way down, the payoff is huge. Here’s what we loved:
Poo Poo Point–Chirico Trail
Best Baby Travel Gear: Easier, More Manageable Trips with the Youngest Adventurers
Now that our youngest is slowly but surely heading out of the baby stage, and into toddlerdom, I thought it would be appropriate to share our picks for the best baby travel gear. We’ve thought through our routines and travel practices, and chosen the items that make travel with a baby easier, more manageable, and just generally possible!
Just as in “regular” life, travels styles are personal, so I won’t be going on and on sharing every little thing we pack for travel with a baby. Instead, I’ve chosen some of the essentials or “biggies” to think about when considering a trek with your tiny companion.
14 Kid Friendly Hikes Near Seattle
Of course we love adventure. Of course we love travel. And of course we love getting out for a hike. With two little kids though, who both still nap, and prefer to do so in their own beds at home, we can’t always venture too far. Since Bergen was a wee toddler, I’ve researched, investigated, and explored kid friendly hikes near Seattle (in or at least with in an hour’s drive of the city).
What’s considered “kid friendly”?
- Low mileage: Most of these hikes are 3 miles or less. Some much less, and many with opportunities to add more if little legs allow.
- Exciting features: lakes, waterfalls, view points, story boards, bridges, etc. to help peak interest and motivate
- Mostly flat: Too many hills and inclines can bring out the whines (at least in my young hiker)!
Here you’ll find 14 of our favorite kid friendly hikes in or near Seattle. It is in no way an exhausted list, and I hope to add to it in the future. Make sure to click on the hike’s title for either a more detailed trip report from our site or another trusted resource like the Washington Trails Association (WTA).
Looking for more?
Grab our Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hiking Guide
with 25 Adventures you and your kids will love!
Travel Vlog: Sea to Sky Gondola with Kids
Before settling into our rental condo in Vancouver, BC over the 4th of July weekend, we bypassed the city and continued north to the Sea to Sky Gondola. We worked in Georgia’s (our 18-month old) afternoon nap to occur right after crossing the US-Canada border (luckily she cooperated!) so we needed to continue driving to fill her sleep tank before a big afternoon and evening of exploring.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is located in Squamish, BC, about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. The gondola opened in 2014, and takes visitors from “sea level” at the Howe Sound to “sky level” at their Summit House in the mountains above.
When Your 18-month old Doesn’t Walk +Celebrating Milestones with The Patchery
As active as our family is, I must admit that it came to a surprise, and of course was concerning, that our little girl was not reaching gross motor milestones (sitting up, crawling, standing) at the same rate as her average peers. We were especially worried when at her 18-month check up with the pediatrician, we had to report that she wasn’t yet walking.
“You must be carrying her too much” was what many bystanders would reason. Since she is our second child, some thought we held her more, and thus impeded her development We were moving at Bergen’s (now 4.5 years) pace rather than allowing Georgia the chance to move on her own.
How to Set-up Guava Family’s Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib
We first learned about the Guava Family company when I was pregnant with Bergen, he’s almost 5 years old now. Slaed and I were shopping at REI and noticed the Go-Crib (one of their original travel cribs) set-up and on display. We knew immediately that it was the crib for our future travels and outdoor adventures, and purchased it right away.
The Go-Crib served us well for many years (5 years!) of frequent use including travel and in-home childcare. We roughly calculated, and it’s likely that the crib was set-up and taken down approximately 500 times! Unfortunately all that use took it’s toll on one of the valves where the pump is inserted, and consequently the small piece tore, not allowing us to keep one of the legs inflated. Such a bummer! We absolutely adored that crib, and are so grateful for all the years of wonderful, comfortable sleep for our two little travelers.
The bad news is, the Guava Family couldn’t replace our Go-Crib (since the product has been discontinued), but the good news is, they now make an even easier (and faster) to assemble travel crib called the Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib. Guava Family generously sent us the Lotus in exchange for our honest review here on the blog.
Vancouver, BC with Kids: Long Weekend Itinerary
While most Americans stick closer to home for the fourth of July to celebrate with parades, barbecues, and fireworks, this year we fled the country and traveled to Vancouver, BC with our kids. I’ve never been out of the United States for the holiday, but my mom’s Alaska cruise return point was in our neighboring Cascadian city so we decided to meet up with her and make a long weekend trip out of it.
Vancouver, BC is just about 3.5 hours driving distance (depending on border crossing waits) from our home in Seattle, but while we’ve traveled to other destinations in BC, we hadn’t visited with the kids yet! And when I stopped to think about it, I realized that I hadn’t visited since the 2010 winter Olympics.
Olympia, WA’s Hands-on Children’s Museum: 4 Things We Love +Visitor Tips
Our kids are at the ages (17 months and 4.5 years) where children’s museums are a big deal to us. Children’s museums provide us with the opportunity to entertain, occupy and delight both of our children, each in their own unique ways.
Slaed and I are embracing this season of life rather than rolling our eyes and wishing we could be doing something that “the whole family” can enjoy. With both of our children engaged and engrossed (and learning!) in activity, we can actually take a breath, and even have a little fun.
We recently got to visit the Hands-on Children’s Museum in Olympia, Washington as part of a weekend visit to our capitol city, and we were more than impressed! Below, I’ll go into more detail in regards to everything we loved about the place, but just know that if you have young children, and live or will be visiting anywhere close to Olympia, get yourself to the Hands-on Children’s Museum!
