Our Neighbors
Ballard P-Patch
Founded in 1979, the Ballard P-Patch is one of the oldest P-Patches in Seattle and it’s just across the street, adjacent to the north end of our parking lot. The Ballard P-Patch takes pride in a strong sense of community and welcomes all. Open year round, this is a beautiful place for our Crown Hill Explorers to get curious about what’s growing each season. A central courtyard in the garden offer tables and chairs to visitors. Our families often visit after preschool to get out extra wiggles and enjoy nature. We are lucky to have this stunning community garden as a resource for learning and community-building.
Swansons Nursery
Swansons Nursery is a great place to bring the whole family throughout the year and it’s only a short drive away. They offer beautiful grounds to explore, an outdoor playhouse (aka “the purple house”), a tropical conservatory housing their delicious café with koi ponds that delight visitors of all ages. In addition to the many beautiful spaces to explore, Swansons has a Kids’ Club, offering monthly drop-in activities, plus other fun seasonal experiences for the whole family. Swansons Nursery is an employee-owned business that has served Seattle for over 100 years.
Larsen’s Bakery
A quick hop down 24th Ave to 80th St and you’ll find Larsen’s Bakery right on the corner. Poul Larsen began his baking career at age 14 in Copenhagen and has been creating fine traditional Danish pastry in the Seattle area since 1974. Larsen’s offers a wide range of pastries, breads, cakes and coffee. This is a great spot for a treat after preschool.
Our Friends
J. Mark Photography
Each year, we invite J. Mark Photography to school for a class photo and individual sessions for each kiddo (class photo is free; prints from individual sessions are paid by families directly to J. Mark Photography). Photographer Jennifer Markovitz specializes in children and family portraits. Her fun approach to taking a kid’s picture makes for memorable moments to keep for a lifetime. Often using the Ballard P-Patch in springtime, we love when it’s picture day at preschool. To see Jennifer’s exceptional work, please visit her website.
Swans Trail Farm
Every fall, Crown Hill Co-op takes a field trip to the pumpkin patch at Swans Trail Farms in Snohomish County. Our school gets a private hayride, a visit to the petting zoo, and can pick one small pumpkin to take home. Swans Trail offers many kid-friendly places to play, run, jump and slide. Their country store offers coffee and apple cider, as well as other treats like apple cider donuts (not to be missed!). This is our favorite autumn adventure.