ParentMap April 2026 Issue

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Skagit Valley Standouts There’s more than tulips to enjoy up north

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15 Rain or Shine Activities Load up on family fun this month

A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | PA R E N T M A P. C O M

The

Power Issue Olympic champions Hilary Knight, Alex Carpenter, Cayla Barnes and Hannah Bilka join Seattle Sports Commissioner Beth Knox as we celebrate the women shaping our region 7/

SEATTLE CHILDREN’S Good Growing Newsletter p. 23

Join us for a day of art and inspiration!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Get creative with hands-on art making activities for all ages Explore Northwest art with Ambassador-led tours of our current exhibitions

190 Sunset Ave | Edmonds, Edmonds WA 98020 www.CascadiaArtMuseum.org

APRIL 10-12 & 17-19

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C ONTENTS

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April 2026 FREE ParentEd Talks presents bestselling author Richard Reeves

The Boyhood Crisis

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PARENTMAP.COM In Every Issue Play List

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Local Resources Schools + Preschools Meet the Camps Camps + Activities

21 27 52

Parenting

Feature

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Extraordinary Women Redefining What’s Possible 7 Meet this year’s impressive slate of changemakers, challenging expectations and setting the stage for what’s next in our region

Opening the Hospital of the Future 19 The new Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma will expand care and resources for families EDUCATION

Sunday Scaries 22 If the start of the school week is tough on your kids, these tips can help CAMPS + ACTIVITIES

The Summer-Camp Switch 52 Things to consider as kids transition from being campers to leading campers SEATTLE CHILDREN’S

Good Growing Newsletter 23

Family Fun OUT + ABOUT

Springtime in the Valley 50 Discover little-known hot spots to hit after you’ve tiptoed through the tulips April Play List 54 Bring on the showers!

Energy-packed family activities for any weather

7 Emily Cherkin. Photo by Alayne Sulkin

Skagit Valley may be known for its world-famous tulip festival, but there is so much more for families to experience.

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“You can’t train someone to care, but you can create an environment where care is valued and rewarded.”

— Elaina Morris, p. 16

Cover image courtesy Professional Women’s Hockey League

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APRIL 2026, VOL. 23, NO. 4

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Alayne Sulkin

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Morning walks along the water in downtown Gig Harbor, especially when the mountain is out.

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THE POWER ISSUE

Alayne Sulkin photographing Joy Shigaki at the Seattle Waterfront

Beth Knox Joy Shigaki Emily Cherkin Xian Zhang Maria Kanakis Yang Elaina Morris

Our April Power Issue is always one of my favorite moments on the ParentMap calendar — a chance to celebrate the extraordinary people shaping our community right here in our region. This year’s lineup of women is remarkable: bold innovators, visionary leaders, creative forces and dedicated community builders making a real and lasting impact.

In a year when athletes from our region are bringing home Olympic gold, it feels especially meaningful to recognize the many ways women are leading with strength and purpose. Their impact may take different forms, but the throughline is unmistakable: courage, resilience and a deep commitment to making things better for others.

We’re honored to share their stories — and to celebrate not just what they’ve achieved, but how they inspire all of us, and the next generation, to lead with intention and heart.

Read more about these amazing women.

Stories and interviews written by Alayne Sulkin, ParentMap’s publisher and CEO PA R E N T M A P / A P R I L 2 0 2 6 / 7

THE P OWER I S S UE

Beth Knox

President and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission

Beth Knox at Lumen Field

Powering a City of Champions

By Alayne Sulkin Photo by Jordan Somers/ Converge Media

In a city where sports are woven into our civic identity, Beth Knox stands at the center of the action. Her early career began in Seattle’s cultural engine — first with One Reel, the producers of Bumbershoot, and later with Seafair, where she would rise to lead one of the city’s most iconic civic celebrations.

Those formative years producing largescale festivals and community events shaped the steady, strategic leader she is today.

From championship parades to the rise of professional women’s sports, Knox has helped orchestrate some of Seattle’s most unforgettable moments.

But her power extends far beyond logistics. As a mother of adult twins and a values-driven leader, Knox brings heart, inclusivity and resilience to everything she touches. In this conversation, she reflects on civic pride, raising boys who understand community and what she hopes Seattle girls believe is possible.

ParentMap: Seattle has experienced extraordinary sports highs from Super Bowl celebrations to Olympic gold. What do those moments feel like to you personally?

Beth Knox: For the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade, I was part of the lead team preparing for the possibility of a win. To anticipate that and then execute once it happened was such a privilege.

Being in the middle of that celebration, seeing the joy on the players’ faces and watching the city come together as a true partner was an honor.

Watching the U.S. women’s hockey team win Olympic gold was exhilarating in a different way. When Hilary Knight scored that incredible between-the-legs goal, I went nuts. It made me so proud that she’s a member of our team, a captain, leading on the world stage. It was unforgettable.

PM: You’re the mother of twins. What has raising twins taught you about leadership and teamwork?

BK: It’s tempting to approach twins as if they’re at the same place at the same time, but they’re not. They’re two completely separate individuals with different needs. Learning to adapt to their individual journeys while maintaining a cohesive family unit mirrors exactly how teams function.

Every player is at a different place. A good leader recognizes that, meets people where they are and still builds cohesion. Raising twins sharpened my multitasking skills, but more importantly, it deepened my understanding of individuality within the community.

PM: You’ve brought your sons into Seattle’s event world from a young age.

“The lessons learned through sport such as resilience, belonging and accountability last far beyond the game.”

Why was that important?

BK: From early on, they were running around Pier 62 during summer concerts and spending time at Seattle Center during Bumbershoot. As they got older, they volunteered sometimes enthusiastically, sometimes because I “voluntold” them!

It mattered to me that they understood what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Helping with event setup, supporting fundraisers, those experiences build ownership, humility and pride in the community.

PM: When you watch women’s teams compete, especially here in Seattle, what stands out to you?

BK: Women’s teams often treat each other like family. That core unit mentality is powerful. Players come from different states or countries and still build deep cohesion. That takes intention and inclusivity.

Seattle is uniquely positioned — we’re the only city with professional teams in the WNBA, NWSL and PWHL. That visibility matters. Young girls can look at the ice, the field, the court and think, “That could be me.”

PM: Seattle fans are famously loyal, rain and all. What does that say about our city?

BK: Seattle fans don’t care about the weather. They care about showing up.

We’re not fair-weather fans, and that reflects something deeper about this city; resilience, commitment, civic pride.

Sports here aren’t just entertainment.

They’re community rituals. They bring us together.

PM: After this season of championships and global spotlight, what is your hope for the next generation of Seattle girls?

BK: I hope they see strength and confidence, not just in winning but in being part of a team. Even if they’re not the star. Even if they’re not the strongest athlete.

The lessons learned through sport such as resilience, belonging and accountability last far beyond the game. I want girls to stick with it through the highs and lows and know they are capable of more than they imagine.

PM: As Seattle prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026, what’s your best advice for parents who want to help their kids experience the excitement in an age-appropriate and meaningful way?

BK: My advice is to use the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 events calendar to find activities that match your child’s age, interests and preferred location.

The calendar is filling up with watch parties, mini-pitch matches and other fun celebrations, so check back often.

And don’t avoid the big gathering spots like Seattle Center, the Waterfront, Westlake Park, Chinatown International District or Pioneer Square. A huge part of the joy of the World Cup is being around visitors from all over the world.

You don’t even have to be a soccer fan to feel the magic of a global community coming together.

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PA R E N T M A P / A P R I L 2 0 2 6 / 9

THE P OWER I S S UE

Joy Shigaki

President and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Seattle

Joy Shigaki at the Seattle Waterfront

A Waterfront Reimagined for Seattle Families Story and photo by Alayne Sulkin

For decades, Seattle’s waterfront was dominated by elevated highway infrastructure and vehicle traffic. Today, it has been reimagined as a public park that reconnects the city to the shoreline and the Salish Sea, the interconnected body of coastal waterways in the Pacific Northwest that includes Puget Sound, The Strait of Juan de Fuca and The Strait of Georgia.

At the center of that transformation

is Joy Shigaki, President and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Seattle. Her leadership has helped turn a once divisive infrastructure project into a vibrant, 20-acre civic gathering place.

Waterfront Park is more than a destination, it is Seattle’s shared open space where families rediscover their city and one another.

I was lucky enough to get the chance to talk with Shigaki about the long

process of making Waterfront Park a reality and what families can enjoy in this new inviting space.

ParentMap: You’ve led one of the most ambitious civic transformations in Seattle’s history by turning the viaduct into a 20-acre waterfront park that now welcomes millions of visitors. How do you see this space strengthening family life and community connection across the Pacific Northwest?

Joy Shigaki: We created an extraordinary public space to replace 1950s infrastructure many of us had simply grown accustomed to. The city had an audacious vision to build something beautiful and welcoming for everyone.

Waterfront Park invites families and neighbors from across the region to rediscover wonder in downtown Seattle. It’s a place to gather for free programming, to connect with the natural beauty of this place and to continually rediscover our city.

Tens of thousands of people followed this project for more than 20 years. The fact that it’s now realized is a testament to our city’s perseverance and shared vision and to the power of public spaces to bring people together.

PM: When you think about families, parents, children and multi-generational groups, what aspects of the park’s design and programming do you hope resonate most deeply?

JS: Much of our programming, especially in the summer and increasingly in the colder months, is designed to delight people in the community. It’s about being surprised, encountering

“Public spaces allow you to center yourself and find respite, but they also create shared experiences.” culture and experiencing the richness of this region.

Everything we do is family-friendly. In winter, families can gather around fire pits or visit the sauna at Pier 62. In warmer months, they can enjoy recreation classes, arts and music programming or simply take in a sunset at the end of the day.

Public spaces allow you to center yourself and find respite, but they also create shared experiences. You see your community in one place and you recognize that you belong.

PM: Your work is grounded in equity and partnership. How have voices from diverse families and neighborhoods shaped Waterfront Park’s programming and stewardship?

JS: Much of our work is rooted in cocuration. It’s easy to design programming independently and decide what’s best. But if you truly want inclusion, if you want people to see themselves reflected, then you have to listen.

From recreation to arts and markets, we partner with communities across the region. When visitors see artists, performers and small businesses that reflect their identities and cultures, it signals that this is a place for them. It builds pride and sparks connection.

We move at the speed of trust. That trust is how authentic public spaces are created.

PM: For families who may not have felt downtown was for them in the past, how are you intentionally changing that experience?

JS: Design signals matter. If you want families to come, you have to visibly welcome them.

There are slides on the Overlook Walk connecting Pike Place Market to the waterfront. Pier 58 features the Jellyfish Playground. Swings along the promenade invite both children and adults who are young at heart.

