ParentMap 2023 Summer Family Adventure Guide

PNW INSIDE + OUT

Family

Perfect Playday: Downtown Bellevue Experience the WNDR: New Museum Pushes All the Right Buttons Family-Friendly Music Festivals for Summer 2023 7 Sweet Animal Sanctuaries for Seattle-Area Families to Visit Rediscover Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park 4 Lesser-Known Eastside Farms and Gardens

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Year-round recreation, jaw dropping beauty, and true Bavarian charm meet in surprising ways in the heart of the Northwest. Book your adventure today. leavenworth.org

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Five spacious bedrooms • Cozy living room; gas fireplace • Sunroom facing the ocean • Game room Hot tub • Miles of pristine sandy beaches • Pet-friendly & perfect for families!

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2 hour drive from Seattle • 3 hour drive from Portland

C O NTENTS

Family Adventure

Summer 2023

Perfect Playday: 7 Downtown Bellevue 10 must-visit attractions that will delight the whole family

4 Lesser-Known Eastside Farms and Gardens for Springtime Fun 43 Spring is all about sweet baby animals

Experience the WNDR 13 This novel sensorystimulating museum pushes all the right buttons Family-Friendly Music Festivals for Summer 2023 Outdoor music and nature fests you and your kids will love

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7 Sweet Animal Sanctuaries for Seattle-Area Families to Visit 29 Learn, get involved and support animals at sanctuaries around Puget Sound Rediscover Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park 35 Spend a leisurely day at the crown jewel of Metro Parks Tacoma

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF CONTENT + AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Patty Lindley

FAMILY ADVENTURE SUMMER 2023

PUBLISHER

Alayne Sulkin

OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kari Hanson CALENDAR EDITOR Julie Dodobara COPY EDITOR Sunny Parsons

PARENTMAP.COM

The phrase “Don’t touch that!” is obsolete at the newly opened WNDR Museum, where the whole point is to touch (almost) everything.

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CONTRIBUTORS Gemma Alexander, Diana Cherry, Peggy Cleveland, Natasha Dillinger, Vicky McDonald, Kate Missine

ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS

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SENIOR ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Ida Wicklund

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ART + PRODUCTION SENIOR DESIGNER Amy Chinn

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Questing for

SUMMER FUN? Come explore at KidsQuest Children’s Museum!

Teddy Bear Clinic: Bring your favorite stuffed friend and explore the Museum in a whole new way! Real doctors and nurses will be on site from 10am-4pm to give a check-up to your animal friend. This event is all about imagination, compassion, and the love of learning! Saturday, June 3.

KidsQuest Summer Nights:

Explore KidsQuest Children’s Museum after-hours on Fridays and Saturdays with special guests and activities. Starting Friday, July 7.

At the Museum: Spark

Imagination with STEAMbased activities that infuse camp vibes during our Camptivities programs.

Free with Admission.

Reserve to play!

Visit the Museum to discover the possibilities!

Exhibits include: a 2.5 story climber, hands-on water exploration, and a real semi-truck cab.

Love of learning starts here.

In downtown Bellevue!

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kidsquestmuseum.org info@kidsquestmuseum.org

Playday: Downtown Bellevue 10 must-visit attractions for every age

By Kate Missine

Rising up on the eastern shores of Lake Washington, downtown Bellevue is the urban jewel of the suburban Eastside, known for its gleaming high-rises, glam restaurant scene and extensive shopping. While all of that may sound like a playground for grown-ups more than littles, the locals know better. This bustling area offers family fun galore, with plenty of exciting play spots and kid-friendly eats, not to mention what just may well be the coolest playground around. Follow us on an insider’s playday tour through downtown Bellevue’s 10 mustvisit attractions.

Inspiration Playground • bellevuewa.gov There is no way around it: The massive, inclusive and awe-inspiring Inspiration Playground, sprawled across the

southwest corner of Bellevue’s Downtown Park, is an essential stop for any parent in the vicinity. Designed to accommodate kids of all abilities, the nature-themed playscape is packed with unique elements you won’t find anywhere else: A climbing vine wall, a glider “boat” and swinging benches for caregivers are just a few of the amenities. Once the weather warms up, FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 7

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families flock to the incredible central spray park, complete with a stream, rock tunnels and a realistic waterfall.

Afterward, take a stroll around the rest of the park, or head to the huge field for a picnic.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum • kidsquestmuseum.org Weather not cooperating for a park day? No problem! Discover endless indoor fun at this beloved hangout that draws families from all over the region.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum, located right off the downtown center, is the go-to destination for hours of learning and play. Scale the thrilling two-story climbing structure, explore an oldtime grocery store, build with recycled materials or make a splash in the water gallery — and those are only a fraction

of the diverse exhibits that await. The 3-and-younger crowd gets its own Tot Orchard room to explore to their hearts’ content without getting run over by the big kids.

KCLS Bellevue branch library • kcls.org Looking to follow up your museum visit with some new reads to take home?

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Meydenbauer Bay Park

Luckily, the awesome Bellevue branch of the King County Library System is located just a few steps away! The third floor hosts the cozy children’s section, which was renovated a few years ago with whimsical murals, fun cloud seats and adorable giant birds. Leisurely browse the extensive selection of children’s titles, explore educational games or check out one of the story times for little ones. There are also various programs and events for the older kiddos, such as Math Club and Talk Time. Don’t miss the library’s unique Makerspace, where you can reserve a time to tinker and create with all manner of STEAM software and equipment, from 3D printers and robotic Legos to crafting supplies; there is even a sound and recording room for your future rock stars.

