Play: World’s Tastiest Frozen Yogurt in Mill Creek

We took the kids to World’s Tastiest Frozen Yogurt in Mill Creek yesterday for a little treat. We've been meaning to check them out since they opened up a few months ago.

Given the name I kind of wanted to go in and shout, "You did it! Congratulations! World's tastiest frozen yogurt!" I didn't want to embarrass my family so I kept it to myself!

World's Tastiest Frozen Yogurt did live up to it's name though. It was pretty darn tasty. They let us sample a few flavors before we decided on what we wanted. They had loads to choose from so it was pretty hard to choose. And lots of toppings like strawberries and mangos and gummy bears (or teddy gums and Finley referred to them!) and brownies and M&M's and much, much more. Finely and I went for pineapple, strawberry and cheesecake topped with M&M's, teddy gums and strawberry sauce. I don't remember what flavors Daniel and Grady got because I was too busy stuffing my face.

After our frogurt we took a little walk on the North Creek Trail. The kids were super cute holding hands and skipping together.

We even spotted a cute little mama duck and her baby ducklings. Such a fun summer evening!

Play, Stay Away, or Just Okay
I think anything covered in gummy bears gets a Play rating! Especially when there are coupons involved!

Before we left I did my usual google search for a coupon and found an article on $20 Dollar Date Night. They mentioned something about a Pirq app that had coupons so of course I had to check it out. App + coupons = my favorite things!

So this Pirq thing is pretty cool. It hooks you up with discounts at local area restaurants. You see what discounts are available, "reserve" the one you want, and show it when you check out. You don't have to pay for them like a Groupon, you just reserve it and use it. World's Tastiest Frozen Yogurt had coupons for 30% - 50% off. I snagged the 50% off coupon! Yippee! I definitely recommend downloading the app.

If you need a fun and inexpensive activity, you should head to World's Tastiest Frozen Yogurt. And if frogurt isn't your thing you can pick up a latte at the other half of their shop - The ABS Coffee Company. Or get one of each. Just go for a little stroll on the trail afterwards and you'll work it all off.

Woodland Park Zoo: Bear Affair and Big Howl for Wolves

Find out what happens when you don't store food properly or leave garbage around your campsite or backyard at the Woodland Park Zoo on Saturday, June 9th. The zookeepers will set up a campsite and you can watch as the grizzly bear brothers tear into it. You can also learn all about how to properly bear-proof your backyard or campsite.

I'm putting this outing on my calendar for sure. We're planning on going camping with the kids this summer so it's probably a good idea to learn about these things. Plus, my husband has an unnatural fear of bears so I kind of want to see him get all nervous watching the bears tear up the campsite. He he!

Details ---
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
When: Saturday, June 9th 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: Free with admission or membership
More Info: Here

Bothell Sustainamania

There is so much fun going on at the Sustainamania event this Saturday in Bothell that I can't even list it all. Here are some of my favorites - free bag of compost, goats and chickens, fishing for bugs, free Chinook Book for the first 100 families, pet poo toss (I don't really know what that is but I'm sure the kids will love it!), giveaways, and so much more! Along with all of that fun you can bring your plastic bags, Styrofoam, CFL bulbs, and batteries for recycling and learn all about how to become more sustainable in your community.

Details ---
Where: Public Works Operations Center (21233 20th Ave SE Bothell) and Centennial Park (208th Street SE Bothell). There will be a free shuttle between the sites.
When: Saturday, May 19th 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: Free with lots of great freebies and giveaways!
More Info: Here

Mutt March at McCollum Park

Get ready for a weekend of doggy fun at the Mutt March Saturday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 3rd. The Mutt March takes place at McCollum Park in Everett. There will be lots of activities and entertainment - Flying Disc Dogs, Adoption Alley, YMCA Dog Costume Contest, Vendors, Scavenger Hunt with Prizes, Pet Portraits, and a 5K Walk. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Details ---
Where: McCollum Park
When: Saturday, June 2nd 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday, June 3rd 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for event, $25 to register for 5K Walk
More Info: Find out more information here or go here to register for the 5K walk.

