Chicken satay is always a safe item to get, because it’s usually innocuous. But at Saigon Palms, the chicken satay is marinated with lemongrass and honey, and topped with seared scallions and peanuts. The combination is simple, but the flavor is memorable. If you like spice, the honey-glazed chicken wings with wokked peppers and onions on the appetizer menu is also delicious. Pho is a mainstay at Vietnamese restaurants and the Saigon Palms version holds its own with a rich broth that hardly requires any additional seasonings. The salad rolls are as fresh as you can expect and pretty flavorful.

If you have squirmy preschoolers, the tables with the rattan chairs that have high arms can “lock” your kids at the table. After lunch, handling IKEA isn’t as daunting.

– Hsiao-Ching Chou

Vancouver
Mt. Washington Ski Resort
Mt. Cain Ski Resort
Cypress Mountain – Ski Resort
Mount Seymour – Ski Resort

Northern California
Alpine Meadows
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Heavenly
Kirkwood
Northstar at Tahoe
Squaw Valley

Southern California
Big Bear
Mammoth
Snow Valley

Vancouver

Mount Seymour – Ski Resort <your business name or a special headline can appear here>
The 100-word copy would appear here describing your ski resort and the special deal, event or discount you would like to offer.  In addition, we ask our advertisers to offer our Red Tricycle readers a coupon or code to receive even more savings, if available.  That would usually be entered in Bold Italicized type as the following example demonstrates:   Mention “Red Tricycle” when you book your weekend and receive % discount off lift tickets (limit 4).
Mount Seymour Ski Resort
1700 Mount Seymour Road
North Vancouver, BC
Canada, V7G 1L3
604 986 2261
snow@mountseymour.com
www.mountseymour.com

Northern California

Diamond Peak Ski Resort <your business name or a special headline can appear here>
The 100-word copy would appear here describing your ski resort and the special deal, event or discount you would like to offer.  In addition, we ask our advertisers to offer our Red Tricycle readers a coupon or code to receive even more savings, if available.  That would usually be entered in Bold Italicized type as the following example demonstrates:  Mention “Red Tricycle” when you book your weekend and receive % discount off lift tickets (limit 4).
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
1210 Ski Way
Incline Village, NV 89451
General Information:   (775) 832-1177
www.diamondpeak.com

Squaw Valley Ski Resort <your business name or a special headline can appear here>
The 100-word copy would appear here describing your ski resort and the special deal, event or discount you would like to offer.  In addition, we ask our advertisers to offer our Red Tricycle readers a coupon or code to receive even more savings, if available.  That would usually be entered in Bold Italicized type as the following example demonstrates:  Mention “Red Tricycle” when you book your weekend and receive % discount off lift tickets (limit 4).
Squaw Valley
Lake Tahoe
(530) 583-6985
www.squaw.com

Southern California

Big Bear Ski Resort <your business name or a special headline can appear here>
The 100-word copy would appear here describing your ski resort and the special deal, event or discount you would like to offer.  In addition, we ask our advertisers to offer our Red Tricycle readers a coupon or code to receive even more savings, if available.  That would usually be entered in Bold Italicized type as the following example demonstrates:  Mention “Red Tricycle” when you book your weekend and receive % discount off lift tickets (limit 4).
Big Bear Ski Resort
Bear Valley, CA
909-866-7000
askbblra@bigbear.com
www.bigbear.com

It’s hard to believe summer is coming to a close this weekend, but Labor Day weekend is here, so make the most of this three-day weekend. Festivals and fairs are the on the agenda, whether you wanna go Greek in Long Beach or go big at the Los Angeles County Fair, or indulge the craftier side of life at Fiesta Hermosa. Enjoy the unseasonably cool weather with a naturalist-led hike through Franklin Canyon or strum away the morning to the tunes of Peter Himmelman at Topanga Canyon’s Will Geer Theatricum. Your clown-loving, acrobatic-adoring young ones will be head over heels for Circus Vargas while chili-loving types will dig the Malibu Chili Cook off and Carnival. Whatever your flavor, we’ve got a taste!

Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silverlake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Downtown)

Feliz Compleano!

Los Angeles Birthday Celebration Head down to Olvera Street for this birthday cake-filled party celebrating the 229th anniversary of the City of Angels. Learn about the history of our fair city while indulging in great food, listening to music and enjoying one of the city’s oldest areas. Sat., 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Los Angeles, Free. Read more.

