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Quirky South Sound Jaunts Walk with wolves, hunt for gnomes, spy on jellyfish, eat a ‘Barge’ and more
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425 Confidential Got three hours to kill? We’ve got 9 play-packed adventures on the Eastside
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PNW INSIDE + OUT
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Insiders’ Guide Your A–Z all-seasons guidebook to evergreen Seattle-area family fun
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C ONTENTS
Insiders’ Guide
2020/2021
FEATURE
PNW Inside + Out An all-seasons A–Z insiders’ guide to epic Seattle-area family fun 10 Unique South Sound Adventures Walk with wolves, hunt for gnomes, spy on jellyfish and more
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Create Your Family’s 29 Pandemic Scrapbook From time capsules to ta-da lists, easy ways to document this time Get Ready to Explore the Eastside! 32 9 play-packed outings around the 425 that will make the family smile Insider Picks From the ParentMap Staff 38 We’ve lived in the PNW for collective centuries — have we got ideas for you! Resource Directory
“We have to remember … what it felt like to have the world compress until it was just our nuclear family, figuring it out day by day.”
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p. 29 Rain or shine, an awesome playground is a kid’s best friend.
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Cover photo by Erin Schedler Photography
Rent a kayak from Tugboat Annie’s and take the family on a self-guided tour of the sound, where you may see bald eagles, harbor seals and more.
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What is your favorite PNW happy place?
PUBLISHER
Alayne Sulkin EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley
Levi Atkins and Bailey Sulkin
An invitation to explore the PNW — inside and out Welcome to our premier issue of the Insiders’ Guide! For over 17 years, we’ve taken great pride in the rewarding and evolving relationship we have with you, our loyal readers. It is your discerning insights that we’ve come to rely on to create the content for our annual Golden Teddy Readers’ Choice issue. With so many of our favorite local places to play, learn, shop and dine being closed this year due to the pandemic, we decided to press pause on the Readers’ Choice awards until next year.
OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Vicky McDonald
We like biking the Terminal 91 bike path — fun for families. Start at the Balmer Yard rail yard in Interbay.
DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Nicole Persun OUT + ABOUT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Devon Hammer COPY EDITOR Sunny Parsons CONTRIBUTORS Nikki McCoy, Kate Missine, Elisa Murray; a special thanks to the ParentMap editors and staff for contributing to this guide
Hiking any and all of the trails in the Coal Creek Natural Area in Newcastle.
DIGITAL MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Lindsey Carter SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST + TRENDING EDITOR Diana Cherry EMAIL PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Angelica Lai
ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS SENIOR ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Ida Wicklund
The Kinokuniya bookstore in Uwajimaya Village. They have loads of books, toys, games and stationery.
ADVERTISING PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Jen Dine AD OPERATIONS MANAGER Elisa Taylor ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES SPECIALIST Jessica Collet ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Angela Goodwin
EVENTS
We love watching boats go through the Montlake Cut; we usually pack a picnic to have while boat watching.
In its place, our extraordinary team of super-sleuthing editors and writers have rallied to deliver you an all-seasons guidebook to remarkable discoveries in every direction your compass points. Elisa Murray, former ParentMap Out + About editor and the in-the-know genius behind our popular “52 Seattle Adventures With Kids” title (parentmap.com/52adventures), anchors this new guide with a feature that is jam-packed with fabulous day-trip destinations and outings around the sound (p. 8).
EVENT OPERATIONS Brenna McCown
We hope that this guide inspires you and your family to expand upon your many months of quarantine scenery (aka the four walls of your home) by exploring unique places and things you never knew about this magical place we call home.
PARENTMAP EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
CONTACT INFORMATION
Benjamin Danielson, M.D. ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN’S CLINIC
Advertising information 206-709-9026 or advertising@parentmap.com Fax 206-709-9031
EVENT COORDINATOR Mallory Dehbod MARKETING + EVENTS ASSISTANT Taryn Weiner
ART + PRODUCTION SENIOR DESIGNER Amy Chinn
ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Brendel
Joan Duffell RETIRED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN John Gottman, Ph.D. THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Laura Kastner, Ph.D. PSYCHIATRY + BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Bea Kelleigh VICE PRESIDENT AT DOVETAILING, LLC Yaffa Maritz, M.A. LISTENING MOTHERS + COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL PARENTING
See more staff picks on p. 38.
Calendar submissions calendar@parentmap.com Editorial submissions editor@parentmap.com Distribution distribution@parentmap.com Subscriptions subscriptions@parentmap.com Administration 206-709-9026, parentmap.com Subscription rates 1 year: $12
Ron Rabin THE KIRLIN FOUNDATION Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINDSIGHT INSTITUTE
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ParentMap is published monthly. PMB #190, 7683 S.E. 27th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040 | All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. © ParentMap 2020 • printed in Oregon
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PNW Inside + Out An all-seasons A–Z insiders’ guide to epic Seattle-area family fun By Elisa Murray The adventurous editors of ParentMap contributed to this article. Unfold a map of the Puget Sound region and in every direction, you’ll find tiny, tantalizing destinations that offer relaxed fun for families — with the occasional thrill thrown in for good measure. Though our movements at the present time are necessarily limited to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we hope you’ll refer to our evergreen dictionary of great daycations and staycations for every season when and as it is safe to venture out. Editor’s note: Just prior to the time of publication, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 25 proclamations in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Suggested activities and outings in this seasonal guide to the Pacific Northwest may not be fully accessible or advisable until such time as the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. We encourage you to check online for the current operating or access status of any destination before venturing out. When you do head out, keep your distance, wear a face covering and abide by all health advisories. For more guidance, check out the state’s “Safe Start” reopening plan at coronavirus.wa.gov.
The Spring Fling List: Nearby day trips and getaways for cooped-up kids Do you hear that thrumming sound? That just might be the open road calling you! We hope that by spring 2021, you can gas up the family rig and pick any one of these day-trip destinations for a much-needed — and safe — change of pace and scenery. Anacortes: This historic ferry town isn’t just a stop on the way to the San Juan Islands. Soak in views at Washington Park; visit the W.T. Preston, a stern-wheeler snag boat that used to run on the Skagit River; and enjoy not getting on a ferry. Stop at the stunning Deception Pass Bridge on the way there or back. anacortes.org Bellingham: Explore cool STEM museums, such as the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention (sparkmuseum.org) and Mindport Exhibits (mindport.org); walk the boardwalk over Bellingham Bay; and ride mountain bikes at Larrabee State Park. Then claim your reward — a cone at one of the best ice creameries in Washington state: Mallard (mallardicecream.com). parentmap.com/bellingham
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Camano Island: Another “island” you can drive to, Camano’s star stop is Cama Beach Historical State Park, once a family resort, which rents out rustic cabins all year (book early). While away more beach hours at Cavalero Beach County Park or Camano Island State Park. parentmap.com/camano Camlann Medieval Village: The year is 1376. The town is Somersetshire, ancient realm of King Arthur. During a festival weekend, which are held from May through September, you can enthrall your kids with a visit to this living-history project near Carnation. Listen to minstrels, watch knightly combat, learn archery, visit the forge and eat medieval delicacies. camlann.org
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Duvall: The starting point of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Duvall has attained a rural yet artsy vibe — look for murals, metal art and totem poles — without feeling too upscale. Fuel up on woodfired pizza from Red Pepper Pizzeria & Pasta (redpepperpizzeria.com), browse antique stores and have a rail-trail bike adventure. parentmap.com/duvall Gig Harbor: Stunning scenery, awesome parks and free museums: Those are just a few of the attractions you’ll find in this South Sound town, just over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Peep at
Don’t miss out on Duvall’s biggest summer draw, the SandBlast Festival, (duvallarts.org), a destination in its own right. Held every year in July (though the event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19), the festival showcases an international sand sculptor creating a work in real time, as well as live music and an arts fair.
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our perfect day-trip itinerary at parentmap.com/ gigharbor. Harstine Island: Drive over the bridge to Harstine, located in south Puget Sound, and you’ll be transported back to a simpler time. Hike and beachcomb at Harstine Island State Park and Jarrell Cove State Park. Make a reservation to visit the Wild Felid Advocacy Center (wildfelids.org), an unusual sanctuary for big cats. Mima Mounds: Are your kids into geology and mystery? Take them to the strange and beautiful Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, a wonder of the South Sound area. Encompassing more than 600 acres of extremely rare prairie habitat, the preserve features 6- to 8-foot-high mounds that dot the landscape like oversize molehills. Visit in late spring to walk the stroller-accessible interpretive trails and enjoy the wildflowers in bloom, or in summer to spot butterflies. dnr.wa.gov/ mimamounds
From Physics to Philosophy! Every summer, parents seek programs that are fun and meaningful learning experiences for their children. The UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars offers a variety of math, science, literature, philosophy, and writing classes for children in grades 5-10. Our academic programs provide an intensive, inspirational and in-depth learning experience that is renowned in the region. Classes are small, with faculty who are experienced teachers and specialists in their field. The program takes place in classrooms throughout the University of Washington Seattle campus.
