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Oh, Summer Nights! Magical ways for families to celebrate bright evenings
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Sloths, Cabybaras and Kinkajous. Oh, my! Make a beeline for the most fascinating creatures around the Sound
The New Tiger Parent
Have two local dads cracked the code on raising high-achieving kids? 6/
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Local Resources
Schools + Preschools 13
Camps, Arts + Activites 18
Pediatric Dentistry 30
Parenting
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Doctor Is In 11
The prescription for a stress-free office visit when young patients feel anxious
Dangers of Prolonged Thumb Sucking 30
Pacifiers and thumbs are big no-nos. Find simple solutions to this persistent problem
EDUCATION
Ready, Set, School! 16
A week-by-week guide to getting kids back on track for the year ahead
After the Bell 18
Discover the most unusual after-school enrichment programs around
RAISING GREAT KIDS
Those Summer Nights 21 10 creative ways families can savor summer’s fleeting, glorious evenings
Roar of the Tiger Fathers 6 When different parenting styles collide, kids can thrive
Family Fun
OUT + ABOUT Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 24 Kids can take pics, feed and even snuggle with supercool creatures around the Sound
Play List 28 Don’t let summer’s memory-making days slip away!
On the cover: Manny Moy and Tony Varona with their sons at Pacific Science Center.
Photo by Alayne Sulkin
Raising Great Humans, Together
A few months ago, I had the joy of photographing a beautiful family at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center. That sunny morning, I was immediately struck by something quietly extraordinary: the intentional, loving partnership between two dads who were creating a world of wonder, learning and joy for their twin boys. Their warmth was radiant, their connection seamless, and their focus entirely on nurturing Benjamin and Robert’s curiosity through playful exploration.
That family was Dr. Manny Moy, Tony Varona, and their sons, Benjamin and Robert. Manny and Tony, who are soon to be married, are not only devoted parents but passionate educators. Together, they bring creativity, culture and curiosity into every aspect of their parenting. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing a vibrant and nurturing environment for their children to learn and grow.
When I later read Gemma Alexander’s beautiful feature, The Love Song of the Tiger Fathers (p. 6), everything clicked into place. The magic I had witnessed was now brought to life in words, a portrait of modern parenting rooted in purpose, love,and shared values.
Of course, no parenting journey is without its challenges. What makes this story resonate so deeply is how Manny and Tony meet those challenges with intention, humility and grace. Their commitment to showing up for their boys, even in the messy, unfiltered parts of daily life, reminds us that great parenting is not about perfection. It is about presence, patience and deep partnership.
So often, conversations about parenting, especially those framed around achievement, can feel driven by pressure or comparison. Manny and Tony’s story offers something far more inspiring. Yes, intellectual curiosity and high standards are part of their rhythm, but their core message is one of deep love, respect and the intentional creation of a home where their children are free to explore, question and thrive.
At ParentMap, we say our mission is to support parents in raising great humans. This family brings that mission to life every day. Their story is one of love in action, and we are honored to share it with you.
Warmly,
— Alayne Sulkin Founder & Publisher, ParentMap
AUGUST 2025, VOL. 22, NO. 8
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Alayne Sulkin
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The Love Song of the Tiger Fathers
By Gemma Alexander
The gentle way one Pacific Northwest family is raising high-achievers
Portland-based surgeon Manny Moy has gotten used to being called a “tiger dad” in reference to the intensive parenting style made infamous in Amy Chua’s 2011 memoir, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.” Chua described tiger parents as first or second-generation Americans who highly value education and are driven to ensure their children’s success. The tiger parent is known for accepting nothing less than perfection in their child’s academic career, and driving their kids hard to achieve it.
In some ways, the label fits Moy’s learningfocused parenting. But there are critical differences.
“The tiger mom image has a lot of yelling. We don’t yell. We just do good stuff,” says Moy, called “Baba,” the Chinese word for daddy, by his twin sons, Benjamin and Robert.
Learning adventures
Moy’s soon-to-be husband Tony Varona (“Papi” to the boys) explains, “What Manny has done is structured their lives so that they are very richly filled with adventures into knowledge so that they want to learn. There’s lots of play, lots of outdoor activity, and we should be clear that the academic
work they do outside of school is in short bursts. They aren’t drilled for hours and hours.”
Like the tiger mom, Moy is actively engaged in his kids’ learning. There’s no sending kids to their rooms to finish homework alone. And when learning is treated like a treat instead of punishment, Moy finds that “They love the fact that they are being engaged and that the world is being explained to them.”
Before the twins tested into Portland Public Schools’ gifted program, they attended a Mandarin immersion school. Now, on Saturdays and during the summer, their former teacher gives Mandarin and math lessons to up to 10 neighborhood children in Moy’s living room, which has been converted into a classroom. Outside, there are tennis and basketball courts and a pool.
