She doesn’t have kids, but she likes to borrow her friends’ kids; CHARLOTTE BEALL, the director of exhibits at the Children’s Museum at Seattle Center, is more of a big kid herself. As Madame Directress herself says, “The way that I work is to put myself into the mind of a child.” Her favorite food is potatoes, prepared any way, but especially French fries; she guesses if she were stuck on an island and could only eat one thing, it’d be potatoes. Make that a big, weird kid.
Best Playground
Magnuson Park: newly redone with the most elaborate outdoor play equipment. Also convenient for dogs, people, and boats when you’re finished on the playground.
Best Park
Visiting Lincoln Park in West Seattle is like being on vacation in a magnificent place—with access to water, playgrounds, trails, and Colman Pool.
Best Children’s Bookstore
For Kid’s Sake, near University Village, and The Secret Garden in Ballard. Both have extensive authors, illustrators, and guest readers.
Best Toy Store
Top Ten Toys in Greenwood for any toy of any kind for any age. And Archie McPhee in Ballard has the gag gifts and the most unusual supplies to make whatever you care to create yourself.
Best Place to Fly a Kite
Magnuson Kite Hill is new and tailored for your flying pleasure.
Best Family Restaurant
Luna Park Cafe, a fun-filled environment; or Azteca, found in any part of town and enough food to fill you for the day.
Best Family Entertainment
Seattle is a great city for families. A ferry ride for fantastic views and fresh air, soaring with the seagulls; or a visit to Seattle Center, where there is something for everyone of all ages—it has it all!
Best Pizza
Mad Pizza. It’s got locations throughout the city, and you can get tasty individual slices.
Best Fries
Kebab Corner at Seattle Center has the best fries, and huge quantities for the price.
Best Hot Dog
Frankfurter.
Best Children’s Museum Exhibit in the Past Year
Leap, Pounce, Growl: Animals in African Masks, Textiles, and Story. Or, currently, Come Build and Play: Pyramids in Sand.
Best Day and Time to Visit the Children’s Museum
After 2 p.m. weekdays, for less people.
Best Seattle Center Event for Children
The International Children’s Festival has incredible performances from all over the world. It’s an inspiration for every attendee!
Best Ride at Seattle Center Fun Forest
The Water Car.
Best Place to Park When Visiting Seattle Center on Event Days
It’s a secret.
Best Place to Park When Visiting Seattle Center on Non-Event Days
West side two- and three-hour street parking. Taking the bus is also convenient. 