Meydenbauer Bay Park • bellevuewa.gov Drive just a few minutes out of the hustle and bustle of Bellevue’s downtown core, and you’ve swapped an ultra-urban adventure for a chill beach day. Tucked away in a quiet

neighborhood, Meydenbauer Bay Park is a not-so-hidden jewel that was completely redesigned in 2019.

Water-play opportunities abound at the gorgeous stretch of sandy beach and swimming area, which includes a 400foot pedestrian pier and a seasonal boathouse stocked with rental kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. For year-round fun, head to the adjacent nature-inspired playground, which features skipping logs and climbing rocks.

Pro tip: Parking at this popular spot is limited, so arrive early to snag a space.

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream • mollymoon.com What goes best with a beach (or park) day? Ice cream, of course! Luckily, there’s no shortage of the cold stuff here, with not one, but two locations of local favorite scoop shop Molly Moon’s.

In 2020, Bellevue became home to the ice creamery’s flagship store (and its biggest location), located just down the street from Downtown Park. The spacious shop is stocked with all of the beloved flavors that make it so famous, from classic “always” options, such as

strawberry and salted caramel, to funky seasonal choices (have you tried “movie night popcorn”?). An open kitchen allows a peek at the pastry team as it

bakes fresh waffle cones. And if the three-minute walk from the park is too far to go for a cone, you’re covered — a walk-up kiosk opens up for the warm season just steps away and across the street from Inspiration Playground!

Kids’ Cove @ The Square • bellevuecollection.com If your little swashbucklers need to stretch their sea legs, sail on over to the pirate paradise of Kids’ Cove on the third floor of the Bellevue Square shopping mall. This awesome free play space lets the little ones run, climb and slide to their hearts’ content.

Caregivers can catch a break from shopping or — dare we say it? — enjoy a cup of hot coffee, while youngsters

explore nautical-themed soft-play elements such as boats, bridges and a lighthouse. The fenced and gated play area is furnished with counter seating for grown-ups around the perimeter; the shoes come off to keep the space cootie-free. Need to refuel? Hit up one of the mall’s many kid-friendly eateries, such as Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, or grab a sweet treat from the Lolli and Pops candy store downstairs.

Din Tai Fung • dintaifungusa.com Now here’s “dumpling” to talk about: Famous Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung is a legend when it comes to dumplings.

Bellevue’s Lincoln Square North is home to one of the restaurant’s four Seattlearea locations, which are known for

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lines of diners waiting to gobble up the pillowy pockets of deliciousness.

Families flock to it for the large tables and wide variety of choices of the universal-favorite comfort food.

The star of the show is xiao long bao — paper-thin soup bundles filled with juicy pork and rich broth. There are plenty of other options on the menu, including wontons, steamed dumplings and more. For a less busy alternative, consider Dough Zone (doughzonedumplinghouse.com), which serves an extensive menu of tasty dumplings and noodle dishes at its Main Street location in quaint Old Bellevue. (Discover more dumpling destinations at parentmap.com/ dumplings.)

Adventure Kids Playcare • adventurekidsplaycare.com Downtown Bellevue is the region’s mecca for fantastic shopping, highend dining and glitzy nightlife. The only problem? It isn’t exactly easy for parents of young ones to take advantage of all of these fabulous offerings. Fortunately, there is a convenient solution for caregivers wanting to get away on a shopping spree or much-needed date night. Enter Adventure Kids Playcare. This fabulous drop-in child-care space, located just a couple of blocks away from Bellevue Square, will ensure that your kids have a supervised blast while you enjoy some adult time. Various areas cater to kiddos ages 6 weeks–12 years, offering a range of engaging activities, such as arts and

crafts, sports, climbing and plenty of free play — all for an hourly fee. Also on offer are a variety of after-school classes, camps, theme nights and more!

Lucky Strike • luckystrikeent.com Looking for new family-fun options for your older kids and teens? Get ready to roll at the lanes of Lucky Strike in Bellevue’s Lincoln Square. This glammed-up bowling alley makes for a fantastic weekend outing that will tempt even the most angsty of teens. Cushy seating and funky lighting create cool vibes. Even better, you can munch as you bowl — order pizzas, sandwiches and nachos from the bar, and your server will bring them right to your lane (perfect if you have wee ones who struggle to sit through a meal)! More

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entertainment awaits in the huge arcade next door, a perfect hangout for your teen and their friends — without mom and dad.

Forum Social House • forumsocialhouse.com Another Lincoln Square watering hole, Forum Social House restaurant and bar may seem like a surprising addition to a list of family-friendly attractions, but this playful venue hides a surprise inside: a unique Par 1 miniature golf course that welcomes all ages before

OM CULTURE SUMMER CAMP! There will be themed days of outdoor games, circus skills, martial arts, dance, group art projects and music. Kids will also enjoy supervised free play, movies on our big screen and fresh air at Gas Works Park.

We are looking forward to a summer of adventures with you all!

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10 p.m. Holes feature ultrafun themes such as UFO cows, a soccer net and even a rainbow unicorn to sit on while swinging! An upscale casual-fare menu offers kid-pleasing options for the younger diners, including Texas toast grilled cheese and a mac-and-cheese bowl. For even more playtime, head upstairs to the fancy Topgolf Swing Suite, which can be reserved for your group. Besides golf, the huge projection screens offer game simulations for baseball, hockey and zombie dodgeball.