SUMMER CHALLENGE
In Summer Challenge, children explore a variety of adventurous topics such as the physics of roller coasters, astronomy, architecture, and creative writing. The supportive collaborative learning environment is one that children remember for a lifetime. Summer Challenge (5th – 6th grade) emphasizes hands-on learning, field trips, and activities. Its goal is to provide motivated students with an intensive, hands-on, fun educational experience in areas outside of the traditional school curriculum.
Northwest Trek: Located in Eatonville, about 60 miles south of Seattle, Northwest Trek (nwtrek.org) is an animal park known for its open spaces where native Northwest animals roam free in their natural habitat. Resident critters include bison, mountain goats, Roosevelt elk, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep and deer. While the excellent tram tour and the Kids’ Trek playground (one of the most adventurous romps in the Puget Sound area) were closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 this spring, the park has debuted two new unique experiences, Wild Walk and Wild Drive, to restore access to the park for families. parentmap.com/wild-drive
The program runs from July 6th – 24th, five days a week from 9:00AM – 2:20PM. There is also an After-Class program available from 2:20 - 4:30PM. There will be some homework, because of the breadth and depth of material covered. Registration opens February 9th at 4:00 pm.
Port Townsend: Grown-up pleasures in PT are many — the views and the Victorian homes, to name two. But the surefire hook for kids is that you can actually lock yourself in an old-time jail at the Jefferson Museum of Art and History (jchsmuseum.org), housed in the former city hall. Don’t miss a jaunt around Fort Worden State Park (parks.state.wa.us), a former military base that is home to abandoned bunkers, a plethora of well-kept walking paths, a field that’s fabulous for flying kites, a lower beach complete with a Marine Science Center (ptmsc.org), plus the picturesque Point Wilson Lighthouse. parentmap.com/port-townsend
RC Online (9th – 12th grade) is a new accelerated learning opportunity, bringing advanced college-prep curriculum to an online platform for high school students. RC Online provides an inspiring, expansive educational experience as a window into what college-level work will be like; to move students rapidly from novice to advanced writers, readers and thinkers via specific skills, practices and tools. These courses provide challenging curriculum without the logistical, economic and other barriers that come between a student and educational opportunity. Additional information can be found on our website.
SUMMER STRETCH
Summer Stretch (7th – 10th grade) is more academic in nature, providing an accelerated, rigorous learning experience. The Summer Stretch program is characterized by high-level thinking, intellectual adventure, and pursuit of understanding. The program offers both condensed self-paced courses (e.g. Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Precalculus, Chemistry) and courses for enrichment (e.g. American Literature, Debate, Physics of Robotics). What all of these courses provide is an in-depth, intensive learning experience. The program runs from June 29th – July 30th, three days a week from 9:00AM - 2:20PM. Students must be committed to a substantial homework load; courses are graded and final transcripts are provided. Registration opens February 2nd at 4:00 pm.
RC ONLINE
“The best one in the region for highly capable kids.” (Summer Challenge Parent) “Excellent! My daughter is already looking forward to next summer’s math class!” (Summer Stretch Parent)
www.RobinsonCenter.uw.edu Phone: 206-543-4160 Email: rcys@uw.edu
Challenging K-12 students
in an intellectual community
We offer on the University of Washington Seattle campus: early entrance, and Transition School • UW Academy • Summerthrough Programs outreach learning programs Saturday Enrichment • Professional Development RC Online
We offer on the University of Washington Seattle campus: • Transition School • UW Academy • Saturday Enrichment NSIDERS’ GUIDE / 11 • Summer Programs • ProfessionalI Development
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Poulsbo: Where else can you find a 12-foot-tall Viking, a giant octopus sculpture and enormous doughnuts? Celebrate our region’s Scandinavian heritage with a trip to this Kitsap town, which is often called “Little Norway.” Touch sea stars at the free aquarium (the SEA Discovery Center; sea.wwu.edu), stroll the waterfront park and eat doughnuts or lefse at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery (sluyspoulsbobakery.com).
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Roslyn: Once upon a coal mine, this town was booming. Next time you visit Suncadia, detour through Roslyn to see artifacts from the glory days when coal from these mines powered steam engines that crossed the Cascades (Roslyn Historical Museum; roslynmuseum.com). Grab coffee at the café made famous by the TV series “Northern Exposure” and walk along the Coal Mines Trail. Amble through the old cemetery, which has a larger population than the town and is divided by ethnic background.
KI TSAP WI TH KID S : 5 Charming Towns to Explore Have you ever been on the ferry to Bainbridge Island or Kingston and wondered what lies within the green coves and inlets in the distance? It turns out there’s a treasure trove of historic towns dotting the meandering shoreline. Consult ParentMap contributor Jennifer Kakutani’s terrific guide to the Kitsap Peninsula to plan your day trip to gaze at a historic lighthouse, visit Chief Sealth’s gravesite, and behold the world’s largest private collection of seashells and so many more wonders. parentmap.com/kitsap
Skagit Valley: Tiptoe through the tulips! Head north to behold acres of stunning flower fields at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (tulipfestival.org).
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Snohomish: Want to pick pumpkins and apples at the same farm? Need a vintage typewriter or a 1950s-era school desk? Have a hankering for a slice of fresh, award-winning seasonal pie? Check, check and check: This historic town has got you covered. parentmap.com/snohomish Tacoma: The “dusty old jewel in the south Puget Sound,” as singer-songwriter Neko Case puts it, is less gritty than it used to be and even more family-friendly. Race pinewood derby cars at LeMay – America’s Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org). Bike along Ruston Way before heading to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org) to gawk at red wolves, walruses and sharks.
Westport: Get a taste of Washington’s coast (without driving forever) in Westport (westportwa.com). Climb to the top of an observation tower or Washington state’s tallest lighthouse. Stop for fish and chips, fly a kite, dig up a clam or two and watch surfers chase waves. Whidbey Island: This long, skinny island is home to stunning beaches and parks (Deception Pass State Park is a must), a lighthouse, military forts, charming towns and farm stands. There’s also the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater (bluefoxdrivein.com), an actual drive-in movie theater that also offers go-karts and an arcade. parentmap.com/whidbey
The Summer Bucket List: Bookmark these perennially sweet pastimes
•
• College Prep
Many of the best amusements for families in the Puget Sound area are free — at least in the summer: beaches, spray parks, wading pools, wildflowers, natural waterslides, lighthouses, animal experiences, parks and playgrounds, and more. We especially love free programs that are big on fun and community building. Amazing playground adventures: Rain or shine, expand your playground circuit to include some of the best new playgrounds opened within the past year or two. You’ll find all the playful details at parentmap.com/best-new-playgrounds.
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Book it: Summer reading programs at libraries are always the best summer deal in town. Discover a stunning multitude of services offered by our local library systems, which are always fostering a love of reading in every family, at parentmap.com/summer-reading. Farmers market fun: Local farmers markets double as a source of fresh entertainment for the whole family. Check out our list of neighborhood markets that make for ideal family-friendly foraging. parentmap.com/farmers
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Hike and seek: Hunt for treasure, starting with geocaching (parentmap.com/geocaching). Low-tech options include letterboxing (parentmap.com/letterboxing) or hiding and finding kindness rocks (parentmap.com/rocks).
