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Bellingham

Getting ready for (big sigh) some dreary fall days... 

As the mother of a busy toddler, I am a little fearful of what these next two seasons will bring. The success of our days revolves around getting outside and expending some energy. Most of the time, the weather won't deter us, but I know that there are going to be some downpouring, frigidly cold, horribly windy days and weeks that will throw a wrench in my plans. It's always best to be prepared, so I investigated a week of things to do in bad weather emergencies...

MONDAY:

Jumparound Fun Zone – Every day except Mondays

The Jumparound Fun Zone was created with three things in mind – fun, safety and providing a clean environment. There are inflatable houses, an obstacle course, and slides for kids to enjoy and a parent area with concessions and free wifi. The owners (a couple of dads) have pulled out all the stops to create a great place for toddlers and kids to enjoy and work off some of that energy. Cost is $5.95 per child, or $4.95 for families with four or more, kids under 2 are FREE! http://www.jumparoundfunzone.com

Let's go swimming! – Every Day

Arne Hanna has a wonderful slope pool that is open for drop-ins for toddlers and babies (you with them, of course) from 5:30am to 4:45pm. The "family swim" opens the mini pool that has the gradual incline (like a beach) so you don't have to worry about little ones and you can sit in the pool with them...relatively out of the water. $3.50 per person (including kids and babies) but most winter times feature $1 off. However, you can also get a 10 visit pass for just $65 to get you through those rainy das.

 http://www.cob.org/documents/parks/recreation/aquatic/2008-winter-pool-schedule.pdf

Mommy's enjoying her coffee and sandwich...  – Every Day

Horray for Cafe Adagio. A kid and family friendly coffee experience, with a CORNER OF PLAYTOYS (!!!), free wifi, and delicious lunch choices for just $6. But really, you had me at playtoys. After library storytime (Bellingham location) some of us moms and kiddos like to head down to Cafe Adagio and hang out for a little while longer while the kids play and we can chat. And if you arrange the chairs just right, you can even make an impromptu blockade. Ha! Their website isn't finished yet, but you can get their phone number and address off of their site http://www.caffeadagio.com/ 

The Children's Museum! – Every Day except Mondays

Tue, Wed, and Sun: 12 - 5pm and Thur, Fri, Sat: 10 - 5pm. Admission is $3.50 per person, however a Family Pass for the year is just $65 and gets you free admission! Displays change yearly - right now it has an awesome interactive sea-worthy theme.  http://www.whatcommuseum.org/

Can I touch that? – Every Day

Head on down to the Aquatic Touch Tank at the Marine Life Center down in Squalicum Harbor. There are 3 large aquariums, a touch pool and an observation pool. It is open every day from 11am to 5pm and costs $1 for adults and .50 for anyone under 18. Head down the next time the morning spells R-A-I-N-Y-D-A-Y! http://www.bellinghamherald.com/255/story/228189.html

Hohl’s animals, the fish next door, then a snack! –Every Day

If you're downtown, I like to go to Hohl's Feed and Seed to see the pets and birds. We can waste away a couple of hours looking at the animals! http://www.hohlfeedandseed.com/ and then go across the street to The Bagelry for lunch or walk down the street to Cafe Adagio where they have a cozy environment and toys (!!) for kids to play with. We also hit up Mallards for a little treat sometimes.

Oh, sweet Fairhaven... - Everyday

Fairhaven - always a must. We head to the toy store to see what's new (and check out upcoming classes and workshops for kids - they are wonderful for older ones!)  http://www.fairhaventoygarden.com/our_retail_store.php then we walk to the ferry terminal if it's nice weather http://www.bellingham.org/ and after that we go to the park on the water and throw rocks in if the tide is in, or look at tide pools if it's out.

Create a masterpiece at CreaTiviTea in Fairhaven... – Everyday

CreaTiviTea is a paint your own pottery studio that happily welcomes kids of all ages to  participate with parent help. My favorite part? You can wipe off any part of the pottery at any time to start completely over or just get rid of a handprint gone bad. And I was also assured as my 16 month old painted a mug for me for Mother’s Day, that all of the glaze that he was trying to paint in his mouth is non-toxic and it washed out of his clothes as well. The fees can seem a little steep, but understand that your only cost is the piece itself. The price includes all the paint colors you want, the tools, and as much time as you need. Which means you can come back after naptime if necessary! I also have a friend who takes each one of her several kids to paint the same plate, but one at a time on  different afternoon “dates”. That’s just too cute.

