​The next few weeks we have a special guest parent writer, Erika Martinez-Vanbragt, giving you some Hot Tips (like which play spaces to cool off in and others) and some freebies in the area. She has taught me tons of mom tricks and always knows fun activities.

​

​Hey Sprinkles Parents, 

​I'm a WFH mom of all girls: 14 years, 27 months & 7 months and am always on the hunt for something free/cheap to keep everyone busy. Like most pandemic kids, my littles are wild...as in my adult to kid ratio needs to be 1:1 or the space needs to be enclosed. I took advantage of the Bay Area Play Pass and wanted to share my experience with others because I absolutely had a great time, and my girls did too (which I guess is important).

​Spirited Play Labs, San Ramon

​We visited this place on a Saturday, the same day as their Summer event took place and I feel like I hit such a jackpot! We arrived 1 hour before the event and were able to enjoy the space with about 3 other families. This warehouse type space had so much to explore: 1 side/room/space had wooden climbers, a tiny kitchen (for adults), train table and lots of space to run and explore, the other side/room/space had a fully stocked costume closet, pretend kitchen, books, light table that was encouraged to explore on (if that floats your boat), and my favorite part, a sensory floor that kept the baby engaged forever! They also had 2 different quiet rooms; 1 that I used for nursing, and 1 that was more for kids to catch a chill vibe--lots of fidget toys that I just cannot find on Amazon. 

​Afterwards, we ate at Plucked Chicken which was a bit too spicy for my taste but fries were consumed by all in the outdoor eating space. 

​      Toddler Tips for the next 10 days:

​Wednesday the 7th BADM is open for free

​Saturday the 17th Habitot at Jean Sweeny

​Special Update and Announcement - Brought to you by June Care Co

​Oakland Baby Groups are now free thanks to our friends at June Care. June Care is Childcare for Families, by Families. They connect parents who need childcare with stay-at-home parents who can care for their kids. So, if you need flexible childcare great! Or, you can help a family and easily earn an income by becoming a host today.  Check June Care out.

​The heat wave is going to break soon, so come join our baby group on Thursdays at 2pm!

​You Dream to Lead? 

​Kudos to folks who have asked to organize park play dates/brunches/drinks and more. We want to empower you! We want folks to connect, feel creative, meet up and do fun things. To that end I created a process for those volunteers to fill out their events/ideas that they will then lead/share with the world! 

​Halloween 

​60% of parents spend over $60 on their kids' Halloween costumes. If we all swap costumes instead, then we spend $0 this year and our kids get a new one! Laura I is looking for a dinosaur costume (3T) if anyone has one! Please respond to this email if you have one!

​Also, join us on October 8th for our costume exchange.

​Help Needed SOS!

​Does anyone have grant writing experience or in fundraising? Many folks know my unemployment/Pandemic checks were the angel investors of Sprinkles Parents (thanks Uncle Sam), but we need help to keep going. If anyone can help us write grants or do some fundraising (like getting sponsors and donations), we can keep this great movement going to continue serving parents like you! 

​Thanks for reading to the end of this email? If you love it, please share Sprinkles Parents with your company (to bring it in) or with your friends. I am on a mission to help all parents thrive!