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February 10, 2012

Whistler Inclusive Playground Serves up Plenty of Fun

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Nothing can stop my kid from enjoying a playground. The sniffles, a down pour or even 110 degrees, Dek will happily go down the slide, fly through the air on a swing and climb any ladder you set in front of him. I have a feeling he isn’t the only toddler out there that feels this way.

The Whistler Olympic Plaza Inclusive playground did not disappoint. It was built for children attending the Olympics and Paralympics in 2010. One great feature is the all-inclusive nature of this playground. It can meet the diverse needs of children of different ages and those with disabilities. Everyone gets to play. Siblings, friends and family aren’t excluded from the fun times just because they might have a trouble tackling steps or are too little to climb a ladder just yet. One day Dek’s little brother will appreciate this as he tries to keep up with his very active big bother.

We tackled this playground at night in the snow and during the day in the rain. Both times Dek didn’t want to leave. He had fun exploring the tree house, the slide made of rolling rails and the tree stump steps that I made him get off of countless times. He just wasn’t big enough to climb those safely and I was too pregnant to help him navigate. Instead Dek got to use the big ramp that leads up to the main level of the tree house, making it accessible to parents and children no matter what their age or mobility needs.

The snow, and later rain, did not distract from the experience. We had fun exploring through textures, colors, natural and man-made materials, and different levels of the structures. It was a great stop to hit while waiting for a table at a restaurant or waiting for Mike as he stood in line for coffee at Blenz. So grab yourself a hot chai or mocha, throw on some mittens, pull up your hood and let your kids go crazy. Rain, snow or shine they will have fun.

Know Before You Go

Whistler Olympic Plaza Inclusive Playground, across from the park from the ice rink, Whistler Village
Features: two large wooden tree structures, slides, steps, ramps, musical instruments and so much more
Blenz and Starbucks are just across the path if parents need a little caffeine
Public restrooms are located on the back side of the playground

For more information on Whistler, check out the Whistler, BC (Winter) page.

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Flower Show Survival Guide with Kids

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Get swept away by floral inspiration at the 2012 NW Flower and Garden Show

The NW Garden and Home show is this weekend in Seattle. I was so excited to finally get to attend. I was sort of excited that Dek would get to go with me. Toddlers and massive crowds don’t always mix. My toddler in particular is prone to wandering off and joining other families if we are not doing what he wants. The good thing about going on a weekday is that you don’t have to deal with weekend crowds at least. Even better, the first morning of the show was filled with grandmas, all of whom kept an eye on wandering kids. More than one steered Dek back in my direction. Lucky for Dek he is so cute…most of the time.

I tackled our outing in a very smart way. I brought a buddy with me, my friend Nic and her daughter Lee. Having two moms to tag team toddlers is always ideal at big events. I was able to take pictures; she was able to explore plants for her backyard. We both could rest easy that our kids would stay safe and hopefully not take down an exhibit.

I also learned that timing is everything. We got there as soon as the show opened and entered the exhibit hall first thing. The kids were excited with loads of energy to spare. They could handle the moms ohing and ahing over some absolutely magnificent displays of landscape art for a few minutes. Nic and I took turns pointing out cool elements that would hold the kids attention and keep them from wandering off. A bird in the middle of a forest, a tiny teddy bear on a bench, a heart-shaped tulip bed and even a massive Japanese maple, anything to keep them focused for one minute more.

Dek and Lee hung on for a good 45 minutes. I was so impressed. We had to move on though. We were close to meltdown mode. Time for the PlayGarden!

Tiny kitchen set up in the PlayGarden

Kids are free to dig away in the flower beds and bird seed troughs in the PlayGarden

The NW Flower and Garden show is one wise organization. Let’s build a place were kids could dig in the dirt, drive cars through flower seeds and pet chickens and bunny rabbits. I’m not sure they could have scored higher points with our kids. For over an hour they explored every nook and cranny of that place. I do wish the lighting wasn’t so harsh (huge fluorescents) and there were a few more plants in the area though. Something to tie it back to the beautiful landscapes we had just seen.

Dek and I also got our first taste of the performer, Casper Babypants. If you have never heard of him, he is HUGE out here. He is also Chris Bellows from the band the Presidents of the United States of America. Now all of you parents are probably shaking your head in dismay that we have never managed to see a performance, but honestly kid concerts are not top on my list of things to do and see. We have just as much fun without them. Dek proved this theory of mine when he would stop to listen for a minute, jump two times and then run off to play with the hula-hoops or tiny kitchen set. He didn’t want to dance with all the other kids. He had too much to do. I’m not saying we will never enjoy a kid concert; it just isn’t on our radar at the moment.

Casper Babypants entertains a big crowd of kids and their parents

Dek hears the music start and then gets back to work

While the kids explored the PlayGarden, Nic and I took turns keeping an eye on them. One of two marketplaces were set up just outside of the kids area luring parents to shop. I took the first run over since I had my eye on some Asiatic lily bulbs. I scoped out a few other items to purchase and then headed back to let Nic have a turn. This worked out great for us both. We could enjoy a little browsing without keeping one eye on a toddler trying to take down a glass garden sculpture. Trust me, it is easier to shop without that on your mind.