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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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Experience the WNDR

The phrases “Don’t touch that!” and “Don’t push that button!” cycle on repeat when I take my kids on most museum outings. However, at Seattle’s newly opened WNDR Museum (wndrmuseum.com), the whole point is to touch (almost) everything. My friend and I brought three kids ages 4–7 to test WNDR’s kid-friendliness and we have zero regrets.

Story and photos by Natasha Dillinger

A permanent museum with a pop-up feel The brainchild of tech entrepreneur Brad Keywell (an early investor in Groupon), the original WNDR Museum opened in Chicago in 2018. Since its debut, WNDR has added locations in

This novel sensorystimulating museum pushes all the right buttons

San Diego, Boston and now Seattle.

Interactive museums (like the Van Gogh Experience and Dinos Alive!) often pop up and pack up, extending popular runs but heading to new digs before community interest wanes. WNDR, on the other hand, has put down roots, making locations both permanent and dedicated to showcasing local artists. Case in point: Colorful murals highlighting Seattle-based artist Steph Shao’s bold designs marked the way into the museum as we walked from our hard-won parking spot on the street.

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oldest kids kept busy writing answers to a prompt painted on the wall. Slips of paper were provided, along with Sharpies (a dangerous tool in the hands of a 7-year-old, even on a black wall). The prompt asked, “What do you know for sure?” Answers ranged from the funny “Everyone poops” to the uplifting “Inspire a world of good.”

Art and tech collide After check-in, we ducked through a curtain and walked straight onto a light floor. WNDR doesn’t waste time before plunging you into an interactive space. Hundreds of pressure-activated lights move and change color as you walk, twirl or crawl your way through a mirrored tunnel.

Our kids were mesmerized, particularly my 4-year-old. He had fallen asleep during our parking quest and woke up to quite a surreal scene.

While it’s hard to resist the urge to see what’s next, I’ll offer some advice: Don’t rush. Going backward isn’t technically impossible, but some spaces are harder to return to, and only VIP ticket holders get a second tour through the exhibition’s route.

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In the second room, interacting with artist Andy Arkley’s installation “You Can Do Most Anything” created the most heartwarming look of wonder on my young son’s face — the piece’s title could practically be the museum’s motto.

Stand at a podium and push any of the 16 buttons to make colorful shapes light up and play musical elements. My preschooler ecstatically pushed all of them at once and jumped for joy as a club-worthy melodic masterpiece emerged. In an Instagram post, Arkley shared that even his 86-year-old father transformed into a kid while interacting with the piece.

Crowded days could create quite a line at this showstopper, so busy yourself by tasting the “magic berries” on offer nearby. After dissolving a tiny purple pill in our mouths, lemon juice tasted sweet and hot sauce less spicy. I felt a bit like Alice in Wonderland, minus the frantic rabbit.

Around the corner, push another button to make the “Oracle of WNDR” spit out your fortune while he recites nonsensical incantations. His revelation for my 4-year-old was shockingly apt: “You don’t smell bad, just loud.”

Mirror, mirror on the wall WNDR’s Chicago branch features a permanent installation of one of Yayoi Kusama’s trademark Infinity Mirrored Rooms. Perhaps because all of the other

art here is interactive, the Kusamainspired space fell a bit flat for me. Her undeniably beautiful “Starry Pumpkin” (visible from the street) felt more like a traditional art museum installation that keeps visitors at arm’s length.

Don’t worry, mirrored-room fans.

Another reflection opportunity awaits just around the corner. Take off your shoes and recall “The Matrix” as you select a red or blue pill to determine your experience inside artist Haze’s “Hyper Mirror.” After some discussion with staff, we ended up trying both pills, but the blue one is more kid-friendly.

Spoiler alert: Phones drift upward from a field of flowers if you choose the blue pill, whereas the red pill shows a robotic hand grasping a beating human heart.

The adults reflected on the deeper meaning of nature juxtaposed with technology, but our 7-year-olds just loved the immersive experience and the cool “gross” factor of the beating heart.

Don’t skimp on the final exhibits After admiring rainbow shadows created in the “Dream Sequence” hallway, we got to create our own art with a little artificial-intelligence assistance in the “Untitled by You” exhibit. Type in a prompt and wait a minute or so as the computer creates a gallery of five digital pieces inspired by your input.

The directions recommend specificity: I tried “Adventure moms at a playground in the style of Monet,” but even my 4-year-old’s string of random letters generated fascinating results. ► ►

Take a tour of T-Mobile Park, the spectacular home of the Seattle Mariners. The 19.59 acre outdoor ballpark features real grass, a retractable roof and state-of-the-art amenities. View areas normally restricted to the public, including the field and press box.

(All areas of the ballpark are subject to availability based on ballpark activities.)

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WNDR MU SEUM continued from page 15

If possible, save time to experience the final exhibit twice. “InsideOut” uses light projections and sounds to depict a Scottish rainstorm over a garden shed that you can enter. We had to wait a cycle for our turn and watching from the outside was just as fun. From the intensity of juicy raindrops to swirling winds, I loved both the complete visual of the storm from the shed’s exterior and the hygge-reminiscent feeling of sitting inside as the torrent eased into a sunbreak.

