ParentMap 2025 Summer Family Adventure Guide by ParentMap

Taste of Home: Where to Find Your Favorite Hometown Foods

Find Made-In-The-Shade Playgrounds on Summer’s Hottest Days

Saddle Up! Trade Your City Slicker Existence for a Dude Ranch Stay

Hole-y Adventures: Caves Worth Exploring With Kids

Family Adventure

Summertime traditions, It's what we do best

Where learning meets SUMMER FUN!

OPEN EVE RY DAY OVER THE SUMMER!

When school’s out, visit KidsQuest in Bellevue for hands-on discovery!

Explore over 25 innovative exhibits, including a real semi-truck, fun outdoor spaces, and a splashy water room.

• Pride Bubble Bonanza, JUN 23 – 27

• Waterfest, JUL 21–25

• Mud Week, AUG 25–29

• Summer Camps, JUN–AUG

Delightfully designed for kids ages 4-10

Free & discounted tickets available

KidsQuest Children’s Museum is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.

Live music select Fridays in JUL & AUG!

Over $54,000 in prizes!

Family Adventure Summer 2025

Taste of Home 7

Local eateries serving everyone’s favorite hometown dishes

Giddyap and Go! Plan a Dude Ranch Summer 13

From rustic to luxe, these area dude ranches cater to city slicker families

Play It Cool 19

Discover playgrounds that “throw shade” when the mercury climbs

Spelunk! Explore Washington’s Coolest Caves 25

Map out an unusual summer adventure climbing through lava tubes and ice caves

Alayne Sulkin

Enjoy the outdoors with your kids without forgoing the creature comforts of a traditional vacation when you book a week at a dude ranch.

19 7

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Allison Sutcliffe

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kari Hanson

FAMILY FUN EDITOR

Meredith Charaba

CALENDAR EDITOR

Julie Dodobara

COPY EDITOR

Sunny Parsons

CONTRIBUTORS

Kate Loweth, Sharon Mead, Kate Missine, Leighton Thomas

DIGITAL MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Lindsey Carter

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Devon Hammer

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Brooke Collins

ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY

PARTNERSHIPS + ADVERTISING

SALES

Jessica Collet

SENIOR ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Ida Wicklund

EVENTS + COMMUNITY

PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST

Brenna McCown

CLIENT SERVICES + DESIGN COORDINATOR

Angela Goodwin

ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES

MANAGER

Mallory Dehbod

DIGITAL ADVERTISING + MARKETING

SPECIALIST

Taryn Weiner

Erika Widjaja 25

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Tamryn Nell

ART + PRODUCTION

SENIOR DESIGNER

Amy Chinn

ADMINISTRATION

BUSINESS MANAGER

Carolyn Brendel

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

There’s No Taste Like Home

Eat your heart out! These restaurants serve everyone’s hometown favorites

By Kate Missine

The Puget Sound region attracts a diverse medley of families from all over the nation that are proud to call it their new home. But while there’s plenty to love about the Evergreen State — from our stunning nature to the great coffee — that doesn’t mean transplants from other corners of the country are immune to the occasional bout of homesickness. Longing for the sights, sounds and people left behind is a common experience for anyone who’s moved a long distance, but at least one aspect of that homesickness — missing the food — can be resolved without crossing state lines.

Seattle’s dining scene is a cultural melting pot, and that means that many newcomers can find a new favorite spot where they can tuck into the familiar flavors of their hometown’s signature dishes. We are here to help, rounding up our picks of local restaurants serving regional specialties. From authentic Cal-Mex tacos to succulent Texas barbeque and Hawaiian kalua pork, these eight Seattle-area restaurants are here to satisfy newly minted residents’ cravings for fare from home.

If you’re missing Chicago, try Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza in Seattle

Seattle does not lack for pizza options of all regional variations, but if there’s one iconic pie style that’s set itself apart from the rest, it’s arguably Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Former Midwesterners missing the hearty sauce and toppings nestled on top of the deep, flaky crust can satisfy their cravings at Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza. This University Village landmark has been a Northwest ambassador for authentic Chicago-style pizza for more than 35 years, baking piping-hot, 2-inch-deep pies in a special oven imported from Chicago. Along with the oven came some proprietary recipes dating back 75 years. Try the Delfino’s Special pie, or make your own from endless crust-and-topping combos. And finish off with a deep-dish apple pie or root beer float.