Fair is Fair

L.A. County Fair Labor Day kicks off the big fair so gear up for ferris wheel rides, pig races, crazy acrobatics, hot dogs, cotton candy and much, much more. A few standouts include the Pirate’s Life adventure and monkey business in the Mojo’s Jungle. Pack up the sunscreen and get ready to go! Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pomona, $6 to $17, under 5 free. Read more.

Westside (Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Cheviot Hills, CulverCity)

The Great Outdoors

Kid’s Hands at Franklin Canyon Meet up at the Sookie Goldman Nature Center for a fun hike where a naturalist introduces the little hikers to the world around them, bugs, critters, flora and fauna. Post walk, the kids get to create a piece of artwork of things they learned. Suggested ages 3-8 accompanied by an adult. Sun, 10 a.m., Beverly Hills, Free. Read more.

Under the Big Top

Circus Vargas California’s own circus comes to Culver City this weekend along with high-flying acts, lions, tigers, bears and oh my! Join the ringmaster as he shows audience members on how to juggle and hula-hoop, plus there’s plenty of clowing around to keep the fun going. Culver City, Fri. 7:30, Sat. and Sun., 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, Mon., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Culver City, $15 to $45,  Read more.

Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Malibu)

Let go of my Lego

Lego Club Your engineer in the making will love this two hour Lego building hour at the Santa Monica Library. Bring your own or make use of the library’s legos and let his or her imagination climb to new heights. Sat., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Santa Monica., Free. Read more.

Beans or No Beans?

Malibu Chili Cook-off and Carnival Whether you’re a chili fan or not, there’s something for everyone at this spicy extravaganza. Carnival games, rides and fun keep the kids entertained while on Saturday and Sunday there’s plenty of chili tasting to be done. Fri., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat., and Sun., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, Mon., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Malibu, $10, under 9 free, Read more.

Beach Cities (Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach)

Arts & Fun

Fiesta Hermosa Beachside is the perfect place to be on Labor Day weekend and the Fiesta Hermosa does not disappoint. This massive festival features the largest arts and crafts exhibits with more than 270 artisans. But the place you’ll want to take the little ones is right to the Kiddie carnival where fun beckons with a 30 foot slide, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, pny rides, petting zoo, face painters and rides galore.  Sat., Sun., Mon., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hermosa Beach, Free. Read More.

Opa!

Long Beach Greek Festival Spanikopta is calling! This three-day festival has plenty to keep the family entertained, from carnival rides and games to dancing and cooking lessons, not to mention more Greek delicacies than you can possibly eat. Sat., Sun., Mon., Noon to 9 p.m., Long Beach, $3, Under 12 Free. Read more.

Valley (Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Glendale, Pasadena)

Sunday Funday

Music of Peter Himmelman Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum hosts the Grammy-nominated musician, PeterHimmelman who will be playing songs from his latest album, My Trampoline. It’s loads of bouncy, musical fun, and parents will dig his tunes, too. Sunday 11 a.m., Topanga Canyon, $8. Read more.

E-I-E-I-O

Third Annual Farmer Day Celebrate the end of summer with a visit to the Kidspace Children’s Museum where a petting zoo will be in full force along with the chance to “bring in the crops.” Wear your best workin’ dungarees. Sat., Sun., and Mon., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pasadena, Adults $10, Children under 10 free., Read more.

—Lara Burnap

It’s Back-to-School time, are you done with the School Shopping yet? If not, don’t worry Red Tricycle’s got you covered with our Back-to-School Sweepstakes! To enter, “Like Us” in Facebook and participate in the daily contests by posting on our wall. Like Red Tricycle San Francisco, or Red Tricycle Seattle here.

MONDAY
The first days of school can leave the little ones fantastically famished by the end of the day! Tell us your favorite after school snack idea for a chance to win a ReUsies Lunch & Snack Bag Pack, the re-usable alternative to sandwich/snack bags.

TUESDAY
Precious preschool pictures time! Post your adorable first day of school photo on our wall for a chance to win a Pixable Pocketpix, where you can create and share a personalized photobook in 3 easy steps!

WEDNESDAY
What’s in your little ones lunchbox? Send us your favorite lunch idea for a chance to win an eco-friendly Goodbyn, a better lunchbox,
reinvented for kids, parents, and our planet.

THURSDAY
Books are not just for school! Tell us what is on your little ones favorite reading list for a chance to win a set of Lunch Box Love Notes by Say Please. Inspirational quotes for your kids lunch box with fun trivia on the back.

FRIDAY
Help a new preschool mom get a leg up! Tell us your best Back-To-School Tip for a chance to win a pair of Baby Legs, the functional and fashionable leg warmers that keep little legs warm.