“In the book ‘The Anxious Generation,’ [author Jonathan Haidt’s] solution is to turn the neighborhood into a playborhood. In this sense, our house has become a community center,” says Moy. “I believe in public school, but I also recognize that there are a lot of flaws and holes, so I like to add to it,” says Moy. “I tell them there is no such thing
as smart, there is just practiced and not practiced. It’s okay to forget, it’s okay to make mistakes. We keep on practicing.”
“Manny has been very effective at teaching them using spaced repetition and other very effective pedagogical techniques, concepts that are near and dear to my heart,” says Seattle-based Varona, who is the law school dean at Seattle University. Moy’s favorite academic tool is Anki, a digital flashcard system that allows you to add your own content. Moy, whose first language is Cantonese, uses Anki to learn Mandarin alongside the boys.
Something else he’s still practicing? “To be honest, we get a D- in managing screen time,” says Moy. He is also still figuring out
L to R: Manny Moy, Tony Varona and their sons
how to talk about cyberbullying and other social media risks before letting the boys have their own accounts, but he has started to teach the fourth graders to think critically about technology.
“Alexa is often erroneous, ChatGPT makes up stuff, and Instagram is also fake in the sense that people only show a small part of what actually happens,” Moy says.
Aside from Anki, he tries to keep learning grounded in the real world. On a recent family vacation to Mexico, Varona, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba as a child, began teaching the boys Spanish. By the end of the week, the boys were ordering drinks “sin” alcohol in Spanish by themselves.
“That sense of confidence is our prize. To know that they feel confident enough and supported enough to open their mouth and speak Spanish,” says Moy.
Now Varona records new vocabulary on Anki, and holds nightly phone conversations with the boys in Spanish from his home in Seattle.
A modern family village
It takes a village to teach a child. “I’m the helper parent; I follow the learning agenda set by Manny,” says Varona. Moy’s former partner, Daddy Rob, from whom he separated when the twins were 3, is an active parent, too. And of course, the boys are learning from their teacher at school and their Chinese teacher. Moy’s team
approach to education is another major break from tiger parenting, in which the parent seeks to control every detail of a child’s education.
“They have an enormous amount of trust and respect and affection for their Baba so that they are eager to learn from him and anyone that he puts in front of them as a teacher,” says Varona, who reviews the boys’ extracurricular essays. “A lot of the love of learning has to do with how Manny has shown them that it’s an adventure, and can be great fun. That concept of learning as fun and adventure is Manny’s secret sauce to teaching as a parent. I am in awe of what he accomplishes with them as a result of that approach.” A recent assignment was the differences between cats and dogs based on their experience with their own pets.
“I believe essay writing is the ultimate assessment of someone’s skill,” says Moy. When the family is at Varona’s house in Seattle, the twins practice spelling on a whiteboard in the kitchen while he cooks breakfast before their regular field trip to the public library.
“Manny and I are complementary in that he is the mathematical science mind and I’m the language guy,” says Varona. “And then Daddy Rob, his contribution is to expose them to the world and make them wonderful travelers.”
Moy and Varona with their sons at Pacific Science Center. Photo by Alayne Sulkin
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continued from page 7
When they stay with Daddy Rob, he follows Moy and Varona’s rule that the boys must finish 15 minutes of Anki every day before they can play video games. However, he is more focused on experiential learning. He takes the boys to the park and the beach, and on bigger adventures to international destinations, a perk of his job with Delta Airlines.
boys
Moy adds, “I told the boys; Daddy loves you the way he loves you, I love you the way I love you, and Papi the way he loves you. There’s no conflict. Just like I let Ben be different from Robert, I’m not going to say we have to parent the same. I allow for differences,” says Moy.
A different definition of success
“All of this learning happens within the immersion of love and affection. I think that makes a very big difference,” says Varona. Moy’s emphasis on expressing love and having fun learning highlights the biggest departure from tiger parenting.
“This is definitely a cultural thing. The Chinese do not say ‘I love you.’ Even though they will sacrifice their life for you, they won’t say it,” explains Moy. Although he admits at first it was “amazingly difficult” for him to overcome this cultural silence, he saw how much the boys thrived on the open affection in Daddy Rob’s family, so he made the effort.
In her book, Chua theorizes that tiger parenting is largely rooted in immigrant parents’ fear that their children will suffer unless they achieve the external markers of success. In contrast, Varona says Manny’s definition of success is more unconventional.
Manny Moy working with the
“Manny has told the boys that if they decide not to go to college, he’s okay with that. He has told them that what is important to him is not just external achievement, but becoming good people, becoming good world citizens, and well-rounded, intelligent adults. That has left them with a really interesting perspective that the value of knowledge is not tied solely to the pursuit of professional success.”
That’s why Moy pays as much attention to social emotional learning as academics (he recommends the book “Zones of Regulation” by Leah Kuypers). Varona says when he met them, “I was absolutely struck by how wonderfully thoughtful these two boys were.” As evidence, he shares a story reminiscent of a famous rom-com set in Seattle.
