They make us laugh, melt our hearts, test our patience, and keep us busy with all their needs. So isn't it apropos that when we need a break -whether it's to run errands or go to a meeting or get a haircut -we can take our little hurricanes to a place called Whirlwinds?

Dubbed as "Breeze in, Drop Off" childcare, Whirlwinds is a wonderfully-designed, 2,200 square foot play space where kids can play, craft and have snacks under the watchful eye of longtime pre-school owner Marybeth O'Neill. O'Neill opened Whirlwinds after realizing there were a lot of moms who were desperate for quality, affordable childcare but only needed it on a limited basis. "They don't want to commit to three days a week, but they would love a few hours every now and then," OÕNeill says.

Flexibility is Whirlwinds' "it" factor. Kids ages 2 to 6 can come for a maximum of four hours. The cost is $8 per hour. Parents can reserve spots in advance or at the last minute. There is no cancellation fee. The space is also a fab venue for birthday parties. O'Neill brags she rarely has a child cry at drop-off. "You've got to make it fun for the kids. It has got to be somewhere they want to be."

Whirlwinds Drop-In Childcare
4530 Union Bay Place, Seattle
206-729-WIND
www.whirlwindskids.com