Paine Field Aviation Day May 19th

Aviation Day is coming up this Saturday, May 19th at Paine Field. There's lots of fun for the whole family - free young eagles flights, B-25's on display and flying, aircraft displays, food, vendors and kid's activities. Admission is $5 for a single person or $10 for a family. Admission includes access to the Flying Heritage Collection and the Historic Flight Foundation and parking is free.

There is also a Fly Day 5K scheduled for Saturday morning and a Pancake Breakfast benefiting the Northwest Burn Foundation from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. ($5/person).

Details ---
Where: Paine Field
When: Saturday, May 19th at 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $5/individual and $10/family
More Info: Here and here

Bellevue Art & Frame and The Toy Place: Father's Day Plate Making

Get your Father's Day shopping done early! Head to Bellevue Art & Frame and The Toy Place on May 19th to make a special plate for Father's Day. Each kit is $7.99 (a great discount from the $15.99 regular price).

Details ---
Where: Bellevue Art & Frame and The Toy Place
When: Saturday, May 19th at 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $7.99 for the plate kit
More Info: Here

Mom and Me at the Woodland Park Zoo

I don't know about you but I think all moms deserve a whole weekend of celebration! Here's one way to spend the day before Mother's Day - the 22nd Annual Mom and Me at Woodland Park Zoo. Moms will get half price admission and there will be lots of entertainment, treats, bounce houses, crafts, face painting and more. Check out the zoo website for the full line up.

Details ---
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
When: Saturday, May 12th 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Half price admission for moms and regular admission or membership for all others
More Info: Here

Evergreen Recreation & Sportsmen Expo

Get ready for the 3rd Annual Evergreen Recreation & Sportsmen Expo and the Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival this Friday through Sunday, April 27th - 29th. The event is free to the public and there are lots of fun things to keep the whole family entertained.

The Expo will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The show features displays and demonstrations on camping, fishing, landscaping, gardening, climbing and boating. I think I might have to check this show out since most of these activities are on my Summer To Do List.

The Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival will be set up on Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will also be lots of yummy fair food!

Les Schwab and the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club will be hosting a trout fishing pond. The event is free and gives aspiring anglers and first-time fishermen the chance to catch and keep (or release) a live trout. All the gear is provided for kids 12 and under.

And if that's not enough entertainment for you... The Washington State Spring BBQ Championships, 4-H Spring Horse Show, Monroe Swap Meet, Western Heritage Museum and Evergreen Speedway Races are scheduled the same weekend! So much to do!

Details ---
Where: Evergreen State Fairgrounds
When: Friday, April 27th 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday, April 28th 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday, April 29th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Here

Mukilteo Library: Make a Concrete Stepping Stone 4/30

Make a concrete stepping stone at the Mukilteo Library on Monday, April 30th. The library will provide the concrete, mosaic marbles, pebbles and broken china and tiles. All you need to bring is an 8" cake pan, plastic pot saucer or disposable pie plate and your own unique toppings to add to your stepping stone.

Details ---
Where: Mukilteo Library
When: Monday, April 30th at 4 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: All ages welcome. Check out the Mukilteo Library event calendar for more information.

LEGO Store: Free Tulip Mini-Model Build 5/1

Take your LEGO lovers to the LEGO store on Tuesday, May 1st at 5 p.m. for the free monthly Mini Model Build. This month your kids can build a LEGO tulip! Perfect for springtime!

Be sure to sign your little one up for the free LEGO magazine subscription, too!

Details ---
Where: LEGO Store at Bellevue Square (check the LEGO website for other locations)
When: Tuesday, May 1st 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: LEGO website
Details: Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. Check with your local LEGO Store for dates and times.

Everett Family Fun Fair at Forest Park 4/28

Everett is hosting a Family Fun Fair this Saturday, April 28th at Forest Park. Learn about dozens of fun, educational programs and activities designed especially for families of young children. The Brian Waite Band will be there to entertain your kids with an hour-long program of songs and stories.

Details ---
Where: Forest Park (802 E. Mukilteo Blvd. Everett)
When: Saturday, April 28th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Check out this flyer or call 425-374-5532 for more information.