Three years ago, when Daddy Rob entered a new relationship, one of the boys began to worry that Baba was lonely. So he helped Moy set up an online dating profile.
“For a week, I kept getting these messages from Dr. Manny Moy. ‘You have a dog. She’s very cute,’ these very charming, child-like messages and I was thinking, ‘This guy does surgery?’ Finally, Manny comes on and says, ‘I’m so sorry, you’ve been texting with one of my eight-year-old twins!’ His little Cyrano de Bergerac had been screening his matches,” recalls Varona.
In November, the twins will be best men at their fathers’ wedding.
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Tony Varona studying Spanish with the boys
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four-hour drive. The boys tell me all the things they would not have talked about without that mandatory downtime,” says Moy.
Varona admits, though, that shuttling among three households requires mindful attention to logistical details. By making sure the boys have what they need wherever they are, and appreciating the differences among their parenting styles, they hope the boys will feel a richness of experience rather than an absence of stability.
“I don’t care if they become a surgeon or a lawyer. If they have a good foundation, they will be a good human being no matter where they go,” says Moy. “Once I realize that, I have no stress.” ■
Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts. See more of her work at gemmadeealexander.com.
Pacific Science Center. Photo by Alayne Sulkin
Wellness
5 Strategies to Minimize Kids’ Anxiety During Doctors’ Visits
By Kellie Schmitt / Photos courtesy of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
Many kids are hesitant about visiting the doctor’s office or hospital. But the association doesn’t have to be unpleasant, says Kristen Bishop, a certified child life specialist with Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Over the years, Bishop and her team have developed tips and tricks that can help reduce stress and anxiety for young patients.
“We’re always trying to think outside the box,” she says. “How do we help kids and families develop these tools and feel more confident?”
The approaches Bishop has crafted over years of working with hospitalized children provide a helpful roadmap for parents seeking strategies for routine wellness visits, too. Here are a few of her practical
tips for creating a positive health care experience.
1/ Convert medical jargon into childfriendly language
Unfamiliar medical terms such as “appendicitis” or “immunization” can sound serious — and scary. Start by thinking like a child, and stripping medical language down to its basic components, Bishop advises. Keep language concrete and begin with the basics. That might mean thinking from a kid’s perspective about what they may or may not know. For example, when a child experiences appendicitis, start with the big picture and then zoom in.
“We talk about how the body has lots of different organs and pieces,” Bishop says. “What does your heart do? What does your brain do? You have this tiny part of your body called your appendix. The appendix is an organ we can live without, unlike the heart and the brain. Sometimes, our appendix gets sick and has to come out.” It’s important to very clearly connect all the dots, and not assume that children share the same basic medical knowledge as adults. Bishop always makes sure to explain that a surgeon makes a very small opening and then fully seals it up after any procedure.
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“Kids engage in magical thinking,” she says. “We try to minimize the opportunities for misconception.”
Children might also wonder how their body will respond after a medical event. That’s why it’s critical to emphasize what will feel normal, such as eating, going to the bathroom, standing up and walking around.
“We see a lot of those aha moments in which their whole facial expression changes, and there is a release of anxiety, pressure and fear,” she says.
Even if your child is heading in for a routine vaccination, the same advice holds true. Before the appointment, talk your child through the experience step by step. It’s helpful to think of sensory details such as what something might smell like, its size and sensation, such as a pinch. Using simple and specific language to outline the steps can also help parents, many of whom experience their own fears and concerns around their child’s health care.
2/ Use a matter-of-fact tone
Indeed, health care anxiety can be contagious. When kids see a parent experiencing concern, they’re more likely to mimic that
feeling. Parents and caregivers might also be tempted to apologize for subjecting their child to medical or dental visits. Some might point out that they, too, dislike their own visits. While offering empathy might feel helpful, this strategy can backfire, Bishop said.
“Doctors are here to help us. They want your body to be healthy so you can go to school and play sports.”
Instead, use a matter-of-fact tone, maintain a neutral composure and keep your information straightforward. If this feels challenging — after all, parents might have experienced their own negative experiences with the health care system — keep it simple and direct. She offered the template: “This is something we have to do to keep our body strong and safe” or “Doctors are here to help us. They want your body to be healthy so you can go to school and play sports.” At the end of a visit, remember to offer similar
validation: “That was tough and you were able to do it. Look at what you’re capable of!”
3/ Prepare for the logistics
Before taking a child on a health care appointment, consider what you can do in advance to make the experience more appealing. Bring an activity or book that will keep them busy while waiting to see a provider. After all, even a 20-minute wait can feel long and frustrating to an unoccupied child.