The museum exhibits are arrayed on a single level, and the only area with tight space is the garden shed entrance, so stroller and wheelchair users shouldn’t have too many obstacles. However, the heavy audio-visual stimuli would likely

days of visitor data when we visited, an employee told me that the opening hour and evenings have tended to be busier.

Our after-school slot gave us time to enjoy each installation, and we spent about 90 minutes inside (perfect for those two-hour street parking limits).

Whether you’re entertaining your 86-year-old father, a trio of younger kids or an angsty teen, WNDR’s interactive space is a welcome addition to the Seattle waterfront’s list of attractions. Go ahead, book your ticket, and, please, push all of the buttons. feel uncomfortable for anyone with a sensory processing disorder. Antsy children may have trouble waiting their turn on a busy day. Based on only three

If you go …

Find it: The WNDR Museum is located at 904 Alaskan Way in Seattle (right across

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from Colman Dock, the Seattle ferry terminal).

Hours: Open daily, noon–9 p.m.

Cost: Purchase a timed ticket online in advance for $38 per adult and $28 per child (ages 3–12), plus $3 per ticket in processing fees. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. Visiting before 5 p.m. Monday–Thursday brings the adult price down to $32, while a $50 VIP ticket gets you extra benefits, most notably a second lap through the exhibits.

Parking: It’s not much of a secret that the multiyear construction project has intensified the traffic and parking struggle near the Seattle waterfront. Take public transit if you can (multiple buses, including the C and H lines, stop nearby), but otherwise budget extra time and money for street or garage parking.

Nearby food: Delicious new restaurants have popped up near Pioneer Square, and we were happy to sample a few. Stop for pre-museum coffee and snacks crafted from Indigenous ingredients at ʔ?álʔal? Café (chiefseattleclub.org/alalcafe). Since our visit was later in the day, we opted for the umami-packed marinated egg and a selection of banchan at Ohsun Banchan Deli and Cafe (ohsunbanchan.com), followed by a sampler of macarons from Lady Yum (ladyyum.com) and some playtime in Occidental Square.

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Natasha Dillinger is a Seattle mom who paused a career in accounting and finance to focus on showing her two young children around the Pacific Northwest. Follow their adventures near and far on Instagram @suitcasesinseattle.

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KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

FOUNDATION

Illustrations © Jenna Riggs • jennariggs.com

Illustrations © Jenna Riggs • jennariggs.com

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Get Your Fam Jam On Family-friendly outdoor music and nature fests you and your kids will love

By Gemma Alexander

For a while there, it seemed like Puget Sound families could find a music festival on almost any given weekend. But the pandemic put a screeching halt to that kind of huge public gathering. Now that we’re emerging from the era of virtual everything, it’s time to survey the new festival landscape. This summer, you can find a safe, friendly festival to match whatever drumbeat your family likes best.

Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle Center • nwfolklife.org Dates: May 26–29 Cost: Free One of the family-friendliest options, Northwest Folklife Festival has kicked off the summer festival season on Memorial Day weekend for more than 50 years.

It doesn’t require travel or camping, and there’s no entrance fee (Folklife is funded by donations). The theme for the 52nd annual Folklife Festival is “Lagom,” a Scandinavian word that relates to the idea of maintaining balance. With the tagline “Not too much, not too little, just right,” could any festival be more attuned to what families need?

Timber! Outdoor Music Festival, Carnation • summer.timbermusicfest.com Dates: July 27–29 Cost: Kids 12 and younger free; $65–$95 per day or $150 for a weekend pass;

Photo courtesy of pickathon.com

$55 camping; $20 parking; prices go up June 1.

One of several festivals hosted by the folks at Artist Home, Timber! is the easiest for families. You can camp or commute to see the lineup of primarily local indie artists, such as Jeff Tweedy and Black Belt Eagle Scout, augmented with kid-focused sets from The Not-Its! and the 8-Bit Brass Band. There are both free and paid special activities for all ages; kids will love the craft times and story hours, and the whole family can enjoy stargazing and swimming at Tolt River Beach.

Pickathon, Happy Valley, Oregon • pickathon.com Dates: Aug. 3–6 Cost: Kids 12 and younger free; teen (ages 13–16) weekend pass $195; adult weekend pass $390; camping included in pass price; parking $105 Post-pandemic Pickathon revamped its programming, moving away from its

bluegrass roots to emphasize music discovery through emerging artists across multiple genres. This year’s lineup includes indie-roots powerhouse Watchhouse, old-school soul’s Lee Fields, alt-glam band Dehd, indiefolk darling Madison Cunningham and Zambian psych rockers W.I.T.C.H., along with your new favorite band you haven’t heard of yet.

THING, Port Townsend • thingnw.org Dates: Aug. 25–27 Cost: $130 per day or $350 weekend pass; camping $150; parking $35 THING’s packed lineup is eclectic, featuring artists both local and international, emerging and classic.

From Grace Love to Laufey, Y La Bamba to Digable Planets, Fleet Foxes to the Budos Band, there’s something for everyone, however diverse your family’s musical tastes. Unlike many fests, THING has in-and-out privileges, so you can take the free shuttle to explore downtown FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 2 3

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Port Townsend when you need a change of scenery.

(Consult our insider’s guide to more family-friendly fun in Port Townsend at parentmap.com/port-townsend.)

Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival, Seattle Center • bumbershoot.com Dates: Sep. 2–3 Cost: Kids 10 and younger free; $65 single-day pass or $110 weekend pass Generations of Seattleites bookended summer with Folklife and Bumbershoot. But in recent years, Bumbershoot priced out too many families as it chased Coachella-like homogeneity. Now Bumbershoot is back for its 50th iteration, with more-affordable tickets and a lineup that emphasizes local favorites, including SleaterKinney and Sunny Day Real Estate. It’s not just about pedestaling hometown heroes, though. There are also international acts like Bomba Estéreo and new artists like Uncle Waffles. Besides music, there will “free-range artists” performing dance, wrestling (!) and roller-skating demos, and even nail art.

Your neighborhood stage Dates: Dates and locations vary Cost: Usually free When you’ve got kids in tow, sometimes the smaller festivals are better. Puget Sound summers are filled with neighborhood festivals that include live music staged adjacent to kids’ play zones and food booths. Some of them simply celebrate summer, while others have a specific focus, but they all deliver a good time. The Bothell Redfellow Music Festival (allevents.in/bothell) fits 10 local bands into a single day, for instance. Keep an eye out for unexpectedly incredible lineups at events such as food and sustainable living festival Chomp! at Marymoor Park (chomplocal.org); West Seattle Summer Fest at the Junction (wsjunction.org); Ballard SeafoodFest (seafoodfest.org); the South Lake Union Block Party in Seattle (slublockparty.com); and Renton River Days (rentonwa.gov).

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INSPIRED LEARNING

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Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts. When she’s not writing for ParentMap, she blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.

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7 Animal Sanctuaries That Seattle-Area Families Can Visit

Learn, get involved and support animals at animal sanctuaries around Puget Sound

By Diana Cherry Whether your family is interested in visiting local rescued animals, adopting a new pet, or becoming more engaged and involved in fighting for animal rights, there’s something for everyone at these seven Western Washington animal sanctuaries.

1. Pasado’s Safe Haven • pasadosafehaven.org Visit: Just an hour’s drive outside of Seattle, this 85-acre property lives up to its name as a “safe haven” for more than 200 dogs, cats and other domesticated animals. Book a visit to the sanctuary, generally offered

on Saturdays, and a guide will lead your family on a tour, introduce you to resident animals and answer lots of questions. Book visits at the link above; tours cost $15 per person; kids ages 4 and younger are free.

Pasado’s offers several opportunities for the young animal lovers in your life to get involved.

Learn: Pasado’s has age-appropriate supplemental lesson plans and field trip opportunities for preschool–grade 5 students. Kids ages 11–16 can sign up to attend Pasado’s Animal Compassion Summer Camp (two sessions will be offered this August), where they will learn about animal needs and communication through engaging lessons, activities and art projects.

Adopt: If you’re considering adding a new family member to your home, you can adopt a pet through Pasado’s Safe Haven. Though not the simplest way to support animals in need, it’s definitely the most life-changing. Adopting a pet encourages empathy and responsibility in children while providing a safe and stable home to a rescued animal and opening up additional space to other animals in need of help. Not quite ready to commit? Consider fostering.

Dogs, cats and even farm animals are available to foster or adopt.

Support: There are several ways to give to Pasado’s. You can donate online, sponsor an animal, stock items on its animal wish list and more. Or, you can volunteer on site. Volunteer opportunities are available for youths ages 12 and older. (Volunteers ages 12–15 must volunteer alongside a legal guardian.)

2. Sammamish Animal Sanctuary • sammamishanimalsanctuary.com

Photo courtesy of Black Dawg Farm

Visit: A favorite of local families, Sammamish Animal Sanctuary (SAS) opened in its new Renton facility for visits in 2022. The sanctuary offers tours several days a week, and if your kids are ready to dive in, sign them up for the summer day camp. Summer camp sessions run three mornings per week this summer (June 26–Aug. 25), and kids ages 4–12 are welcome.

Support: There are several ways to support Sammamish Animal Sanctuary.

You can donate directly to the facility or supply items on the sanctuary’s wish list. You can also purchase children’s books written by sanctuary founder Diane Gockel. Titles in her rescue series include “Al the Alpaca” and “Bella Saves the Farm.” All proceeds support the sanctuary.

Got more time on your hands than cash? You can also volunteer with SAS. Animal-loving teens ages 16 and older can get their hands dirty helping animals in need.

Adopt: Interested in adopting a pet? SAS offers bunny and guinea pig adoptions, in addition to cat and dog adoptions. (They also offer horse adoptions, but shhh! … I’m keeping that tidbit from my kids.)

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AN IMAL SANCTUARIES continued from page 29

3. Pigs Peace Sanctuary • pigspeace.org Located in Stanwood and home to dozens of rescued pigs and other farm animals, Pigs Peace Sanctuary provides shelter to formerly factory-farmed, abused and neglected pigs.

Visit: Tours are available April–October by appointment only and are limited in frequency to protect and maintain a peaceful environment for the pigs and other animals on the property.

To make an appointment to visit Pigs Peace, select a time and date offered on the website’s tour page. Your $55 donation per person directly supports the animals.

Support: In addition to visiting the farm, you can also support its work through

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“Honey” at Pigs Peace Sanctuary

regular donations, purchasing wish list items or volunteering as skilled labor for the sanctuary’s upcoming projects.

4. The Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary • muddypugfarm.org Located in Maple Valley, the Muddy Pug Farm has been home to dozens

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of surrendered, formerly abused or neglected farm animals since its founding in 2018.