Photo courtesy of Olympia, WA’s Hands-on Children’s Museum
Seattle’s Georgetown Neighborhood with Kids
If we’re not traveling somewhere for the weekend, chances are we’re still finding time to get out and explore even if it’s “in our own backyard”. One of the ways we do that is by visiting other neighborhoods around Seattle. We may not go far, but these mini-adventures nourish our wandering spirits. Georgetown is one of our go-to places when we are looking for a change of pace.
Georgetown is located about 10 minutes south of downtown Seattle, and is know for its grittiness, quirkiness, and all around creative vibe. The neighborhood now boasts several breweries, lots of family friendly eateries, and so many fun and unique shopping/browsing experiences from a trailer park mall to a handful of antique shops and galleries. Keep reading to find out some of our favorites!
Olympia, Washington with Kids: Weekend Itinerary + Photo Tour
Last month we finally got to spend some time in our state’s capital city of Olympia, Washington. For years I’d been hoping explore this small city that’s just a little over an hour away from our home in Seattle. As cities in Washington go, Olympia is on the small side, but it’s full of fun (and educational!) opportunities for families and so much natural beauty that shined through even though the weather (typical early spring in Western Washington) was less than ideal.
Based on our recent weekend experience and in collaboration with the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau, I put together a weekend itinerary + photo tour for families to get oriented with a quick snapshot of our capital city. Stay tuned as I dive deeper into some of our favorites in the coming weeks!
5 Helpful Tips for Camping with a Baby featuring Ike Kinswa State Park
We just returned from a beautiful weekend in Lewis County, Washington, about 2 hours south of Seattle. Ike Kinswa State Park, where we stayed, is a little over 450-acres with most of it’s focus on camping. To the east is the Cowlitz River, to the west is the Tilton River, and at the confluence is Mayfield Lake. Mayfield Lake was created by the Mayfield Dam located in the nearby town of Mossyrock.
Along with camping, visitors also enjoy recreational boating, fresh water fishing, and swimming and water skiing in the warmer summer months. We were just happy to enjoy some solitude and time away from the city with plenty of opportunity to hike and explore nature as a family.
Based on our experience at Ike Kinswa, along with our adventure at Samuel P. Taylor State Park in California, and all the fun that we had camping when Bergen was a baby, I wanted to share a few quick tips! As you’ll see we took some “short-cuts” here, and some might even dare to say that we weren’t actually camping, but for our purposes (vacationing and enjoying the outdoors in a park as a family), I think we did just fine!
5 Helpful Tips for Camping with a Baby
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Stay in a Cabin or Yurt
There’s a lot of work involved in setting up camp even for just a few nights, and we appreciate taking the tent assembly out of the equation. Also, when the weather is hard to predict (and planning far in advance is necessary), we appreciate a guaranteed warm and dry shelter! We’ve stayed in numerous state park cabins and yurts over the years, and find them so delightfully cozy, comfortable, and affordable.
We get the best of both worlds. We still get to be immersed in nature, but also get those comforts of home such as heat, electricity, and a bed to sleep on.
How to Dress Baby for Cold Weather So Everyone Can Enjoy the Outdoors!
If you’d asked me a couple of months ago exactly how to dress your baby for cold weather, I think I would have had a much different answer compared to today. I would have been far more casual about the whole thing. “Just bundle them up”, I’d say. No big deal.
This all changed however when I took Georgia (then about 11 months) on a hike in freezing temperatures. It was just the two of us on “Green Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving), and I had visions of bonding and enjoying the outdoors with my youngest. I thought I’d done a great job preparing. I arrived to the trailhead early to beat the crowds, I brought plenty of snacks, and I packed what I thought was a sufficient amount of layers to dress her for the cold weather; base layers, a fleece jacket, wool pants, a fleece hat, wool socks, little leather shoes, and mittens were NOT enough.
She whimpered off and on for a while at the beginning of the hike, but I carried on thinking she’d settle in, and begin the enjoy herself. I also had high hopes of her falling asleep, which would have equaled me almost having some solo time on the trail to think, really take in the scenery, and snap photos without interruption.
None of those pleasant experiences happened though. My little girl complained (one way or another) for the duration of the hike. Friends and family asked why I didn’t just call it a day at the beginning. Call me STUBBORN, but I thought if I stuck it out, things would improve. Maybe after she nursed and had snack? Nope. Maybe after she got out of the carrier & moved around a bit? Nope. Maybe she would wear herself out and nap? That just never happened.
Once home safe and sound (and warm) with Georgia peacefully napping in her crib, I did some reflecting, and realized that yes, I’m painfully admitting, I had failed to keep her warm. She was COLD, and she was trying to let me know that she was NOT happy about it!
The good news is, I learned my lesson, and since implementing a more rigorous dressing routine, we haven’t heard a peep of discontent! Our outdoor time together has improved greatly because I thoughtfully considered the situation, and figured out how to dress the baby for cold weather so that she’s most comfortable. I’ve broken down our method into 6 steps, plus a few bonuses for various circumstances and scenarios, but the big takeaway is this: Figure out what works best for your baby.
We don’t recall Bergen (our 4-year old) being so sensitive to the cold, so everything here may not have been necessary for him. Hopefully though this will provide some guidelines and ideas for making your baby as comfortable as possible when it’s cold outside!
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