Abundant seating signals that people are meant to stay.

There’s also the beach near Molly Moon’s, where families can watch the tide roll in before sharing an ice cream.

The new Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion gives families another reason to make a full day of exploring downtown. This space is actually about forming memories together.

PM: Besides Waterfront Park, what are some of your favorite outdoor spaces for families?

JS: I grew up in Seattle’s parks and still treasure places like Discovery Park, Lincoln Park and Seward Park. They offer quiet beauty and space to gather.

I’m also an avid hiker. One of the gifts of living here is that within 20 minutes on I-90, you can find yourself immersed in extraordinary natural beauty. That accessibility is part of what makes this region so special.

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THE P OWER I S S UE

Emily Cherkin

Bestselling author and speaker

Emily Cherkin at Third Place Books, Ravenna

Why Big Tech Doesn’t Belong in Our Classrooms Story and photo by Alayne Sulkin

Emily Cherkin didn’t set out to take on Big Tech. She started as a classroom teacher in 2003. Back then, her students didn’t have smartphones, and social media wasn’t shaping their identities.

Laptops were rare and internet access in schools was limited.

Today, Cherkin is a national advocate, a Senate witness and the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against PowerSchool, alleging student data is collected and sold without informed parental consent. Her message is clear and urgent.

Then smartphones became ubiquitous, social media embedded itself into childhood and classrooms were never the same.

ParentMap: You began as a classroom teacher. What did you see that shifted you from educator to advocate?

Emily Cherkin: In the early years, technology wasn’t driving classroom behavior. But around 2010, students started coming to school emotionally hijacked by what happened online over the weekend with Facebook posts, exclusion and humiliation. I couldn’t teach because they were consumed by it.

At first, I thought it was a kid issue. I talked about kindness and online responsibility. Then my students told me, “Our parents are texting and driving. Our parents are on Facebook.”

That’s when I realized: This isn’t a kid problem. It’s an adult problem that’s impacting children.

PM: You’re the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against PowerSchool. What is at stake?

EC: Our lawsuit alleges that PowerSchool, which owns products like Schoology and Naviance, is collecting student data and selling it to third parties without informed parental consent.

Parents assume school platforms are safe. They don’t realize how much data is being harvested. Schools now average roughly 150 digital platforms per building. There’s no way families understand what they’ve agreed to.

Children’s data is incredibly valuable, especially in the AI era. Schools provide a captive population. This is not just about privacy. It’s about consent and power.

PM: The landmark social media case in Los Angeles is getting national attention.

How does that connect to education?

EC: It’s laying the groundwork. The same business model driving social

“The EdTech industry is worth roughly $400 billion.

That money isn’t strengtheing schools.” media — engagement, surveillance and attention extraction — is embedded in EdTech. The same persuasive design and algorithmic logic.

top engineering graduates cannot function as humans; they can code, but they can’t collaborate, communicate or problem-solve.

At the end of the day, the business model of Big Tech and EdTech is fundamentally at odds with child development. Period.

Those are the skills being eroded.

These companies are built to hook and hold attention. Children need focus, executive function and real human interaction. Those goals are incompatible.

PM: Many parents believe school technology is necessary. What’s the problem?

EC: There’s a huge difference between tech ed and EdTech. Children need technology education like coding, AI literacy and understanding how systems work. That doesn’t require giving 5-year-olds internet-connected devices.

Take Chromebooks. The entire purpose of a Chromebook is to connect you to the internet. The internet is not a safe place for children. Yet we’ve redesigned schools around constant connectivity because testing became digitized. It’s a backward approach. We should never redesign childhood around a device.

PM: You’ve testified before lawmakers.

What are policymakers missing?

EC: They underestimate the long-term cognitive impact.

I’ve spoken with employers who say

The EdTech industry is worth roughly $400 billion. That money isn’t strengthening schools. It’s extracting from them. This is a takeover of public education by private interests.

Until the business model changes, these products will never be safe for children.

PM: If you could reset schools tomorrow, what would you change?

EC: First, eliminate one-to-one, internet-connected devices for K–12 students. Second, conduct a full audit of every platform used in schools.

Third, pause AI integration entirely, including teacher-facing tools. AI is an expert-level tool. Children are not experts. Return to computer labs, shared devices and intentional instruction. And parents need to ask questions. It’s not our fault but it is our responsibility.

PM: Final question, what’s your favorite educational app?

EC: A book.

If we use screens, let it be one screen, one family. Not isolated scrolling. We are at an inflection point. This is about protecting childhood, education and democracy. And we cannot afford to get it wrong.

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THE P OWER I S S UE

Xian Zhang

Music Director of the Seattle Symphony ParentMap: Can you share what music meant in your childhood, how your family shaped the artist you became?

Xian Zhang: My parents started teaching me the piano as early as possible. My first memory was sitting on my mom’s lap playing a pedaled organ.

She was doing the pedaling with her feet as I couldn’t reach it. I just tried to place my fingers on the keyboard. From a very young age, music became a part of my blood and my identity, inseparable.

PM: How did your early experiences as a young musician shape the way you lead today?

XZ: My upbringing was very strict and very disciplined. My parents had high expectations for me. I learned that there’s this wildly accepted social norm of the double standard to gender much later in life. It was to my surprise actually.

PM: In a world of constant stimulation and shortened attention spans, what does symphonic music train in a young mind that no other experience quite can?

Xian Zhang

Leading Seattle Symphony Into the Future

By Alayne Sulkin Photo by James Holt

When Xian Zhang stepped onto the podium as music director of the Seattle Symphony in September, she became the first woman to lead the orchestra in its 120-year history. Zhang built an impressive international conducting career, regularly guest conducting many of the world’s leading orchestras.

As she leads the Seattle Symphony, her passions for exploring diverse musical styles while creating performances that resonate with audiences will guide her tenure.

XZ: Two things: to enhance imagination and to increase shared human emotional experience. As AI and other technologies advance further, our best assets are the human abilities to imagine and to feel.

PM: If you could conduct one piece for your younger self, what would it be and why?

XZ: I would pick “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky because it was our wakeup alarm in the loudspeaker at my boarding music school for six years. I’d like to make a beautiful rendering of it. Not the broken vinyl that woke me up every morning. It was something I thought I hated, but as I grow older, I realize that I was just not happy with the recording; I actually love the music.

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Maria Kanakis Yang Seattle Symphony’s acting CEO and Chief Development Officer

deeply about why live music deserves space in their lives?

MKY: For children, it encourages cognitive development, sparks imagination and cultivates an appreciation for the arts. It also introduces families to new cultures and musical traditions, offering an immersive way to explore diverse sounds and instruments.

PM: As a civic leader, what responsibility do you have to ensure that families see themselves reflected in this space?

From left: Maria Kanakis Yang and Xian Zhang.

Photo by Everything Time Studio

At the intersection of music, strategy and philanthropy, stands Maria Kanakis Yang, Seattle Symphony’s acting CEO and chief development officer. Yang served as director of advancement at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden before being brought onto the Seattle Symphony in 2019. She is a trained violinist who has found a way to seamlessly blend artistic insight with an entrepreneurial mindset.

ParentMap: How did your upbringing shape your belief in the arts as something worth investing in?

Maria Kanakis Yang: I grew up attending concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra with my grandmother, which gave me an early appreciation for live performance.

Regular visits to the Smithsonian Institution, with its free and accessible art and science museums, reinforced the idea that arts and education should be available to everyone.

PM: When you think about families today, what arguments resonate most

MKY: At the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall, we have a responsibility not only to present great music but to ensure that every family, regardless of socioeconomic background or cultural identity, feels a sense of belonging. This commitment shapes our work every day.

We provide free Community Concerts at Benaroya Hall and in other locations like Renton. Through our Community Stages Fund, we give organizations and artists access to our stages who might not otherwise have the resources to produce and present their work to the public.

Through the Amplify Capital Campaign, we are reimagining our physical spaces as well reaffirming Benaroya Hall as a vibrant space where everyone feels they belong.

PM: When you look 20 years ahead, what would success look like for the Symphony’s relationship with children and families in Seattle?

MKY: Success would mean that the children and teens attending concerts today are still coming to Benaroya Hall, this time with families of their own. The legacy we’re building is one of continuity and belonging: a place where generations gather, create memories and feel connected to one another through music.

Recommended family-friendly concerts and events with the Seattle Symphony Community Stages Fund: Fifth Anniversary Celebration, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., free Uncovering Our Concrete Jungle, part of National Geographic Live, April 26–28 The Percussion: Rhythms of the Wild, part of the Tiny Tots Series, May 1–2 Philharmonia Fantastique, part of the Family Concert Series, May 9 at 11 a.m.

Adventure for Change, part of National Geographic Live, May 17–19 Community Concert at Benaroya Hall, featuring the Chief Sealth High School Orchestra, June 3 at 7:30 p.m., free Tiny Orchestra: All Together Now!, part of the Tiny Tots Series, June 12–13 “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” Live in Concert, June 26–27 “How to Train Your Dragon” in Concert, July 10–12

PM: What was the first live performance that truly moved you — and how did it shape the way you think about inviting families into the Symphony today?

MKY: The first live performance that truly moved me was attending the National Symphony Orchestra with my grandmother. I was the only child in the audience, and I remember how amazed the older audience members were that I could sit through the entire concert. That experience stayed with me, and I wish every child could have the same opportunity to discover music, especially with the variety of programming options that can make it engaging for all ages.

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THE P OWER I S S UE

Elaina Morris

President and CEO of Ascend Hospitality Group

From left: Brandon Muehl, Dyawan O’Rear, Juan Orozco, Elaina Morris, Makena Herber and Christina Larson

Setting Bigger Tables for Work, Dignity and Community Story and photo by Alayne Sulkin

When Elaina Morris talks about restaurants, she doesn’t begin with menus or design. She begins with people.

At the helm of Ascend Hospitality Group, Morris has built more than awardwinning dining destinations; she has built a company rooted in dignity, access and community impact. From launching WiggleWorks (a popular indoor playground for children in Bellevue) to leading a multistate restaurant group employing more than

550 people, her leadership asks a bigger question: How can hospitality elevate not just guests, but the people and neighborhoods around it?

For Morris, success isn’t measured only in revenue. It’s measured in opportunity.

ParentMap: You chose to build your life and business in Bellevue. What made this the place where you wanted to create lasting impact?

Elaina Morris: When I came to Bellevue, I saw builders. I saw people creating companies, futures and community at the same time. When I was expecting my daughter in 2011, I knew this was where I wanted to raise my children and where I wanted to build something meaningful.

I launched WiggleWorks because I believed families deserved intentional spaces. Over time, I realized my work wasn’t just about customers — it was about workforce opportunity. It was about the families behind the front desk, in the kitchen and serving the tables.