Be thoughtful about the best time to notify your child about an upcoming medical appointment. The amount of preparation time likely varies by child. Some children might not want to know about an after-school appointment in the morning since they’ll be thinking about it all day. Others might experience heightened anxiety if they don’t get enough mental time to prepare. In general, it’s best not to surprise children with a doctor’s visit, Bishop says, adding: “That helps build trust.”
weighted blanket, a stress ball, or a fidget device. Bishop has also used sensory devices that vibrate, which can offer competing input at the same time as the needle poke.
While it might be tempting to threaten to revoke screen time for a reluctant child or offer a big-ticket reward (once, Bishop overheard a desperate parent offer a new phone!), refrain from strategies that can be harmful or unsustainable.
That doesn’t mean you can’t end an appointment with a fun experience like going out for milkshakes, or picking a fun family movie that evening. “Find rewards that are realistic and fit into your family’s lifestyle,” she says.
5/ Trust your gut
4/ Brainstorm creative coping strategies
As you discuss the planned appointment, brainstorm some coping strategies. This can be helpful even for kids who don’t appear anxious. If they’re getting a vaccine, ask how they want to handle the brief pain of a needle poke. Do they want pain relief, or use some sort of distraction strategy?
Distraction could include everything from watching a video to engaging in a conversation about something they love. Others might be concerned about the sensation of pain, and a parent could bring along some topical numbing cream, or a cold spray. Some children might appreciate a
Ultimately, parents know their child best. She encourages parents to think about previous health care experiences and create approaches that might have worked better. Arm yourself with as much information about the visit as possible so that you can adequately anticipate a child’s needs.
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The end goal isn’t simply a more pleasant visit. Establishing a good relationship with health care and providers can have lifelong benefits. That, in turn, can lead to better health since ailments are caught and treated early.
At Mary Bridge, Bishop notes, “We want kids to become adults who aren’t afraid to go to the doctor’s office. We want them to see us as people who genuinely care about them and want them to be healthy.” ■
Kellie Schmitt is an award-winning health and science writer.
A Lifetime of Learning Starts Here!
Back-to-School Reset
A week-by-week guide to easing into routines
By Rebecca Hastings
Summer is winding down, and the back-to-school transition is approaching fast. This week-by-week guide will help you prepare for a smoother start to the school year, no matter your child’s age.
Three weeks before school starts: Establish sleep schedules
The shift from late summer nights to early school mornings can be tough, so start adjusting now.
• Preschool and elementary: Gradually move bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every few days. Wake kids up earlier to match school wake-up times.
• Middle and high school: Reinforce bedtime limits, especially for teens who have shifted into a late-night summer schedule.
Two weeks before: Organize and plan
With the first day approaching, now is the time to get organized!
• Preschool: Begin practicing simple routines such as getting dressed, packing a bag and using the bathroom independently.
• Elementary: Review school supply lists and take kids shopping.
• Middle and high school: Review class schedules and organize supplies, binders and backpacks.
•
•
•
•A
One week before: Practice daily routines
This week is all about practice, practice, practice!
• Preschool: Do a full practice run of the morning routine.
• Elementary: Start meal planning easy breakfasts and lunches. Have kids practice packing their backpacks.
• Middle and high school: Encourage teens to review their schedule and mentally prepare for new routines.
Three days before: Final preparations
Focus on helping kids feel confident about the transition.
• Preschool: Read books and talk about going to school.
• Elementary: Let them choose their first day clothes and have them set everything out.
• Middle and high school: Have a conversation about expectations, responsibilities and any anxieties.
The night before: The calm before the storm
Set everyone up for success with a smooth night before.
• All ages: Lay out clothes, pack backpacks and prep lunches to eliminate morning chaos. ■
Rebecca is a former teacher who is passionate about faith and family. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net.
That’s So Unusual!
By Allison Sutcliffe
Looking for some unique ways to entertain your kids after school (perhaps while you finish up work or simply plan a meetup with a friend)? Schools in Seattle, on the Eastside and in Tacoma have a number of offerings that go beyond the ordinary and offer kids opportunities to try something new they can’t always find anywhere else. Check out these fantastic local programs that may already be in your school or are just waiting for an invite from an involved parent. Then, sit back and relax — your kids are in good hands (for a little longer anyway) even after the bell rings.
• Sport stacking. It takes serious hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes to stack cups at a record pace. That’s exactly what this after-school program teaches. Many of our local schools already have teams in place, but if yours doesn’t, USA Sport Stacking can help you establish one.
• Jump rope. Jump rope has come a long way since I was a kid. These days, kids in after-school programs learn advanced skills that incorporate speed, agility, swings and complex footwork into a visually stunning performance they can be proud of. If your school doesn’t already have a program, Rain City Ropeworks is a good place to start.
• Yoga. There’s no better way for kids to wind down after an overstimulating and busy school day than by practicing mindfulness. Not only do kids yoga programs keep kids flexible and active, they can help them with focus and stressreduction. Seattle Kids Yoga offers after-school programs around the Sound.