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Hike and slide: You want to hike, they want to (water) slide. Combine those two activities by taking a ramble down the trail to Denny Creek’s natural slides (take exit 47 off Interstate 90, then hike 1 mile to the falls), where families can whoop it up on hot days. Find water safety tips and scads more kid-friendly waterfall hikes at parentmap.com/waterfall. Hit the beach: Puget Sound’s rocky shores teem with crawly critters and thriving tide pools, but when summer arrives, you want to sink your toes into some sand. Trade in your boots for flip-flops and head to Jetty Island (parentmap.com/jetty), a 2-mile kids’ paradise of sand, sun and warm water. Discover more great places to hit the beach at parentmap.com/beaches. Play streets: Did you know that jaywalking in Seattle is now authorized? Well, at least it is in select areas where Seattle and Bellevue have closed the streets to cars — specifically for family recreation. If you’re in Seattle, it’s a simple process to get a free permit to regularly close down your street to create your own neighborhood “play street.” Find out how at parentmap.com/playstreet. Row, sail, paddle your boat: Take advantage of our waterlogged wonderland. Boating spots such as the University of Washington’s Waterfront
Activities Center (washington.edu), The Center for Wooden Boats (cwb. org), Foss Harbor Marina in Tacoma (fossharbormarina.com), Issaquah Paddle Sports at Lake Sammamish (issaquahpaddlesports.com) and REI Boathouse locations on the Eastside (rei.com) offer affordable rentals. Sleep under the stars: Sleeping outside sounds pretty nice on hot summer nights. No reservation? No problem! Check out our guide to first come, first-served campgrounds at parentmap.com/camp-on-the-fly. Spy sea creatures: Washington beaches are brimming with life. Join a beach naturalist to discover and identify the fascinating critters and plant life that a low tide reveals. parentmap.com/low-tide Swimming: We’ve missed visiting many of our go-to places for a refreshing splash with kids in 2020: outdoor pools, spray parks and wading pools. Thanks, pandemic! But we still have a plethora of lake options (and Puget Sound, if you have the constitution of a polar bear). Check out our roundup of favorite lake beaches (parentmap.com/great-lakes) and swimming holes (parentmap.com/ swimming-holes) for your crew. Taste summer: Add a tasty fistful of summer to your pancakes, smoothies and bowls of cereal with delicious, sun-kissed berries, ripe for the
How Do You Like Them Apples? Want to pick apples but don’t want to make the trek all the way to eastern Washington to do it? Check out our list of orchards that are closer to home, making for a perfect apple-picking day trip. parentmap.com/apples
picking. Find a farm near you for a good old-fashioned family harvest in our guide to U-pick farms around the sound. parentmap.com/berries Urban hikes: You don’t have to escape to the forest to find great walks. Explore new corners of the city by following a designated trail, such as the Cheshiahud loop trail around Lake Union (parentmap.com/cheshiahud), or by blazing your own trail. (Psst! We also have a great list of secret urban wanders that are perfect starter hikes for little kids; visit parentmap.com/secret-hikes.) Wenatchee: A nearby destination that has 300 days of sun a year and attractions ranging from quiet bike trails and apple picking to family-friendly skiing stands out. Plan your family getaway with our all-seasons guide to the wonders of Wenatchee. parentmap.com/wenatchee
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The Fall Play List: Rainy-Day Recess Where to go when you can’t get outside The Seattle metropolitan area experiences an average of 152 rainy days a year. Drizzle, of course, doesn’t stop us (right?), but there are those days when it’s just too wet or windy to get outside. Here’s a field guide to the great indoors with kids. Aquariums: Explore tidal life and ogle octopuses at the Seattle Aquarium (seattleaquarium.org); or spy on sharks in the underwater tunnel of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Pacific Seas Aquarium exhibit (parentmap.com/pacific-seas). Poulsbo’s SEA Discovery Center (parentmap.com/poulsbo) and the MaST Center aquarium (mast.highline.edu) in Des Moines are free aquariums with plenty to see.
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Bounce, wiggle and jump: Check out epic jumping spots, such as the 53,000-square-foot Defy Seattle (defy.com) in Tukwila or Arena Sports’ (arenasports.net) gigantic facility in Mill Creek.
Find Your Village In any season, hanging with young kids can be isolating. Find yourself a meet-up group, whether it meets in person or virtually: In addition to PEPS (peps.org), which is focused on connecting new parents, check out resources such as Families of Color Seattle (focseattle.org) or MOPS International (mops.org), or form your own group with the help of your community Facebook group or a listserv.
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For the younger set, providers such as The Little Gym (thelittlegym.com) have adapted programming to continue to provide opportunities for littles to get their wiggles out. Find dozens more rainy-day recess options at parentmap.com/indoor-recess. Community centers: More than 20 Seattle-area community centers (seattle.gov) offer free drop-in play sessions designed for kids ages 5 and younger, complete with balls, trikes, scooters, push bikes and other entertainment. Many other regional community centers offer indoor play of all kinds for kids of all ages. Drop-in child care: Drop and shop (or work) at centers such as The Inc. (theinccoworking.org) in Seattle, The Nest (thenestkids.com) in Woodinville or Adventure Kids Playcare
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(web.adventurekidsplaycare.com) in Bellevue and Issaquah. Athletic clubs can also be a great source of rea-
sonably priced child care for an hour or two. Explore available options at parentmap.com/childcare. Get crafty at home: The COVID-19 pandemic motivated many local businesses to offer DIY take-home kits of their projects. Creative and crafty kids and their adults can paint pottery at home, finger-knit a chunky blanket, plant a succulent terrarium, design glass art, learn to cook and so much more. parentmap.com/kits
Nailed It! Home Depot’s free kids workshops (homedepot.com) are the best bargain in town. The store provides all the materials and tools; kids take home a completed project, such as a picture frame or a bird feeder.
Get your game on: Unplug with board games at spots like Blue Highway Games (bluehighwaygames.com) on Queen Anne and Meeples Games (meeplesgames.com) in West Seattle. Other hot spots include Uncle’s Games (unclesgames.com), with locations in Bellevue and Redmond; and Mox Boarding House (moxboardinghouse.com) in Ballard and Bellevue.
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Indoor skate parks: All Together Skatepark (alltogetherskatepark.com) in Fremont and Bellevue Indoor Skate Park (bellevuewa.gov) help kids learn how to shred all year long.
brary systems, both in person and online. Check out (ha!) our A-to-Z list of awesome free stuff and services available for families at our public libraries at parentmap.com/library-love.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn: During these free play sessions at multiple locations around Puget Sound, kids can take part in early-learning-focused play activities while you meet new friends and hear about support programs in your neighborhood. Search for area-specific sessions and other resources at childcare.org.
Museums: Kids’ museums are no-brainer rainy-day havens for high-energy, interactive play, but museums of the history, art and science varieties also boast cool kid attractions. Consult our list of fantastic area children’s museums (parentmap.com/ childrens-museums).
Keep calm and tinker on: Many local reuse centers — such as Seattle ReCreative (seattlerecreative.org) and Tacoma’s Tinkertopia (tinkertopia.com) — offer drop-in sessions and materials that are perfect for preschoolers and older kids. Learn science, technology, engineering, arts and math skills through online and in-person events at King County Library System’s brilliant IdeaX Makerspace (kcls.org/makerspaces). Set up your own makerspace at home with the great tips found at parentmap.com/makerspace. Libraries: Story times, audiobooks, classes, homework help, science kits, digital downloads, personal recommendations — these are only some of the scads of amazing services available to families at Puget Sound–area li-
Nature centers: Beautifully designed environmental centers, such as those at Bellevue’s Lewis Creek Park, the Cedar River Watershed and Mercer Slough as well as the Tacoma Nature Center, are often empty midweek and have space for kids to play and learn. parentmap.com/nature-centers. Pet stores: Never underestimate the allure of an hour spent at Petco watching the fish, ferrets and dwarf hamsters. Just be prepared to say no to expanding your critter collection! From cat cafés to farm classes to fostering, we’ve got 10 great ideas for encouraging your child’s connection to and love for animals — without resorting to getting an actual pet — at parentmap.com/no-pet. Playful cafés: Finding a café or lowkey restaurant with solid espresso
All You Need Is a Library Card! We all know library systems offer a ton of online media for families (and grown-ups), but take some time to really dig in. Fair warning: You may not emerge for a few days! Through services such as Hoopla (hoopladigital.com), Kanopy (kanopy.com) and OverDrive (overdrive.com), families can access literally hundreds of movies, TV shows, documentaries, newsreels, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, comics and much more.
Every Body’s Circus for Kids ParentMap readers know that big-top fun is close at hand at SANCA – School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts, located in South Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. At SANCA, kids of all ages (including adults) learn that seemingly impossible tasks are possible with practice. parentmap.com/circus
options, good snacks and a train table or play area is the holy grail for parents. Find a huge list of caffeine stops that include fringe benefits for kids at parentmap.com/cafes. Tumble time: High-flying indoor playtime at spots such as Seattle Gymnastics Academy (seattlegymnastics.com) guarantees an epic nap later that day. Older kids may want to try parkour at classes offered by the likes of Parkour Visions (parkourvisions.org), MoveFree Academy (movefreeacademy.com), Kong Academy (kongacademy.org) and other organizations. Zoos: Climb, jump and learn at Woodland Park Zoo’s Zoomazium (zoo.org/zoomazium); wander and wonder at Point Defiance Zoo’s Pacific Seas Aquarium (pdza.org). And don’t forget the gloriously warm Tropical Butterfly House at Pacific Science Center (pacificsciencecenter.org).
