Villages come in many forms: That priceless tip about where to nurse in public; the restaurant that always provides fresh crayons; that neighborhood parenting group that just might save your sanity. New parenthood (heck, any stage of parenthood) can be isolating.
And there’s no better advice than that from your fellow parents in the trenches. Read on for our readers’ best insider tips on baby-friendly outings in Seattle, the Eastside, North Sound and South Sound.
Seattle baby-friendly outings
“G & O Family Cyclery in Greenwood: Get your bike set up with a baby seat in front.”
“The Zoomazium at the Woodland Park Zoo is great, even for babies that can only sit up.”
“Village Maternity at University Village is fab, and the nursing corner at Kid’s Club has saved me many times.”
“Julep Nail Parlor [University Village, Bellevue] has Mommy Mondays, where you can bring in your baby and get your nails done.”
“Nordstrom women’s lounges [multiple locations] are the BEST place to go breastfeed when out shopping.”
“Zeeks Pizza on Queen Anne has outdoor seating, dough and crayons for the kids, and is loud enough that any cries won’t bother people.”
“Chaco Canyon in West Seattle, with organic food and a children’s play area.”
“Lil Diggers playtime at Sandbox Sports has clean sand, toys and a place for moms to hang out and have a coffee.”
“Rainier Beach pool: Fountains, buckets of water that pour on your head, lazy river, warm water, hot tub.”
Eastside baby-friendly outings
“Baby’s Day at the Movies at Kirkland Parkplace Cinema 6 every other Friday!”
“Bellevue Botanical Garden has stroller-friendly trails, and an awesome ravine with suspension bridge.”
“Crossroads Mall is the perfect spot to have grown-up conversation while listening to music.”
“Evergreen Hospital’s [EvergreenHealth] parent-baby group is AMAZING for new parents.”
“Grange Cafe [Duvall] serves food from local farmers’ ingredients! AND has a great child’s playroom!”
“Pine Lake Park [Issaquah] is really relaxing and fun for small kids and strolling a baby.”
North Sound baby-friendly outings
“Café Aroma in Shoreline is TOTALLY off the beaten path but perfect for moms who have kids and also need to breastfeed a baby.”
“PlayHappy Café [Lynnwood] is a favorite at our house.” Gated play area for littles, healthy food, lots of classes.
“Spartan Recreation Center [Shoreline] has drop-in toddler play gym Monday–Friday, 9:30 until 11 a.m. $2–$2.50 each kid.”
“Forest Park in the summer! Free-admission animal farm in Everett with goats, sheep, ducks and pigs.”
“Mountlake Terrace pool is a great pool for babies and toddlers.”
“Anthony’s Beach Cafe [Edmonds] has a sandbox on its patio in the summer.”
South Sound baby-friendly outings
“Children’s Museum of Tacoma offers pay-what-you-want museum entry, also an inclusive Play to Learn program.”
“Treetops Playgrounds at STAR Center have drop-in family group activities and Child Watch for members.”
“Tacoma Nature Center is a great nature outing, and it’s free.”
“The tot lot and wading pool at Fircrest community center are both amazing outdoor play spots.”
“Westfield Southcenter has a great area for nursing mamas.”
“Frog n Kiwi Cafe at University Place has a nice play area for small kids, good coffee, good community.”
bainbridge island
“KiDiMu [Kids Discovery Museum] has a great area for babies and tiny tots only.”
Finding your people
When you’re new at the parenting game, finding a group of fellow travelers on the path of joy and sleep deprivation is better than free child care. Luckily, there are groups for every kind of parent.
Find a complete list of local parenting groups. and also considering joining one of the four regional Facebook groups recently launched by ParentMap!