Bellevue felt like a place where ambition and community could coexist. I wanted to prove that business could strengthen both.

PM: Your work in schools and workforce development has been deeply impactful. Why is expanding career pathways so important to you?

EM: Because not every child’s future runs through a four-year college — and we need to respect that.

While serving with the Bellevue Schools Foundation, I helped establish an Innovation Fund focused on career and technical education. We had apprenticeship programs in tech and automotive, but not in culinary, even though our schools had commercial kitchens and talented students ready to learn.

Hospitality is not a fallback career — it’s a viable, sustainable profession. In a moment when tech layoffs across Seattle and Bellevue have disrupted what once felt like guaranteed stability, hospitality offers something different: the opportunity to earn while you learn,

“You can’t train someone to care, but you can create an environment where care is valued and rewarded.” to build leadership skills, financial literacy and real management experience from day one.

Workforce equity means recognizing talent wherever it exists and creating pathways that lead to livable wages, dignity and long-term growth — whether or not a four-year degree is part of the plan.

That belief is also why we launched AHG Cares, the philanthropic arm of Ascend Hospitality Group. Our mission at AHG is to bring people together through culinary experiences that raise the bar and improve standards in hospitality. But our core values — “You matter.

Team matters. Service matters.

Performance matters.” — extend far beyond the dining room.

We’ve formalized apprenticeship pathways, youth mentoring initiatives, community events and back-to-school programs. Rather than separating philanthropy from business, we integrate it. Elevating the communities we serve means investing fully in both our team members and our neighbors.

And it’s personal. My daughter McKenna even interned at Ascend, seeing firsthand what it means to build a culture of service and leadership. That experience reinforced for me that what we’re creating isn’t just a company — it’s a place where the next generation can learn what dignity in work truly looks like.

PM: Across your restaurants, you employ more than 550 people. What does investing in your team look like in practice?

EM: It starts with recognizing the dignity of hourly work. Our industry depends on people who are often invisible in larger economic conversations. Many of our team members are supporting families, building careers or starting over. So we designed our company around that reality.

We offer access to health care at reduced hour thresholds. We promote from within intentionally. We survey our entire workforce twice a year — and we act on what we learn. We invest in professional development beyond technical skills because we want careers, not just jobs.

Through AHG Cares, our team members participate in community initiatives that reinforce purpose. Service isn’t something we perform for guests; it’s who we are. You can’t train someone to care, but you can create an environment where care is valued and rewarded.

When someone walks into Ascend Prime, they see elevated dining and breathtaking 360-degree views. What they don’t always see is the ecosystem behind it: apprentices learning, managers who started as hosts and employees gaining stability and confidence.

We’re not just serving meals. We’re setting bigger tables where our people, our community and our guests all feel valued.

PM: Outside of the Ascend group, what is your favorite family-friendly restaurant (or two) in the Greater Seattle area?

EM: Isarn and Cafe Juanita in Kirkland.

Din Tai Fung in Bellevue. In that order.

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ward-winning care New hospital opens May 2026

At Mary Bridge Children’s, we offer kids expert care from A to Z. And coming this May, we’re proud to open our new hospital campus in Tacoma. It’s been built from the ground up for kids for care designed with their unique bodies and brains in mind. marybridge.org/new-hospital

Wellness New Children’s Hospital Brings Needed Services to the Tacoma Area Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital addition will expand pediatric care and offer specialized resources for South Sound families

By Kellie Schmitt

When it comes to medical care, children aren’t little adults.

supply of medical specialists geared toward the region’s youngest patients.

“Kids are different and hospitals should be, too,” says Andrew Canning, a spokesman for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma. “That’s why it’s so important to have a hospital set up to take care of kids.”

The modern complex will house eight operating rooms, a pediatric intensive care unit, an infusion center, and an interventional cardiology and radiology suite. The pediatric Emergency Department will contain 38 treatment rooms as well as a mental health crisis stabilization unit.

In mid-May, Mary Bridge will open an 82-bed children’s hospital, the centerpiece of a $500 million investment that will expand pediatric capacity in the Tacoma area and beyond. The new facility will offer additional resources in areas like pediatric surgery, behavioral health and neonatal care. With 250 new jobs, the effort will also boost the area’s

“We will care for the smallest baby that’s born premature to the adolescent with specialized equipment, training and talent we can centralize in one awesome facility,” says Jeff Poltawsky, the President and Market Leader of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Network.

Sponsored by

Our values are at the forefront of every decision we make at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Network. They serve as our constant guide for how we behave, how we treat our colleagues and how we interact with those we are privileged to serve, from our patients and their families to our valued community partners.

Culmination of a long journey While the six-story tower and expanded outpatient center are new, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital has supported Tacoma for 70 years. The original 1955 facility existed as a standalone building.

As it grew, the children’s hospital integrated with Tacoma General Hospital in the 1980s.

Over the years, sharing equipment and waiting rooms between children and adult patients posed logistical challenges.

“You’re mixing the populations and trying to serve both the best you can,” Poltawsky explains.

The idea of returning to the standalone roots made sense, especially in a region with growing medical demand.

The timing, though, proved to be tricky. The health system embarked on the design process just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain shortages drove up construction prices, and the initial bid came in well over budget. The team regrouped and went back to the drawing board.

“It added a year, but we weathered the COVID storm and got a beautiful space where every square foot is dedicated to infants, children and adolescents,” Poltawsky says.

The evolution from shared spaces to a specialized environment will be well worth the effort. The child focus can dramatically transform a patient’s experiences, he said, pointing to the example of imaging. In the current space, children share equipment and waiting rooms with adults. Helping a child or infant through adult-oriented medical equipment like an MRI can prove time-consuming and require sedation.

The new space will offer child-friendly projection goggles to distract from being in a tube, as well as warm blankets and the option to bring a stuffy along for the scan. Those details may improve a young child’s experience to the point where they might not need sedation, he added.

Intentional design improves experiences Other measures throughout the facility are similarly aimed at easing hospital anxieties. The hospital has just one easy-to-find entrance, which also simplifies security. Everyone who enters will be screened and given a name badge.

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WELLNES S

continued from page 19

“Parents can’t be with their children 24 hours a day,” he says. “This will give parents the security to know their child is safe.”

Inside, a 10-person team will be devoted to the patient experience, helping children feel knowledgeable and comfortable about their treatment and procedures.

There are playrooms on each floor, a teen space and a special room that includes child-size imaging machines for stuffed animals. Practicing and understanding a procedure can go a long way in easing anxieties, Poltawsky noted.

Throughout the building, small design details cultivate a child-friendly environment. Take the intentional curves — instead of sharp edges — on desks that protect toddlers. The spacious rooms themselves keep families’ comfort at the forefront, with a pull-out double bed and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Young patients can order fresh food right from their rooms using the television controller. Meals are prepared onsite, and designed to appeal to children as well as families, visitors and staff.

The hospital’s caffeinated offerings reflect the region’s coffee culture with locally-roasted beans and coffee poured from a purple espresso machine.

“These little touches make it special,” he says. “We’re celebrating our local heritage.”

Reaping the healing benefits of nature Family gathering spaces will dot the campus, including several outdoor green spaces. Each floor evokes a natural theme such as mountains, rivers, shoreline and forest. Local artists crafted works that reflect those Pacific Northwest motifs.

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Photo courtesy Mary Bridge Children’s

“We’re really celebrating the communities where we come from,” he says.

“We wanted to make sure all the families and children could see themselves in the spirit of the building.”

Architects designed the building itself with the goal of maximizing the sun’s daily movements. Enormous windows embrace the light, brightening the rooms and corridors. They also showcase striking views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains as well as the urban cityscapes just below. Lush landscaping — including a rose garden — beckons from patients’ windows.

The distinct wall art is captivating and interactive. Astute young observers may spot a hidden moose or slugs camouflaged among the pine trees of the forest floor.

“Looking at the graphics will really spark a child’s imagination,” he says. “It’s a peaceful environment with pops of color.”

An outdoor playground within the facility allows patients to enjoy fresh

air and the Pacific Northwest’s occasional sunshine. That way, children can reap the physical and mental health benefits of being outside.

“You’re not confined to an enclosed space,” he says. “Both our indoor and outdoor spaces will promote healing.

We want to lift spirits and calm anxiety.”

Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital by the numbers • 262,000 square feet: Combined size of the new hospital tower and expanded medical center • 256: New jobs created, with more projected • $100 million: Portion of the nearly $500 million total project funded through donations • 800: Parking spots housed in two distinct structures, one for patients and visitors, and another for staff and providers

■

Kellie Schmitt is an award-winning health reporter based in Edmonds, Washington. She covers health policy, public health and children’s health.

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Helping Kids Deal With the Sunday Scaries

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

You may recognize the feeling: It’s late Sunday and you suddenly start to feel a sense of anxiety about the upcoming week. This phenomenon is commonly known as the “Sunday Scaries.” Guess what? Kids also experience the Sunday Scaries and unlike adults, they have a much harder time shaking off that uncomfortable feeling on their own.

Here’s what experts say you can do to help your kids.

happening in or around school.

Follow a consistent weekend routine “Structure and routine,” Hanley-Dafoe says, “provide a sense of predictability that can help lessen the anxiety and dread about an upcoming school week.” An important part of that is to sit down with your kids and create a checklist of schoolwork they need to complete for Monday. This way they can spread it out over the weekend instead of trying to do it all Sunday evening.

Acknowledge their feelings The first thing is simply to acknowledge that your kids might be experiencing the Sunday Scaries. “By acknowledging the reality of the Sunday Scaries with your child and normalizing their feelings,” says pediatrician Dr. Alisan Escalante, “you’ve already gone a long way in helping them feel less alone.”

Find out what’s worrying them Next try to find what’s worrying them. Are they dreading an upcoming school exam or test? Are they having issues with one of their friends? Whatever the worry, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe a resiliency and wellness scholar says, “let them know that it’s okay to feel this way and reassure them that they’ll get through it.”

Keep in mind that kids’ Sunday Scaries are often related to something that’s

Make Sunday calm and stress-free Try to make the weekend, and especially Sunday, as calm and stress-free as possible by taking long walks together, enjoying family meals and games, and encouraging the kids to do relaxing things like drawing and journaling. These and other activities, Hanley-Dafoe says, “can help prepare the heart, mind and body for the start of a new week.”

Draw up a weekly schedule It’s useful to make up a schedule of all the kids’ activities for the upcoming week and to put it in a visible location, like on the refrigerator or door to their bedroom. “Stress of the unknown,” educational therapist Wendy Taylor says, “is what creates anxiety for schoolaged children.”