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FE ATUR E
W I NT ER
The Winter Wander List: Get Out and Do Good Easy ways to give back with kids in tow Shake off the winter doldrums by starting a family volunteer habit that will last all year. In the process, you can help kids explore their interests, such as gardening, critters or cooking — and get involved in important social and environmental justice issues. Here’s a starter list. Cheer up a senior: Connect with a local nursing home facility to see if you can drop off or mail letters or cards to the residents, or volunteer with a nonprofit such as North East Seattle Together (NEST; nestseattle.org/volunteer), which supports seniors aging in place.
Create care kits: Buy basics in bulk for homeless people — energy bars, socks, hand wipes, lip balm — and get a group together to make care kits that can be handed out at street corners and bus stops. Drive for good: Turn your car into a do-good-mobile — and your kids into your deputy do-gooders — by picking up and delivering donations for area organizations that help people who are homebound and in need. United Way King County maintains a list of a number of delivering volunteer opportunities at volunteer.uwkc.org/need. Empower your teen: Older teens are eligible to volunteer independently for many types of causes, from animal care to trail building to radio work and more. Explore more ideas and orgs at parentmap.com/teenvolunteer. Foster an animal: Apply to be a foster family through rescues such as Red
Waggin’ Rescue (redwagginrescue.org) or Seattle Feline Rescue (seattleareafelinerescue.org); you can also check with larger shelters such as Seattle Humane (seattlehumane.org). Garden for good: Want to flex your family’s green thumb for a cause? Late winter is the perfect time to begin thinking about planting a giving garden or helping grow one in a local community garden. gardencomm.org/PAR
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Learn, Volunteer and Give — Together
Help the hungry: Kids and parents can work together to repackage bulk food at food banks and related nonprofits, such as Food Lifeline (foodlifeline.org), Northwest Harvest (northwestharvest.org) and the St. Leo Food Connection (foodconnection.org) in Tacoma.
If you have funds to spare, one of the most effective ways to give back is to donate. Figure out how much your family can give and have your kids help research organizations and causes. Some places to start:
Home-based help: With your kitchen table designated as your “Doing-good HQ,� you can write cards to veterans, sick children or seniors; decorate placemats, lunch bags or oven mitts; or assemble care packages for Meals on Wheels (meals-on-wheels.com).
• Donate to the volunteer-run COVID-19 Survival Fund for the People; every dollar goes toward groceries, supplies and direct support for Seattle and King County residents in need. gofundme.com
Join a trail work party: If your kids enjoy hiking, join a Washington Trails Association (WTA; wta.org) work party to maintain trails in some of the most beautiful spots in the region.
• The Seattle Times maintains a comprehensive list of organizations helping those affected by the coronavirus. parentmap.com/TST-coronavirus
Plant trees: It’s hard to beat the earthy pleasure of planting trees, doing battle with invasive plants or cleaning up a beach. Find events run by the likes of Mountains to Sound Greenway (mtsgreenway.org), the Nature Consortium (dnda.org/dndanature) and the Tacoma Nature Center (metroparkstacoma.org).
• Seattle Together maintains a list of many local causes, from a farmer fund to gratitude meals for first responders. seattletogether.org/#give • Black Lives Matter. Support Black women running for office by donating to Black Women Lead WA (persistpacwa.org) and/or BLM protesters by donating to the BLM Seattle Freedom Fund (blacklivesseattle.org/bail-fund). Find more organizations at parentmap.com/anti-racism.
Volunteering resources: Online tools abound for helping you find a volunteer match for your family. Try Doing Good Together (doinggoodtogether.org/ family-volunteering-seattle); GenerationOn (generationon.org); Learning to Give (learningtogive.org), which offers simple and safe service projects you can do as a family from home; or DoSomething (dosomething.org), a particularly useful resource for older kids and teens.
• You can also — often through Amazon Wish Lists — purchase goods for nonprofits such as YouthCare (youthcare.org), which works with youths experiencing homelessness but can no longer accept donations of used goods.
â–
Elisa Murray is a Seattle-based freelance writer and editor of the guidebook “52 Seattle Adventures With Kids� (parentmap.com/52adventures).
• Charity Navigator assesses more than 9,000 of America’s best-known and some lesser-known but worthy charities. charitynavigator.org
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S O UTH S O UND ADVEN TURES
10 South Sound Adventures for Families By Nikki McCoy
Day-trip destinations for familyfriendly fun Finding activities that the whole family will enjoy can be a pain, are you with me? That’s where I can help. Trust me, as someone who grew up in the quirky, outdoorsy, rainy South Sound area, I know these visits will put a smile on everyone’s face. Editor’s notes: Follow the provided short URLs online for more complete guides to these outings. Please adhere to all mandated health guidelines when venturing outdoors to keep your family and others safe; check out parentmap.com/stay-safe for the latest advisories.
1. Share a giant ‘Barge Burger,’ then kayak on the sound: My kids
insisted that this one make the list. At Tugboat Annie’s (tugboatannies.com) in Olympia, the (infamous) Barge Burger consists of five of the bar and grill’s regular-size hamburger patties and is served on a Wagner’s European Bakery bun that measures about 10 inches
Dune Peninsula Park Photo by Stuart Isett, Landscape Architecture by Site Workshop
INSIDERS’ GUIDE / 23
S O UTH S O UN D ADVEN T UR ES
SEATTLE’S PREMIER NANNY AGENCY
tions on the drive home. About a dozen of the wolves will venture closer to visitors and are “super cute and majestic” (so observed my 10-year-old). The hour-long tour of this inspirational park just might restore your faith in humanity. parentmap.com/wolves
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3. Explore a historic conservatory: This one is a mom
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in diameter. Historically, Tugboat Annie’s has been a staple for maritime travelers in and out of Budd Bay. Rent a kayak from the cashier and take the family on a self-guided tour of the sound, where you may see bald eagles, harbor seals and more.
2. Walk with the wolves: Just south of Olympia, Wolf Haven International (wolfhaven.org) is home to around 50 wolves. This is one of those educational, interactive experiences that families really shouldn’t miss. The haven provides sanctuary for captive-born wolves and promotes wolf conservation and education; you’ll have plenty of fuel for conversa-
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Courtesy W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
favorite. Seriously, call your mom, your mom friends, your boss’s mom, any mom — and get them to this gem. Built in 1908, the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma’s Wright Park (metroparkstacoma.org) boasts a permanent collection of ferns, palms, fig trees, bromeliads, orchids and
During the holiday season, the conservatory is transformed into a beautiful otherworldly landscape of light, shadows and colors in the installation “Light Plantasia.”
many other rare, unusual and endangered plants, as well as seasonal floral exhibits and installations. Swoon. I mean, the kids will probably like it, too. But hey, if not, a playground and splash park are just a stone’s throw away.
4. Go big and go gnome: Bonney Lake, located a little east of Tacoma, is home to one of the cutest concepts ever: gnome-door hunting. Eight carved gnome doors have been hidden throughout the city’s parks and trails. Hunt for one or hunt for all, and enjoy the photo ops and exercise (for both the body and the imagination) that come with this magical adventure. Bonus: It’s free. parentmap.com/gnomes
5. Play life-size Chutes and Ladders:
At Dune Peninsula Park in Tacoma, six different slides will take you on a thrilling 50-foot journey to the marina below. This one is definitely a memory maker by virtue of its uniqueness alone, but it’s also a great place to shoot pics of a gorgeous panoramic view of the sound. Other park features include biking trails (and bike rentals) and nearby Ruston Way (parentmap.com/ruston), for more family fun adjacent to the city’s beloved Commencement Bay. parentmap.com/dune
6. Root for the home teams: Love live
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sports action? Get some of that Northwest fan flavor at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. The stadium features a roster of two soccer teams — Sounders
Ruston Way Photo by Cody Finney
seabury • org
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S O UTH S O UND ADVEN TURES continued from page 25
FC and Tacoma Defiance — as well as the Mariners’ farm team, the Rainiers. Granted, social distancing is still a thing right now, but keep this activity on your radar; the teams have talent, and the stadium has heart. parentmap.com/cheney
7. Spy jellyfish from a suspension bridge: It’s true, the
Pacific Northwest is known for its rain forests, mountains and beaches, but we’ve got our fair share of urban adventures, too. This activity, which takes you across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge into Gig Harbor, gives you the exercise of a hike and the rush of being suspended hundreds of feet above water. While there are excellent views of islands on the horizon, looking down may provide some of the best fun: spotting clusters of Aurelia
labiata, a species of moon jellyfish. Stop in at local favorite Pao’s Donuts & Coffee Shop (Facebook, “Pao’s Donuts & Coffee Shop”) to fuel up for the 2-mile round-trip bridge hike! parentmap.com/jellyfish
8. Hunt for newts, mallards and chickadees: The McLane Creek Trail
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9. Take a ferry to a quiet island: Coves,
beaches and whales — oh my! Get away to sleepy Vashon Island (parentmap.com/vashon), just a 20-minute ferry ride from Tacoma. I love the island vibe; the seclusion and serenity are almost tangible. The 37-square-mile island boasts postcard-worthy scenery at every turn; explore the island’s terrific public beaches, and pop in to its quaint shops and eateries. Put your phone on mute for this trip and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime.
