Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Venturing Out

•   Fairhaven Library to Re-Open Jan. 5th
  

  Seven months, several coats of stucco, one stone staircase, and many refurbished windows later, the Fairhaven Branch of the Bellingham Public Library has been declared "water tight" and ready to serve the public for another 100-plus years. "We're thrilled with the results of the repair project," said Library Director Pamela Kiesner.

•   Fairhaven Branch Library Closes for Repairs
  

  The Fairhaven Branch of the Bellingham Public Library will be closed beginning June 1, 2009, while repair work to the 104-year old building gets underway. Repair work will focus on four major aspects: the exterior “envelope” of the building, the entry staircase, the windows, and re-grading the perimeter of the building to direct water away from window wells and the building foundation.

•   Get Creative at Bellingham Craft Stores
  

  March is National Craft Month, which seems just perfect for the unpredictable weather we’ve been having in Bellingham during this time of year. Stock up on craft supplies at one of the great, local craft stores listed below so you can keep the kids occupied while it’s raining, hailing, or even snowing outside for the next few weeks. Kids and adults can even sign-up for classes to learn more about crafting!

•   A Look at Bellingham's Toy Stores
  

  The EASY-BAKE Oven and G.I. JOE action figure, two classic American toys of 1960s, recently celebrated their 45th Anniversaries. We don't point this out to make our readers who might remember their debuts feel old, but to remind you that your child's favorite toy could have a significant role in lifelong memories of childhood and growing-up. Take a look at some of the local toy shops in Bellingham to find toys and games that will inspire today's kids and kids-at-heart!

•   Broadway Neighborhood Youth Center
  

  In case parents and kids haven’t heard, the Broadway neighborhood has an after-school resource available to Whatcom Middle School students. It’s the recently opened Broadway Neighborhood Youth Center (BNYC) located on the corner of Broadway and Dupont. Open on weekday afternoons, the BNYC is a drop-in center centrally situated to serve Whatcom students, the center’s target population.

•   Whatcom County Winter Sports Lessons
  

  In the winter months, it’s sometimes hard to get motivated for physical activity. But participating in a winter sport might be just the thing to help keep kids active and having fun through the coldest season of the year. Some of these sports can even be played all year round! Take a look at some of the options for winter sports lessons available in and around Bellingham and Whatcom County.

•   Bounce On Over to The Fun Zone
  

  It’s another rainy day in Bellingham, and you’re wondering what the heck to do with your kids. Familiar scene? If you and your kids need a sanity saver, try the Jump Around Fun Zone. Or maybe you’ve discovered it already. The Fun Zone features two bounce houses, a sort-of inflated obstacle course, and two inflated slides. Everything here is inflated, so kids can bounce and jump to their hearts’ content.

•   Holiday Photo Opportunities Around Bellingham
  

  When it comes to photos with Santa, kids are anxious to relay the contents of their Christmas list to jolly, old St. Nick. Mom and Dad, however, might be more interested in getting a photo of the kids in their Christmas sweaters. If you’re looking for something a little outside the “traditional” Santa photo this year, check out some of the unique holiday photo opportunities taking place around Whatcom County this year.

•   Holiday Markets and Bazaars in Bellingham
  

  Planning to do some holiday shopping on “Black Friday” this year? If possible, try to support local businesses when buying gifts, and be sure to check out some of the wonderful holiday markets and bazaars taking place around Bellingham over the next few weeks. Proceeds from many of these events also support local organizations. So make your list, check it twice, and start shopping!

•   Northwest Gifts Holiday Store Opens
  

  Local gourmet food producers/creators and artists/crafters are pleased to announce the grand opening of a truly unique gift store, Northwest Gifts, just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Situated next to the entry area of the Cordata Cost Cutter, Northwest Gifts will be a one-stop shopping venue for gourmet foods, entertaining ideas and unique gifts with a local touch.

•   Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch
  

  While grabbing a pumpkin at your neighborhood Haggen is convenient, there’s nothing quite like loading up the kids in the car and heading out to a local farm to find the perfect pumpkin for jack-o-lantern carving, right off the vine. So here are a few facts about some Whatcom and Skagit County farms that you might want to check out if you’re planning a pumpkin patch expedition this October.

