Jefferson Park and Toddler Gym, Delite Bakery

Yesterday was one of those April days where it was supposed to be sunny and it ended up raining. I am getting to the time of year where I just get fed up with it all and so yesterday, I said 'screw it,' we are going on an adventure anyway.
For me, the South end of Seattle is all sort of an exploration for me. I am not at all familiar with the areas, so I thought that it would be fun to explore a little. I had read good things about Jefferson Park and its face lift, so I decided to take the kiddos and check it out. Of course, by the time we got out of the house and pulled into the lot, it was pouring. Perfect, I thought. Why not check out the local bakery and gorge on donuts instead? then, we can revisit the park idea after? SO, we headed to Delite Bakery, just down the way. This place had some good write ups on Yelp, so I figured, what the heck? its a donut, right? We pulled into the unassuming parking lot and I have to say, I am so used to venturing into the gourmet croissant type bakeries with the fancy facades and outdoor seating, that I was a little hesistant about shleping the kids out of the car, through the rain, and inside. But, I am glad I did. They had many donuts, and donuts are good. and, these, were light and airy and delicious! the women running the place were quite friendly too, as we took over the place for a good 20 minutes while the rain came to a stop.
Then, we hit the playground. it is on top of a hill over looking the city with a vast open space and a nice playstructure of Kompani equipment. some, a little older than my son's abilities, but fun nonetheless. When the rain started up again, we headed indoors to the Jefferson Community Center, which is next door. perfect! it was a Thursday, therefore the center was open for toddler play in the gym. and, I now name this place the absolute best. it has 4 bouncy houses, so many toys, 2 of those car roller coaster things...tons of kids, but it seemed like there were enough toys to go around regardless. by far, the most cool toys of any Toddler Gym that I have been to so far...recommend! come sun, I will definitely be back at that park, too.

Commmunity Centers.

Oh, the winters of Seattle. I never really hit the Community Center circuit last winter, but this year, with a crazily energetic child, a newborn and rain, rain and rain, I have started making the circuit. funny, they are all pretty similar, but I have made it my goal to visit a different one each time we go, just to mix it up a bit. So far, here is what I have found.

Queen Anne: a good one, nearby to a plethora of coffee and pastry options. I think there was a bouncy house here, lots of balls and ride ons.

Ravenna: the best one, but also the most crowded. an air hockey table in the lobby was quite the draw for my son, who kept running out of the gym to watch the air hockey. jumpy house, cool roller coaster thing for the ride on toys. lots of balls and ride ons...and a drive through espresso nearby. Muddy Waters. (they only take cash on orders less than 10$)

Ballard: not bad, not too exciting either. the plus, not too crowded. I usually hit up Firehouse Coffee on the way.

Meadowbrook: not bad, bouncy house, fewer ride ons and balls. not crowded at all, and the gym was FREEEEZING. for some reason, this place seemed a little more depressing to me than the others, not quite sure why though. food nearish by: Top Pot Donuts, Grateful Bread Cafe

Stay tuned, so long as the rain continues, we will be checking out a few more of these spots! A couple others that I have heard good things about are the Northgate and Magnussen Toddler Gym.