Kelsey Creek Farm Park: Sheep Shearing Event 4/28

Kelsey Creek Farm Park in Bellevue is hosting a fun Sheep Shearing Event on Saturday, April 28th. There will be lots of free activities such as a sheep shearing demonstration, sheep herding, fiber craft demonstrations, tractor-pulled hay rides and animal exhibits. They will also have pony rides, food and drinks and bouncy houses you can enjoy for a small fee.

Details ---
Where: Kelsey Creek Farm Park (410 130th Place SE Bellevue)
When: Saturday, April 28th 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and activities
More Info: Check out this flyer for more information and driving directions.

KidsQuest Museum: Peter Pan Movie Night

KidsQuest Children's Museum in Bellevue is hosting a Movies @ The Museum Night on Wednesday, April 25th. Get cozy in front of the big screen and watch Peter Pan, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys protect their enchanted island home from the evil Captain Hook. Popcorn and playtime in the museum are included and Jet City pizza will be available for purchase. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie will begin at 6:30 p.m. The museum will be open for play until 9 p.m. Sounds like a fun family night!

Details ---
Where: KidsQuest Children's Museum (4091 Factoria Mall SE Bellevue, WA 98006)
When: Wednesday, April 25th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: $5 for members, $8 for non-members, $3 for pizza
More Info: Go to the KidsQuest Children's Museum website for more information and to register. Pre-registration is recommended. No coupons, discounts, prime cards or other discounts apply. Great for all ages.

Fun in the Sun

We've had a few sunny days lately which has me thinking about all the fun things we're going to do this Spring and Summer. I decided to make a list because if I don't write it down it doesn't get done!

Do you have any big plans for the Spring/Summer? Anything fun you want to try out with the kids?

Farmer's Markets
I briefly contemplated starting a veggie garden this year. The kids are old enough to entertain each other in the backyard while I do yard work. But I decided I'd rather put my time and energy into visiting a few Farmer's Markets this year. How's that for lazy? ;) I'm putting together a list of markets in the area so stay tuned for that.

Berry Picking

We had so much fun last year hunting for blackberries. I can't wait to do it again this summer. Mmmmm... blackberry crumble! We also tried out a strawberry patch last year and we'll definitely be doing that again this year. Gotta put those kids to work gathering their own food!

Juanita Beach Park

On our anniversary last year we took the kids to Juanita Beach Park for an afternoon of paddling around. We hadn't been there for a few years and we're pleasantly surprised to find that it had been renovated. There was a nice new playground, green grass and walking paths. It's a great place to take kids. It also has a nice sandy beach, enclosed swimming area, shallow water for the little kids and a fun dock to walk around.

Mukilteo Ferry
My friend suggested taking the kids on a ferry ride. It's only $4.50 for an adult walk on ticket and children under 6 ride for free. That sounds like a pretty cheap and fun outing!

Jetty Island
I'm not sure I want to tackle Jetty Island on my own with two kids. There's just something about being outnumbered and near water that scares the bejesus out of me. Hopefully this is something we can do as a family.

Bike Rides

We got Finley her first bike last week! I'm sure we'll be going on lots of walks with her as she tries it out.  I'm also hoping to find some bike-friendly parks in the area.

Grady will finally get a chance to ride the trike instead of pushing his big sis around the neighborhood!

Flower World

We had a great time at Flower World last Fall so I'd like to take the kids back. Maybe we'll even pick up some flowers to take home and plant this time.

Picnics

I love serving the kids their meals outside. They can make a mess birds and cats do all the clean up. What's not to love?!

Kelsey Creek Farm
This looks like a really fun place for kids. They have animals and walking trails. I'm looking forward to taking the kids for a picnic there on a nice sunny day.

Woodland Park Zoo

Now that we are members I'm sure we'll be spending a lot of time here!

Imagine Children's Museum
I have a Mamapedia Deal for Imagine Children's Museum that I need to use. I'm hoping we can make a family day out of this one.

Backyard Fun

I'm really looking forward to lots of fun playtime in the backyard this summer. I see lots of swimsuits and sunscreen and sprinklers in our future.

Spray Parks

We had fun at Willis Tucker Spray Pad last summer so we'll definitely be headed back. I think we'll also try out Rotary Centennial Water Playground, too. Do you know of any other spray parks in the area?