• Comic book creation. The comic book revival is still going strong. Whether your kids are team DC or Marvel, they can immerse themselves in the creative process of comic-book making in this after-school program. It’s one of many Pacific Writers’ Workshop offers for kids around Puget Sound.
• Sewing. Because having a sewing studio in your local school isn’t really a thing anymore, Made Sewing Studio offers afterschool programming for kids at their facility. Classes cover everything from the basics to more advanced opportunities for tweens and teens who are practiced in the needle arts. ■
Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor.
Family Fun Calendar
Raising Great Kids
Savoring Summer
Magical ways to make the most of the last nights of the season
By Rebecca Hastings
As August winds down, families often find themselves caught between the carefree days of summer and the looming routines of a new school year. But before backpacks are packed and alarms are set, there’s still time to soak in the last golden evenings of summer.
These final nights offer a perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect and create lasting memories together. Here are some simple
yet magical ways to savor these moments.
Backyard camping adventure
Transform your backyard into a mini campground. Pitch a tent, lay out sleeping bags and enjoy an evening under the stars. Tell stories, make s’mores over a fire pit (or the microwave) and listen to the night sounds. For added fun, bring out a telescope or stargazing app to spot constellations. You can even create a DIY constellation guide and challenge kids to find as many as possible.
If you want to make it even more special, add themed activities such as a shadow puppet show with a flashlight or writing secret notes to read by lantern light. This simple escape from routine fosters closeness and creates a mini adventure without leaving home.
Sunset picnic and storytelling
Pack a simple picnic and head to a scenic spot — a local park, lakefront or even your
own backyard. As the sun sets, take turns sharing your favorite summer memories or telling silly made-up stories. Capture the moment with a family selfie to commemorate the season.
To elevate the experience, bring along a small speaker to play relaxing acoustic music, or try a themed picnic with foods inspired by your summer travels. You can even write a collaborative summer story — each family member adds a sentence, creating a fun and often hilarious tale.
Sky-gazing and wishing night
Wrap up summer with a night dedicated to making wishes. Lay out blankets in the yard and watch for shooting stars, pointing out constellations along the way. Encourage kids to make a wish for the upcoming school year — whether it’s making new friends, learning something exciting or having lots of fun.
You can even write down your wishes and place them in a Summer Wish Jar, which you can revisit next year to see what came true.
Glow-in-the-dark games
Take classic outdoor games up a notch by adding glow sticks! Hide glow bracelets for a nighttime scavenger hunt, play glow stick ring toss, or make DIY glow-in-thedark bowling with water bottles and glow sticks inside. These simple touches make ordinary games feel magical.
Want to add even more excitement? Try a glow-in-the-dark dance party with a portable speaker and a disco light. Kids and adults alike will love the vibrant, carefree fun.
Outdoor movie night
Set up a DIY movie theater in your backyard with a projector and a sheet (or just bring a laptop outside). Pick a family favorite, pop some popcorn and snuggle under blankets as you enjoy a movie under the
RAISING GREAT KIDS
continued from page 21 open sky. Don’t forget the bug spray!
To make it more interactive, choose a theme for the night, such as Disney Under the Stars or Classic Summer Hits. Provide themed snacks like star-shaped cookies or popcorn with M&M’s for a movie-theater feel.
Nighttime nature walk
Take a flashlight walk and listen for crickets and owls.
Turn it into an adventure by creating a night sounds bingo card for kids to check off different noises they hear.
Make it even more special by bringing along a journal to jot down observations or drawing the shapes of trees against the night sky. This peaceful activity helps children slow down and appreciate nature in a new way.
Family bucket list wrap-up
Take one last look at your summer bucket list. Is there something you didn’t get to? Whether it’s making homemade ice cream, visiting a favorite root beer stand or taking one last swim, now is the time to squeeze in those final summer dreams before the season changes.
For a creative spin, make a scrapbook page with ticket stubs, pressed flowers or notes about each completed bucket list item. Looking back on summer’s highlights can bring a sense of fulfillment and gratitude.
Memory night and looking ahead
Spend an evening looking through photos and videos from the summer. Let everyone pick their favorite memory and share why it was special. Then, transition into excitement for the upcoming season by making a fall fun list together.
Take it a step further by creating a summer slideshow
or video montage. Play it during dessert time and enjoy reminiscing together.
Late-night dessert date
End the summer on a sweet note by heading out for a late-night ice cream run or making a fun treat at home. Try ice cream sandwiches, s’mores dip or homemade milkshakes, while chatting about what each family member is looking forward to in the fall.
To make it even more memorable, create a mystery dessert challenge where each person adds an unexpected topping to their treat and rates it! The silliness and surprises add to the fun.
Water play under the stars
Who says water fun has to end when the sun goes down? Set up a late-night water balloon fight, play with the hose or take one last dip in the pool (if you have one). If you don’t, even a simple game of water limbo with a sprinkler can be a blast under the stars.
For added fun, fill up a kiddie pool and throw in some glow sticks for a unique, glowing water experience.