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10. Board a vintage vessel: This activity is a
twofer; opportunities exist in both Gig Harbor and Olympia. At the Hands On Children’s Museum, the 56-foot Megan D (parentmap.com/megand) offers ropes and ladders to climb, a walking plank, and countless gadgets and toggles to push and pull. At the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, the 65-foot vintage fishing boat Shenandoah (parentmap.com/shenandoah) is being lovingly restored for its 100th birthday, but it’s still a beauty inside and out.
■
When Nikki McCoy is not writing, she’s keeping up with her two teenage sons, having pun wars with her hubby or channeling her inner Ciscoe Morris in the garden.
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PARENT ING
Pandemic Scrapbook
Getting It Down From time capsules to ta-da lists, easy ways for families to document this unique time By Elisa Murray
I have a degree in history and am a “words person” by trade, so when the COVID-19 tsunami of changes swept through in March — upending everything “normal” — one of my first thoughts was: Get it down. We have to remember, for our kids and ourselves, what it felt like to have everything change so drastically, to have the world compress until it was just our nuclear family, figuring it out day by day.
The funny things, the poignant things, the headlines and highlights: I wanted to record it all. And so, I tried. For a while. I started a daily journal with my 10-year-old son, as part of his “home schooling.” He completed two entries. I started a sentence-a-day journal. Surely, that’s achievable, I thought — just enough to differentiate each day from the rest! Nope. Inevitably, I’d leave
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it until bedtime, at which point my brain was such a muddle that I couldn’t remember a single thing that happened that day. Some ideas have worked. A family time capsule project was fairly successful, in part because it doubled as a way to recycle the detritus of quarantine life. We put a white plastic box out and started tossing stuff into it (with some culling): the letters and trinkets my son and his friends shared with each other in those first few weeks, the headlines about COVID-19 case numbers
Are there habits from the Before Times that you can commandeer for family story sharing? and job losses, photos, and screenshots of a text thread from a friend that kept me sane. A free, printable quarantine time capsule (whatmomslove.com) was my son’s writing homework for several days, and he took it surprisingly seriously. But eventually the box filled up, and the news never ended, and we ran out of steam. The box is now duct-taped shut and destined for a trip to basement obscurity. Five, nearing six months in, I still believe in the importance of documenting and remembering this time as a family, but I’m also tired. So, I reached out to the communities around me to get
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some fresh ideas for remembering our family history during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was trying to understand how rather than what. Here are a few strategies I’ll be trying (or have tried) as we head into our sixth month of isolated life.
Make storytelling do double duty: My son is a
remote-learning rebel, so we weren’t about to enroll him in summer school. But he does need to work on skills, so for weekly writing practice, on Fridays, we sit down and write a letter each. I wrote out a simple template of prompts for him so he can think of something to say, which I use, too. It hasn’t been easy — after years of thrashing out emails, my handwriting is worse than my fifth-grader’s — but after a few weeks, we have a solid routine down. He writes to friends, and I vary between friends, relatives and political letters (votefwd.org). And then, before we send them off (why does it take days to stamp and address a letter?), I snap photos so we have a record for that quarantine photo book we will someday put together.
Document for the kids: I’ve been focused on ways we can record moments together as a family, but my friend Diana (full disclosure: she’s a ParentMap staff editor) reminded me that the kids don’t necessarily have to be involved. A mom of four, she has a routine of creating a “ta-da list” for her family; in her day calendar, she records activities and learning moments she had with each child on a particular day. This doesn’t have to be a solely quarantine-focused
5 tips for documenting family memories 1. Create a dedicated email account for COVID-related photos and stories. Instead of scrolling social media, write up a few happenings and forward them to that account. One Seattle-area mom of a 4-year-old forwards photos to an email account she set up for her child that she will one day share with her. 2. Time capsules are a fun, timehonored project for families, and you can find several templates online. We liked the printable worksheet series on the blog “What Moms Love,” and
GoNoodle (gonoodle.com) also has a three-minute episode about how to create a time capsule. 3. A photo book is a visual time capsule. Beyond family photos, take pictures of newspaper stories, art projects, signs and scenes that capture what life is really like right now. (A friend suggested a lineup of wine bottles.) Apps like Chatbooks (chatbooks.com) make it easy to turn a social media feed into a photo book. 4. There is an app for that: Have an elder in your family whose story you want to capture from far away? StoryCorps (storycorps.org) offers an app, StoryCorps Connect, which lets you video-record a loved one remotely. The audio will be uploaded to the archive at the Library of Congress. 5. Make history: Would your kids be motivated by contributing to a historical archive? You can do just that at the Seattle Public Library by submitting photographs and videos to a COVID-19 community collection (spl.org). Or contribute your pandemic story to the Washington State Historical Society’s collection (washingtonhistory.org).
exercise, of course, but as she says, it “helps with the feeling that the days are not just passing me by.� (She credits the podcast “Happier� with the term “ta-da list� and the book “The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life� with the concept.)
Do that thing you do: Are there habits from the Before Times that you can commandeer for family story sharing? If you were a whiz at keeping up the calendar, use those blank pages to write down the movies you’ve watched, the funny things the people in your family have said or the actions you’ve taken to support protests. Do you already share highs and lows from the day at mealtimes? Assign a scribe to write them down every night.
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work if you can’t figure out how to transform the habit of documenting from aspiration to behavior, as Fogg would say. Are you committed to taking a daily photo? Noting a quote of the day? Doing a weekly video recording? Writing your own ta-da list? Then take a few minutes to sketch out how you will make it a habit.
in g N o w E n ro ll
All this is to say: None of these ideas will
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take a few minutes after dinner to jot down a couple of memories in a family journal, which I kept within arm’s reach of our dinner table. I didn’t know it at the time, but the journal keeping succeeded because, as habits expert B.J. Fogg explains, it had all the elements of a successful habit. I started small (one or two sentences), the habit was anchored to a set routine (dinner) and it was convenient: The journal lived on a shelf next to the dinner table. Then, about two years ago, we redesigned that area of our living/dining room, which included ditching the shelf where the journal had lived. That small change threw off my family journal habit — now I had to get up from the table — and I’ve never regained it.
Anchor it: For years, about once a week, I’d
The payoff is big. I don’t need to read about the copious research done on why family stories matter to know that though the COVID fatigue is real, the investment in remembering is worth it.
Offering fun, hands-on geology programs for kids of all ages. Educational programs are mobile - the experience comes to you!
â–
Elisa Murray is a Seattle-based freelance writer and editor of the guidebook “52 Seattle Adventures With Kids� (parentmap.com/52adventures).
INSIDERS’ GUIDE / 31
E A STSIDE GEMS
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Juanita Park
An Insider’s Guide to the Eastside
Inspiration Playground
9 play-packed family outings around the 425 By Kate Missine
Ahh, the Eastside. While it may not quite have Seattle’s street cred, it certainly draws in families with its picture-pretty neighborhoods, abundant green spaces and plentiful kid-friendly amenities. And though some may think of the suburbs hugging Lake Washington’s eastern edge as one homogenous mass of minivans and chain restaurants, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. From Bellevue’s urban skyscrapers to Fall City’s bucolic charm, each Eastside community boasts its own character as well as amazing independent shops and restaurants, not to mention some of the region’s most gorgeous hikes and thrilling family adventures. The Eastside really has it all for residents and visitors alike, so keep reading for this Eastside mama’s insider’s guide to the best familyfriendly fun the 425 has to offer.
ground feature conceivable, from a fairy-tale climbing-vine wall to a natural-rock spray park complete with a waterfall. There are even swinging benches for the grown-ups!