Enrolling For Fall 2026 Ages 1 1/2-12

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3/16/26 3:57 PM

Don’t include just their school-related activities on this schedule. Add the fun extracurricular and family-related plans for the upcoming week. “Having something to look forward to and be excited about,” Hanley-Dafoe says, “can also help alleviate the Sunday Scaries.

Have them prepare for Monday morning As much as possible, involve the kids in preparing themselves for Monday morning. “Kids feel more in control,” says pediatrician Dr. Sharifa Glass, “if they prepare and plan for what’s ahead.”

Help them get a good night’s rest An important part of getting ready for Monday morning is to get a good night’s sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that kids ages 6–12 get 9 to 12 hours of sleep; teenagers need 8 to 10 hours. To make their sleep as restful as possible, have them put away any electronic devices well before bedtime.

Address your own Sunday scaries Finally, try to address your own Sunday Scaries, if that’s something you experience on a regular basis. “If we approach Sundays with a sense of dread or anxiety week after week,” Hanley-Dafoe says, “our children may begin to pick up on these feelings.”

■

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Good Growing

Spring 2026

IN THIS ISSUE: WHIP -ITS | BABY LOUNGERS | ALLERGIES | AUTISM | INJURIES | CLASSES AND EVENTS

Springtime and Mental Well-being Did you know that each spring, there’s a predictable rise in mental and behavioral health concerns among kids and teens? This may seem surprising, and the reasons for this yearly trend are not fully understood — but pediatric mental health experts have some strong theories.

The first is school-related stress, which can include more testing, a big push or panic to improve grades, general burnout, worries over college decisions and increased social pressures due to events like prom and graduation.

Next is ‘spring fever.’ The season brings more daylight and more activities, but often less sleep, leaving kids worn out.

Kids may also struggle more with bodyimage issues in the spring. As the weather warms up and lighter clothing is needed, tweens and teens may have trouble shedding their concealing layers for styles that reveal more of their bodies.

Stay alert to the signs of mental health problems — especially those that impact the quality of daily life. Be aware if your child or teen: • Is feeling very sad or withdrawn for two or more weeks.

• Has severe mood swings.

• Shows big changes in behavior.

• Is having many problems in friendships and other relationships.

• Has a sudden, overwhelming fear or worry that does not match the situation.

• Seems unusually irritable.

• Displays explosive anger.

• Has trouble sleeping.

• Changes their eating habits.

• Loses weight suddenly or unexpectedly.

• Spends so much time alone it interferes with other activities.

• Starts hanging out (in person or online) with others who are an unhealthy influence.

• Is taking new risks, like using drugs or alcohol.

• Has lots of stomachaches or headaches.

• Avoids school or isn’t doing as well as they used to.

The good news is that parents and caregivers can support kids’ mental wellness. Check in regularly, talk things out, validate their feelings, encourage and support their healthy habits, and keep structure and routines in place. Eating meals together as a family is a sure and simple way to connect!

If you have concerns, start with your child’s doctor. Also consider Seattle Children’s Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinic, which offers both in-person and video visits. (In any case, be sure your child gets human, professional help, rather than turning to an AI chatbot.) The QR code below links to the Seattle Children’s Mental Health Resource Hub, which offers a wide range of information and available support.

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A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Baby Loungers Are Not Safe for Sleep Baby loungers are a popular product, but they’re not safe for sleeping babies — not even for a quick nap. Child-safety experts want parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks. Baby loungers are designed for use only when a baby is awake and supervised. Still, serious accidents can occur, resulting in suffocation, entrapment and falls.

Nitrous Oxide Abuse Is on the Rise Alerts from the Washington Poison Center warn of local and national spikes of nitrous oxide abuse through inhalation or ‘huffing.’ Hospitalizations and deaths are up, especially among adolescents and young adults. Nitrous oxide cuts off oxygen to the brain and creates a brief, euphoric high and lightheadedness.

Regular use can cause numbness, loss of strength, and life-threatening blood clots.

Nitrous oxide has legal, legitimate purposes. It’s used by medical and dental professionals for pain relief.

It’s also a propellant used to make whipped cream and culinary foams; for this purpose, it’s sold in small metal canisters called chargers. When used for huffing, nitrous oxide has many nicknames, including whip-its, chargers, galaxy gas and hippie crack.

Parents and caregivers can be on the lookout for evidence of nitrous oxide abuse, including silver metal chargers and uninflated balloons, which are used for huffing. And of course, watch for behavior changes and talk regularly with your child about making healthy choices.

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What is a baby lounger? It’s a type of support cushion — typically an oval with an indent in the middle and slightly raised sides. This concave or ‘scoop’ shape is designed for babies under 9 months old to be placed on their backs. So, while baby loungers may be marketed as an alternative to a play mat on the floor, they don’t allow for tummy time, which all babies need under close supervision.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission introduced stricter design and usage standards for baby loungers in 2025.

However, safety risks still exist. Suffocation can happen when a baby turns their face into the side cushion or rolls into it and cuts off their air supply. It’s also possible for a baby to roll completely out of the lounger and get trapped underneath. And if the lounger is on a countertop or another elevated surface and the baby rolls out, the fall can cause severe injuries.

Check out the link below for some important tips on keeping your baby’s sleep space as safe as it can be.

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Is It a Cold or Nasal Allergies?

Colds and nasal allergies are both very common. While the causes are different, they share certain symptoms.

Colds are caused by viruses. If your child has a cold, their symptoms can include a stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, body aches and low energy.

Kids with colds usually start to feel better within 5 days, and all symptoms are usually gone in about 14 days. Colds do not cause itching of the nose, eyes or other areas.

Nasal allergies are caused by airborne allergens. Common irritants are seasonal pollens, household dust, pet dander and mold. Nasal allergy symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, sniffing and an itchy nose. Often, nasal allergies cause the eyes to be red, watery or puffy. Kids with allergies may also complain of itchy eyes, skin and ear canals. However, nasal allergies do not cause a fever.

If you have questions about prevention and treatment for colds and allergies, talk with your child’s doctor.

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A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Understanding Growth Plate Injuries

New Autism Videos Experts at Seattle Children’s Autism Center have created two new animated videos for families. They’re part of a series being developed to support families before, during and after a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The 8-minute video, ‘Autism as a Medical Diagnosis,’ provides an overview for anyone who is curious about the condition. The 4.5-minute video, ‘How to Get an Autism Evaluation,’ helps families navigate how to get a diagnostic evaluation for their child. A formal diagnosis is important, so families can better understand their child’s differences and get support.

If your child is ever treated for an injury, their doctor may raise concerns about your child’s growth plates. Children and teens have patches of growing tissue (a rubbery cartilage) near the ends of the long bones in their arms, hands, legs and feet. Some of these growth plates determine how long a child’s bones will be once their bodies mature. Most growth plates have hardened into solid bone at around age 14 to 15 for girls and 16 to 17 for boys. Because growth plates are softer and weaker than bone, they

bruising, redness or warmth — plus loss of movement or strength. Doctors diagnose growth plate injuries through physical exams combined with imaging such as X-rays. Treatment may involve stabilizing the bone with a splint or a cast, or perhaps surgery.

are vulnerable to injury. Any damage to these areas before the growth plates harden can permanently affect a child’s growth or lead to deformities in the shape of the bones.

When injuries happen, it’s important to get pediatric specialty care to prevent problems with bone growth as your child or teen develops. Learn about Seattle Children’s Sports Medicine Program, with several locations that treat children, teens and young adults for sports-related injuries, including the Orthopedic Injury Urgent Care option.

Prevention is key. Be sure your child is in proper condition for their sport, uses the right gear, and warms up and cools down. Kids should never ‘play through the pain.’

Six more videos will be released in the coming months, so check back for additional topics. The series was made possible through the generous support of Wizards of the Coast.

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The most typical areas for growth plate injuries are the elbows, wrists, fingers, knees and ankles. These injuries can be caused by falls, collisions and overuse.

Overuse injuries tend to happen to kids who play competitive sports — and especially those who play one sport year-round, rather than those who switch sports each season.

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Symptoms of a growth plate injury include pain or tenderness at the injury site, especially when direct pressure is applied. There may be swelling,

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A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Classes and Events

About Good Growing

Please check seattlechildrens.org/classes for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar.

PARENTING CLASSES Autism 101 Watch the free, on-demand lecture, in English or Spanish, at seattlechildrens.org/autism101.

Conversations About Autism View past sessions at seattlechildrens.org/conversationsaboutautism.

Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start This free, on-demand, self-paced class is available in English and Spanish.

Learn more and watch a recording at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

Behavior Basics Learn more about this free, on-demand, selfpaced class for parents and caregivers of children ages 5 to 12 with disruptive behaviors at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Funded by the King County MIDD Behavioral Health Sales Tax, supporting behavioral health and recovery. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

Your Child With Disabilities Is Turning 18 Learn more and watch this free class in English, Spanish or Vietnamese at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center Classes and Outings Check out the lifelong learning opportunities for people 18 and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Visit seattlechildrens.org/clinics/alyssa-burnettadult-life-center.

Better Babysitters Choose a virtual or in-person class in Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way or Seattle. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens. org/classes.

The Chat Workshop Series (Is Puberty Weird?; Body Basics; More Body Basics; Crushes, Consent, and Other Conversations; Our Sexual Selves) Choose virtual or in-person in Bellevue or Seattle. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.

Sibshops for Siblings of Children With Special Health and Developmental Needs Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

EVENTS Free Car-Seat Checks Seattle: Saturday, April 25 Bellevue: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month Federal Way: Second Thursday of every month Learn how to install and use your child’s car seat or booster seat in your car and learn about general road safety from child-passenger safety experts. Parents and caregivers with kids of all ages are welcome. Registration required.

Learn more and register for an appointment at seattlechildrens.org/carseatchecks.

Free Virtual Car-Seat Checks King County Certified Child-Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car-seat check appointments via video-chat platforms.

For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura. miccile@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664.

South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County offer free virtual car-seat classes.

Registration is required. Visit southsnofi re.org/ community-programs/classes/car-seats.

2026 ParentEd Talks Seattle Children’s is the proud Presenting Sponsor of ParentMap’s ParentEd Talks series, providing expert guidance and heartfelt inspiration to help you on your parenting journey.

Register for the series today at parentmap.com/ talks/parent-ed-virtual-parenting-speaker-series.

Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can find Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2026 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Wash.

SEATTLE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Regional Clinic Locations Bellevue Everett Federal Way Olympia Tri-Cities Wenatchee Primary Care Clinics Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic Richmond Pediatrics University Place Pediatric Clinic Hospital Numbers 206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (toll-free) Online Resources Visit seattlechildrens.org for: Child health advice Healthy Tides newsletter Doctor Finder The Autism Blog Medical condition information Health and safety information Giving to Seattle Children’s Research Institute information Find us online

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We offer three different sessions to choose from.