Great Harvest Bread Tours! – Every day, schedule a tour

The Great Harvest Bread Company offers tours that you can schedule for any group or family. They run through how to make dough to bake bread, what they do, a tour of the facility and rumor has it that they even give you a sample at the end. My favorite part? On their website they say that having kids into their store "loosens them up" and "brings them new life and energy"! Awwwww.

http://bellinghambread.com/foryourkids.html

Sensational Toddlers - Schedule

A parent-child program for kids 18-36 months. Sensational Toddlers is an explorative program with paint, play dough, glue, glitter, and goop! There’s hands-on teaching and a variety of motor, sensory and perceptual activities. There are two sessions during the summer, 3 weeks long, meeting on Thursdays from 10-11:30am. The cost is $50. Session one is June 19 – July 10, Session two is July 24 – August 14^th. Classes are held at the Whatcom Center for Early Learning. For more information or to register, call 778-7000 or visit www.cob.org/ezreg

Dance your Blues Away! - Schedule

Dancing for Joy Dance Studio offers Mommy and Me classes for ages 6mos to 3 years with an adult, or a Creative Movement class for kids ages 3 - 4 years. Costs vary depending on if you sign up for a set of classes or choose just one drop-in class. There are also several other options for older kids AND a FREE hip hop night with a dj for kids ages 7-12. http://www.dfjbellingham.com/default.aspx

Music Together! - Schedule

Music and movement classes for newborn to five year olds, with activities including singing, dancing, signing and playing. There is a 6 week summer session beginning July 7^th and you can get in touch now for a FREE demonstration class. Call 756-1819 for more info or log onto www.musictogetherbythebay.com

Get up and Move! Bell. Bay Gymnastics – By Schedule

BBG offers several different options for kiddies ages 9 months up to 4 years. Split into age-appropriate groups, there’s Mini Gymmys, Terrific Tots, Super Tots and Tater Tots. This summer they are also offering a Toddler Camp for ages 2 ½ - 4 ½.  Call 715-8842 for more information or to register or go online to http://www.bbgym.com/gymnastics/gymcamp.html

Library Storytimes…**Resuming in JUNE!**

The Bellingham Public Library has 3 opportunities to get out and play, depending on your child's age group. 

Little Storytime (for children ages birth - 3 with an adult partner) – Mon and Tue
A half-hour of simple stories, songs, finger and lap play and creative movement. Lots of fun! Monday and Tuesday mornings at the Children's Library  10:05, 10:35 and 11:05

BIG Storytime (for children ages 4 - 8) – Wednesdays
For children ready to separate from their parent for thirty minutes
of fun and information. Wednesday afternoons 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Raccoon Time (for children ages 2 ½ - 4 with an adult partner)
A half-hour of stories, songs, the hokey pokey and a craft.  Thursdays 10:15 - 10:45 am and 11:00 - 11:30 am

http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/children/

Indoor Toddler Time – Tue and Thur 10-11:30

If the weather is bad, Bloedel Donovan Park is essential. On Tue's and Thur's from 10-11:30 they turn their gym into a toddler heaven where kids can run around and ride their bikes and trikes and pretend they're outdoors (they don't allow bicycles). If the weather is good, they also have a great playground and a beach for throwing rocks into the lake. http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/313.aspx

Toddler time closes for the summer after June 12 and resumes Tuesday, September 9^th.

Baby Connections - Wednesdays and Thursdays

Offered on Thursdays in Bellingham and on Wednesdays in Everson, this free class offered by BTC offers help, advice and discussion with a pediatric nurse and other moms. http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/368.aspx

Keyboard Kids – Toddler Tunes every Friday

Toddler Tunes for kids ages 18 months to 3 years happens every Friday from 10- 10:30 and 11-11:30. Drop-ins are welcome for $8 a student, per class. The classes include singing, movement, finger plays, rhythm instrument playing and keyboard playing alongside a very patient teacher. www.keyboardkids.us

Friday Treasure Chest – Bellingham Children’s Museum – (Closed on Mondays)

Different activities or crafts each week between 10:30 – 11:30. These activities are supposed to be for 3-6 years olds, however the very patient and encouraging staff allows my exuberant 16 month old to join in the fun. $3.60 Admission to museum includes workshop or free with family pass. www.whatcommuseum.org