If you’re missing New York City, try Rubinstein Bagels at various locations

If there is one place that takes its bagels seriously, whether for a quick breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, it’s New York City. Living up to a New Yorker’s standards for these chewy, carby delights is a daunting task, but one that Andrew Rubinstein was prepared to take on when he opened the first Rubinstein Bagels in South Lake Union. Now with four shop locations, Rubinstein has been lauded as king of Seattle’s bagel scene, even making Food & Wine magazine’s “Best Bagels in America” list. What sets these bagels apart are the

Photo courtesy of Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza

Photo courtesy of Rubinstein Bagels

THERE’S NO TASTE LIKE HOME

continued from page 7 sourdough leavening and a long fermenting process, yielding a perfectly textured, tangy dough that’s then baked on a stone hearth. Choose from a handful of classic-with-a-twist varieties, such as caraway salt and chocolate cherry, along with a selection of shmears and sandwich options. Just close your eyes and pretend you’re strolling in Central Park when you bite into one.

If you’re missing Maine, try Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Seattle

The lobster roll — a classic sandwich of lobster meat on crusty bread — has its roots in 1920s Connecticut, where it was first served in a restaurant. Today, it’s a mainstay of New England cuisine, particularly in Maine, where some of the nation’s best lobsters are sourced. And it’s straight from the cold waters of the Atlantic that those crustaceans make their way to the Seattle location of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls — courtesy of founder Dan Beck and Maine’s fisheries. At Mason’s, New England transplants can dig into one of several variations on the authentic lobster roll, along with soups, salads, lobsterloaded mac and cheese or grilled cheese. There is also a kids menu that includes non-lobster items for palates that have not yet grown to appreciate the delicacy.

If you’re missing Tennessee, try Sisters and Brothers in Seattle

What came first, the chicken or the egg? In Nashville, Tennessee, there’s no debate — chicken is most definitely number one! Originating in African American communities in the 1930s, Nashville hot chicken is a Southern favorite that’s gained popularity all over the country. And in Seattle, few know the spicy deepfried specialty better than Jake Manny, owner of Sisters and Brothers.

Photo courtesy of Sisters and Brothers

and restaurant has garnered media accolades for its juicy, perfectly spiced chicken, which is served alongside soulfood sides like Alabama slaw, mac and cheese, or fried green tomatoes. There are five heat levels to choose from, from the kid-suitable “naked” all the way to “insane” for adventurous grown-ups. And the homey interior will keep kids entertained with its mishmash of quirky memorabilia — from countless stuffies, books and arcade games to the (only slightly creepy) toy “aquarium,” plus a funky graffiti wall patio.

If you’re missing California, try Rocket Taco in Seattle and on Whidbey Island

Former Californians who have made their way up the coast often lament three things: the lack of year-round sunshine (duh!), the rocky beaches, and the dearth of Cali-Mex tacos. A lighter, California-inspired take on authentic Mexican cuisine — in contrast to its heavier Tex-Mex counterpart — Cali-Mex combines traditional recipes with local ingredients and modern techniques. And the shining example of this type

Photo courtesy of Rocket Taco

THERE’S NO TASTE LIKE HOME

continued from page 9

of food are the tacos — often found at local shops and food trucks, and loaded with fresh, seasonal toppings. That’s exactly what you can expect to find at Rocket Taco: a cozy taco shop (which includes a cute indoor patio) that dishes out California-style tacos on handmade tortillas, heaped with fillings such as spit-roasted pork, chili-rubbed cod, ancho-seasoned chicken and more. A cauliflower chickpea version is available for those seeking vegetarian fare, and there’s also a small kids menu. The 12-taco family pack makes for an easy way to feed a crowd. Finish it off with the hot churros for dessert.

If you’re missing Texas, try Jack’s BBQ at various locations

Hopping across a few state lines — or a short drive away to one of Jack’s BBQ’s six locations — takes us right to the nation’s heartland of Texas. If there’s one food the Lone Star State is known for, it’s barbecue, and at Jack’s, carnivores of Texas and beyond will find meat done the cowboy-approved way. Imagine tender, fall-apart brisket, dry-rubbed and smoked for more than 14 hours over imported Texas hardwoods; or Frito Pie — a central Texas specialty of brisket chili topped with Fritos, cheese and sour cream. And while we’re on the topic of pie, don’t miss the pecan pie, which won the 1996 Texas State Fair award. Want a taste of everything? Jack’s Picnic for Four serves four meats and various sides to feed the whole fam!

If

you’re missing

Hawaii, try Kauai Family Restaurant in Seattle

Adjusting to your first “Big Dark” winter in Washington state is not easy for many transplants, and it must be especially tough if you’re coming from a tropical paradise like Hawaii. While you may not be able to source the turquoise waters and sugar-sweet pineapples around here, you can ease the transition and enjoy a little slice of the islands with some authentic Hawaiian eats. At Georgetown’s Kauai Family Restaurant, you’ll be welcomed like ohana by Kauai-born owners Peter Buza and Randi Buza, his daughter. You’ll find a taste of island hospitality with homey favorites like succulent kalua pork, traditional loco moco breakfast platters and fluffy malasadas — Portuguese doughnuts that have become a mainstay in Hawaiian cuisine.