Our studio began as a simple dream to create a welcoming space where people of all ages could slow down, get creative, and enjoy the joy of making something by hand. Today it’s a vibrant community studio where beginners and experienced artists alike gather to paint, learn, and share ideas. During camp week, students will explore ceramic painting techniques, experiment with color and design, and create unique pottery pieces they’ll be proud to take home.

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CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP Rising Grades 1-10 7723 Chambers Creek Road West, Tacoma, WA 98467 (253) 620-8388 summercamp@charleswright.org charleswright.org/summer

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Select Seattle-area locations even offer Full Day STEAM, blending high-tech indoor learning with high-energy Outdoor STEAM activities. In just one week, campers build skills and memories for a lifetime. Join the community trusted by parents and loved by kids. Register now with our Early Bird Discount!

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Destination Science is a dynamic summer camp that blends STEM learning with energetic, hands-on, make-and-take projects. Designed to spark curiosity and build real-world skills, the professional camp staff make science something kids truly love in a supportive and playful environment.

Each day, campers 5-11 rotate through three interactive science stations, along with camp games, songs, and high-energy rallies that keep the excitement going. This summer, they’re offering three exciting themes: Robot Olympic Challenge – Get ready for the ultimate robotics showdown! Movie Maker STEM Lab – Lights, camera… chain reaction!

Jedi Engineering Camp – From lightsabers to liftoff, use the Force to complete the mission! 7 King County locations / Hours 9 - 3, Extended Care (8-5) is available at select sites. Enroll Now & Save $50/wk add STEM20 at checkout!

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DIGIPEN ACADEMY PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS Ages 16-19 Online • (425) 629-5007 academy@digipen.edu academy.digipen.edu Build a game this summer. In DigiPen Academy’s PreCollege Summer Programs, high school students choose a track—Art & Animation, Game Design, Programming, or Music & Sound—and collaborate to create a playable game. Through live online instruction and interactive labs, students gain real skills and portfolio pieces.

ECS SUMMER OF WONDER

EASTSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ages 3-11 14615 SE 22nd St, Bellevue, WA (425) 641-5570 • summercamp@ecswa.org ecswa.org/summer-camp Discover an unforgettable summer at Eastside Christian School Summer Camp! Campers enjoy hands-on learning, creative activities, outdoor adventures, and meaningful friendships in a Christ-centered environment. With engaging weekly themes and caring instructors, children grow in confidence, curiosity, and character. Open to the community, ECS summer camps offer joyful experiences and active exploration all summer long. After-care also available.

ENCHANTED FAIRY DANCE CAMP

Ages 3-14 5025 Issaquah-Pine Lake Road Southeast, Issaquah, WA 98029 • (425) 598-2914 tanderson@eastsidecommunityschool.org eastsidecommunityschool.org/summer-camp

Ages 3⅟₂-6 655 156th Ave SE, Suite A 355, Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 505-0287 Info@emeraldballetacademy.com emeraldballetacademy.com/summer-2026

Eastside Community School offers Waldorf inspired camps where children explore, create, and connect through joyful, hands-on experiences. From open-ended nature play to forest adventures and vibrant cultural expressions through art, each camp nurtures imagination, confidence, and friendship. Rooted in rhythm, creativity, and community, our summer days spark curiosity and lasting memories.

Let your child’s imagination take flight this summer at Emerald Ballet Academy’s magical dance camps! Young dancers will enjoy a joyful blend of movement, creativity, storytelling, and imaginative play while making new friends and magical memories.

Enchanted Fairy Dance Camp: July 13–16, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Enchanted Garden Dance Camp: July 27–30, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

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ENCHANTED FARMS ANIMAL, CRAFT & OUTDOOR GAMES CAMP Ages 7-13 31620 NE 129th St, Duvall, WA (425) 287-5860 enchantedfarmsduvall@gmail.com tickets.enchantedfarmsduvall.com/summercamp-at-enchanted-farms Enchanted Farms Summer Camp is a hands-on farm experience for ages 7–13 in Duvall. Limited to 20 campers, each week is led by a licensed middle school teacher and a Montessori-certified preschool educator, with guided animal time supported by knowledgeable farmhand animal experts.

Campers interact with alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits, and mini donkeys — learning about them, petting them, and feeding them during structured sessions.

We offer a wide variety of creative crafts, including hands-on fiber arts with a focus on wet felting, along with outdoor games and nature exploration.

Camp provides a thoughtfully designed, confidencebuilding environment designed for meaningful, memorable experiences on our small, family-run farm, where children build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and hands-on skills.

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EPIPHANY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP Ages 4-11 3611 East Denny Way, Seattle, WA (206) 323-9011 extendedday@epiphanyschool.org epiphanyschool.org/campus-life/summer-camp

Calling all budding chess masters, burgeoning actors, and ambitious coders-to-be! Summer camp at Epiphany will be better than ever this year with an expanded lineup featuring fantastic community partners including Seattle Chess School, Coding with Kids, Kids Science Labs, and Seattle Children’s Theatre—with more to be announced. Alongside these programs, many of our own talented Epiphany faculty and staff will be leading special interest camps designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Our summer program offers a thoughtfully balanced experience with enrichment classes led by trusted community providers and facilitated by Epiphany faculty and staff.

Our summer camp is open to both Epiphany and non-Epiphany students, and week-long camps run July 6–August 14, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. We can’t wait to have a summer of learning, play, and fun together!

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HEART ART STUDIO SUMMER ART GALILEO STEAM PROJECTS & CAMP FUN Ages 5-14 5 Seattle Locations (800) 854-3684 • info@gallileo-learning.com galileo-camps.com/camp-galileo

Ages 4-13 22002 64th Ave W. #2B, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 (425) 583-2212 • info@heartartstudiowa.com heartartstudiowa.com/summer-camps

Camp Galileo invites rising K–8th graders to dive into hands-on STEAM projects and design challenges, transforming everyday materials into imaginative creations.

Grounded in the Galileo Innovation Approach, our program helps kids develop lasting confidence, creative problemsolving skills and perseverance. Weekly sessions.

Make art magic this summer! At Heart Art Studio, kids ages 4–13 create with paint, clay, collage and sculpture in a joyful, light-filled studio. Campers choose their own themes each week, making every project personal, imaginative, and one-of-a-kind. Small groups and supportive guidance help every young artist shine. Half-day and full-day camp options are available. Join us this summer!

WILDCAT SUMMER CAMP IN DUVALL

CREATIVE ARTS SUMMER CAMP

Ages 3-11 26423 NE Allen St, Duvall, WA 98019 (425) 844-8608 • summercamp@hillsideacademy.com hillsideacademy.com/summercamps

Ages 9-12 620 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 822-7161 • registrar@kirklandartscenter.org canvas.kirklandartscenter.org/classes? semester=Summer+2026

Wildcat Summer Camp in Duvall is where friendships grow, curiosity thrives, and summer memories are made.

Campers will create art, cook delicious treats, and dive into fun science and social studies themes. We also spend time exploring local trails, neighborhood parks, the library, nearby farms, and the local ice cream shop.

Come experience small-town life in Washington!

Join Us for an Unforgettable Art Adventure This Summer!

KAC’s Creative Arts Summer Camp (ages 9–12) offers a full-day, hands-on journey of art, movement, and fun! Each week explores new themes like mythical quests, outer space, and global cultures. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, campers develop skills, make lasting memories, and create stunning artwork.

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LAKE UNION SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5-12 2040 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA (206) 486-7436 daycare@lakeunionswimacademy.com lakeunionswimacademy.com/summer-camps We have an event filled weeklong summer camp where kids get to have fun while learning water safety and discover what makes the Pacific Northwest unique!

KIDSQUEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HANDS-ON SUMMER CAMPS

In addition to swim lessons and open swim in our facilities, we have partnered with local organizations around the lake to ensure that each participant gets the most out of their time with us.

Ages 4-10 1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 637-8100 education@kidsquestmuseum.org kidsquestmuseum.org/programs/summer-camp

Summer at KidsQuest Children’s Museum is powered by play. Our educator-led STEAM camps for ages 4–6 and 7–10 combine creativity, critical thinking, and handson discovery in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Explorer Camps (ages 4–6) nurture curiosity through Science, Art, Nature, Engineering, STEAM, and Sensational Shapes. Half-day sessions (9am–12pm) are available as 3-day camps ($235) or 5-day camps ($350).

Adventure Camps (ages 7–10) dive deeper with immersive themes like Build It, Engineer It; Mad Science; BrickLab: Art and Animation; Creation Studio; and Fantastical Fashion. Options include 3-day half-day camps ($235) and full-day 5-day camps (9am–4pm, $525).

From hydraulics and polymers to clay, photography, and stop-motion animation, each week inspires collaboration, confidence, and big ideas.

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WEE FOLK FOREST SUMMER CAMP

Ages 2⅟₂-6 Olympia & Port Townsend (720) 383-4406 info@livingartsschool.com weefolkforestkindergarten.com/summer-camp Wee Folk Forest Kindergarten is a “rain or shine” outdoor summer program in Jefferson & Thurston County for children ages 2 1/2 to 6. We are inspired by the Waldkindergartens and Forest Schools of Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Finland, where children spend the early years of their education in entirely outdoor settings.

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MUSIC FACTORY CAMPS 2026

Ages 7-18 2832 E Arthur Place, Seattle, WA (206) 420-3896 info@musicfactorynw.com musicfactory.online/summercamps2026 All year round, The Music Factory engages students at the highest level, teaching not just notes but meeting each student where they’re at. The Music Factory specializes in long-term, one-on-one mentorships that build confidence, creativity, & real problem-solving skills through music. Our summer camps reflect this same care, offering week-long Rock Band, Songwriting, Digital Music Production, & Ukulele Sing-Along camps.

EPIC LARP CAMPS WITH MAJESTIC ADVENTURES Ages 6-17 Woodland Park, 1000 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103 (360) 836-0386 info@majesticadventures.net questnorthwest.com/seattle

MUSIC WORKS NORTHWEST CAMPS

Ages 4-15 1331 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 644-0988 • registration@musicworksnw.org musicworksnw.org/summer-camps Ignite your child’s passion for music with our weeklong summer camps! Each explores a different musical theme through fun, hands-on music making. Our camp directors have extensive music education and performance experience, and they love sharing their passion for music with young people! Early childhood, vocal, piano, instrument discovery, rock-n-roll, and electronic music camps available. Space is limited - enroll today!

At Majestic Adventures, campers become the heroes of an incredibly fun and engaging live-action roleplaying adventure. They join together in a small band of Adventurers and embark on an epic quest. Every week features a one-of-a-kind adventure, such as rescuing royalty, searching for pirate’s treasure, negotiating a peace treaty, or defending a city under siege. Armed with creativity, teamwork, magic, and foam boffer blades, Adventurers will face dynamic duels, silly social situations, perplexing puzzles, and fantastic fitness challenges. Each encounter is a fun challenge while also providing opportunities for personal growth and empowerment, building skills like creative problem-solving, collaborative decisionmaking, conflict resolution, and ethical reasoning.