Once Nic returned and the kids had a little snack we headed back into the market place to pick up a few last-minute purchases we had been pondering and then headed home. We had hopped to grab a crepe at the stand just outside the convention center, but it wasn’t in the cards that day. Dek needed a nap and Nic had to go pick her son up from preschool.

The marketplace helps you create your own garden dreams at home

The kids might not care about the sale but they sure love the sign

We left the flower showing feeling we had tackled it the best we could. Our brains were swimming with ideas for our gardens and our noses had inhaled some of the sweet fragrances of summer. I also got to scratch one more thing off my Seattle list that I had always wanted to try when I was working. This whole stay-at-home mom thing is really growing on me.

Strategy

Bring a buddy. A spouse, significant other or friend will do. Someone who can help corral the kid(s)
Get there as soon as the show opens at 9am to avoid some of the crowds. By noon it will be packed.
Hit the big exhibits first while the kids are fresh and excited
Once the allure of flowers has faded in your toddler and they are falling on the floor from boredom (yes, literally) head to the PlayGarden.
While your kid and buddy hang at the PlayGarden, go check out the adjacent market. Do a little shopping; pick up a new lily bulb, or ten. Don’t linger too long though. Your buddy’s turn is next and they are getting antsy. At the hand off, bring out the snacks so little tummies can hang on just a little while longer.
When the naptime warning bells start to go off, make your way to the exit. Pop by any stalls for a last-minute purchase you have been pondering and then make for the door.
Get the kids in the car, hand them another snack and head home.

Food Pick

If you have time for lunch, ditch the show’s café food and head just outside to Pike Street. There is a great little crepe stand next to the Subway shop. Their latest offering is a sweet crepe featuring fig, apple and goat cheese. Yum!

You were allowed to pet the very cute bunnies, but only if you could catch them

Just For Kids

Treasure Hunt:This year each garden creator has hidden a birdhouse in his or her display. Grab a Treasure Hunt form for your child. After the are finished they will win a prize. This was created to entertain your slightly older kids as you all tour around the show, but watch out, you just might get caught up in the fun as well.
- Forms can be found at the PlayGarden, Display Gardens or information booths.
Daily concerts
- Casper Babypants performs at 10:30am
- Your Imaginary Friend will appear Friday-Sunday at 12:30pm
- Nancy Stewart perform at 2:30pm
The PlayGarden: Kids of all ages will have fun digging in the dirt for carrots, sifting through bird seed, mixing up something delicious in the tiny kitchen, hopping on the bouncy balls, twirling some hula-hoops and doing crafts together as a family. For older kids with younger siblings, there is an enclosed ping-pong table to keep them entertained. Of course little ones (and parents!) can play too.

A little ping-pong to end your stay in the PlayGarden

Know Before You Go

NW Flower and Garden Show, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle
The flower show runs through Sunday, February 12^th from 9am to 8pm. The show closes at 6pm on Sunday.
Ticketsare $20 for adults. Kids under 12 are free. Half day tickets are available for $10 (arrive after 3pm Thurs-Sat, or after 2pm on Sunday)
- Buy tickets online, by phone or at the show
- The PlayGarden is free with your admission ticket
Restrooms are very clearly marked in large letters. Look to the walls if you can’t find one, they will be there. The event staff is also extremely helpful. Just walk up to anyone with a nametag if you need directions.
Give yourself at least 3 hours to fully explore the show. If you plan on attending seminars you will need to factor in more time.
Transportation
- There are several parking garages downtown. Assume you will pay between $9-$15 to park depending on how long you will be there.
- Many of the city buses go straight downtown. As long as you get close to Pike Street you can walk up to the Convention Center.

Looking for more things to do in the Seattle area? Check out the Explorers Project: Seattle page.

For more photo fun head over to Delicious Baby and then go to some travel dreaming at R We There Yet Mom?

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A Snow-Filled Stay at the Aspens on Blackcomb

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Once again we took a chance, booked using a LivingSocial Escape voucher and hit the road. We headed to Whistler to stay in our very own 1-bedroom condo at Aspens on Blackbomb in Whistler’s Upper Village. A condo is our ideal set up with a toddler in tow. Dek was able to sleep in our room during naps and in the living room at night. We all got more sleep and Dek didn’t just sit there staring at us when he should have been going to sleep.

Booking

The booking process on this voucher was fairly simple. I was requesting some pretty last-minute dates in the middle of snowboarding season. I went to them with an open calendar of weekends for us to work around. The agent came back with 3 weekends in January that they had available and let me know which were booking up faster than others so I would know how quickly I had to move. With just 3 emails we were all set to go. I booked our condo, called reservations with my credit card number to hold the room (this is standard practice at most hotels I’ve been to) and received email confirmation quickly. All we had to do is pack and drive up.