If you’re missing Louisiana, try Crawfish House in Seattle and Renton

Is it a tiny lobster? An overgrown shrimp? Nope — it’s a

crawfish! These little freshwater crustaceans were first harvested by Native Americans in Louisiana, later becoming a staple of the state’s Cajun cuisine. The tasty critters, which have a sweet flavor reminiscent of lobster or crab, are typically served as “boils”: steamed in the shell and eaten in heaping piles, often served alongside corn, sausage or potatoes. Whether you’re a Louisiana native seeking a taste of home or just curious about giving the regional delicacy a try, Crawfish House is the place to go. Owner Hiep Ngo is a Louisiana transplant who wanted to bring Southern flavors infused with his Vietnamese heritage to the Northwest. Try the freshest seafood boils or other Cajun specialties, such as po’boy sandwiches or baskets of fried fish. And for a really fun dessert, there’s a cotton candy machine that will delight the kids! ■

Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and a girly girl raising two boys. She has lived up and down the West Coast before settling in beautiful Sammamish with her family.

Photo courtesy of Crawfish House

8 Dude Ranches

Where Families Can Saddle Up in Summer

Trade your city slicker existence for a rustic getaway week with the kids

By Kate Loweth

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors with your kids without forgoing the creature comforts of a traditional vacation stay, booking a family vacation at a dude ranch might strike the right balance for your family. You won’t have to worry about keeping your kids entertained — these spots have activity calendars full of cattle drives, archery tournaments, fly-fishing clinics and so much more. Plus, they’re great for multigenerational trips, as everyone from kids to grandparents will find activities to enjoy and places where they can relax together.

With accommodations that range from cozy cabins to upscale glamping tents with your own glamping butler, these dude ranches will have you catching up on your sleep every night and ready to tackle the next day head-on. Best of

Photo courtesy of Darwin Ranch

BackpackingCamps Summer Backpacking Camps in

continued from page 13 all, you don’t have to cook hot dogs over the campfire; these upscale destinations have gourmet dining and chuckwagon dinners.

1/ Bull Hill Guest Ranch, Kettle Falls, Washington

Northeastern Washington is where you’ll find this working cattle ranch that offers cabins and glamping tents for families looking to live out their ranch-hand dreams. Spend your day on an authentic cattle drive, or go for a dip in the private lake when the temps kick up. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is also where families can test their fly-fishing skills, a popular activity for ranch guests. Gather at the Cookhouse for daily meals, games and other merriment. When the sun sets, head to the campfire and share tales from the day’s adventures.

Daily rates include lodging, meals, beverages (including wine, beer and spirits) and ranch activities. There’s a reduced rate for kids ages 5–12, and kids 4 and younger stay for free.

2/ Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Sandpoint, Idaho

Head to the panhandle of northern Idaho to stay at this stunning property that’s a favorite of horse lovers. Horseback riding is the main activity here, and kids ages 8–18 can take advantage of the horsemanship program, in which they start with horse husbandry skills on Monday and end with a Thursday-evening horse show, complete

with trophies and ribbons. Summer visitors stay in lodge rooms or log cabins, and all stays include meals that focus on locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. This property also offers adults-only weeks, available for couples looking for a kid-free experience.

Photo courtesy of Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

3/ Paws Up Montana, Greenough, Montana

Get ready to be impressed by this massive ranch just outside of Missoula. With 37,000 acres to explore, your family will be busy with archery, horseback riding and nature hikes from the moment you arrive. Spend your day rafting or fly-fishing with expert guides on the Blackfoot River, or book an ATV ride to the nearby ghost town to learn a bit about the area’s history.

The on-site gourmet dining options make this property stand out — from the chuck-wagon dinner, complete with axe-throwing and live music, to the casual barbecuefocused outdoor dining spot, which serves up thirstquenching huckleberry lemonades to go along with your brisket and triple-cheddar mac and cheese. Lodging options include luxury homes that sleep the entire extended family as well as upscale glamping tents with real beds, heat, air conditioning and camping butlers ready to bring you coffee in the morning or whisk your laundry off to be washed.

4/ Darwin Ranch, Jackson, Wyoming

You know you’re in for a treat at this dude ranch run by a mother-son duo who know what parents truly want when traveling with kids. With only nine accommodations to choose from, you’ll get an experience tailored to your family. Guests come together for communal family-style meals prepared with farm-to-table ingredients, including meat (mostly) sourced from Ishawooa Mesa Ranch, its sister ranch in Cody, Wyoming.

15,000+ Square Feet

Hands-on Exhibits

Art Studio

Check website for current operations, hours, programs, special events and more!