Visit: The Muddy Pug offers tours of its 5-acre facility during summer, starting in late June when school gets out.

Check the website for details to plan your visit Support: To support the farm, you can donate directly, shop the sanctuary’s wish list or volunteer.

5. Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary • blackdawg.org For the horse lovers in your life, Black Dawg Farm and Sanctuary is home to horses, ponies and donkeys, plus cows, alpacas, pigs, goats, sheep and other critters. Black Dawg is located in Rainier, Washington, a small town in Thurston

County. It’s run by an all-volunteer staff that provides refuge to more than 100 rescued animals.

Visit: Black Dawg Farm schedules tours of the sanctuary using the Airbnb Experiences platform. Tours cost $30 for adults and teens ages 13 and older; $10 for kids ages 2–12; tots younger than 2 visit for free.

Support: There are several ways to support the sanctuary.

You can donate, sponsor an animal or volunteer on site.

Adults and teens ages 14 and older of all skill levels are welcome to volunteer.

6. Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington (WFAC) • wildfelids.org For all you “cool cats and kittens” (heh), take a walk on the wild side at this cat-specific sanctuary located in Shelton. The center boasts a fully volunteerled refuge for more than 50 wild cats, including cougars, bobcats, servals, tigers, lynx, snow leopards, African leopards and other species. This center is home to the only true Gordon’s wildcats in the United States.

Visit: Educational guided tours are available at the sanctuary in exchange for a donation to the facility. WFAC requires young kids to stay with caregivers at all times and encourages them to hold an adult’s hand throughout the tour. Visits to the center are by reservation only and take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Visits are $30 for adults and children ages 12 and older, $25 for children ages 3–11, and free for children ages 2 and younger. For an extra-special visit, book a behindthe-scenes tour ($125 per person; visitors must be 12 and older).

Families, take note: As many animals on the property are healing from stressful and abusive situations, it’s important for kids visiting and touring the facilities to be mindful of animal well-being throughout the experience.

Support: To support the work of WFAC, you can donate to the center; all funds go directly to the animals. (Remember, no paid staff!) Funds will go to one of four initiatives: the animal care fund, veterinary fund, enrichment fund or

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AN I MAL SAN CT UARI ES continued from page 31

special projects. You can also purchase items from the sanctuary’s wish lists.

7. Heartwood Haven • heartwoodhaven.org Located in Roy, Washington, Heartwood Haven animal sanctuary’s 2.5-acre property is home to dozens of farm animals. The organization has saved hundreds of animals since its founding in 2014.

Visit: Heartwood Haven offers small-group tours (for up to 10 people), private parties (for up to 30 people) and seasonal events. Book your Heartwood Haven visit on Airbnb Experiences. Tours start at $35 per person.

Adopt: Farm animals are listed and available for adoption on the Heartwood Haven website.

Support: You can also support the sanctuary by donating, sponsoring an animal or volunteering.

Bonus: The NOAH Center • thenoahcenter.org Although The NOAH Center, located in Stanwood, Washington, isn’t technically a sanctuary, this place is doing great work and welcomes visitors for public tours.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to adopt, it’s time to take your family over to The NOAH Center to find your next furry forever friend.

Adopt: Available animal listings and bookings to visit prior to adoption are available on The NOAH Center’s website.

Support: Donate directly to the center on the website. The NOAH Center has many different opportunities to volunteer and accepts volunteers ages 14 and older. (Anyone 14 or 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while volunteering their time.) ​ Diana Cherry is a local writer and activist who currently works for The Who We Are Project (thewhoweareproject.org).

She lives in Woodinville with her partner and four kids.

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The Jelly Globe. Photo courtesty of pdza.org

Rediscover Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park 7 play stops your children will love

By Peggy Cleveland

Point Defiance Park is the crown jewel of Metro Parks Tacoma (metroparkstacoma.org). If it has been a while since you visited — or if you’ve never been — it is high time to rediscover all this park has to offer.

And with the addition of the Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge, Point Defiance is now connected to Point Ruston, where you can easily spend a whole day exploring its cute shops and restaurants.

— the peninsula’s namesake. Children will love the large hill with big steps to climb up, while adults will exult at the gorgeous views. Interpretive exhibits installed throughout the park area provide a helpful way to teach children about taking care of the environment — and the consequences when we don’t.

Plenty of parking and restrooms are available. Dune Peninsula also includes three other notable features:

1. Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park It is hard to believe that Dune Peninsula park (parentmap.com/dune) was once one of the most polluted Superfund sites in the United States. It was so bad that it inspired Frank Herbert to write his science fiction masterpiece “Dune”

Frank Herbert Trail Named after the famed author and Tacoma native, this paved trail connects to the Ruston Way Waterwalk and the Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge.

Encourage children to search for the embedded medallions emblazoned with FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 3 5

P OI N T D EF I AN C E PAR K continued from page 35

quotes from “Dune” and by Frank Herbert.

Preserving Our HeritageGrowing Our Future

Tacoma’s real-life “Chutes and Ladders” Swooping down the side of the hill to the marina complex below are six slides with adjacent stairways, affectionally called Tacoma’s “Chutes and Ladders.” Even adults love these slides! At the base, there are a few picnic tables where you can perch for lunch or a snack.