Camping
We bought a tent and I'm not afraid to use it! Actually I am afraid to use it. But we're going to do it anyway. I have so many good memories of camping trips growing up. It's time to start some of our own family memories. Any suggestions on fun, family-friendly places?

Ice Cream

Nothing says summer like an ice cream cone! I want to pull out our ice cream maker a time or two and whip up a tasty treat with all those berries we pick.

Lil Diggers Playtime T-shirt Design Contest - Win a Private Party!

Have you tried out the Lil Diggers playtime at Sandbox Sports yet? I can't wait to head down there on a rainy Spring day (of which I'm sure there will be many!) and let my kids build sand castles and play in the sand. They just expanded their playtime hours so there are plenty of opportunities to play! Check out the days and times on the Indoor Play page.

The Lil Diggers playtime has been very popular and they are having a t-shirt contest to celebrate that. If you're a creative type or know your way around the graphics world you should enter your design. You could win your own private party at Sandbox Sports! (You can email my invite to playforadaynw@gmail.com when you win!) The contest ends on April 30, 2012 so start working on those designs! Check out all the contest rules here. Good luck!

The Children's Museum Seattle: Free Admission for Kids Dressed in Pajamas

April 18th is National Pajama Day! Head to The Children's Museum in Seattle for a fun day of PJ dance parties, popcorn and playing. The museum is offering free admission for children dressed in their pajamas. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Up to two free admissions per group.

Sounds like a fun day!

Details ---
Where: The Children's Museum, Seattle
When: Wednesday, April 18th
Cost: Free admission for kid's in PJ's
More Info: Here

Snohomish County YMCA's: Healthy Kids Day 4/28

The five Snohomish County YMCA family branches will be celebrating Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 28th from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This is a free community event with safety demonstrations, information on nutrition, fitness tests, bouncy houses, family games, free demonstrations, face painting, giveaways and more!

You can also sign up for a free 3-visit pass right now. Use it to check out the gym or try out a Tot Time class.

Details ---
Where: All five family branches of the YMCA of Snohomish County
When: Saturday, April 28th at 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Here

Everett Public Library: Puppet Show by Last Leaf Productions

The Everett Public Library is putting on a puppet show! Last Leaf Productions presents Aesop's Fables this Saturday, April 14th at 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Bring the kids and enjoy a collection of some of the Greek storyteller's most popular tales interwoven into a fun and high-energy performance. For elementary school age children and their families.

Details ---
Where: Everett Public Library (2702 Hoyt Avenue Everett)
When: Saturday, April 14th at 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Check out the library event's calendar for more information.

Imagine Children's Museum: Free Friday Night Live

Imagine Children's Museum opens their doors to the public on the third Friday of every month for FREE Friday Night Live. The museum is open from 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. and admission is free! You can't beat free!

Details ---
Where: Imagine Children's Museum (1502 Wall Street Everett, WA)
When: The third Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Imagine Children's Museum website

Everett Public Libraries: Weekly Storytimes

The Everett Public Library hosts a lot of fun and educational story times each week. Check out the details below.

Baby and Me Storytime
Read board books and learn songs, rhymes and lap-bounces to entertain your infant. Playtime with the library's baby toys follow each storytime. For kids 2 months - 17 months.

Evergreen Branch Library (9512 Evergreen Way, Everett, 98204)
Mondays at 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Main Library (2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201)
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Paws to Read
Kids practice reading out loud to therapy dogs specially trained to listen patiently and lovingly. Drop in -- no sign-up needed!

Evergreen Branch Library (9512 Evergreen Way, Everett, 98204)
Mondays at 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Main Library (2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201)
Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Toddler Storytime
A fun introduction to picture book and flannel board stories. Learn rhymes, songs, and movement activities for child and caregiver to do together. (Please note that there is a different age range than previous Toddler Storytimes.) Followed by playtime with the library's toys. For ages 18 months through age 2. 

Evergreen Branch Library (9512 Evergreen Way, Everett, 98204)
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Main Library (2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201)
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytime
Listen to picture book and flannel board stories, and enjoy music, movement, and early literacy activities to help your child get ready for kindergarten. For ages 3 - 6 years old.

Evergreen Branch Library (9512 Evergreen Way, Everett, 98204)
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Main Library (2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201)
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.