Closed some holidays

Photo courtesy of Paws Up Montana

During the weeklong, all-inclusive stays offered from the end of June through the end of September, guests can pick and choose from a range of activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience levels. From guided horseback riding and fly-fishing to floating down the creek and sauna sessions, travelers from far and wide visit the ranch to enjoy a slow ranch experience.

5/ Greenhorn Ranch, Quincy, California

California’s Lost Sierra is where you’ll find Greenhorn Ranch, a cozy property with family-friendly cabins, lodge rooms and an Airstream to choose from. Everything centers around the Chuckhouse, where upscale ranch cuisine is served throughout your stay. Book a trail ride for your family and then spend the afternoon splashing in the swimming pool, or trying out archery or skeet shooting.

Kids can borrow a fishing pole to try their luck casting a line in the stocked pond, or book a fishing guide to get out

and explore one of the nearby rivers. Time slows down at Greenhorn Ranch in the best way possible.

6/ Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork, Montana

Flathead Lake Lodge is an all-inclusive ranch, and because families come for weeklong stays, it feels more like a summer camp. The property is known for its robust range of activities, including a kids camp that’s grouped by age to ensure everyone maximizes their fun quotients. Activities include guided horseback trail rides, mountain biking and hiking, as well as water sports, such as sailing. After-dinner crafts bring guests of all ages together, and you’ll find everyone from parents to little ones trying out the slip ’n’ slide at the lake. Lodging, meals, adult beverages, activities and entertainment are all included in the weekly rate. Lodges, cabins and suites are available to accommodate families or groups of all sizes.

7/ Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming

Step into ranch life at Brush Creek Ranch, where families can enjoy classic dude ranch activities. Practice horseback riding

continued from page 15 Mt.Baker•Ravenna•Admiral•MercerIsland NEWEastlakelocationopening2025!

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skills on cattle drives, or learn the art of barrel racing with the help of a skilled ranch wrangler. Archery, fly-fishing, paintball, mountain biking and so much more can be found here; the ranch programming offers an abundance of activities that guests of all ages will enjoy. There’s even a special program for little wranglers ages 4–9.

If you want to dive deeper into ranch living, consider a stay at The Farm at Brush Creek Ranch, where guests can gain hands-on experience with sustainable farming and learn from expert bakers, distillers and greenhouse growers. Parents looking to relax while the kids are busy enjoying the activities can add on some spa treatments.

8/ Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Harrison, Idaho

If you want to unplug while the kids are entertained and busy all day, this is the spot. Parents can find plenty of opportunities for pampering at Red Horse Mountain Ranch, from massages and yoga classes to wine dinners. Horseback riding dominates the activity offerings, and each guest is paired with a horse for the duration of their stay. You’ll have the opportunity to ride at least twice a day, but there’s plenty to do beyond that: zip-lining, hiking, kayaking, fishing and mountain biking are just a few options. Most guests stay in cabins here, but there’s also a house that can sleep as many as 11 people, perfect for multigenerational groups. ■

Kate Loweth is a travel writer and mom of three teens who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read her latest stories at kateloweth.com.

Offering fun, hands on geology programs for kids of all ages.

The lab experience comes to you! BIRTHDAY PARTIES

The lab experience comes to you!

ROCKS • MINERALS • FOSSILS

CURATED ROCK BOXES

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Photo courtesy of Flathead Lake Lodge

•Preschool

Play It Cool

Beat the heat at nine parks and playgrounds that ‘throw shade’ when the mercury climbs

Mead

For every parent who packs a cooler, sunscreen and bucket hats for their kids to brave a bright summer day, it helps to have go-to play spots that support their efforts. And if you’re like me, you’ll want to make the most of the Pacific Northwest’s shortest season — summer — with plenty of trips to the playground on those days. How do you keep your kids cool and protected while still getting outside to play? By taking them to a shaded playground, where they can climb, slide, zip and swing without melting in the summer heat and lamenting the lack of cloud cover. Keep summer fun comfortable and cool with these shady parks around the Puget Sound area.

Lincoln Park, West Seattle

You’ll find this happy little park in a beautiful wooded setting of Northwest trees. With age-appropriate play equipment for young children up to kids as old as 12, there’s lots to do under the cover of trees. The playground offers swings and a basket swing, a bridge, firefighter’s pole, slides, climbing equipment and a sand pit. Across from the walking path, you’ll find a zip

line located under the canopy of trees for more cool summer fun. The large picnic shelter nearby provides extra shade during snack time or for a summer family gathering.

Families will find another playground, this one recently renovated, in the south part of the park. This playground overlooks the ferry dock and also offers shaded play. Don’t forget the wading pool and nearby beach when you are ready to really cool off.

