Madison Park
This neighborhood, which sits on the edge of Lake Washington along with the rest of the city's toniest enclaves, still offers plenty of economical eateries and stores mixed in with high-end shopping and dining. Many shops target young, stylish parents; in the summers, the small beach area at the end of Madison Street is packed with moms, dads, and their charges. Plus, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Seattle's enormous Washington Park Arboretum, near Union Park.
Eat
My Coffeehouse
This is the neighborhood's caffeine fix of choice for parents with young kids. Moms, dads, and nannies hang around and talk while tots play in a colorful, central play area. H&H bagels are FedExed in from New York City.
2818 E. Madison St., (206) 568-7509
Incredible sushi is the draw at this handsome restaurant. Sit at the sushi bar and order California rolls for the kids; you can then try something more adventurous.
3130 E. Madison St., (206) 322-5800
You can't describe food in Seattle without highlighting a vegetarian restaurant. At this one, try the portabella Wellington and some Oaxaca tacos.
2901 E. Madison St., (206) 325-9100
Gourmet sandwiches, soups, homemade bread, and salads. Kids can opt for grilled cheddar cheese or peanut-butter-and-chocolate sandwiches.
2719 E. Madison St., (206) 328-0078; closed Sundays and Mondays
Shop
Plum Children's Shoes
A well-designed boutique with top-of-the-line boys' and girls' shoes from abroad. Expect brands such as D&G Junior, Oilily, and Umi.
2913 E. Madison St., (206) 322-7011; closed Sundays and Mondays
Kids' clothing by Juicy Couture and other of-the-moment designers. The well-established store also houses a new haircutting studio, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday.
4216 E. Madison St., (206) 328-7121; closed Sundays and Mondays
In the various nooks of this house-turned-store, you'll find Haba toys, dolls, puzzles, and games, and plush toys from Selecta.
1429 12th Ave., (206) 322-TOYS (8697)
Do
Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum
See beautifully landscaped gardens and swimming koi (buy food for them in the warmer months). There's a fee to get in (children up to 5 years enter free); the park closes from the end of November through mid-February.
1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E., (206) 684-4725
In late summer, visiting the grassy beach is a must. Older kids can swim out to a floating raft where diving boards and views of Mount Rainier await.
E. Madison St. and E. Howe St., (206) 684-4075
Located on the University of Washington's campus—near Madison Park and Union Bay—this little gem of a museum houses dinosaur, volcano, and fossil exhibits.
17th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 45th St., (206) 543-5590