At Majestic Adventures camps, every child gets a chance to shine, and ends the week with a tale to tell which they helped to create.

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OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL SUMMER Ages 5-12 6128 168th Place SE, Bellevue, WA (425) 747-2911 summer@ows.org openwindowschool.org/summer

OPEN WORLD BY DIGIPEN

Our award-winning program offers week-long classes that spark creative thinking, experimentation, and discovery.

Rooted in gifted education best practices, we welcome all curious, creative learners who love to explore and grow.

Join us at Open Window School for 5 action-packed summer weeks on our Bellevue campus - open to all students entering Kindergarten through 8th grade!

Ages 6-18 9931 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 629-5046 openworld@digipen.edu discoveropenworld.com At Open World by DigiPen, our mission is to provide fun, hands-on, high-quality K-12 experiences in the STEAM fields of the future. Every child who attends one of our workshops should come away feeling engaged by our instructors, excited to share what they learned and created, empowered with the skills to continue creating, and cared for by every member of our team.

We have campuses all across the Seattle area, including Redmond, Bothell, Bellevue, Medina, Seattle, Shoreline, and more. Workshop topics include game design, art and animation, music, computer science, and engineering. Join us for a one- or two-week session of day camp, which run from June 22 to August 21, 9 a.m.⁠–4 p.m. (or 8:30⁠–3:30 at select campuses).

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PHOENIX FARM RIDING DAY CAMP

Ages 5⅟₂-12 8832 222nd St SE, Woodinville, WA 98077 (206) 229-2711 phoenix_farm@hotmail.com phoenixfarm.com/summer-camp.html

Feed their love of horses at Phoenix Farm in Woodinville.

Designed for beginning level riders, camp curriculum covers basic horsemanship, care, and stable management. A daily 1+ hour riding lesson with small class sizes provide personalized instruction. Our instructors have over 30 years teaching experience. We focus first on Safety, then fun and correct form. Space is limited.

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EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CAMPS Ages 5-15 Issaquah and Sammamish (206) 569-8012 • contact@popsmartkids.com popsmartacademy.com/campsnew.asp PopSmart Academy summer camps spark curiosity through hands-on learning in small groups of 6–8 students. Kids explore creative writing, science innovation, entrepreneurship, debate, and 3D design while building confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Each week ends with a showcase where students share their creations, ideas, and discoveries with family and friends. Join us for an inspiring week of learning.

CAMP PICKLEWOOD Ages 7-13 4121 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134 (206) 207-2370 info@picklewood.net picklewood.net/programs Camp Picklewood is where fun meets growth—kids will play, learn skills, and walk off the court a little more confident every day. Our weekly schedule expands on the foundations of pickleball. All levels welcome!

PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF WEST BELLEVUE 6 weeks-PK, K-2nd Grade 1150 114th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA (425) 315-7305 • Admin@PrimroseWestBellevue.com primrosewestbellevue.com Children become engineers, athletes, artists and more as they dive into fun, hands-on learning experiences.

Explore the Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club where K–2nd graders build skills around literacy, problem solving, STEM and more; or tour our Infant through Pre-K classrooms where teachers use our Balanced Learning Approach® inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Each day builds on the previous one, adding techniques & reinforcing skills including: Basics - Become familiar with the different shots required to play plus rules & scoring.

The Kitchen - Learn the importance of playing from the kitchen & volleying.

Dinks & Strategy - Learn how & when to make the right shots.

Sportsmanship - Respect the game & your opponents.

Great players can become great friends.

Tournament - Put all that you’ve learned into a fun tournament. Trophies? You bet!

We’ll have off-court fun too including ping pong, corn hole, games and arts & crafts. Healthy snacks and kid-friendly lunch from our incredible restaurant are included.

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PRO CLUB SUMMER CAMPS Ages 3-18 PRO Club Bellevue 4455 148th Ave N.E., Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 885-5566 camps@proclub.com proclub.com/club/youth/camps

JOIN US FOR ENDLESS FUN, ENDLESS ADVENTURE! Sports, games, art—and everything in between. It’s the place to be.

• Open to everyone! Non-members are welcome.

• Over 40 camps to choose from.

• Flexible care with before care from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. available.

• Weekly themes from Hero Training to Under the Sea. At PRO Club Camps, kids don’t just attend camp—they experience summer at its best. Set on the beautiful PRO Club property in Bellevue, campers enjoy a vibrant,

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active environment filled with swimming, sports, creative projects, and time with friends. Each week brings a new theme woven into daily activities, adding variety, excitement, and plenty of memorable moments.

Led by experienced coaches, former elite athletes, and certified educators, our camps thoughtfully group kids by age and skill level to keep the experience fun, engaging, and supportive. Safety is always top of mind, with structured breaks, hydration built in, and activities that adapt seamlessly to weather and space.

Log in or create a Bay Club Connect account at bayclubconnect.com to view details and enroll.

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CAMP PUMP IT UP Ages 5-12 11605 NE 116th St, Kirkland, WA 98034 (425) 820-2297 manager@pumpitmanager@pumpitupwa.com pumpitupparty.com/lynnwood-wa/other-ways-toplay/kids-camp Drop your kids off at Camp Pump It Up where the doors to imaginative play open through themed programs and activities. Our camps build healthy bodies and minds by combining active play along with art, science and food projects that promote creative thinking. Camps start June 22, and end August 28. Available at both Kirkland and Lynnwood locations.

RED GATE FARM DAY CAMP Ages 6-11 23826 SE 24th St, Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 466-3800 redgatefarmtraining@gmail.com redgatefarmdaycamp.com

GEOLOGY ROCKS! DIG INTO SUMMER Ages 5-11 120 West Dayton, Edmonds, WA 98020 (206) 715-2556 • info@rocksolidscience.com rocksolidscience.com/summercamps

Red Gate Farm is a one-of-a-kind experience for campers. Watch your child build self-confidence throughout their special week at our day camp in Sammamish, WA. Our campers experience the special bond between horse and rider, learning everything about horse care including basic grooming, saddling, and arena etiquette. Other activities include arts, crafts, and games. On the last day, campers share their new riding skills with a horse show for friends and family. Over 20 years as the area’s most popular horse camp!

Looking for a camp that blends fun with meaningful learning? Rock Solid Science Camps combine hands-on science, creative exploration, and outdoor play in a small group setting. Kids work with real specimens and tools, building curiosity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the natural world. The Rock Solid Learning Lab also offers year-round open play, birthday parties, and private events.

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ROARING MOUSE CREATIVE ARTS STUDIO AFTERNOON SUMMER CAMPS! Ages 3-8 7526 20th Ave NE, Seattle, WA (507) 400-7526 director@roaringmouse.org roaringmouse.org/pm-camps Nestled in the heart of Ravenna, Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio has offered a variety of classes for over 30 years. Our award-winning programs provide children with an opportunity to be creative, develop confidence in themselves and learn compassion for others. We host a variety of programs for ages 2 1/2 to 8 in our colorful, light-filled studio, including a play-based preschool program, supercreative birthday parties, weekend & after school classes, holiday gift-making workshops, and summer camps! This year our afternoon summer camps include themes such as Fun with Fibers, Time Travelers, Earth Explorers, The Magic of Nature Art, Artists of the Heart, Clay & Play and PNW Hikers!

Come join us and fill your child’s summer with imagination, curiosity, creativity and delight at Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio!

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SAMENA SUMMER CAMPS Ages 3-14 15231 Lake Hills Blvd, Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 746-1160 info@samena.com samena.com/summer-camps

Samena Summer Camps keep your kids active and engaged all summer long! Swim, learn, & play at the best camp in Bellevue!

Day Camp (5-12yrs): We’ll get our hearts racing with daily swimming, energetic games, and racquet sports.

Plus, we’ll challenge their creativity with crafts and activities tailored to each week’s theme. Add-on swim lessons available with special pricing just for our day campers.

Preschool Camp (3-5yrs): In this half-day camp, we’ll dive into a world of creativity, games, music, stories, and imaginative play. They’ll also stay active on the playground and splash around the wading pool.

Vanapalooza (11-14yrs): Campers will flex their independence, give input on activities, and have a blast wherever we steer these vans. With trips exploring the area and special pit stops, let’s hit the road…Destination: Fun!

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SAMMAMISH ANIMAL SANCTUARY Ages 4-12 16515 May Valley Rd SE, Renton, WA 98059 (425) 877-9002 christi@sammamishanimalsanctuary.com sammamishanimalsanctuary.org/camp Looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer? What could be more exciting than hanging out with a bunch of goats, alpacas, horses, pigs and even some entertaining humans! Sign up today for one of our 9 summer camp sessions, starting June 22 through August 21.

FUN SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS Ages 3⅟₂-18 Seattle Children’s Theatre and other Seattle area locations (206) 859-4079 x10137 dramaschool@sct.org sct.org

SCHOOL OF ROCK MUSIC CAMPS Ages 6-18 14330 NE 20th St, Suite c/d, Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 999-4109 bellevue@schoolofrock.com schoolofrock.com/locations/bellevue/music-camps

Whether your young artist is stepping onto the stage for the first time or leveling up their craft, Adrienne Dillard-Coons Drama School summer camps at SCT offer unforgettable experiences in creativity, confidence, collaboration and pure summer joy.

From comedy to improv to musical theatre and more, our summer camps offer fun and magical ways to explore theatre and the performing arts. Join us for our biggest, boldest time of the year! Register your camper today at sct.org.

One-Week rock music camps for all skill levels! Learn guitar, bass, vocals, keys, or drums and experience playing in a band. Rookies and Rock101 Camps require no experience.

Plus five themed camps for musicians with experience on their instruments. Use coupon code PARENTMAP10 at checkout for 10% off your 2026 music camps!

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JAZZ CAMPS FOR ALL LEVELS Ages 9-18 380 Boren Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 324-5299 programs@seattlejazzed.org seattlejazzed.org/summer-overview Deepen your jazz skills or learn an instrument! Seattle JazzED summer camps welcome students of all music levels in grades 4–12. Camps are taught by professional musicians in a fun, supportive environment. Campers will play in small groups and ensembles while building confidence and making friends. With sliding scale tuition and free loaner instruments available, every student can participate!

STEM ADVENTURES FOR CURIOUS KIDS

PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY SCIENCE CAMP Ages 11-17 Georgetown Steam Plant, 6605 13th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 dapickard@gmail.com SkyDome-Education.org

Participants build their own pinhole cameras, take photographs, and learn how to use a black and white photographic darkroom. An exploration of art and science in a creative, hands-on, collaborative learning setting.

