Annie's Nanny Network » fun activities in Seattle

Gardening with Kids!

ANI — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:46:01 +0000

As the weather starts to change, it’s not too early to think about getting a vegetable garden started for the summer! This is a great activity to share with children of all ages. It teaches them about where their food comes from, and also about taking responsibility and learning to care for something. Whether you sow seeds indoors or outdoors, or opt for buying plant starts, it’s fun to monitor their progress along the way and watch your garden grow!

There are several resources available specifically tailored towards gardening with young one’s, here are a couple of places to start:

Seattle Tilth: Children’s Garden Education Programs–check out this website for Garden Camps for ages 1 through 14 from June through August, also mark your calendar for their upcoming Edible Plant Sales found here. Their “Maritime Northwest Garden Guide” is also invaluable for figuring out when to plant what and how in the NW climate.

Plan a visit to the Children’s Garden at Magnuson Park to get inspired! Children ages 5-13 helped design the park, which includes: paths, flower beds, a Starfish border, and Big Blue Whale bed. Work parties are held regularly Spring through Fall. Also, check out the Children’s Garden at Marra Farm in South Seattle, where regular gardening and nutrition classes are held for school-age children.

Check out websites like KidsGardening.com or books such as Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening Together with Children for more great resources and ideas!

Kid-Friendly Day Hikes

ANI — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:21:01 +0000

Besides the extensive trails available at some of Seattle’s great parks (Discovery Park, Lincoln Park, Seward Park, and Ballard Locks–just to name a few); there are several accessible day hikes within a short drive of the city.

Twin Falls State Park: only 35 miles east of the city, the first mile is flat and has lots of exciting natural features to explore.

Cougar Mountain: located between Newcastle and Issaquah, packing in a quick day-hike doesn’t get much more convenient. Also, because of the area’s mining history, it’s easy to combine nature hike with history lesson for a well-rounded, educational outing!

Check out Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades at your local library branch for more great ideas, and visit the Seattle Parks & Recreation website for in-city options.

Before embarking, be sure to let someone know where you are going and your plan/route. Pack a first aid kit, rain gear, water, and snacks! Have fun!

Summer Adventures: U-pick Berries!

ANI — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:01:55 +0000

Looking for a cost-effective, fun, outdoor summer activity to do with kids? Why not explore some local farms for fresh summer berries! It’s always a good idea to show kids where their food comes from, and to get them involved in the process. No matter the month, there are always fresh berries to be harvested: June has strawberries, July brings raspberries, and August follows with blueberries.

Check out these farms to plan your next U-pick adventure! Be sure to call ahead to confirm hours and berry availability, since berries ripen based on the weather (thanks to Parent Map for this great information!).

Remlinger Farms: Carnation, WA

Bryant Blueberry Farm: Arlington, WA

Mercer Slough & Larson Lake Blueberry Farms: Bellevue, WA

To find additional U-pick farms, visit pugetsoundfresh.com, click “Find a Farm” and search for U-pick.

For more information on Urban Foraging and berry types, storage, and picking tips, read this article at ParentMap.com

October Tip of the Month

ANI — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:55:22 +0000

Fall can be a wonderful time in the Pacific Northwest.? There are lots of great fall-themed events like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, harvest festivals, and all the Halloween parties! ? There are lots of farms within a short drive of Seattle. Some charge fees, and some are free. Taking children to a farm is a great way to expose them to where their food comes from.? ? Here are a few links to help you get started!

Fall City Farms? in Fall City, WA

Remlinger Farms? in Carnation, WA

Craven Farm? in Snohomish, WA

Biringer Farms in Everett, WA