Saturday Wonder Workshops – Bellingham Children’s Museum – (Closed on Mondays)

Exploration workshops with a hands-on craft or activity, 1-3 pm. $3.60 Admission to museum includes workshop or free with family pass. www.whatcommuseum.org

Whatcom County

Library Storytimes

For little ones ages 1-3…stories, songs and other amusements

Blaine Library – Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11am

Lynden Library – Wednesdays from 10:15 – 10:45am and 11 – 11:30 am

Ferndale  - Thursdays from 10:30 – 11am

Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5

Everson – Mondays at 10:30 am

Deming Library – Tuesdays at 10:30 am

Ferndale Library  - Fridays at 10:30 am

Island Library (2144 South Nugent Rd) – Saturdays 11:30 for 3-7 years
Lynden Libray - Tuesdays, through May 27, 10:30 a.m.
or Fridays, through May 30, 10:30 a.m. 

Maple Falls Library – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Sumas Library - Mondays, through June 30, 11:00 a.m.

**Be sure to visit the link, as storytimes are taking small breaks for the summer here and there** http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/showlist.html?sid=6633&list=CNL5

Gym Star for Preschoolers and Parent and Me – By Schedule

Gym Star (at the Sports Center in Ferndale) offers a preschool class for 3-5 year olds as well as a Parent and Me class. The Parent and Me is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:15 – 10:45. The Preschool class has a variety of times and is offered Monday through Friday. Call 360-384-3861 for more information or to register.

Baby Connections - Wednesdays and Thursdays

Offered on Thursdays in Bellingham and on Wednesdays in Everson, this free class offered by BTC offers help, advice and discussion with a pediatric nurse and other moms. http://www.neighborhood-kids.com/Activities/General/368.aspx

Baby N Me (1-7 months) Class - Everson

This course is designed to offer support and encouragement during this exciting and difficult first year of life. Discussions include child development, toy selection, sleep patterns, games and songs, and strategies for preventing parenting burnout. There are 8 sessions, Tuesdays from June 24^th – September 19^th from 1-3pm and Thursdays from July 24^th – August 28^th from 10am – 12pm. The class costs 70.22, call or logon to Bellingham Technical College to register or for more info.

Baby N Me (8-12 months) Class - Everson

Following up the initial baby class with all the changes that ensue with a growing baby. Crawling, moving, exploring, socializing, babbling! Topics include weaning, discipline, emerging language, health and illness and safety. Offered on Tuesdays from June 24^th – September 19^th from 10am – 12pm. The class costs 70.22, call or logon to Bellingham Technical College to register or for more info.

Ferndale Toddler Time (Age 0 – 5 years) – Wednesdays 10-11:30
Ferndale Toddler Time allows children from birth to age five and their families a weekly parent-toddler session. Children with and without special needs learn to play together and families connect with each other. Parents or caregivers are responsible for their child at all times. Weekly sessions include: small motor activities: playdough, blocks, drawing, Large motor activities: big toys or small bikes, Snack time, Circle time for songs or books, Information about child development and Information about local resources for children with special needs 
 

The Vancouver Aquarium

Well, it’s not quite Whatcom County, but it’s a great place to head for the day. The aquarium has the usual cool exhibits for kids, as well as outdoor shows with otters, sea urchins and beluga whales. 845 Avison Way in Stanley Park. www.vanaqua.org

EXPLORE! For Meridian District 3-6 years olds... 

A free class from 9:15 - 10:15 for 3-6 year olds, meeting at Irene Reither Elem. Explore helps kids with the transition to kindergarten and a classroom setting through music, art, movement, imagintive play and games! Parents are welcome to join their children in the activities, or join other parents in the multi-purpose room to chat. For more information, check out the Suggestion Box link...

Skagit County

Jungle Playland in Mount Vernon – Every day

Jungle Playland is a non-profit, family oriented playcenter. According to their website, their mission is to provide a safe, clean and fun place for family entertainment. Their equipment is designed to improve a child's motor skills and help develop confidence while interacting with their parents/guardians. My favorite part? Looks like fun for all ages, with a lot for older kids to do/climb on AND a "Lil Jungle" area for those under 3. Adults and babies are free, while 2 and unders are $3.95 and 3-11 year old are $7.50. A little spendy (but, again - it's a non-profit and I always like to support those!), but a great alternative on one of those tragically rainy days. For more information, including their hours and directions, check out their website http://www.jungleplayland.com/default.asp