Monday-Saturday, July 13–18, 2026

SPLASHING CAT STUDIO ART CAMPS

Ages 4-12 Multiple Eastside Locations (425) 243-4026 redmond@snapology.com snapologyofeastside.com

Ages 6-12 6256 NE 159th St, Kenmore, WA 98028 (425) 366-7688 info@splashingcatstudio.com splashingcatstudio.com/summer-camps

Snapology’s summer camps ignite curiosity and confidence through hands‑on STEM exploration. Kids ages 4–14 dive into robotics, engineering, coding, and creative problem‑ solving while building real‑world skills in a fun, supportive environment. Offered across the Eastside, our camps turn long summer days into meaningful learning adventures that inspire innovation, teamwork, and a love of learning.

Splashing Cat Studio’s curiosity-led summer art camps, for kids ages 6-12, foster creativity in a fun, supportive environment. Different themes and media each week!

Camp days run from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Optional extended care available from 3:00-6:00 PM, perfect for working families. Five-percent sibling discount with code SIBLING26.

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COMPUTER SUMMER CAMP AT STEP Ages 5-14 13208 NE 20th St, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA (425) 559-6238 office.seattle@itstep.org itstep.us/camp

STONE SOUP SUMMERSTAGE DRAMA Grades K-10

Meridian Playfield: 4920 Meridian Ave N, Seattle 98103 John C. Little Park: 6961 37th Ave S, Seattle 98118

(206) 388-9212 • summer@stonesouptheatre.com stonesouptheatre.com

Our hands-on camps for grades K–8+ introduce students to today’s most exciting tech skills: Game Development, Robotics, AI, Minecraft Mods, VR, Web Design, Animation.

Separate groups for K–2, 3–5, and 6–8+. As an international technology education company, we bring global expertise to every classroom. Choose full- or half-day sessions and take advantage of Early Bird pricing.

Bringing stories to life for 30 years! Through improv, movement, music, & acting, kiddos create 25–30-min shows inspired by classics like “The Lion King,” and new titles such as “Hero Porter: A Potter Parody” & “K-Pop Drama Hunters.” At three locations, including a brand-new South Seattle spot: John C. Little Park. All ages and abilities will explore the magic of live theatre.

SUMMER CAMP AT THE ATTIC

WILD SOCIETY YOUTH BACKPACKING TRIPS

Ages 5-12 24023 51st Ave SE, Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 424-0800 info@the-attic.org the-attic.org/summer-camps

Ages 12-18 10990 NE State Highway 104, Kingston, WA 98346 (360) 347-6134 • admin@wildsociety.org wildsociety.org

Play and learn with us at The Attic Learning Community’s summer, nature-based camps! We offer 4 fun and educational week-long, outdoor day camps that make use of the woods, fields, and creek on our private 5-acre campus. Campers will explore science, art, outdoor education, and more!

Wild Society leads guided backpacking camps for teens ages 12–18 in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Through backcountry living and shared adventure, campers build wilderness skills, confidence, and a deep sense of wonder, belonging, and respect for the natural world.

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SUMMER AT JDS Ages 2⅟₂-6 15727 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98008 (425) 460-0200 frontoffice@jds.org jds.org/philosophy/summer-at-jds

Our Summer at JDS program is designed to nurture creativity and imagination in our young learners, build community, and make every summer day special. The inquiry-driven and play-based curriculum is focused around engaging weekly themes.

Twice-weekly soccer camp with Soccer Stars will be returning to the program, in addition to a special focus on social-emotional learning. We can’t wait to learn and grow with you this summer!

THE OVERLAKE SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM Ages 8-13 20301 NE 108th St, Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 868-1000 summerprogram@overlake.org overlake.org/summer-program Discover Your Summer at Overlake!

Explore new interests, build skills, and make lasting friendships at Overlake’s Summer Program. Campers learn, create, and challenge themselves in a fun and supportive environment guided by talented Overlake teachers and experienced instructors.

Open to both Overlake students and the public, our camps serve students entering grades 3rd–8th in the 2026–27 school year. With offerings ranging from athletics and outdoor adventures to STEM, arts, cooking, and creative problem-solving, there’s something for every curious learner. Select specialty camps— including climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, and the Overlake Show—offer unique full-day experiences.

Half-day sessions run 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00– 4:00 p.m., with full-day options available by combining two sessions. A supervised lunch option is available for campers staying the full day.

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THINKAHEAD LAB: SKETCH, BUILD, TEST, PRESENT

SUMMER CAMP AT UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ages 5-12 1940 124th Ave NE A108/A109, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 224-7804 info@thinkaheadlab.com thinkaheadlab.com/parentmap

Rising Kindergarten-5th grade 5601 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 434-1532 summercamp@ucoopschool.org ucoopschool.org/summercamp

Every session starts with a Designer Notebook and a challenge level (Green, Orange, or Purple). Your child picks a project and gets building. Maybe it’s a chain reaction machine. Maybe it’s a game they designed from scratch. When the prototype is done, they run an Honest Check: Does it actually work?

We offer STEM summer camps for ages 5–12 in Bellevue, Redmond, and Bothell. Choose from four programs: Robotics, 3D Design and Printing, Game Design, and Rube Goldberg Machines. With an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, a minimum of 50% of camp time is dedicated to physical building. Our seven teaching pillars give kids real thinking tools, not just a finished project.

University Cooperative School invites your child to a summer packed with creativity, curiosity, and big adventures. Each week‑long session is designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and keep kids joyfully engaged in a safe, supportive environment. Our experienced staff will make sure every camper feels seen, encouraged, and ready to explore.

Kids will craft, puzzle, play, cook, run, and build friendships while discovering new strengths and creating memories that last long after summer ends.

Choose U Co‑op Camps for a summer that blends play, learning, and community—where every child can grow, explore, and truly belong.

What will they build this summer? Reserve a spot now.

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THEATER IN THE PARK Ages 5-14 4408 NE 70th St, Seattle, WA 98115 (206) 384-1446 christicruz@wedgwooddrama.com wedgwooddrama.com

Wedgwood Drama Studio’s Theater in the Park Camp takes place outdoors in Seattle’s beautiful View Ridge Park. Kids ages 5–14 spend their days acting, playing theater games, creating characters, and collaborating on original stories together.

Campers build confidence, make friends, and explore improv, movement, art, and imaginative play while spending plenty of time outside. The stories they create are filmed so families can enjoy what they made together. Led by some of Seattle’s top theater artists and experienced teaching artists, this longtime Northeast Seattle camp welcomes kids with all levels of experience. If your child loves imagination, creativity, and working with others, they’ll feel right at home!

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SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURES AT WILDERNESS AWARENESS SCHOOL Ages 6-18

20121 320th Ave NE, Duvall, 98019 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, 98028 5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle, 98118 1000 N 50th St, Seattle, 98103 18201 Southeast Cougar Mountain Dr, Issaquah, 98027

(425) 788-1301 registrar@wildernessawareness.org wildernessawareness.org/youth-programs

At Wilderness Awareness School, summer begins with curiosity and ends with confidence. For over 40 years, we have brought the magic to summer through our world renowned Coyote Mentoring, sparking natural curiosity and transforming even the most hesitant camper into a nature lover. Through hands on exploration, storytelling, and adventure, kids gain real world skills and a sense of belonging that lasts beyond summer.

We offer day camps in Seattle, Kenmore, and Issaquah for ages 6 to 13, plus epic overnights and expeditions for 11 to 18 year olds. Our new Ember and Arrow day camp blends outdoor skills, adventure, and discovery at our 60 acre forested campus, with shuttle service to and from Redmond.

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MEET THE CAMPS

TENNIS, GOLF, & ADVENTURE CLUB AT WOODINVILLE SPORTS CLUB Ages 3-18 15327 140th Place NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 487-1090 • info@woodinvillesportsclub.com woodinvillesportsclub.com/camps Every great athlete has a summer that changed everything.

Woodinville Sports Club offers Tennis and Golf Academies for all skill levels — beginner to competitive, taught by coaches who played at the highest level. Adventure Club is a multi-sport camp for active, curious kids. With half- and full-day options, there’s a perfect fit for every family!

Summer fun starts here.

WOLF CAMP AT LAKE SAMMAMISH Ages 7-14 4460 East Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 248-0253 blueskyefarmschool@gmail.com wolf.camp/youth

Wolf Camp is celebrating 30 wonderful years this summer! Join directors Kim & Chris Chisholm for camps at Lake Sammamish including • Wilderness Survival Craft • Wildlife Search & Rescue • Wild Cooking & Herbology and discover why Wolf Camp was winner of the final ParentMap Golden Teddy Award for “Best Wild Nature Camp.”

Discover the best summer camps around Seattle and Puget Sound at

Parentmap.com/camps.

Wolf Camp operates at a hallmark 6-1 student-teacher ratio that’s critical for safe, profound, and fun outdoor experiences. Now more than ever, young people need real connections to nature, as well as skills for resiliency and healthy living in the future. Wolf Camp teaches these practical life skills, with programs that reveal profound secrets of nature hidden in plain sight all around us.

Register for Wolf Camp as soon as possible to secure space for summer!

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Out + About

Swinomish Channel, La Conner

Skagit Valley Shines in Spring

Skagit Valley, about an hour’s drive north of Seattle, is known for its world-famous tulip festival and snow geese, but there is so much more for families to experience. Every season brings new adventures or seasonal spots to explore. Whether you’re headed to the valley for flower spotting in the spring or eagle watching in the winter, consider adding these familyfriendly spots to your itinerary.

By Allison Holm

Padilla Bay Reserve This small but explorable aquarium perched on the bluffs near Bay View

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State Park is a working study and preservation of the region’s estuaries.

The Breazeale Interpretive Center and Aquarium is donation-based and encourages families to learn about the local sea life and what it means to be stewards of the environment.

The aquarium room features an eel grass archway leading to tanks displaying starfish, crab, eels and urchins.

At certain times during the day, a few smaller tide pool tanks are open for hands-on learning. Try to spot Ruby the octopus (she is a hide-and-seek pro).

Down the hall is another room perfect for play and learning, with books and interactive gadgets that will keep younger kids busy.

Outside the center, you can find trails around the estuary and down to the bay.

Follow a path through a tunnel and to the (super steep!) spiral staircase and make your way down to the beach for more real-life sea creature spotting.

Location: 10441 Bayview Edison Rd., Mount Vernon Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm Need a pony ride to go with your day of picking flowers? Book a reservation at Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm. This sweet little spot has been offering guided trail rides to both kids and adults since 1975.

During pony rides, kids ages 3–10 meander along flat paths throughout the farm atop a gentle pony, and parents can walk alongside their little riders. Kids ages 8 and older can opt for trail rides throughout the forest.