Simple ways to savor summer
Summer’s last nights don’t have to be rushed or stressful. With a little creativity and intentional time together, families can savor these moments and carry their warmth into the season ahead. So, before the school bells ring and schedules fill up, take a deep breath, step outside and make some final summer magic together. ■
Rebecca is a former teacher who is passionate about faith and family. Her books are available on Amazon and her work has been featured on websites such as The Washington Post and Parents. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
BY LARISSA FASTHORSE DIRECTED BY CHAY YEW
Out + About
Call of the Wild
By Krista Tsai
The Seattle area is full of award-winning zoos and unique animal encounters. From smaller farms to zoos and sanctuaries, there are endless opportunities to visit your favorite creatures of the world.
While there are many more options, I chose some of my favorite spots with the most unique animals, while also being committed to conservation, education and quality care. Each spot is different enough from the others to warrant a trip — where would your kids want to go next?
See sloths at Cougar Mountain Zoo
The new Rainforest Discovery Education Center opened in February 2025 and is home to two sloths, an adorable prehensile-tailed porcupine and creatures that can be found in our own (temperate rainforest) backyards of the Pacific Northwest. An Asia/Australia section is also in the process of being developed inside the new center.
There’s a heavy emphasis on education
with interactive touch screen displays and a stationed zoo expert available to answer questions. While adorable, visiting the nocturnal animals of the rainforest can be non-eventful — the sloths can sleep up to 21 hours a day! For the best chance of seeing some movement, the sloths are typically most active right before closing time.
Location: 19525 S.E. 54th St., Issaquah
Dive with sharks at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Shark enthusiasts as young as 8 years old can delight in observing sharks in their habitat from the comfort of a secure corner of the Outer Reef Habitat within the Tropical Reef Aquarium. Share the same waters with a variety of sharks, including a wobbegong shark, blacktip reef shark, whitetip reef shark, grey reef shark and zebra sharks.
This 20-minute water experience is designed for up to four people, and spectators can watch on the other side of the glass. Divers use surface-supplied air and learn the basics of breathing underwater. No experience is necessary, but this experience just might inspire you to get your diving certification!
Location: 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
Feed capybaras at The Healing Farm
Perhaps the capybara craze has hit your home too — whether you fell in love with their appearance in “Encanto” or their videos that saturate social media, we can all agree that these massive rodents are undeniably endearing.
Capybaras are known for their cute appearance and tranquil demeanor. They’re social, friendly and calm. Fun fact:
Photo courtesy of pdza.org
Capybara
Sloth
Capybaras are surprisingly skilled swimmers.
You can visit two capybaras, Muriel and Eustace, at The Healing Farm in Yelm, where you can book a private tour to feed and pet them (and all of the animals) on the farm. You can even book a night of on-site camping to soak up even more time with the capybaras!
Location: 13725 148th Ave. S.E., Yelm
Learn about kinkajous at Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary The kinkajou, also known as a “honey bear,” may look part monkey and part bear, but it is more closely related to a raccoon. It’s deceptively cute — but they don’t make great pets. They are highly vocal and can be aggressive when they feel threatened. They may bite and scratch, but they are not considered dangerous to humans. However, when you visit this nocturnal rainforest mammal, you’re likely to see them resting.
Kinkajous spend most of their time in trees and have the ability to rotate their ankles 180 degrees, allowing them to hang upside down from branches. Their prehensile tail also helps them hang. They serve as
Kinkajou
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continued from page 25 important pollinators in their rainforest homes as they search for nectar.
All animals at the Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary came from concerning living conditions or dangerous situations. The sanctuary provides care, rehabilitation and placement of animals that are not able to return to the wild. The owner, Dave Coleburn, is passionate about providing educational experiences and sharing his expertise with others.
Location: 40678 State Route 20, Oak Harbor
Visit free-roaming bison at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Turns out, you don’t have to road-trip to Yellowstone National Park to drive among free-roaming wildlife! At Northwest Trek’s Wildlife Park, you can tour the free-roaming area to see moose, bison, elk and more from the comfort of a tram or car.
Guides provide a radio play-by-play through 435 acres of Northwest habitats that are home to herds of elk, bison, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer and swans.
My kids love being the ones to spot animals from the car. The lake, forest and meadow provide natural habitats with beautiful backdrops. Animals may get close to you or cause natural traffic jams, but feeding the animals is not allowed. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ensures that the health and safety of the animals and guests are top priority.
Board a Discovery Tram Tour on the new electric trams (included with admission), drive your own car on a
Bison
Wild Drive, or book a private Keeper Adventure Tour where you will ride in an open-air Jeep and go offroad to get a closer look at the animals.
Location: 11610 Trek Drive E., Eatonville
Marvel at Komodo dragons at Woodland Park Zoo
With less than 1,400 adult Komodo dragons left in the world, you’re in for a treat being able to observe two of these massive reptiles within the Reptile Realm (which opened in November 2024) at the Woodland Park Zoo.
