If your little one had her druthers, she’d pop Flintstone vitamins while toting a Mr. Face backpack stuffed with a Disney Princess lunch box.
Sometimes, there’s a blurry line between parenting and product placement.
Clear things up at Red Wagon, a newish shop tucked away in Madison Park. The cheery mint green interior holds high-quality, licensed character-free toys, books, and games.
Traipse in on your way to the lake for buckets, pails, and beach paraphernalia. Then get sidetracked by German-made Kettler trikes, a thoughtfully edited book section (everything from Corduroy to Kevin Henkes), a costume corner (bumblebee wings! pirate hats!), ecotoys (miniature recycling trucks, U.S.-made tea sets), and an entire Where the Wild Things Are section.
Everything’s made with care and an eye toward longevity.
Just the kind of label that will stick.
Red Wagon Toys, 4218b East Madison Street (206-453-5306).
GO
Evergreen State Fair
What: A pig race, petting farm, carnival rides, and live entertainment for the whole family.
Why: All’s fair in love and farm animals.
When: Thurs.-Sept. 7. Daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe (425-388-3200).
CRUISE
Maritime Fest
What: Head to Tacoma’s waterfront for toy boat building, catch-and-release fishing for kiddos, dragon boat races, tugboat tours, and live music.
Why: It’s water, water everywhere.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Thea’s Park, Dock St., Thea Foss Waterway (253-318-2210).
VIEW
Movies at the Mural
What: Grab a blanket and take the peewees to a showing of Kung Fu Panda at Seattle Center’s outdoor movie festival.
Why: Everybody is kung fu fighting for a spot on the lawn.
When: Fri., 9 p.m.
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. (206-684-7200).