Most rides last 15–50 minutes (longer for mountain trails), and there’s an option for a lesson and trail combo for new riders. Lang’s always does a thorough job of safety training before each ride, from mounting the pony to basic commands.

Location: 21463 Little Mountain Rd., Mount Vernon Skagit-Squatch Bigfoot Museum As you head to downtown Burlington, keep an eye out for the quirky little Skagit-Squatch Museum. It’s a spot you probably never thought of visiting, but will always remember. The museum sits next to the home of Mike Vail, who began this labor of love postretirement.

He sums his mission up in three words: free, fun, family.

The space is packed to the brim with kitschy art, memorabilia, artifacts and impressive wood carvings. Mike is

friendly and will always stop to chitchat with a guest. He is genuinely interested in hearing every detail of someone’s Bigfoot encounter — he even keeps a journal of all the accounts.

Location: 516 Avon Ave., Burlington Children’s Museum of Skagit County The Children’s Museum of Skagit County is the perfect place for a rainy-day pit stop. The museum is surprisingly large, with lots of nooks and crannies that encourage pretend play. Features include a play fishing boat, a Mack truck, a sweet little grocery store, a dentist’s office and a veterinary clinic. There’s even an architectural design firm and an old-fashioned diner. A smaller, enclosed play space beckons the younger-than-5 crowd (with couches for parents!).

Location: 432 Fashion Way, Burlington Heritage Flight Museum Located at the Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington, the Heritage Flight Museum is a cool little spot dedicated to honoring veterans and displaying (and flying!) historic military aircraft. The museum was founded in 1996 by Apollo 8 astronaut Major General William Anders — one of the crew members. Your little pilot-intraining can get up close and personal with cool vintage war planes and memorabilia at this nonprofit museum.

Location: 15053 Crosswind Dr., Burlington Kid-approved places to eat in Skagit Valley Day-tripping is no easy feat, and a lunch stop is always on the menu (no matter how many crackers you packed in your snack box). Skagit Valley has tons of eats, from hometown cafes to freshfrom-the-field produce stands.

• Feel like a burger? The Net Drive-In in Mount Vernon is an old-fashioned burger joint and has been slinging

patties and stellar shakes since 1955.

• If you’re in the Burlington area, make a trip to Railroad Pub & Pizza, renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and craft beer.

Railroad celebrates all things local, from their ingredients to the wood tables built by the local high school woodshop class!

• For a sit-down brunch that will leave you full until dinnertime, the Calico Cupboard is a must-try. Their madefrom-scratch menu is one to remember, and the cinnamon rolls are to die for.

Lucky for us, they have three locations: Anacortes, Mount Vernon and La Conner.

• Big Scoop Sundae Palace, another Mount Vernon “oldie but goodie” has everything you’d want in a 1950s diner, from the red vinyl booths and checkered floor to its old-fashioned ice cream sundaes. (There are about two dozen sundae options, so come prepared!)

• Breadfarm, in the foodie town of Bow, serves up crazy good loaves and pastries from their pickup window.

■

Allison Holm has enjoyed writing for various publications and companies over the years, and currently lives on Camano Island with her three kids and husband.

PA R E N T M A P / A P R I L 2 0 2 6 / 5 1

LO CAL R ES O UR CES / CAM P S , ARTS + ACT I V I T ES

Too Old for Summer Camp?

Maybe it’s time to consider a Leader in Training program for teens

By Allison Sutcliffe Right around the age of 12, there’s a summer camp shift that takes place.

Gone are the days of cutthroat signups to book those coveted camp spots your kid needs. For many, they’ve been replaced by lengthy overnight camp experiences — some far away from home, some not — or junior counselor opportunities (often referred to as Leader in Training or Counselor in Training programs) that give young teens the chance to have a “summer camp” summer while gaining valuable skills.

If your tween or teen isn’t quite ready to give up the chance to spend the day canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, cooking or playing a sport, finding a good LIT program might be the win you’re looking for.

While each camp’s LIT program is different, families should usually expect:

• An application process. At many camps, LIT spots are highly sought after and require an application.

What better way for kids to get a taste of what it’s like to apply for a part-time job, college admission, an internship or apprenticeship.

• Some sort of training. Many programs offer LITs the same or similar

training they have for camp counselors: CPR and first aid; training on specific camp activities, procedures or policies; lifeguard training; emergency procedures, etc.

• The chance to develop leadership skills. As the name implies, LITs are training to be leaders, so teens should expect opportunities to build communication and problem-solving skills, through daily experiences with campers, parents and other staff members. Some camps may have specific leadership curriculum that’s completed throughout the summer to further enhance kids’ real-world experiences.

• Hands-on experience. The chance to dig in and experience camp is often what convinces many teens to be an LIT. Not only do they get hands-on experience working with kids, but they get to experience the activities they’re leading alongside them, whether it’s tie-dyeing T-shirts, swimming in the lake or singing songs around the campfire.

• Mentorship opportunities. Even if there isn’t a formal mentorship where LITs are paired with staff

members, working under the guidance of counselors and other experienced staff members helps LITs learn important life skills.

While many teens choose to be an LIT at a camp they attended, many are looking to broaden horizons and try something new. Either way, here are a few questions you should ask that will help evaluate the program and see if it’s the right fit for your teen:

• What leadership skills will my teen learn and how is the program structured?

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of LITs at the camp?

• Who provides supervision for the LITs and is there a formal mentoring program?

• What sets your LIT program apart?

• What opportunities are there after the LIT program?

Look into an LIT program at your favorite camp, explore programs outside of Washington, or check out one of these Pacific Northwest camps that offer programs:

• Camp Fire Central Puget Sound • Camp Gallagher • YMCA, programs vary based on location

• Trackers Earth Seattle • The Mountaineers • Destination Science

■

Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor.

Follow us on social media Discover the latest parenting tips, tricks, adventures, activities and more!

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FAM I LY F UN

April Play List Super fun events sure to put a spring in your step Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar

By Julie Dodobara

With longer days and sunnier weather here, so many possibilities for fun are showering down on us this month. April brings Easter, Earth Day and the return of family-favorite fairs and fests in celebration of spring.

So, don’t wait — get out and enjoy!

� If viewing April flowers is on your agenda, travel north to the Skagit Valley and marvel at the gorgeous fields of tulips alive in color. Bring the whole crew — there’s a parade and kids activities on Saturday, April 11, and some places will even allow families to bring their furry friends along. Mother nature determines the blooming schedule; the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs April 1–30. � Indulge in a special sweet treat to celebrate Passover with festive themed cupcakes. These lovelies are from the local cupcake creators at Trophy Cupcakes and are available

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starting April 1. Passover cupcakes are flourless, grain-free and leavening-agent-free, though not officially Kosher.

� Easter fun awaits you at

Thomasson Family Farm’s Bunny Patch, so hop on over!

Book a visit for a low-key egg hunt experience, farm and playground activities, and the chance to visit the resident critters. Optional Easter Bunny photos will be available, too. The Bunny Patch is open Wednesday– Saturday, April 1–4. $14–$19 per person; ages 2 and younger free.

� Find more spring vibes this

month at Pierce County’s lovely Daffodil Festival. The four Daffodil Parades — with floats, marching bands and Daffodil Princesses — progress through four communities, all on Saturday, April 4.

Join the fun at 10:15 a.m. in Tacoma; 12:45 p.m. in Puyallup; 2:30 p.m. in Sumner; and 5 p.m. in Orting.

Free.

� Visit Seattle Center for the

annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival and partake in entertainment for the whole family. Experience music, demos and performances that showcase Japanese and Japanese American cultural traditions from ikebana

Highlighted Events for April

April 10–12 and 17–19

Wednesday | April 22

Saturday | April 25

Washington State Spring Fair

ParentEd Talks: The Boyhood Crisis: Raising Thriving Young Men in a Changing World

Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek

Puyallup

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to taiko drumming. Friday– Sunday, April 10–12. Free.

� The Washington State

Spring Fair is back for six fun-filled days of tasty fair food, farm animals, rides and entertainment including fan-faves like DockDogs and Motorsports Mayhem. Mark your calendar for April 10–12 and 17–19; tickets $11–$17 per person at the gate; ages 5 and younger enter free.

� Embark on a dragon egg

scavenger hunt throughout Renton starting Friday, April 10. Search for hidden handcrafted glass eggs as part of the city’s Dragon’s Landing Celebration, a commemoration of the dragon’s arrival to town seven years ago. The celebration caps off with a street fair on Sunday, April 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. with performances, creative crafts and fun for all ages.

� We’re off to see the Wizard in a theatrical ice-skating performance bringing a new take on a timeless tale in the “Wizard of Oz on Ice.” Join Dorothy and friends as they glide through their adventurous journey at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia on Friday, April 17, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $33.

� Don’t miss the heartwarming, kid-run International Children’s Friendship Festival which celebrates global unity and understanding, and features kids performing

music and dance from cultures around the globe.

Bring the family to the Seattle Center to join the fun, Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.

� Whisk Whiskers into her

carrier and head to the Pop Cats convention at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall for a purr–fect day with feline friends. Touted as the Pacific Northwest’s “ultimate cat convention,” come for cat cosplay, a cat marketplace and of course, communing with other cat lovers.

Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19; tickets start at $18 for adults, $10 for kids; ages 3 and younger are free.

� What challenges do boys

face today? Join ParentMap on Wednesday, April 22 at noon with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, for an eye-opening talk about what is behind the troubling trend of boys’ struggles with mental health, relationships and school.

Join our webinars live or receive the recording to watch anytime. $10 per talk or $50 for the entire eight-talk series. Members of partner schools join for free.

� On Wednesday, April 22,

visit one of our amazing state parks for free to celebrate Earth Day and appreciate the splendor of our state’s natural areas. Map out your outdoor adventure and head for the hills,

the beach or the forest and explore!

� Follow along as a raccoon

and a mouse on a quest for treasure become part of the action in three beloved classics — “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “The Three Little Pigs,” and “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” — in the mash-up story, “Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales,” presented at the Seattle Children’s Theatre. April 23– May 17. Tickets start at $22.

� Seven blocks of downtown

Olympia will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly celebration of the arts with more than 100 art exhibits, demonstrations and live performances, Friday– Saturday, April 24–25. Bring the family to the Olympia Arts Walk for an epic time including hands-on activities and the festive Procession of the Species parade, cele-

brating Earth Day.

� Watch as the resident

sheep at Kelsey Creek Farm prepare for spring and get their annual haircuts at the family-favorite Sheep Shearing event where you can also ride a pony, meet farm animals, go on a tractor-pull and more, Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; some activities have fees.

■

Julie Dodobara is ParentMap’s calendar editor.

S P O N S O RED E VEN T

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