Take a stroll out your backdoor down Blackcomb

Check In

Upon arrival I left Mike and Dek in the car so I could find out about parking and check in. The process took about 5 minutes, which is probably the fastest I have every checked into a hotel. I was handed a package of room keys, pool keys, towel cards, a map and a number of other promo cards. Bit overkill, but I guess everyone needs to have their say in your vacation. I do wish there was just one card that accessed everything though. There was too much risk of losing one of the pieces I had to return at the end of the trip.

Unforeseen Fees

Internet was included in our voucher, but unbeknownst to me, parking was not. It cost us an additional CAD$15 per day. This was not a welcome additional expense as you can imagine, especially after my pregnant brain miscalculated how long we would be there and I ended up paying for an extra night. Now I could have gone to the front desk and seen about a refund, but I didn’t think of it at the time and honestly just wasn’t in the mood to deal with any complications on this trip.

Dek quickly checked out the TV remote in the living room area of our condo

Our Suite

Our condo was clean, simple and efficient. The main section of the condo was one big room broken into 3 sections: the kitchen, a small dining area and the living room. There was a small flat screen TV and DVD player in the living room along with a fireplace. The kitchen was stocked with your basic utensils, plates and cookware. There was a dishwasher, which was a very nice surprise, as we hate to do dishes when we are on vacation. We eat out more than we should because of how much we loathe having to do an everyday chore. A balcony fed off the living room with a nice view of the pool, hot tubs and ski in/ski out entrance.

The kitchen and dining area were small, but left more space to spread out in the living room area

The bedroom was small, but had two dressers/night stands and a big enough closet to hang some clothes and stash our suitcase. There was no TV, but as long as we could have a light on to read we were generally very comfy hiding out while Dek slept in the living room.

The bathroom was larger than the one we have at home. Not hard to do, but I always marvel at how big they can be. There was enough space to stick Dek’s tiny potty we had carted up so we could continue to encourage the potty training we had started the week before. The tub was nice and deep allowing for a late night soak after a long day in the snow.

Overall the condo wasn’t the height of luxury, but it certainly wasn’t sub par in any way. It was efficient and clean, which is all we needed.

View from our balcony of the pool and Blackcomb entrance

Resort Amenities

Hot Tubs and Pools:The resort boasted 3 outdoor hot tubsand a year round heated pool. By late afternoon the hot tubs were busy, but there was always room for one more person looking for a nice soak. The pool usually had one or two intrepid families making the plunge, but it was pretty chilly so no one stayed in for very long. I put one toe in and went running for the hot tubs.
- Note: You cannot use the condo towels in the pool area. You must use your pool towel card to get towels from the front desk. You must return the towels before you check out. Leaving the pool towels in your condo does not count as them being returned and you can be charged for them.

Ski and Snowboard Storage: Summit Ski, which is adjacent to the front desk, offers complimentary ski concierge service. If they are not open, you must leave your skis or board with the front desk.
- Note: Skis and snowboards are not allowed in the room. You must check them in at the complimentary concierge service. You can be charged for bringing them into the elevator and/or up to your room. However, we did see plenty of people doing just that so I am not sure how strictly it is enforced.
HouseKeeping: You are staying in a condo unit, not a hotel, so the rooms are only cleaned every 4 days.
Other Amenities include bike storage, communal laundry areas and a very small gym.

Location

If you are an avid skier or snowboarder this location can’t be beat. With ski-in/ski-out access you can simply walk downstairs, strap on your snowboard and hit the powder. It is a short ride down to the Blackcomb ski lift and an easy walk back up the hill if you shoot past it at the end of the day. The condo complex was quiet since it was not close to any bars and had tons of families enjoying a stay. The resort also enforced quiet hours from 10pm-8am which ensured a good night sleep for all.

Walk or ski your way into the resort on a snow-filled day

There are shuttles that will bring you from the Blackcomb day lodge and drop you off at your hotel in the Upper Village if you do not feel like walking. There are also a handful of restaurants available in the Upper Village, but if you are looking for more dining options head down the hill into Whistler Village with the kids. You can either walk, drive or shuttle it down. We chose to drive a lot so we could move on our own timeline. Parking was cheap, and even free in the Market Place lot if you could get done your meal in 2 hours.

Know Before You Go

Aspens on Blackcomb, 4800 Spearhead Drive, Whistler, Tel: 604-932-7222
A 1 bedroom can run you about CAD$300+ a night, but there are many deals and packages out there.
- Keep an eye on travel voucher sites like Groupon and LivingSocial Escapes. They have been running a lot of specials this winter that can save you hundreds of dollars. We paid less than $400 total for 3 nights.
Check in: 4pm, Check out: 10am, call the night before your departure if you would like a late check out.
Reservations are made through ResortQuest, a company that manages several properties up in Whistler. Condos are generally privately owned and then rented out when the owner is not using them, so décor may differ. If the Aspens is booked, look at some of the other properties they offer.

For more information check out our Whistler, BC (Winter) trip report.

walkingon travels

Whistler Inclusive Playground Serves up Plenty of Fun

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Flower Show Survival Guide with Kids

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A Snow-Filled Stay at the Aspens on Blackcomb

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