ROMP

Right under your nose!

Celebrating MLK in their own way Show up to hear youth express what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and work means to them through song, dance and spoken-word performances. This family-friendly, youth-organized event held the Sunday before MLK Day features food, videos, and a panel discussion. — Sydney Parker

Sun., Jan 19, at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute from noon to 5 pm. FREE.

Things to do with kids

Outer Space’s 1,667 square feet takes kids’ playtime vertical.

Explore Outer Space

New indoor play space blasts off in West Seattle, inviting young explorers of all abilities

by DANIELLE HAYDEN / photos by JOSHUA HUSTON

When Caitlin Huertas searched for a fun place to take her two children in her West Seattle

neighborhood, she had a tough time finding an inclusive play space designed with both kids’ and parents’ needs in mind. She decided to build her own.

Outer Space, Huertas’ dream made manifest, is now open — but it took years to get to this point. From finding the right location and affordable rent, to challenges with prospective landlords, the journey hasn’t been easy. But her hard work paid off: she finally found the ideal location right off of Alki Beach, one of Seattle’s most beloved destinations.

The 1,677-square-foot space isn’t massive, but Huertas took advantage of the high ceiling with a three-level vertical play structure placed atop a soft, padded floor. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

5 things to do Valentine’s Day activities

1

Baby’s first valentine Bring the babes (ages 0-2) to paint valentine keepsakes at Seattle ReCreative. The baby-made artworks make perfect gifts for grandparents and friends. Sat., Jan. 25, 12:30-2 pm. 8408 Greenwood Ave. N., $30.

2

Octopus romance Learn about the surprisingly complex love lives of the Seattle Aquarium’s local marine species and watch them dine on Valentine’s Day-themed treats. Fri., Feb. 14, 9:30 am-5 pm. 1483 Alaskan Way. Free with admission.

3

Get your heart racing Celebrate your love for the outdoors with a Valentine’s Day Kids Dash and Tike Trot at Green Lake! The race is open to kids ages 10 and under. Sat., Feb. 8. Race begins 9:10 am. Register at valentinesdaydash.com.

4

Love at the Zoo Feel the love as animals at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium dine on Valentine’s Daythemed treats. Feb. 15 and 16, 9:30 am-4 pm, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma. Free with admission.

5

Date night Splurge on a Parent’s Night Out! Drop the kids off at the Pacific Science Center, where they’ll learn about local bird species and do hands-on activities while you enjoy a little alone time. Kids age K-5, 5:30-11 pm. 200 2nd Ave. N. $45; $35 for members.

«Romp

CONTINUED

She chose a space theme to foster an early interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), something many parents can appreciate here in tech hub Seattle. Outer space is something “timeless and versatile that would interest everyone,” says Huertas, reasoning that the galactic theme would be universally appreciated by kids of all backgrounds and identities. Inclusion is important to Huertas, who made it her mission to include elements for young people on the autism spectrum or who might otherwise benefit from a low-sensory environment. Every day, the space will have sensory backpacks available for checkout that contain noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, a stress ball, and putty. They also have a Sensory Room featuring a rotating selection of items and activities for kids, including a movement chair and weighted blanket. Monthly dates for low-noise, low-light mornings will be announced on the Outer Space website.

Seven days a week (Monday-Saturday is available for open play; on Sundays, the space can be rented for parties) Outer Space can accommodate 49 people. This may seem like a small number, but Huertas stressed the importance of comfort during play, instead of kids being tightly packed into a chaotic atmosphere. A lower head count makes it easier to keep an eye on the kids from the sidelines, freeing parents to relax and chat while their children play. Fewer kids doesn’t eliminate germs, however, and Huertas is mindful of the need to keep the equipment clean. The space will be cleaned throughout the day, with more thorough cleanings every night and deep cleanings monthly.

Huertas takes safety seriously. There is a gate at the reception desk, and no one is allowed to come or go without checking in with the desk greeters. The facility is also nut-free, easing the worries of parents who have kids with peanut allergies.

Kids of all ages are welcome at Outer Space, and there’s an area especially for ages 5 and under. Huertas hopes Outer Space creates an experience for everyone that’s truly out of this world. “This space isn’t just for our kids, it’s for our whole community,” she says. “That is the driving force behind this.” q Outer Space, 2820 Alki Ave SW, #2; outerspaceseattle.com

Escape from Seattle! Theater fun in Edmonds

Catch two back-to-back shows of Polka Dots, a multisensory, inclusive theatrical experience led by the Parachute Players, at this year’s Edmonds Center for the Arts Kidstock. Other Kidstock highlights include performances by Recess Monkey, Northwest

Tap Connection, and

Bailadores de Bronce.

Feb. 1, 10 am-12:10 pm. FREE. 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds.

— Sydney Parker