Nearby eats: Try Zeeks Pizza in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction, just a short drive from the park.

Location: 7895 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle

Parking: The parking lot is south of the playground and wading pool. Street parking is also available.

Seward Park, Seattle

When it’s time to cool off, Seward Park offers the best of both worlds. Shade falls over the entire playground, and the swimming area, adjacent to Lake Washington, is the perfect place for a quick dip to cool off. The playground features swings and climbing equipment for kids of all ages. There is a small climbing apparatus for younger kids near the sandbox, in addition to a big tree-house-style structure for older kids and the ever-popular zip line. Tucked neatly under a canopy of madrona trees, this park is sure to be a favorite in the summer.

At Seward Park, a trail running around the peninsula offers pockets of shade. Plus, hiking trails directly behind the playground provide solid tree cover for even more natural shade.

Story and photos by Sharon

Lincoln Park

Seward Park

FamilySummerFun adventuresontwowheels

PLAY IT COOL

continued from page 19

Nearby eats: Filled with comic-book decor, Bent Burgers serves specialty burgers (including veggie) and kids combo meals.

Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle

Parking: The parking lot is adjacent to the playground. Nearby street parking is also available.

Miner’s Corner county park, Bothell

I was pleasantly surprised by Miner’s Corner’s interesting and varied playground options: a three-story climbing structure, rocks to scale, bridges, swings, a fire pole, a spiral slide, sensory and musical equipment, plus a sand and water garden. It’s a shady wonderland. This park is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and wheelchair-

accessible, even providing access to the 10-foot-tall lookout tower via ramps. The surrounding tree canopy gives shade you’ll crave, and an adjacent covered shelter provides relief, too. Bonus: The covered shelter can be reserved for summer parties or picnics.

Nearby eats: Pull on up to The Texan Cafe & Coffee Shop for a summer break that will delight your rowdy ones.

Location: 22903 45th Ave. S.E., Bothell

Parking: A small parking lot is close to the playground.

Lynndale Park, Lynnwood

Lynndale Park was made for sunny days. Located in a beautiful forested area, the playground is almost

Miner’s Corner

completely shaded for comfortable summer play. The tire swing was an instant hit with my daughter. Rings, slides and challenging balance equipment make this area a magnet for play. Nearby swings, including a double swing with a baby seat, provide some shade and are always a kid-favorite, too.

The basketball court next to the playground offers the chance to play B-ball in the shade. Plus, oodles of shaded picnic tables in the coolness of the trees offer respite during a lunch or snack break. Don’t forget the fur babies — there’s even an off-leash area for your pups!

Need more play options? Bring a racquet and play a match on the adjacent tennis courts. Wooded walking trails allow families easy access to a lower playground and skate park, which could prove to be a welcome shady spot later in the day as the sun dips behind the wooded hill.

Location: 18927 72nd Ave. W., Lynnwood

Parking: A parking lot is available next to the play space.

Edmonds City Park, Edmonds

Edmonds City Park is a beautiful oasis for summer fun and offers natural spaces and child-centric play areas where you can keep cool. Here you’ll find both the Hazel Miller Spray Park and a large playground. This play area offers lots of climbing options, slides and rock walls. While the playground may become warm as the afternoon heats it up, the park features large trees and several covered shelters for respite. The stand-alone swings — with two high-back ones — and a merry-go-round both give a shady break throughout the day.

Lynndale Park

Imagination&STEMbasedspaces Curatedtosparkinspiration. Exhibits

Open for Play

Imagination&STEMbasedspaces Curatedtosparkinspiration.

continued from page 21

Join us 7 days a week where kids lead the way through play!

Imagination&STEMbasedspaces Curatedtosparkinspiration. Exhibits

Summer Camps

Imagination&STEMbasedspaces Curatedtosparkinspiration. Exhibits

Nearby eats: For a cool treat on a hot day, try Revelations Yogurt on Main Street.

Location: 600 Third Ave. S., Edmonds

Pop-Ups&Preschool

Join us for 4 fun-filled hours, 4 days a week, from June 23rd to August 28th— perfect for little explorers ages 3–6!

ExploreArt&Sciencethemesin funandengagingways.Thebest waytolearnisthroughPLAY!

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Imagination&STEMbasedspaces Curatedtosparkinspiration. Exhibits Pop-Ups&Preschool ExploreArt&Sciencethemesin funandengagingways.Thebest waytolearnisthroughPLAY!

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Summer HoursofPlay

HoursofPlay - Thu: 1-4 pm Sun: 9 am - 5pm

Summer HoursofPlayFriMon-Thu:1-4pm -Sun:9am-5pm

Make KiDiMu Your Preschool

Join us up to 5 mornings a week, where play sparks learning and discovery for ages 3–5.5!

