Best Public and Private Swimming Pools in Seattle's East Side Suburbs

We are all gearing up for summer with the weather warming up and Seattle's East Siders are hankering for a pool, especially if the idea of dunking your baby into icy cold Lake Washington doesn't sound like a great option. Sure, you'll do it on a scorcher but think about these swimming pool options for the whole family.  

Bellevue Aquatic CenterThere's the Bellevue Aquatic Center.  While their two pools aren't outdoor pools, there's something to be said for the Warm Springs pool which is a balmy 91 degrees.  It's fabulous for babies and kids so it's worth considering even on a day where it's nice and warm outside.  The Blue Lagoon pool is significantly cooler at 86 degrees but does have a 10 foot slide for the kiddies.  

Triangle Pool - Outdoor Pools Seattle SuburbsThe Triangle Pool on the other hand is an outdoor private pool which is worth joining.  Family membership is $450 and there is a 4 lane pool plus a wading pool for the little ones.  Membership to the club provides full use of the pool for the summer (mid-May through mid-September), a discount and priority registration on their swim lessons, a chance for the kids to join the Triangle Tigersharks Swim Team (at an additional cost), the option to rent the pool for after-hour events, and the use of the picnic area and gas BBQ's for family functions or birthday parties.

Peter Kirk, Kirkland's Outdoor PoolThen there is the fabulous Peter Kirk pool, one of the East Side's only outdoor public pool options with two pools, one being a wading pool for the kiddies.  This is probably the best and most affordable options for outdoor swimming during the 10 days out of the summer nice enough to dive in.  Admission is $4 for each family member and there are different sessions for swim so you will find yourself having to leave, and pay again if you want to luxuriate all day but this is still a great time.  

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Most Interesting and Unique Toy Stores in Seattle

Are you looking for a super chic, cool gift for your fickle niece or nephew?  We have reviewed all of the cool, hip toy stores in Seattle, many of which carry the most unique toys out there.  All of our reviews for Seattle Toy Stores are organized by neighborhood.  Check out our reviews for Schmancy where you'll find the most innovative plush out there.  Or, try a look at The Great Wind-Up for the most awesome collection of wind-up toys ever created.  If you are buying for the "green police", you can feel confident that your gift won't offend by shopping at Planet Happy Toys.  

Finding Parent and Baby Groups in Seattle

Being both a new parent and new to the Seattle area, I found myself looking into how I could find local moms who were going through the same stages in life and who had babies my daughter's age in the hopes of finding a play group.  I found Meetup.com which is a wonderful resource that links individuals to local group activities in their area.  Just one search under "Moms" generated the following groups:  Seattle Stay at Home Moms, Stroller Strides (Bothel/Kirkland), Moms Club of Renton, Issaqua Moms with Home Based Businesses, and on and on.  I finally settled on a Group with Babies Born around November 2009.  While most of the moms stayed at home and often proposed meeting times in the middle of the afternoon, I had instant access to a friendly group of 25 women whose babies were at the same stage of development.  What a wonderful resource.  I highly recomment Meetup to all new moms and dads looking for a parent or playgroup.

Mimi Rose - Seattle Baby Clothing and Toy Store Closing its Doors

Mimi Rose - (206) 361-1834 - 6001 Phinney Ave # 2, Seattle, WA 98127 - Phinney Ridge

After 20 years, Mimi Rose children's clothing and toy store is shutting down.  Margaret Rose, the designer and owner has had a difficult several years and now has the opportunity to travel.  All current inventory on cute, hip styles are 25%-75% off.  The toys are 20% off.  There will be additional shipments coming in the next four weeks.  The last day will be September 30th. 
 

Mommy and Baby Yoga for New Seattle Parents in Need of Some Zen

Once you are ready to get back into the swing of things, whether it's 6 weeks later or 6 months later, this Hatha Yoga class at 8 Limbs Yoga welcomes both you and your little bub with open arms.  Babies can relax next to mom or dad as you downward dog your way back into shape.  With locations in Capital Hill, West Seattle and Wedgewood, 8 Limbs takes all of your excuses away.  Take a deep breath, exhale and get yourself to class.  Each session is $15.  For more information visit www.8limbsyoga.com