The Seiki Japanese Garden

Photo by Nikki McCoy

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Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge The Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge connects Point Ruston and Point Defiance Park. Be sure to stop at the point in the middle, which is called “The Moment” because it’s the perfect spot to pause and take in the incredible views. Enjoy scenes such as ferries crossing to Vashon Island and all of the activity at the waterfront, Point Ruston and the Port of Tacoma — and don’t forget majestic Mount Rainier in the distance!

2. Owen Beach After a 16-month-long renovation project, Owen Beach reopened last summer. More parking, a safer entry/ exit road and easier water access make the beach more enjoyable for families. The whole refresh gives the beach a modern aesthetic that highlights the scenic beauty particular to Puget Sound. A new, climbable

Owen Beach. Photo courtesy of metroparkstacoma.org

w w w . S k a g itC h ild r en sM u se u m.ne t

whale sculpture is a fun feature. For those with mobility issues, there is now access to the beach. New restrooms, benches, and a pavilion for classes and community events complete the upgrade.

Pro tip: Check the Metro Parks Tacoma event pages and filter for Point Defiance Park. During the summer months, an “Explore the Shore” event invites visitors to join naturalists from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Stroll along the beach at low tide to learn about the creatures that can be discovered in the tide pools. You may have the opportunity to see prickly pink sea stars or hold an ocean crab.

3. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (pdza.org) really gives you great value for your ticket price, as not only is there a fabulous zoo to explore, but also the stunning Pacific Seas Aquarium. The new Little Explorers Nature Play Garden,

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P OINT DEF I ANCE PAR K tours called Premier Experiences. Prices are discounted if you are a member. Memberships are also very reasonably priced and come with a variety of flexible options.

continued from page 37

opened in spring 2022, is designed for children ages 3–5 to get their wiggles out, learn, and create with immersive natural activities and materials such as sticks, fir cones and log slices.

Pro tip: The zoo offers a variety of unique behind-the-scenes

4. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum invites visitors to step back into the past. Download the self-guided tour brochure to explore 17 different structures within the walls of the fort. Exhibits rotate through the museum’s collections.

Currently on exhibit is “Families of the Fort,” which highlights the stories of four families that lived at Fort Nisqually, with the aid of artifacts passed down from one generation to the next.

Events take place throughout the year at the fort and have

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even included a historic escape room from the past. If you have a small group of children (minimum of eight), consider booking a two-hour small group workshop.

These fun and educational workshops are very engaging.

“Food and Fire,” for instance, guides participants in helping to build and start a fire, churn butter and make biscuits on a stick. “Light the Night” is a make-your-owncandle workshop in which kids learn about how homes were lighted in the mid-1800s.

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5. Five Mile Drive and Trails Due to concerns about erosion, the outer loop of Five Mile Drive is now closed to all motorized traffic. This makes it the perfect destination for cycling with children.

Surrounded by an old-growth forest with plenty of overlooks, this is a very scenic ride. You can access multiple trails from the road, but just be aware they are for pedestrians only, with no bikes allowed. It is common to spot deer and other wildlife in this section of the park.

WashingtonStateABLE.com • 1-844-600-2253

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Don’t miss the epic Mountaineer Tree. This massive Douglas fir dwarfs all of the trees surrounding it. At more than 450 years old, it is 218 feet in height and 7.5 feet in diameter. The old-growth forest at Point Defiance Park is one of too few along Puget Sound that has survived logging.

6. Point Defiance Gardens Did you know that there are nine Point Defiance gardens within the park? Flowers bloom from spring into early fall.

A highlight of the Rose Garden is the rose arbor. Children will love this tunnel of flowers when it is in bloom. The Northwest Native Plant Garden is often overlooked, as it is situated adjacent to the park exit, across the street from

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P OINT DEF I ANCE PAR K continued from page 37

the other gardens. If you plan to do any hiking with younger children, this is a great place to introduce them to it. The 1.5acre garden is designed to feel like you are out in nature miles from urban life. Native plants abound, and the garden also features a peaceful pond and a lovely waterfall. Download the brochure from the website to get more details.

7. Point Defiance Marina Point Defiance Marina is a great place to try your hand at fishing and crabbing. The Boathouse at Point Defiance Marina has a free public fishing pier, and there is also the Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way. Rent a rod and reel combo for $10.

The marina store sells fishing bait, licenses and everything else you need to fish or crab. If you prefer to get out on the water, kayaks and 14-foot motorboats are available for rent. The marina also hosts events throughout the year, such as the Pier Peer, a unique nighttime event that allows participants to “peer” into the water to see how marine

Photo courtesy of metroparkstacoma.org

life is drawn to underwater lights.

Point Defiance Park holds so many attractions and things to do with children — and much of it free. Now that the weather is turning out more sunny days, pack up a picnic and plan to spend a day here.

■

Peggy Cleveland is a travel writer whose work spans solo trips, journeys for couples, family travel itineraries and girlfriend getaways. Read more about her adventures at peggywhereshouldigo.com.

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4 LesserKnown Eastside Farms and Gardens for Springtime Fun

By Vicky McDonald Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect time to visit local farms, get up close with baby animals and watch gardens come to life. The Puget Sound area brims with excellent farms and petting zoos for kids, and in recent years, a few new ones have popped up that you might not have heard of. My kids and I recently took a tour around the Eastside to check out some of these under-theradar farms and gardens.

Pivot Farm, Redmond • pivotfarmco.com What’s the story?

Brandelyn and Joe Tafoya, together with their kids, live on a picturesque farm tucked away in a scenic part of Redmond. During the pandemic, they leaned into homesteading and started to keep more animals, including hatching chicks.