Imagination&STEMbasedspaces Curatedtosparkinspiration. Exhibits Pop-Ups&Preschool ExploreArt&Sciencethemesin funandengagingways.Thebest waytolearnisthroughPLAY!

- Thu: 1-4 pm

Parking: Parking available in several lots that surround the playground.

Veterans’ Memorial Field, Issaquah

Located

Mon - Thu: 1-4 pm

- Thu: 1-4 pm

Mon - Thu: 1-4 pm

- Sun: 9 am - 5pm

301RavineLaneNE

Fri - Sun: 9 am - 5pm

- Sun: 9 am - 5pm

9 AM – 4 PM

ExploreArt&Sciencethemesin funandengagingways.Thebest waytolearnisthroughPLAY! www.kidimu.org

301RavineLaneNE

BainbridgeIsland,WA

www.kidimu.org

301RavineLaneNE BainbridgeIsland,WA kidimu.org

www.kidimu.org

TUESDAYS

BainbridgeIsland,WA

www.kidimu.org Located

You’ll find Veterans’ Memorial Field in the heart of Olde Town Issaquah, the city’s historic district, behind City Hall. Encircled by trees, the playground offers a cool respite, and has multiple pieces of equipment that are appropriate for older and younger kids. Slides, a rock wall, a tunnel and a climbing sphere with a web of ropes provide fun for the most determined players. There’s even a small train, a nod to a nearby depot, designed to entertain toddlers.

Nearby eats: Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates is just a short hop from the park and this is worth a visit to get a special treat for the kids.

Location: 140 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah

Parking: Street parking with some dedicated spaces available on Second Ave. N.E.

Deane’s Children’s Park, Mercer Island

Locally known as “Dragon Park,” for its 45-foot-long dragon slide and climbing structure, this delightfully forested playground features dense trees that give ample coverage during the heat of the day. There are two playgrounds that offer a rock-climbing challenge and fun, including a long slide and a castle-themed structure. The covered picnic shelter is large enough for several families to share the space for lunch or just a break from the summer weather. If this park isn’t a family favorite now, it may soon rise to the top of your list for summer fun.

Nearby eats: Take a break at Metropolitan Market after your park visit.

Location: 5500 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island

Parking: A small, free parking lot is close to the playground.

Lewis Creek Park, Bellevue

Need some space? Try this expansive park on the Eastside — a true urban wilderness in the heart of Bellevue. While the play area at Lewis Creek isn’t shaded by trees, the large sail covers that keep off the elements PLAY IT COOL

will do the trick. If the heat proves to be too much, wander over to the visitor center, where you’ll find comfortable seats and oversize windows that frame the wetlands. You can also try the scavenger hunt on the half-mile loop trail to take advantage of cooler natural spaces.

Nearby eats: Town & Country Market is just the place for a quick snack.

Location: 5500 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue

Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lot.

Wright Park, Tacoma Editor’s note: As of publication, the playground is closed for repair. But families can enjoy shade in other areas of the park.

Wright Park has the right stuff when it comes to shade, including the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, a fascinating place to explore any day. With its walking and biking trails, a spray park (open in summer), a horseshoe pit, swings (including one high-back), play structures and picnic tables, the 600-tree arboretum and park is always worth a visit!

Nearby eats: When you need a sugar fix, Corina Bakery is worth a stop.

Location: 501 S. I St., Tacoma

Parking: Parking is available on the street. ■

Sharon Mead is a Seattle native and an enthusiast when it comes to coffee, cooking, words, reading and the Mariners.

Veterans’ Memorial Field

Spelunk!

Explore the State’s

Coolest KidFriendly Caves

Did you know that within a few hours’ drive of Seattle, you can find year-round icicles, sip cocoa on the floor of a 7,000-year-old shelter, or venture into an underground lava tube more than a mile deep? Washington state is home to truly unique, familyfriendly caves, perfect for an adventurous and educational day out. Discover four caves you can visit, plus how to make the most of these unforgettable experiences with your kids this summer.

Before you go:

Before you plan your spelunking adventure, keep these safety precautions in mind for visiting caves with kids in tow:

• Choose a family-friendly cave. The caves were selected because they are generally safe options to visit with children. Washington state has an extensive network of other caves that may require specialized training and gear.

• Wear proper clothing. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring layers. Caves typically maintain temperatures of 39–42 degrees Fahrenheit all year around.

• Bring a light source. Don’t rely on your cell phone to light your way. Bring a flashlight, headlamp or lantern, preferably one per person. For longer caves, such as Ape Cave, consider bringing backup batteries.

• Leave pets at home. Pets — even leashed — are not allowed in caves.

