Ask Me About Kid-Friendly Places That Are Budget & Eco-Friendly Too

Google Maps contribution stories
1

Helloooo Local Guides! My name is Karen. I am a Local Guide from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Caption: There are lots of free or inexpensive things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area for kids if you know where to look. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: There are lots of free or inexpensive things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area for kids if you know where to look. Photo: Karen V Chin2048×2048 848 KB

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is expensive. The cost of living here is one of the highest in the U.S. Raising a family can be very challenging, especially if you are living as a one income family. As a mom of toddler twins, the price of doing things is double the cost.

Thank goodness for Google Maps!

I actively look for Local Guide reviews to help me make child-raising decisions - places to shop and dine, children activities, preschool, etc.

In turn, what I love sharing the most on Google Maps is when I find great kid-friendly places, businesses, and activities that are geared to Bay Area families like mine.

As a parent, I enjoy writing thorough Local Guides reviews and taking photos (and some videos) that I know parents or caregivers in my community can appreciate, such as:

  • Is there a diaper changing table at the business?
  • Does this restaurant or cafe have high chairs or booster chairs?
  • Are there complimentary activities or things to keep young kids happy and occupy such as stickers, coloring sheets, or a designated kid zone while a parent can shop, eat, or do something in peace while together?
  • Where are the best local parks for all ages to enjoy?
  • Where are the free or budget-friendly fun, educational things to do with kids?

Caption: Some of the kid-friendly things I look for and include in my Local Guides reviews. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: Some of the kid-friendly things I look for and include in my Local Guides reviews. Photo: Karen V Chin884×879 314 KB

Inexpensive or free is key!

Living as a one income family in the Bay Area, I actively look for inexpensive or free, fun and educational things to do with my kids.

Caption: Public libraries are great resources for the whole family. Besides checking out books, magazines, DVDs, & CDs for free, libraries engage kids at an early age the love of reading by having weekly free storytimes sessions with reading, singing, & playing. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: Public libraries are great resources for the whole family. Besides checking out books, magazines, DVDs, & CDs for free, libraries engage kids at an early age the love of reading by having weekly free storytimes sessions with reading, singing, & playing. Photo: Karen V Chin3474×2467 1.04 MB
Caption: Public parks are free. Besides having a playground and a sand area, many public parks will also have a splash pad for kids to run around and cool off when it is hot. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: Public parks are free. Besides having a playground and a sand area, many public parks will also have a splash pad for kids to run around and cool off when it is hot. Photo: Karen V Chin1598×2107 818 KB

They are at the age where their minds are like sponges. My kids soak up everything I can put in front of them. But I don’t have an unlimited budget for this.

Caption: In many public libraries, they have "Friends of the Library" Bookstores that are used bookstores, comprised of donated books from the community, for sale at cheap prices to help financially support a library's community events programs. These used bookstores are great for parents because they can buy excellent condition children's books, DVDs, & CDs for 50 cents to up to $2 each to help build their children's library. It is also environmentally-friendly because these donated items don't end up in a landfill. A win-win for everyone. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: In many public libraries, they have "Friends of the Library" Bookstores that are used bookstores, comprised of donated books from the community, for sale at cheap prices to help financially support a library's community events programs. These used bookstores are great for parents because they can buy excellent condition children's books, DVDs, & CDs for 50 cents to up to $2 each to help build their children's library. It is also environmentally-friendly because these donated items don't end up in a landfill. A win-win for everyone. Photo: Karen V Chin3516×2634 2.62 MB

Shop Used, Shop Local: How do I save money and be eco-friendly while raising kids?

Before my twins were born, for us to live green, and to minimize the cost of shopping for them, I made the commitment to “buy used” or secondhand as much as possible.

I took the plunge and searched on Google for Bay Area thrift stores, kids consignment stores, Friends of the Library bookstores, pop-up kids consignment sale events, etc.

Caption: Examples of thrift stores, secondhand stores, & pop-up kids consignment events that I have reviewed for Google Maps. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: Examples of thrift stores, secondhand stores, & pop-up kids consignment events that I have reviewed for Google Maps. Photo: Karen V Chin876×879 278 KB
I am constantly amazed at how much kids-related stuff that is barely used or brand new in these thrift or secondhand stores.

Caption: There is so much great, high-quality stuff at these secondhand businesses to buy for kids, especially young children for 50 cents to up a few dollars. Photo: Karen V Chin
Caption: There is so much great, high-quality stuff at these secondhand businesses to buy for kids, especially young children for 50 cents to up a few dollars. Photo: Karen V Chin869×879 373 KB

Giving back and sharing

With 4+ years of being a Local Guide, I have always written highly-detailed reviews and provided captions in my Google Maps photos as my way of giving back to my community.