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizards in the world. At the Woodland Park Zoo, Komodo dragons have space to climb, dig, tunnel and explore. They like to bask under UV heat lamps and solar tubes. They also like to explore their outdoor habitat on sunny days.
On a recent visit, we saw the Komodo dragon take a quick dip in its pool while using its long, forked tongue to smell and taste its environment. The Indo-Pacific Islands forest habitat contains a variety of snakes, lizards, amphibians and other reptiles within a walkthrough outdoor exhibit. Each side of the exhibit has on-theme play areas to get some wiggles out.
Location: 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle ■
Krista is a Seattle-area mom of three. Since having her third child, she has taken a break from clinical social work to stay home. She is determined to teach her children her love of biking, skiing and the beach. You can follow her family’s adventures, travel tips and travel hacking on Instagram: @mamabearintheair.
Komodo dragon
August Play List
Don’t let summer’s memory-making days slip away!
Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar
By Julie Dodobara
Once August rolls around, it’s easy to start lamenting that summer is almost over and you’ve hardly checked off any items on your bucket list. Resist the guilt trip and jump into the second half of summer with abandon. There’s still so much fun to be had before the school bell rings once again. Fill your warm days and evenings with free concerts, outdoor shows, fairs, fests — and so much play. Don’t sweat it! We’re here to show you the way.
� Make the most of warm August evenings by heading to a local park to catch a free family-friendly outdoor movie — you’ll find options all over the Puget Sound region, with most on Friday and Saturday nights, but a few on other nights, too! Select dates Aug. 1–29 and into the fall.
� The Blue Angels roaring airshow is a fixture of summer in Seattle — and the culmination of a bounty of neighborhood Seafair events. Turn your eyes to the sky when you hear the unmistakable thunderous din to spot the blazing-fast planes or head to Lake Washington for the hydro races during
Seafair Weekend, Friday–Sunday, Aug. 1–3. Gate admission free on Friday; $20-$40, Saturday–Sunday.
� Pack a picnic, some toys and a blanket and bask in the best summer vibes, relaxing outdoors while enjoying live music in parks across the region — you’ll find a day or evening concert almost any day of the week! Concerts are free and take place on select dates, Aug. 1–31, with some series extending into September.
� Join in the cultural celebration of the summer unifying people of all ethnic backgrounds at Seattle’s Judkins
Park. Umoja Fest actually gets its name from the Swahili word meaning “unity,” and honors the strength of our local African American community and contributions from across the African diaspora. It features a parade, music, culture, yummy food and kids’ fun. Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 2–3. Free.
� Your spirits will soar with sky-high fun at Chambers Bay’s annual weekend kite festival. Turn up early to snag a free kite, bring your own kite, or purchase a kite kit for $5. Enjoy demos, inflatables and food truck fare amid all the exhilarating kite-flying! Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 2–3. The festival is free; parking is $10.
Highlighted Events for August
Kite Festival
Chambers Creek Park, University Place
� Break out of the city and explore the great outdoors at one of our state’s three incredible national parks. Monday, Aug. 4, is a fee-free day and the perfect moment to visit Paradise at Mount Rainier, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, or, pro tip, it’s always free to visit North Cascades National Park and check out the amazing Diablo Lake.
� Pause for a moment of reflection and join Green Lake’s moving “From Hiroshima to Hope” lantern-floating ceremony. More poignant than ever, this year’s event marks the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, and honors victims of war and violence everywhere. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 6–9 p.m. Free, but donations are welcome.
� Giddy-up for old-fashioned fun at the Pierce County Fair in Graham. This fair showcases local kids and families and their animals, and the present and future of Pierce County’s agricultural roots. Thursday–Sunday, Aug. 7–10. Gate admission $6.25 with advance purchase; ages 5 and younger free; $1 admission for kids ages 6–15 years on Thursday.
� For one week starting Friday, Aug. 8, imagine finding a handblown glass float as you’re exploring the streets, shops, businesses and parks of West Seattle. Get your crew on the trail of one of these beauties and such treasure could be yours. No matter what the outcome, exploring this popular
neighborhood is sure to be enjoyable and filled with unexpected finds. Happy hunting!
� Join In the Spirit Northwest, a celebration of Native arts and culture, now in its 20th year, and learn about the wide-ranging traditions of local tribes. Plus, enjoy free admission to hosting museums — Washington State Museum, Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass — who are all offering special performances, exhibitions and interactive activities during the festival taking place Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
� Families are invited to spend a summer evening at the lovely Washington Park Arboretum, enjoying live music amongst the foliage and blooms on two Wednesdays in August. Get on your feet for folk music from the Black diaspora on Aug. 13 and jazz piano by horticulturist Jose Gonzales on Aug. 20. Both shows take place from 6–8 p.m. at the arboretum’s Graham Visitor Center. Free.