Bellevue Downtown Park
1. Bellevue Inspiration
Playground and KidsQuest Museum, Bellevue
This gem may not be quite hidden, but the incredible Inspiration Playground (bellevuewa.gov), in the center of downtown Bellevue, is nothing short of, well, inspirational. Surrounded by Bellevue Downtown Park’s sprawling lawns and cascading ponds, this playground was designed to be accessible to all, and offers every sort of play-
Minutes away, KidsQuest Children’s Museum (kidsquestmuseum.org) is another don’t-miss destination, chock-full of endless interactive, educational play possibilities. For a pit stop conveniently located right across from the park, check out Third Culture Coffee (thirdculturecoffee.com), where kiddos can play on the giant indoor swing while moms and dads recaffeinate.
2. Berry picking and Remlinger Farms, Carnation Got a picky one on your hands? Put that quality to its proper use with an enticement they won’t be able to
Did you know? Eastside cities got their start as logging or mining towns. They later burgeoned into Seattle’s postwar bedroom communities after the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge across Lake Washington was completed in 1940.
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E A STS I D E G EM S
Coal Creek Falls Photo by Bobby Marko continued from page 33
resist: sweet, ripe berries — picked with their own hands. The small farming community of Carnation is known for this favorite summer pastime of Seattle-area families, with several farms offering U-pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and more throughout the summer season. The best known of these is Remlinger Farms (remlingerfarms.com), also the site of the popular Country Fair Fun Park, with its dozens of mellow rides and attractions, a hay maze, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a cute farm café and store. (There’s an awesome pumpkin patch and festival in the fall, too!) Harvold Berry Farm (harvoldberryfarm.wixsite. com/ harvoldberryfarm) and Henna Blueberry Farm (hennablueberryfarm.com) are two other family-friendly U-pick options — be sure to check operating hours before going.
3. Hiking in the Issaquah Alps and
visiting Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah
Issaquah is home to some of the Puget Sound area’s favorite hikes, with trails for every age and skill level. Favorite hikes for families in the Issaquah Alps include scaling the ever-popular Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain (it gets its name from the sound of a train whistle, not, well, you know … ); discovering nuggets of coal mining history
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state’s Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (wdfw.wa.gov).
4. Kirkland’s beaches and downtown, Kirkland
along Cougar Mountain’s Coal Creek Falls Trail; and following storyboards to discover tales of pretzel trees and swamp monsters (parentmap.com/alps). The Issaquah Alps have no shortage of trails, forests and secrets to explore. Cougar Mountain Zoo (parentmap.com/ CMZ) is a small zoological park with an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. That staff works hard to educate visitors about the plight of the endangered animals in its care and to raise awareness of conservation efforts. For another opportunity to meet and greet more iconic local critters, stop by to view the salmon splashing at the
Plenty of charming waterfronts surround Lake Washington, but the sun-dappled shores of Kirkland get our vote for providing the most family-friendly surf-and-sand fun. Awesome playgrounds, cordoned wading areas, volleyball courts and waterplay rentals, plus plenty of places to grab a bite and a chill vibe make beach parks like Houghton, Waverly and Juanita perfect for every age. Marina Park provides a jumping-off point for fun Argosy Cruises excursions (argosycruises.com); and downtown Kirkland’s Park Lane, next door, becomes pedestrian-only on weekends for safe strolling; grab dinner and then head to Sirena Gelato (sirenagelato.com) for a cone.
Courtesy Sirena Gelato
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E A STSIDE GEMS
Luther Burbank Park Photo by Taum Sauk
continued from page 35
5. Snoqualmie Falls and
historic downtown Snoqualmie
Considered by the Snoqualmie Tribe to be humanity’s place of origin, Snoqualmie Falls’ roaring 268-foothigh waterfall draws crowds from inside and outside the state. Viewing platforms, a visitors center and interpretive trails are easily navigable for kids, pets and strollers, and rife with opportunities to learn about Native American culture, local plants and wildlife, and hydroelectricity (the falls generate electricity for Puget Sound Energy). About a mile away is Snoqualmie, a charming town that is home to great restaurants and independent boutiques.
Don’t miss a stop at the old-fashioned Snoqualmie Falls Candy Shoppe and ice cream parlor (snofallcandyshoppe.com),
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or at the Northwest Railway Museum (trainmuseum.org) and its historic Snoqualmie Depot for a weekend train ride (currently closed until at least Sept. 1 due to COVID-19).
6. Luther Burbank Park and
Island Books, Mercer Island
Perched conveniently between Seattle and the rest of the Eastside, calm and leafy Mercer Island is home to Luther Burbank Park, encompassing 7 acres of waterfront, green space, trails, a swimming and fishing beach, a hill for kite flying and one of the cooler playgrounds in the area (with zip lines, tunnels and even an elevator!). After playtime, stop by Island Books (mercerislandbooks.com), an independent bookstore with an adorable children’s section. All that
book browsing can make a person peckish: Take your pick of several delish pizzeria options for dinner, all within a few blocks’ radius.
7. Mountain biking in Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park, Issaquah The 120-acre Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park, located between Sammamish and Issaquah, draws daredevils from all over the city to its dedicated mountain biking trails (parentmap.com/thrill-ride). Here are just a few reasons why this is a must-try outdoor adventure for the family: trails for all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced, with cool names like Voodoo Child; plenty of thrilling elements, such as bridges, berms, jumps and logs; pump tracks for the youngest riders; and a variety of classes, workshops and camps
Do you know a girl who LOVES to sing? available to set you on the right path. Be sure to check gear and safety requirements before riding off.
SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR has a non-audition prep choir for
8. Riding the Sammamish River Trail, from Redmond to Woodinville
seattlegirlschoir.org/Piccolini
Seattle and the Eastside have no shortage of bike trails of every length and experience level, but there are several that top our list of the nicest family-friendly rides. Among them is the 10.1-mile Sammamish River Trail: flat, fully paved and running from Redmond’s Marymoor Park through Woodinville, ending at Bothell’s Blyth Park. Its attractions include playgrounds on both ends, plus Woodinville’s cute Wilmot Gateway Park on the way for the kiddos and winery stops for the parents. (Many of the wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, welcome youngsters and encourage picnicking and exploring on the grounds.) The trail does get busy during commute hours, so plan accordingly.
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Stop by Woodinville’s The Commons (thecommonscafe.com) for a bite before your ride back!
9. Cedar River Park and Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Renton
Stretching along the banks of the Cedar River in Renton, this 23-acre park features several amenities, including paved trails, a community center, a theater and the Henry Moses Aquatic Center (rentonwa.gov). An open-air water park, one of the few in the area, the Henry Moses center attracts nearly 75,000 visitors each summer by virtue of its cool waterslides, wave pools, lazy river (and tubes for floating), tot splashing areas and more, and it is a smaller, more affordable alternative to some of the bigger parks. (Note that the center will not reopen until summer 2021.)
Located nearby in the same park complex, Carco Theatre (carcotheatre.org) stages allages performances, including productions of the ever-popular StoryBook Theater. It also offers acting and theater classes for youths.
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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.