Now, I’ve started creating Google Maps Lists from my Local Guides reviews to help eco-friendly families like mine know where they can find the best Bay Area kid-friendly and family-oriented places and businesses that are both fun, educational, and/or free or budget-friendly.

See you in San Jose!

Cheers,

Karen

#LetsGuide Tip: How to shop 4 eco-friendly ways for your kids in the U.S. on a budget

Check out my Connect Live 2019 Video

129 Likes
2

** @KarenVChin **

WoW! What a detailed review it’s!

I must say it’s a ready reckoner with absolute pictures and narration.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Regards

aaryesdee

5 Likes
3

Thank you @KarenVChin for the awesome detailed post!

I found many interesting things about the life with kids in SF area. There are many useful details in your contribution. Many people will be able to save money and time!

So many helpful beautiful pictures! Your twins are really lovely models! :hugs::hugs:

Wish you good luck and hope to see soon in San Jose! :blush::crossed_fingers::four_leaf_clover:

Cheers,

Jane

8 Likes
4

Hello @KarenVChin
I read your article and knew for the first time that there was a “paid issue”. We misunderstood that it was a reasonable price. But it is still the center of the world and an attractive city🌁. Thank you for explaining the situation in San Francisco!

By the way, I was surprised that there was a new item even though it was a recycling shop😮

5 Likes
5

Hi @KarenVChin !

I really like how you are working to make your children grow better! And to know that you are doing it not only for yourself, but that you share it all with other families is really a beautiful thing!

Good work and keep it up!

Bye,

David

6 Likes
6

OMG @KarenVChin ! Your post is so irresistible - with colourful videos and yet so well put together. I like the fact that you benefit from reviews by other Local Guides and you make yours in turn as well.

See you in San Jose!!!

4 Likes
7

You made my day @KarenVChin , for a long list of reason. The most important:

Your content, about a long series of important subjects. Eco-friendly and Budget are words that can be used together. You have to write it everywhere, because most of the people think that “eco-friendly” means expensive

Your choice of searching, and adding in Google Maps, this specific aspect of the places around you.

Your photos

Well done Karen. I am crossing my fingers for you (well, for me too :wink:

9 Likes
8

@KarenVChin Nice video and post. I can see, for you, contributing to Google Maps is a day to day family activity. Wish you all the best.

3 Likes
9

@KarenVChin You’re doing a great job sharing information about kid-friendly places that are also budget & eco-friendly. Moms must be grateful when they find the information they are looking for. Good luck for CL19.

My post for CL19. Wish me luck too :slight_smile:

3 Likes
10

Wow wow!! most awaited post from @KarenVChin :slight_smile:

beautiful post as always :slight_smile: all the best.

4 Likes
11

Hi @KarenVChin

I am also into children. Especially babies. They are so cute, right. Thanks for sharing with us.

3 Likes
12

@KarenVChin This is useful post for parents

Lots & useful of information for whom in your area to bring their kids around and hanging out fun outdoor!

Your twin so cute :slight_smile:

5 Likes
13

loved watching your video, miss you karen! :slight_smile:

4 Likes
14

Amazing post @KarenVChin with detailed information we enjoyed alot while reading , Thank you for sharing with us…

4 Likes
15

Hi @KarenVChin ! Awesome story! Hope to see you in SF.

4 Likes
16

Wow what a great post @KarenVChin , it’s great to learn about a new topic, which places are really kids friendly.

As I m using the hashtag #accessibility-friendly learn by you in my reviews, now I will use this new hash tag kid-friendly too.

Thank you so much for sharing such a great post. Because there is many things to learn in it.

You are a super local guide. :ok_hand:

Shurkiya :pray:

3 Likes
17

Your post is superb with a matching video.

Sure to get selected.

4 Likes
18

Hi @KarenVChin

Your contributions to the map are absolutely fabulous. Know were to find friendly and good places for children is not always easy. Will really like to have you in DOUALA to help me :sweat_smile:

Great Job

Se you during my Wakawaka over there :point_right:t5:

4 Likes
19

@KarenVChin I’m proud that I met you. I and @SumaiyaZafrin sometimes talk about you. She also loves twin baby too much. Really inspiring your dedication for kids friendly contribution on Maps.

5 Likes
20

Wuauuu @KarenVChin !

Lovely post as you always do :slight_smile:

I am totally agree that when you have kids your point of view change.

Your photos and video show us how important is for you kid-friendly places:) You are a wonderful mommy!

Very interesting how you take in consideration the eco-friendly places.

We don´t have unlimited budget and is important that this don´t stop us and find creative alternatives.

Congratulations from the South of Spain,

Alejandra.

6 Likes