• Avoid touching cave features. Look, don’t touch! Oils and dirt from your hands can damage cave features, such as stalactites and stalagmites, and kill “cave slime,” which is a vital food source for many cave-dwelling creatures.

• Read and follow signage. Different caves may have different rules to protect them and their specific inhabitants. Always read and follow the signage.

• Leave no trace. Be a steward of these beautiful caves and if you can, leave them better than you found them.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to choose the right cave adventure for your family.

Ape Cave, Cougar

Washington state is home to the third-longest accessible lava tube in North America. Located on the south side of Mount St. Helens, an ancient lava tube known as Ape Cave stretches over 2.5 miles and offers a choose-your-own-adventure experience for the whole family. Explore the more open, shorter lower cave with everyone, or if you are feeling more daring, venture into the narrower, more technically challenging upper cave.

By Leighton Thomas

Ape Cave

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You will descend a single staircase for both portions of the cave. The lower cave offers an easy, gently sloping .75-mile round-trip walk, which will take less than an hour to complete. If you choose to go for the upper cave, you will navigate 1.5 miles underground before emerging via a ladder at the upper entrance. This rugged trek will require some physical agility and stamina, and may take several hours. You’ll scramble over large boulders and scale a slippery 8-foot-high wall. The 1.3-mile overground return is an easy walk and rather otherworldly as you wander through forest and the remains of past lava flows. Food isn’t permitted in the cave, so plan accordingly.

⁠Book your reservations in advance to be sure you get the opportunity to check out this geologic marvel. No pets, smoking, alcohol, fireworks, fires, camping, touching the wall “slime,” or rock collecting is permitted at Ape Cave.

Getting there: Follow the driving directions to the Ape Cave. There is a large parking lot once you pass through the ranger checkpoint. The paved walkway to the cave entrance is well-marked.

Parking: Cost is $5 per day per vehicle or free with a valid Recreation Pass.

Amenities: There are vault toilets near the parking lot. No water is available. Ranger-led programs may be offered occasionally.

Accessibility: The parking lot and walkways to the cave entrance are paved. Stairs lead down to both the lower and upper caves.

How and when to visit: Timed reservations are available online during the open season, May 28–Oct. 31, via recreation.gov. Tickets are free, though there is a $2

Help save the bats!

White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that is deadly to bats. When visiting local caves, you can help prevent its spread by cleaning mud and debris from your shoes before and after entering a cave, washing exposed skin, and never touching bats. If your clothing or gear has been in another cave, make sure it has been fully decontaminated before entering another cave.

Terms to know

Cave exploration is sometimes called spelunking or potholing. Spelunking comes from the Latin word spelunca, meaning “cave” or “cavern.”

Speleology is the scientific study or exploration of caves.

A lava tube is a cave created by volcanic activity. While the outer layer of active lava cools into a crust, the lava continues to flow. Eventually, the lava flow melts the ground below it, leaving a long, tunnel-like cave above.

administrative fee. Tickets cannot be purchased at the site of the cave, and cellular service in the area is limited. Nearby attractions: Don’t miss the Trail of Two Forests on your way to or from the cave. This easy, half-mile boardwalk trail sits between old- and new-growth forests separated by 2,000 years. The kids will love climbing down short ladders into lava-cast tree molds.

Gardner Cave, Metaline Falls

Believed to be more than 5 million years old and one of the only limestone caves in the state, Gardner Cave should be on the itinerary of any cave-loving visitor to northeastern Washington. To visit Gardner Cave, you will need a reservation for one of the free daily tours. (Secure a tour well in advance; they book up fast!) Unlike other caves in Washington, Gardner Cave is illuminated using electric lights. An interpretive guide will take you through the first 494 feet of the 2,072-foot-long cave, along the way teaching you about the impressive cave formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, rimstone pools and a 7.8-ton column — the largest in the Pacific Northwest.

Getting there: Drive to Crawford State Park Heritage Site, where there is a large parking lot. Follow the signs to meet your tour.

Parking: A Discover Pass is required to park in Crawford State Park.

Amenities: Restrooms, drinking water, covered shelters, picnic tables

Accessibility: Paved walkways lead to the cave entrance and continue within. Climbing stairs is necessary to enter the cave.

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How and when to visit: Visitors are welcome May 16–Sept. 15 for reserved tours only. Tours are free (though donations are accepted) and can be booked online at riversidestateparkfoundation.org or calling (509) 2384258. Tours are offered Thursday–Monday, every two hours beginning at 10 a.m. A condensed, family-friendly tour is offered at noon and is recommended for children 5 and younger.

Nearby attractions: Don’t miss the .25-mile trail leading from the park to the Canadian border. And there’s lots of family-friendly fun to be found in Spokane on your way.