To enter the sweepstakes visit our Red Tricycle San Francisco and Red Tricycle Seattle Facebook pages, go to “Sweepstake Tab” follow the instruction on the page for the contest of the day. One winner per day will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries.

Want to know more?  Then read about how to Green Your Lunchbox and 25 Back To School Lunch Ideas!

Did you “Like” us on Facebook yet?
Come and play with us! Red Tricycle San Francisco, Red Tricycle Seattle.

There’s also a great volunteer opportunity to help support the Portland Parks & Recreation Pesticide-free Parks Program. We are lucky to have dedicated parks where we can let our kids roll in the grass, play soccer or picnic without worrying about the dangerous effects of pesticides. Join other volunteers and Parks staff to pull weeds, mulch planting beds, and learn about other ways you can get involved with pesticide-free parks. Arbor Lodge Park has a work party the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon and Sewallcrest Park the first Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon.

EASTSIDE

$2 Day at OMSI Not only can all ages get in for only $2 each, the Reptile and Amphibian Show will be running this weekend too! Over 100 exotic animals will be on display, plus there will be a special hands-on area where several dozen nonvenomous reptiles and amphibians will be available for supervised interaction. Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Portland, $2 all ages. Read more.

Musical Sing-a-long and Storytime at Mississippi Treehouse Meet new friends and sing along to your favorite songs and books! Pick up a tambourine, drum or shaker and get your jam on. While there check out locally handmade clothing, bedding and gifts. Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Portland, free.Read more.

WESTSIDE

Free First Friday at Portland Children’s Museum Looking for some Friday night fun for the whole family? Head to the Portland Children’s Museum where admission is free for the night! Check out the Kids Build exhibit–a monster building studio–and the new Pet Hospital exhibit. Plus make family votive candles while listening to the Portland Youth Metro Pipe Band. Fri., 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Portland, free. Read more.

SUBURBS

“Soar with Books” Toddler Reading at Pearson Air Museum Calling all airplane lovers, big and small! Here’s a great way to spend a Saturday learning all about early aircraft. Start with storytime held under the wing of a vintage airplane. You’ll also get to enjoy an age-appropriate tour of the museum and a craft project. Sat., 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Vancouver, $7 18-54, $5 55+, $5 active military with ID, $5 6-17, 5 and under free. Read more.

Art a la Carte A great excuse to come check out historic downtown Milwaukie! Plenty of fun for the whole family: live music, art, a treasure hunt for the kids, poetry readings, beer tasting, DIY painting with Portland Waldorf School, demonstrations, and more. Fri., 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Milwaukie, free. Read more.

Portland Festival Symphony Don’t miss the Symphony’s last concert for the summer! This summer marked the Portland Festival Symphony’s 30th season of presenting free classical concerts in Portland public parks. Enjoy beautiful Foothills Park, set along the Willamette River, while you and the kids take in the amazing sounds of Portland’s finest classical musicians. Sun., 4 p.m., Lake Oswego, free. Read more.

EASTSIDE

Better Than TV

Family Fun Night at Bellevue YMCA Start the holiday weekend with Rock Star night at the Y, where the whole fam can join in themed gym activities, freeze dance, video games, karaoke, craft time and swimming.  Fri., 6 to 8 p.m., Bellevue, $2 per child. Read more.

Out and About

Labor Day Train Ride All aboard the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad for a special holiday train run, where your little conductor will love every part of the 70-minute round trip journey.  Sat.-Mon., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Snoqualmie, $4 to $8, Read more www.trainmuseum.org.

Nature’s Bounty

Snoqualmie Pass Nature Walk Pack up the fam for a day of nature and knowledge in this (the last of the summer) Forest Service-guided two-mile roundtrip walk through the old growth forest near the Twin Lakes area of Snoqualmie Pass.  Sat., 9:45 a.m. to noon, Snoqulamie, $10 donation suggested. Read more.

SEATTLE

Community Communing

Blues for Food Fest at Magnuson Park Seriously, does it get any better than smooth blues, tasty food, and lots of great activities to occupy the kids? (Plus you raise money for a good cause at the same time.)  Sat., noon to 7:30 p.m., Seattle, $8 to $15. Read more.

Music To Our Ears

Youngershoot at Bumbershoot Little ones have become an essential part of Seattle’s best music festival, thanks to the awesome programming that is Youngershoot. Catch shows by Caspar Babypants, Johnny Bregar, Brian Vogan and more, plus hang out in the Kids Pavilion (from 11 to 6 each day) for activities and music by Radio Disney!  Sat.-Mon., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Seattle, $22 to $50 per day; (kids 10 and younger free); Read more.