� Eat and play your way through a super fun and tasty fest celebrating local food and sustainable living. At Chomp! families will enjoy live music, tree-climbing, a honk parade, zucchini races and more kid-friendly fun at Marymoor Park. Free admission; food for purchase. Fest takes place Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
� As the name indicates, this day of organized and active fun is no small potatoes. Seattle
Aug. 8–15
West Seattle Float Hunt
West Seattle neighborhood
Aug. 16 | Saturday Chomp!
Marymoor Park, Redmond
Parks and Rec’s Big Day of Play is so substantial that it can’t be contained to just one location. Shuttles will run between Rainier Playfields and Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center for bounce houses, sports skills clinics, music, water activities and more on Saturday, Aug. 16, noon–5 p.m. Free.
� Don your favorite Hawaiian shirt and be transported to a place where summer never ends. Head to the Lynnwood Event Center for a free community luau geared toward families to make candy leis, learn hula dance and play Polynesian drums. Plus, take in live per-
formances, delicious eats and more on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2–8 p.m.
� Originally organized by volunteer firefighters to celebrate the town’s first fire truck, Snoqualmie Days now pays tribute to the area, its people and its culture—a large part of that being the town’s train depot. In addition to fun with trains, find Lego activities, a pancake breakfast and the grand parade! Friday–Saturday, Aug. 22–23. Free. ■
Julie Dodobara is ParentMap’s calendar editor.
SPONSORED EVENTS
August 13 & 20
Music in the Arboretum
A free community event! On August 13, enjoy folk music by Ben Hunter and The Intraterrestrials. On August 20, Jose Gonzalez Trio will perform jazz favorites. arboretumfoundation.org
August 25–29
Scoop Up Daily Summer Fun at KidsQuest
Get messy at Mudfest or stay late for Summer Nights with new weekly themes like animals or trucks! Open seven days to play, explore, splash and discover! kidsquestmuseum.org
From age 0 to 18, our team helps guide you and your child through their developmental stages, starting from your baby’s rst tooth.
Dr. Stephanie Su and Dr. Purva Merchant say their biggest reward is in all the smiles they see. We look forward to meeting you!
The Dangers of Prolonged Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use
By Nadia Fugate, DDM
Seeing a baby suck on a pacifier or an infant suck on their thumb is one of those memories a parent will keep forever. Most hospitals even send home a conventional green rubber pacifier with a newborn baby. And while it is normal for small children to use a pacifier or their thumb to calm down or stop crying, prolonged use of either can lead to oral health problems down the line.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children up to the age of 3 will not face issues from the use of pacifiers or thumb-sucking in general, but if they keep that habit up as they age, there can be major issues with their bite, their teeth, chewing, how their mouth rests and problems with their tongue.
Thumb-sucking, finger-sucking or pacifier use should be discontinued before a child reaches 3 years of age. If not stopped, these habits can harm the eruption and position of the permanent teeth and affect the health of surrounding oral tissues.
There are two types of pacifiers: conventional and orthodontic. Orthodontic pacifiers are generally flat-bottomed and square, which is designed to imitate the
Top Dentists
shape of the mother’s nipple. Conventional pacifiers — which are often the type sent home with newborns from the hospital — tend to be round. While either option will soothe a child, the orthodontic pacifiers are the least likely to contribute to bite issues after teething.
These habits tend to persist because of physical and emotional stimuli, including boredom, hunger, stress, hyperactivity, pleasure, sadness and various kinds of disabilities. An increase in your child’s level of stress or anxiety can lead to the continuation of the thumb-sucking habit beyond a healthy age.
There are five main issues that may arise from prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use:
• Open bite: Upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
• Increased overjet: Upper jaw and teeth protrude excessively forward.
• Chewing: Upper and lower teeth don’t articulate correctly to provide a solid chewing surface.
• Cross bite: Upper back teeth sit inside the bottom teeth and appear tilted inward toward your tongue, instead of lining up straight and fitting into each other.
• Tongue thrust compensation: An infant generally pushes their tongue out when swallowing, while children and adults rest the tongue against the roof of their mouth.
All five of these issues can cause too much pressure being placed on the teeth and jaw, leading to speech impediments, issues with facial development and gum problems — they can also eventually require surgery.
There are no ready-made solutions to stop your child from sucking their thumb or no longer using a pacifier, but some of the more popular methods include:
• Adhesive plaster or tape on the digit
• Verbal reminders
• Reward systems
• Mittens
• Fidget spinners
• Provide a replacement object to soothe your child, such as a blanket or toy
• Oral appliances
• Braces
Remember, a child utilizes their thumb or a pacifier for a reason, so offering encouragement and helping them come up with other solutions to overcome boredom or anxiety is the way to go. ■
Nadia Fugate, DDM, is Delta Dental of Washington’s associate dental director.
ALON OHEL
(22) (23)
BRING HIM HOME NOW