•   Flights of Fancy at Dream Science Circus
  

  In a warehouse across the street from Bellingham High School, you might not expect to find the thrills and chills of a circus in such a small space. But the intimate setting only magnifies the magic and wonder of Bellingham’s own Dream Science Circus. This U&I Production show has toured the country and the world, but they've returned home this October to offer a series of shows in honor of their 5th anniversary.

•   Thinking of Moving to Bellingham?
  

  Welcome to Bellingham! Perhaps we’re a bit biased, but we think Bellingham is a great place to live, work, play, learn, and explore. With friendly neighborhoods and wonderful educational resources, there are plenty of attractions for families in this city by the bay. If you’re new to the area or just thinking thinking of relocating to this beautiful community, here some useful resources for families to help you get settled.

•   Bargains in Bellingham for Back to School
  

  When I was growing up, I loved the annual “Back to School” shopping trip. To save some cash, consider shopping at local consignment and thrift stores this year. It's a great idea for the budget-minded family, as you can often find brand-name clothes at reasonable prices. Plus, you can clean out your closets to consign clothes that your kids have outgrown, and a few stores in town even offer trades or cash for clothes.

•   Find Unique Products by Local Moms at BBC
  

  After the birth of our daughter, my husband and I wanted to leave the fast pace of corporate jobs and focus on raising our family in Bellingham. After 25+ years in the retail field, I thought I was ready to leave all that behind. But my search for unique, mom-made baby products led to the launch of a website, Kangaroodle.com, and a store, Bellingham Baby Company, to help other parents find special products for babies and moms.

•   What’s New on the Bellingham Waterfront?
  

  The winds of change are wafting through Bellingham, specifically in the Waterfront District. It’s been a soft breeze for the past seven years, ever since the 137-acre Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill closed down in 2001. Recently, the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham have made significant headway toward action in the development of Bellingham Bay's shore, although plenty of details need to be finalized in the next few months.

•   Buskers Make the Farmers Market Special
  

  As you make your way through the Bellingham Farmers Market, you’ll probably notice lots of street musicians and performers scattered throughout the vendors. These individuals are called “buskers” and Market Manager Robin Crowder believes that farmers markets and buskers go hand-in-hand. “I think the two are perpetually linked,” she said.

•   Farmers Market Welcomes Kid Vendors
  

  Embracing the nearly-lost art of the corner lemonade stand, the Bellingham Farmers Market gives young entrepreneurs the chance to make and sell their wares to the community on Kids Vending Day at the last Saturday Market of each month. And the creative kids in Bellingham can be found vending just about everything: jewelry, handmade soap, flowers, collars for pets and much more.

•   Experience the Bellingham Farmers Market
  

  A trip to the Bellingham Farmers Market is no ordinary grocery shopping trip. At what grocery store could you find fresh and locally-grown produce, buy a new hemp outfit, eat authentic French crepes, get a massage, and watch a fire juggling show? If you know of one, I’d love to hear about it and check it out because all these things and much more make a day at the Bellingham Farmers Market a special event.

•   Great Locations for Summer Birthday Parties
  

  When you’re a kid, having a summer birthday can be kind of a bummer. You don’t get to celebrate your special day with your classmates, and if you do, it’s usually on the same day as all the summer birthdays. Not quite the same. To make your Birthday Kid's special day extra memorable, let us suggest a few locations around town that will inspire plenty of summer fun.

•   Biking Kids Around Bellingham
  

  If you’re a regular bike commuter, there’s no reason for your habits to change just because kids enter the picture. There are several options of bike transports for kids that are safe and diverse to fit your lifestyle and needs. And in a bike-friendly community like Bellingham, there are lots of businesses and resources here to help to help you find the perfect bike transport for your kids.

•   Creating a Kid-Friendly Office
  

  The days of “kids should be seen and not heard” have long-since transitioned to a new, healthier world where children are more frequently included in most areas of daily life. In an effort to be accessible to those you serve, and in consideration of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, ask yourself, “Is my office a place where kids feel welcome and comfortable?” If not, here are some ideas for items that will make your daily work space more "kid-friendly."