Curious Minds

Robots on Mars at Museum of Flight This weekend begins a fantastic family workshop op in learning about robotic rovers missions to Mars and designing your own Martian explorer. Sat-Sun (through Sept.12), Seattle, $8 to $13. Read more.

—Kavita Varma-White

It’s no secret that

kids love a good bouncy house, but there’s more than one way to get your bounce on. If your kid loves to jump, but you can’t bear the though of yet another bouncy house party, try one of our favorite active party spots instead!

DizzyBuskids love a good bouncy house, but there’s more than one way to get your bounce on. If your kid loves to jump, but you can’t bear the though of yet another bouncy house party, try one of our favorite active party spots instead!

With DizzyBus, you can have the Tumblebus come to you or take your party to Dizzy’s Bus Stop. With the Tumblebus option, you get the big yellow Tumblebus parked outside your house (how cool is that?), followed by cake and presents at your place after the kids are done tumbling. Or let someone else handle cleanup and take your party to the Bus Stop, where you’ll have the place to yourself and plenty of time in the tumbling room. Either way, the kids are guaranteed to have a tumbling fun time.

With locations throughout Puget Sound, the Little Gym is always a favorite. Get the run of the house with their “awesome birthday bash,” where a professional instructor will lead the kids in gymnastics-based fun and games. Bonus: they handle all of the set up and clean up – all you have to do is show up!

At Great Play in Redmond, they have three party themes to choose from (Field Day, Fun and Games, or Multi-Sport), and can customize the theme, based on your child’s interests. Parties include a photo greeting on their 100+ square foot score board, activities led by three Great Play coaches, time in the interactive arena, and an awards ceremony at the end.

Where did kids bounce before there were bouncy houses? On trampolines, of course! Have your party at the School of Acrobatics and Circus Arts (SANCA), and the kids can bounce on a trampoline, juggle, walk the tightwire, and even hang from a trapeze. After the circus fun, continue the celebration in their upstairs party space – balloons included!

What little ballerina wouldn’t want to spend her birthday dancing to her favorite ballet? Plan your party with Darrah Blanton, and she’ll customize a dance class to your child’s interests that includes scarves, hula hoops, parachute play, and an obstacle course.

Have a yoga party at one of the three 8 Limbs Yoga Centers, where the kids will “roar like a lion, stand strong like a tree, and party like a kid.” Reserve the space for a full two hour party, or take the party to a nearby eatery after a 45 minute birthday yoga class. The full party option even comes with a special present for the birthday kid!

Have a super sporty party with Arena Sports indoor and outdoor fun spaces (4 locations throughout Puget Sound).  Customize your party with soccer, flag football, dodgeball, t-Ball, kickball, field hockey, and more. The birthday boy or girl scores a commemorative jersey.

As the home training ground for the Sounders, Starfire Sports knows how to party (birthday party, that is). The Big Day includes a coach or referee, age appropriate games on an indoor or outdoor soccer field, and a soccer ball for the birthday child.

—Heidi Unruh

Edsel McFarlan’s New Car by Max Holechek and Darrell Toland
Two Seattle dads are behind this entertaining book geared to the  4 to 8 year old set who are passionate about cars. The story follows young Edsel, who builds a model car and gets his whole neighborhood involved in a wild ride. Toland’s illustrations are action-packed and seem to jump off the page.

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor by Samantha Vamos
Anyone who has had a second child will love Vamos’s bilingual picture book, which shows what a family does to welcome a new babe into the flock. Spanish phrases are woven through the text and it’s especially heart-warming to read about all the members of the large Latina familia, from parents and siblings to aunties, uncles and grandparents. (Note: Look for Vamos’ second children’s book The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred coming out this fall.

Who Hoo Are You? and What is Green?  by Kate Endle
Endle’s two new board books feature playful ,collage-style illustrations in a smorgasbord of color. In Who Hoo Are You?, little ones will love the cheerful gang of animals, including the curious calico kitten, the hugely happy hippo and the pretty prancing pony.  What is Green? helps kids recognize familiar shapes and creatures that come in a rainbow of colors. (A fun little tid-bit: Endle is the wife of Seattle kiddie rocker Chris Ballew, aka Caspar Babypants!)
Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure
Granted, it’s a bit late to be reading this to the kiddos considering we are at summer’s end.  But what a fun way to keep summer on the brain even when the rain starts falling again. Olympia-based McClure’s sweet tale is about a boy and his mother who follow the seasons looking for clues of summer, and is filled with her delightful paper-cut imagery (where each image is made from a single piece of black paper using an x-acto knife).

-Kavita Varma-White