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PNW HAP PY P L ACES
Insider Picks From the ParentMap Team The ParentMap staff and writers are PNW natives and durable transplants who have lived and parented in Washington state for collective centuries. Here are some of our favorite experiences and happy places for families. Does favorite bar count? Good Weather on Capitol Hill is a bike shop with a little café bar that has indoor and outdoor seating with a fire — best gem! — Jen Dine, Advertising Partnerships Manager
I love to take a long drive along the Thurston Bountiful Byway. Stops along the way include a lavender farm, distillery (kids are welcome!), quirky sculpture park, quarry pool, farm-fresh restaurants and more. — Nikki McCoy, “Quirky South Sound Jaunts,” p. 22 I love street-end parks! Wherever a public street dead-ends at water in Seattle, the space between that dead end and the water is public property. My favorite swimming hole is a street-end park on Mercer Island. — Elisa Taylor, Ad Operations Manager
We love spending a few lazy hours at Lake Sammamish State Park, dividing time between swimming at Tibbets Beach and the awesome huge playground; and we always stop by Happy Lemon across the street on the way back for bubble waffles and boba drinks! — Kate Missine, “425 Confidential,” p. 32 My no-brainer activity when people visit in the summer is taking the Water Taxi to Marination for cocktails and shave ice. You get a quick boat ride, great food and bevs, and an amazing view of the city from West Seattle. — Angela Goodwin, Advertising Client Services Administration Our favorite destination is Gold Creek Pond, the perfect destination for every season: picnics in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter, and hiking during spring and fall. It’s great for families with young kids, as the trail is easy for little legs and suitable for strollers. — Vicky McDonald, Digital Content Editor
Go to the Secret Garden at Pike Place — there’s a gorgeous view of the water, a chalkboard piggy you can draw on, and it’s a cute space to enjoy a snack. — Angelica Lai, Email Production Specialist
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In an under-the-radar corner of Northeast Seattle, just across the street from the Meadowbrook Community Center, an unexpected wildlife preserve beckons visitors for walking, watching and musing. Created as a stormwater detention pond to prevent Thornton Creek flooding more than 20 years ago, the pond is now a criss-cross of paths, bridges and boardwalks with an impressive number of wildlife viewing spots. Go at dusk to see the family of beavers swimming and diving. At other times of the day, you might see river otters, wood ducks, Cooper’s hawks, kingfishers, herons and more. It’s become a gathering place for both humans and wildlife, a quiet spot to escape the city to the tune of urban nature. — Elisa Murray, “Insiders’ Guide,” p. 8
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Resource Directory The support of these family-friendly businesses enables us to deliver our high-quality parenting content to readers for free. Schools + Preschools + Education Adventure Kids Playcare Bellevue...................................... 10 Unique, drop-in child care; infants—age 12 Bellevue; 425-453-4444 adventurekidsplaycare.com; bellevue@adventurekidsplaycare.com Annie Wright Schools .......................................................... 41 Co-ed preschool—8; single-gender day and boarding 9—12 Tacoma; 253-272-2216 aw.org; admissions@aw.org The Bear Creek School ........................................................ 13 Christian liberal arts education; preschool—grade 12 Redmond; 425-898-1720 tbcs.org; chazeltine@tbcs.org Bellevue Montessori School.................................................41 Inspiring lifelong learners; ages 1½—12 Bellevue; 425-454-7439 bellmontessori.com Charles Wright Academy....................................................... 4 Independent, co-ed day school; preschool—grade 12 Tacoma; 253-620-8373 charleswright.org; admissions@charleswright.org
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Discovery Montessori School ............................................. 19 Enriching early childhood learning; ages 2½—6 Seattle; 206-282-3848 discoverymontessorischool.org Eastside Catholic School..................................................... 15 Faith-based learning; co-ed, grades 6—12 Sammamish; 425-295-3000 eastsidecatholic.org; info@eastsidecatholic.org Eastside Catholic School Options Program ....................... 45 Special education and life-skill building; grades 9—12 Sammamish; 425-295-3000 eastsidecatholic.org; info@eastsidecatholic.org Eastside Christian School ................................................... 27 Academic excellence, commitment to Christ; pre-K—grade 8 Bellevue; 425-641-5570 ecswa.org; info@ecswa.org Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart ......................... 44 Independent, Catholic, all-girls school; grades 5—12 Bellevue; 425-641-0700 forestridge.org; admissions@forestridge.org Heritage Christian Academy.............................................. 20 Preschool through middle school Bothell; 425-485-2585 hcabothell.org; info@hcabothell.org
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JDS: The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle...... 35 Jewish community school; early childhood—grade 8 Bellevue; 425-460-0260 jds.org; wleberman@jds.org Kid’s Country Learning Centers.......................................... 28 Safe and nurturing care for infants—age 12 9 Puget Sound-area locations; 360-668-5145 kidscountryinc.com; info@kidscountry.com
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King’s Schools ...................................................................... 43 Challenging academics in a faith-focused community Seattle; 206-289-7783 kingsschools.org Little Red Wagon Preschool................................................ 20 Play-based, social skills focus, half-day; ages 2—5 Seattle; 206-696-7034 redwagonpreschool.org; redwagonpreschool@yahoo.com The Little School .................................................................. 39 Blended indoor/outdoor learning on our 12.5-acre campus Bellevue; 425-827-8708 thelittleschool.org/explore; reganw@thelittleschool.org Morningside Academy.......................................................... 25 Rigorous full-year and summer programs; grades 1—9 Seattle; 206-709-9500 morningsideacademy.org; info@morningsideacademy.org
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Open Window School.............................................................10 For gifted kids who love to learn; grades K—8 Bellevue; 425-747-2911 openwindowschool.org; admissions@ows.org Sammamish Montessori School...........................................31 Art, sports, science, more; ages 3—8 Redmond; 425-883-3271 sammamishmontessori.com; info@sammamishmontessori.com Seabury School .................................................................... 25 Advanced curriculum for gifted students; pre-K—grade 8 Tacoma; 253-952-3111 seabury.org; office@seabury.org Shoreline Community College............................................. 37 7 co-op preschools with parenting education Shoreline; 206-546-4593 shoreline.edu/parenting-education Small World Montessori....................................................... 47 Education with individual attention Mill Creek; 425-338-7771 smallworldmontessori.com; info@smallworldmontessori.com Soundview School................................................................ 47 Independent, private school serving preschool—grade 8 Lynnwood; 425-778-8572 soundview.org St. Joseph Parish School..................................................... 47 Seattle’s Jesuit parish school Seattle; 206-329-3260 stjosephsea.org; school@stjosephsea.org
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UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars............................. 11 Acceleration and enrichment for highly capable students Seattle; 206-543-4160 robinsoncenter.uw.edu; rcys@uw.edu Whole Earth Montessori School.......................................... 34 Montessori learning environment for ages 3—12 Bothell; 425-486-3037 wemschool.org; info@wemschool.org
Camps + Classes + Activities Chess4Life.............................................................................. 7 Life skills through chess; camps, clubs, classes, more Greater Puget Sound area; 425-283-0549 chess4life.com; kids@chess4life.com Creative Dance Center ........................................................ 27 Classes for infants, children, teens and adults Seattle; 206-363-7281 creativedance.org; info@creativedance.org DigiPen Academy.................................................................. 20 Learn game design, art, engineering, music; grades K—12 Redmond; 425-629-5007 projectfun.digipen.edu; projectfun@digipen.edu Gage Academy of Art............................................................14 Art workshops and instruction for kids and teens Seattle; 206-323-4243 gageacademy.org; info@gageacademy.org
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Hidden Valley Camp...............................................................12 Horses, sailing, art, hiking, swimming; co-ed ages 7—16 Granite Falls; 425-330-2974 hvc-wa.com; hiddenvalleycamp@earthlink.net Music Together in Greater Seattle ......................................21 Early-childhood music classes; birth—grade 2 Multiple locations musictogether.com/greaterseattle Music Works Northwest....................................................... 24 Music lessons, camps and classes; all ages and levels Bellevue; 425-644-0988 musicworksnw.org; registration@musicworksnw.org Rain City Fencing Center..................................................... 28 Group classes and private lessons, equipment provided Bellevue; 425-747-6300 raincityfencing.com; info@raincityfencing.com Redmond Parks and Recreation...........................................21 Equestrian, sports, arts, outdoor, STEM, teens Redmond; 425-556-2300 redmond.gov/parksrecreation Rock Solid Science................................................................31 Field trips and hands-on fun with rocks and minerals Seattle area; 206-715-2556 rocksolidscience.com Samena Swim & Recreation Club........................................ 28 Preschool, before- and after-school care, swim lessons Bellevue; 425-746-1160 samena.com
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DI R ECTO RY continued from page 43