They also began preserving farm produce and renovating the place. The first thing you’ll notice when you come to the farm is the beautiful white barn, complete with lights and a chandelier!

The family keeps horses, goats, pigs and

Pivot Farm. Photo by Brandelyn Tafoya

chickens, and has opened the farm to visitors by appointment only.

What to do?

The focus on this farm is animal experiences. Most kids love petting

zoos, but some kids get frustrated by the crowds and can’t get quite close enough to their favorite fuzzy critters.

For kids who want some quality time with cute baby animals, Pivot Farm FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 4 3

E A STSI DE FAR MS AND G ARD EN S While you are on the farm, you can also check out the chickens and fluffy baby chicks. If you are interested in keeping chickens, the farm sells hatching eggs.

Cost: The Unicorn Riding Experience ($56/group of up to two riders; 30 minutes) and the Baby Farm Animal Snuggle Session ($56/group of up to five people; 30 minutes) need to be booked in advance on the website.

Hours: See website for appointments.

Find it: 27928 N.E. Fifth St., Redmond

“Lady” the Unicorn at Pivot Farm. Photo by Brandelyn Tafoya continued from page 43

offers a Baby Farm Animal Snuggle Session during which visitors can interact with baby goats, chicks and pigs, and take lots of adorable photos.

The farm is best known for its special Unicorn Riding Experience, which would make a great birthday treat. Lady is the farm’s resident unicorn, and when you arrive at the farm, she’ll be dressed up and ready to meet you. Kids will get to brush her, pick her hooves, give her treats and help her get saddled. Your kid will then take a ride around the arena on Lady, and learn a few tips and tricks about pony riding. Riders are asked to bring their own helmets (bike helmets will work); no previous riding experience is required.

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Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, Carnation • oxbow.org What’s the story?

Most people are familiar with Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center because of its fantastic Oxtober Fall Festival and popular summer camps, but Oxbow is also a great place to take the kids in the spring. The minute you arrive at the farm, you will feel like you are getting away from it all. Gardeners diligently work on site year-round, and there is always something to see in the fields or the greenhouses.

What to do?

This beautiful farm is situated in a very picturesque setting, and visitors are welcome to park their car and walk around the farm for free. (No dogs are allowed, as it is a certified organic farm.)

Check in at the farm shop to pick up a map and a list of things to find around the farm for a scavenger hunt. This should keep the kids busy while you soak up the sights and the sounds of this bucolic wonderland. You can walk the

fields and see all of the crops. Oxbow produce is sold at the farm stand and in farm share boxes, and native plants are grown on site for local nurseries such as Molbaks. The main focal point for the kids is the big old yellow-and-blue tractor, which is ideal for clambering on. This year, Oxbow has added some fairy houses, so be sure to look out for these on your walk.

Oxbow Farm is open November–April. As the farm is on a floodplain, the farm stand sometimes has to be

closed. Check the farm’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ oxbowcenter) before visiting. Bring a snack to enjoy at one of the picnic tables that are dotted around the farm. We supplemented our picnic with some produce from the farm stand, which also sells a small variety of snack items and beverages.

Cost: It’s free to wander about the farm and watch the gardeners at their work.

Hours: The farm stand is open Wednesday–Thursday, noon–4 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Find it: 10819 Carnation–Duvall Rd. N.E., Carnation Infinity Farm, Issaquah • infinityfarmissaquah.com What’s the story?

Infinity Farms in Issaquah was established in 2020 and is another farm that is accessible by appointment only.

The farm is intended as a space to host celebrations and FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 4 5

Where judaism & Joy Are One June 25 - July 16

E A STS I D E FAR M S AN D G AR D EN S continued from page 45

community events and to sell local produce. Visitors will see resident alpacas, chickens and cows.

What to do?

You can visit the farm for “Toddler Tuesdays,” when kids (ages 1–8) get to explore the farm and see the animals.

Tickets must be purchased on the website in advance. You can become a member and visit every Tuesday, or you can book a onetime visit.

Infinity Farm hosts a number of family-focused events, such as a market day with local vendors. Check the calendar on the website for upcoming events.

scholarships available at campschechter.org

Deerfield Farm has been helping riders with their horse riding skills for over 40 years.

Our summer camp programs are fun and educational, with great staff and instructors.

Come join us for an experience like no other this Summer!

deerfieldfarmllc.com

Cost: Toddler Tuesdays are $20 for a caregiver plus toddler.

Events are typically free to attend, with local products available for purchase.

Hours: By appointment only. See website for hours.

Find it: 16523 Issaquah-Hobart Rd. S.E., Issaquah The Bellevue Urban Garden (tBUG) • tbuggarden.com What’s the story?

The Bellevue Urban Garden (tBUG) was founded by Maybin Chisebuka and Nancy Gellos. Their goal is to teach families and kids about the importance of growing healthy food and building a vibrant community centered around food. tBUG is a growing partner for FareStart in Seattle, and the organization also works with schools and the King County Library System to teach kids about growing food. tBUG hosts hands-on activities for families with kids of all ages, including offering community service hours for teens.

Contact tBUG3rdSpace@gmail.com if you are interested in visiting or volunteering at the garden.

Find it: 1608 156th St. S.E., Bellevue

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When not working, former ParentMap digital editor Vicky McDonald can be found running after her two kids or cooking up something tasty in the kitchen.

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