Guler Ice Cave, Trout Lake

Located a few miles south of Mount Adams, Guler Ice Cave, an old volcanic lava tube, is intriguing for its yearround ice formations. The cave is accessible all year around; walk a short, easy trail during warmer months, or snowshoe for 1 mile to reach the cave during winter. There are several ways to enter or exit the cave, as well as tunnels to explore. From the main entrance, you’ll descend 20 feet down a staircase. The cave’s floor is icy throughout the year, and you may want to wear microspikes over your footwear. Don’t forget to shine your lights on the cave walls — if you are lucky, you may see the “crystal grotto,” a phenomenon that happens when bacteria and fungi trap water and reflect light to give it a sparkly effect.

Getting there: From April to October, you can drive directly to Guler Ice Cave. Park in the small lot and take a short walk (less than .5 mile) to the cave entrance. From November to March, drive to the Atkisson Sno-Park. Once there, don your snowshoes or cross-country skis and follow the signs; it’s a short trek of about 1 mile.

Parking: A valid Recreation Pass or a fee of $5 per day per

Guler Ice Cave

vehicle is required. From Nov. 1 to March 31, a Sno-Park permit is required at Atkisson Sno-Park.

Amenities: There is a vault toilet and picnic shelter at the parking lot. No drinking water is available.

Accessibility: Entering the cave requires climbing stairs.

How and when to visit: Although the cave is accessible year-round, some say the ice is most impressive in late spring when snow melting into the cave creates the most fully formed ice shapes.

Layser Cave, Randle

Layser Cave, an unassuming archaeological wonder, is tucked between the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Located outside Randle, the cave is just a three-hour drive from downtown Seattle. With a short .25mile walk to the cave entrance, this is a perfect cave to visit with young kids.

While small in size, measuring 40 by 60 feet, Layser Cave is considered to be one of the most archaeologically significant caves in western Washington. Experts believe this area

Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary

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Pack a mug of cocoa and sit on a cave floor with your kids to imagine what it might have been like to take shelter in this cave thousands of years ago.

Fun fact: Layser Cave is a pseudokarst cave, meaning that it appears to have been created by the dissolution of bedrock, like a karst cave. It’s more likely, however, that it was formed by tectonic activity.

Getting there: Once you’ve arrived at the parking area for the Layser Cave trailhead, note that the hard-to-see trailhead is on a hairpin turn that goes up, to the left.

Parking: A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

Accessibility: The trail is unpaved and has a series of steps, making this trail inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Amenities: No restrooms or drinking water are available at the trailhead.

How and when to visit: While it is technically accessible yearround, the road may close due to weather. Spring, summer and early fall are the best times to visit.

Nearby attractions: Travel a few miles farther south on NF-23

for another easy .25-mile hike to Camp Creek Falls. Layser and Camp CreekFalls make great stops en route to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest or on your way to Mount Rainier National Park via Packwood.

Want more caves to explore?

For more summer spelunking adventures, check out these other options around the state.

• Boulder Cave in Naches. A 1.5-mile round-trip trail meanders through a 330-foot basalt rock cave, which was created by erosion. The cave is open from mid-May to late September; reservations are required and can be made online at recreation.gov.

• Big Four Ice Caves in Granite. Just two hours from Seattle, this easy 2.2-mile round-trip hike offers a view of four glacier caves. Do not enter these caves. Glacier caves can be very unstable, and people have been killed by venturing into them.

• Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary in Chimacum. This sacred site on the Olympic Peninsula is protected through

the Jefferson Land Trust, but is open to the public. The formation features small caves scattered throughout a giant rock face.

• Cheese Cave in Trout Lake. Not far from the Guler Ice Caves, you can see remnants of shelves once used by the Guler Cheese Co. to store cheese and potatoes in this lava tube turned refrigerator.

Do you have a budding speleologist at home? Explore resources offered by the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (nckri.org) or connect with local experts through Cascade Grotto (cascadegrotto.org), Washington’s chapter of the National Speleological Society. ■

Leighton Thomas is a Kitsap-based mom of two. When she’s not homeschooling and adventuring with her kids, Leighton is a part-time education consultant and outdoor enthusiast. Follow her adventures on Instagram @everyday.adventure.and.joy.

A trick to help kids recognize cave formations

Stalactites and stalagmites, cave formations found in limestone caves, are created over thousands of years by slowly dripping water that leaves behind remnants of calcite. But keeping stalactites and stalagmites straight can be tricky. Here’s how to help kids remember which formation is which.

Stalactite: Stalactites grow downward from the roof of the cave, so associate the “c” in “stalactite” with the “c” in “ceiling.”

Stalagmite: Stalagmites grow up from the cave floor, so think of the “g” in “stalagmite” as also standing for the “g” in “ground.”