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School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts (SANCA)............... 7 Classes for ages 6 and older; circus camps for ages 6—17 Seattle; 206-652-4433 sancaseattle.org; office@sancaseattle.org Seattle Girls Choir................................................................ 37 Progressive choral music education for girls; ages 5—18 Seattle; 206-526-1900 seattlegirlschoir.org; info@seattlegirlschoir.org Stroum Jewish Community Center..................................... 37 Early childhood school, family and youth programs, camps Mercer Island, Seattle; 206-232-7115 sjcc.org Sunshine Music Together, LLC............................................. 42 Early-childhood music classes; ages 0—5 6 Greater Seattle-area locations; 206-281-1111 sunshinemusictogether.com Two Cranes Aikido.................................................................12 Martial arts training and practice for kids and adults Seattle; 206-523-5503 twocranesaikido.com Wilderness Awareness School ........................................... 34 Fun nature explorations and adventures; ages 4—18 Multiple King County locations; 425-788-1301 wildernessawareness.org; wasnet@wildernessawareness.org
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Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi................................................. 2 Everyone deserves a special night out; join us Bellevue; 425-625-2080 ascendprime.com Creatively Yours................................................................... 44 Ceramic studio offering onsite events and to-go kits Bellevue; 425-747-2280 creativelyyoursbellevue.com; creativelyyoursbellevue@outlook.com Crossroads Bellevue.............................................................. 7 Family-friendly shopping, dining, play, events Bellevue; 425-644-1111 crossroadsbellevue.com Famous Dave’s........................................................................ 2 Amazing, authentic BBQ for food lovers Everett, Tacoma, Tukwila famousdaves.com
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Kid’s Club .............................................................................. 20 Toys and haircuts for children at University Village Seattle; 206-524-2553 shopkidsclub.com KidsQuest Children’s Museum............................................. 42 Hands-on exhibits, classes, summer camp, special events Bellevue; 425-637-8100 kidsquestmuseum.org; info@kidsquestmuseum.org
Lincoln South Food Hall ......................................................... 2 6 kitchens offering affordable, family-friendly dining Bellevue; 425-362-6082 lincolnsfh.com Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center .................................. 44 Farm stand, workshops, summer camps, CSA Carnation; 425-788-1134 oxbow.org; thedirt@oxbow.org
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Stanford’s Restaurant and Bar............................................. 2 Locally sourced Northwest cuisine Seattle; 206-834-6277 stanfords.com/northgate Tea For Eve.............................................................................13 Organic teas supporting women’s health Online; 253-200-5304 teaforeve.com; info@teaforeve.com Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience.............................................................................13 Exhibits showcasing Asian history in Seattle Seattle; 206-623-5124 wingluke.org; visit@wingluke.org
Family Resources + Services CareWorks Nanny Referral Service.................................... 24 Expert, personalized nanny placements since 1993 Seattle; 206-325-7510 careworksnw.com; careworks.seattle@gmail.com Diaper Stork Diaper Service ............................................... 27 Cloth diaper service, rental and boutique Greater Seattle area; 206-928-6982 diaperstork.com; service@diaperstork.com Ditch the Diapers Potty Training .........................................19 Elimination communication and potty-training classes Greater Seattle area; 206-928-6982 diaperstork.com; ditchthediapers@diaperstork.com Elise Buie Family Law Group, PLLC.......................................16 Thrive during and after your divorce Seattle; 206-926-9848 elisebuiefamilylaw.com
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Jewish Family Service ........................................................ 28 All-ages counseling; volunteer opportunities, more Seattle; 206-461-3240 jfsseattle.org Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle ............................... 43 Scholarships for families to go to Jewish camp Seattle; 206-443-5400 jewishinseattle.org/camp; info@jewishinseattle.org
OPEN HOUSE DATES: KĐƚŽďĞƌ Ϯϱ͕ ϮͲϰ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ͮ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϴ͕ ϮͲϰ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ͮ DŝĚĚůĞ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϵ͕ ϲ͗ϯϬͲϴ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ͮ DŝĚĚůĞ ^ĐŚŽŽů Θ ,/ŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů eastsidecatholic.org/open-house eastsidecatholic.org/apply 425-295-3000 ͮ eastsidecatholic.org/options INSIDERS’ GUIDE / 45
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Call today for a tour! continued from page 45 Jewish National Fund .......................................................... 26 Supporting the people and land of Israel All areas; 800-JNF-0099 jnf.org; jewishnationalfund@jnf.org Pierce County Library System............................................ 39 Discover the world of information and imagination 20 locations; 253-548-3300 piercecountylibrary.org Puget Sound Independent Schools.................................... 46 Admissions collaborative connecting families and schools Greater Puget Sound area pugetsoundindependentschools.org
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Small World Montessori
Samis Foundation................................................................. 40 Supporting Jewish camp experiences for kids Seattle; 206-622-3363 samisfoundation.org Samis Foundation................................................................... 3 Supporting Jewish education in Washington state Seattle; 206-622-3363 samisfoundation.org Seattle Nanny Network, Inc. .............................................. 45 Child care, para-educators, corporate back-up care Greater Seattle area; 425-803-9511 seattlenanny.com; info@seattlenanny.com Turtle’s Occasions, LLC ........................................................31 Party planning, kids’ birthdays, tutus, more Western Washington turtlesoccasions.com
Health + Wellness Allegro Pediatrics ................................................................ 39 Where healthier futures begin 8 Eastside locations; 425-827-4600 allegropediatrics.com Child & Teen Solutions........................................................... 4 Therapy and evaluations for children and families Seattle and online; 206-926-9901 childandteensolutions.com; hello@childandteensolutions.com
Preschool and Kindergarten Everett/Mill Creek Preschool at MaltbyinElementary
Snohomish/Monroe Visit our website for more information or call to schedule a tour.
Preschool and Kindergarten in smallworldmontessori.com • 425-338-7771 Everett/Mill Creek
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$50.00 off registration with this ad. Now Enrolling for Fall 2014 Visit our website for more information or call to schedule a tour.
www.smallworldmontessori.com 425-338-7771
Eastside Pediatric Dental Group .........................................15 Specialists in oral health for kids of all ages Issaquah; 425-392-4048 eastsidepediatricdentalgroup.com Happy Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics .............................14 Children’s dental care in a welcoming environment Auburn, Federal Way, Chehalis, Longview; 360-636-1900 happykidsdentistry.com Natural Dentistry, Ortho TMJ and Sleep..............................18 Natural, holistic dental treatment for all ages Mercer Island; 206-257-4921 naturaldentist.com; appointments@naturaldentist.com
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THERE’S THERE’S CLEAN. CLEAN. THEN THEN THERE’S THERE’S PRO PRO CLUB CLUB CLEAN. CLEAN. When you’re ready to come back to the gym, When you’re ready to come back to the gym, PRO Club is ready for you—with more space PRO Club is ready for you—with more space than any other health club in the nation—and than any other health club in the nation—and more than 1 million dollars invested in more than 1 million dollars invested in state-of-the-art cleaning technology. state-of-the-art cleaning technology.
ROBOTIC SANITATION ROBOTIC SANITATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY
METICULOUS ATTENTION METICULOUS ATTENTION
PRO Club sets the standard of cleanPRO the standard of induscleanlinessClub withsets technology like the liness with technology like the industry-leading UV disinfection robot (aka try-leading UV disinfection robot “The Germinator”), which we use (aka to “The Germinator”), wethe use to sanitize most everywhich area of club. sanitize most every area of the club.
VIRTUALLY GERM-FREE SURFACES VIRTUALLY GERM-FREE SURFACES
SO MUCH SPACE SO MUCH SPACE
PRO Club is BIG—as big as four city PRO Club isit’s BIG—as asthe fourspace city blocks—so easy tobig find blocks—so it’s easy to find the space you need to exercise comfortably you and need safely.to exercise comfortably and safely.
Throughout PRO Club, our patented Throughout PRO Club, our patented airPHX® air purification system is airPHX® air purification system is constantly eliminating airborne bacteria, constantly eliminating airborne bacteria, viruses and other contaminants, viruses and other contaminants, ensuring equipment and surfaces are ensuring equipment and surfaces are virtually germ-free. virtually germ-free.
A team of 90 professionals works to A team of 90club’s professionals works monitor the cleanliness 24/7.to monitor thepiece club’sofcleanliness Plus, each equipment24/7. is Plus, each piece of equipment is pristine white and has its own clean pristine white and has its own clean towel and spray disinfectant bottle. towel and spray disinfectant bottle.
UV-PURIFIED POOLS UV-PURIFIED POOLS
Extensive filtration keeps our four Extensive filtration keeps four pools incomparably clean,our clear and pools incomparably clean, clear and healthy. Water is constantly passed healthy. constantly passed through Water a sandisfiltration system, through a sand filtration system, followed by cloth filters and finally a followed by clotheliminating filters and finally a UV light system, virtually UV light system, eliminating virtually all bacteria and viruses. all bacteria and viruses.
GET TO KNOW PRO WITH A PERSONAL TRAINING 6-PACK. GET TO KNOW PRO WITH A PERSONAL TRAINING 6-PACK. Purchase 6 Personal Training Sessions ($450) and pay no club dues.* Purchase 6 Personal Training Sessions ($450) and pay no club dues.* (425) 885-5566 (425) 885-5566
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MEMBERSHIP@PROCLUB.COM MEMBERSHIP@PROCLUB.COM
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BELLEVUE BELLEVUE
*Offer expires 6 weeks from purchase date. Limited to one package only. Club access is limited to personal training sessions only. Complete club6access monthlydate. dues. Tennistoisone an additional fee. Club access is limited to personal training sessions only. *Offer expires weeksrequires from purchase Limited package only. Complete club access requires monthly dues. Tennis is an additional fee.