ParentMap Insiders Guide 2026

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Just Wingin’ It A tasty guide to the trendiest chicken joints in town

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Grit City’s Hidden Gems Three expertly curated itineraries that showcase the area’s rich history

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Insiders Guide

Your all-seasons guidebook to unforgettable Puget Sound-area family fun

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C ONTENTS

Insiders Guide 2026

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25

FEATURES

Photo by Kate Missine

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner 6 Where to find the best nuggets, strips and sandwiches this side of the Cascades

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12 18 Summers in Seattle The clock is ticking. Get to summermaxxing with your kids while you still can!

Walk on Tacoma’s Weird Side 18 We’ll let you in on some fascinating super-secret spots to visit, according to one local expert Flights of Fancy 25 Toast the state’s lush wine regions and vineyards that welcome families

Artists at Play playground. Photo by Nancy Chaney

Parks That Play the Part 28 From pirates to baseball to space, these playgrounds wear kid-approved themes oh-so well

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18 On the cover: Chris Staudinger of prettygrittytours.com and family in Tacoma’s Wright Park.

Photo by Allison Sutcliffe

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Photo courtesy parkstacoma.gov

Photo by Meredith Charaba

INSIDERS GUIDE 2026 / 3

PAREN TMAP PICKS

If you were creating a summer bucket list for your family, what would be at the top of your list?

INSIDERS GUIDE 2026

PUBLISHER

Alayne Sulkin

A road trip! I’ve always got a laundry list of places around the state I want to explore.

Gardner Cave and Palouse Falls are both up there.

EDITORIAL HEAD OF CONTENT + BRAND STRATEGY Kristen Russell

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Now that my boys are teenagers, getting to spend some unstructured time with them — whether it’s paddleboarding on Green Lake or eating dinner at a local spot — is at the top of my summer list.

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Every year I ask my son what he wants to do during summer break. The answer is always “go to the ocean.” So, we’re off to the Washington coast again.

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Exploring the Everett waterfront!

Not only do we love pizza at Anthony’s Woodfire Grill, but we also love taking the foot ferry to Jetty Island. A new Whidbey Island foot ferry just opened, so I’m excited for another day trip possibility.

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Last year, we stumbled upon a few amazing outdoor concerts we’d never heard of before: In A Landscape, Classical Music in the Wild and the Noisy Waters Mural Festival (in Bellingham). All three were very cool, and all three will be returning this year — so will we!

Dave’s Hot Chicken in Redmond. Photo by Kate Missine

Fingers, strips and nuggets, here we come!

Story by Kate Missine

Winner, winner! What’s for dinner? You guessed it — chicken, of course. The tasty bird is consistently the country’s number one favorite meat, and for good reason: it’s versatile, affordable, packed with protein and, most importantly, delicious. It’s no wonder that chicken-focused restaurants have been popping up like newly hatched chicks around the area, serving up the popular poultry in every way possible: from battered and fried to spiced and

sauced, served in crispy strips or on a loaded sandwich.

Whatever your preference, one thing is for sure: These chicken-centric crowd-pleasers will hit the spot for the entire fam. From picky nuggetloving tots to hungry teens and plenty of funky flavor options to please grown-up palates, everyone will be clucking for more at these nine Greater Seattle chicken eateries.

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Raising Cane’s, Seattle Originally hailing from Louisiana, Raising Cane’s gathered overnight lineups for the recent long-awaited opening of its first Seattle location in the U-District. The cult national chain has made its name with its uber-crunchy, tender chicken fingers, marinated with its secret spice blend, hand-battered by certified “Bird Specialists” and cooked fresh to order — the restaurant prides itself on never using heat lamps. Side selections like the zesty, trademarked Cane’s Sauce, crispy crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and garlicky Texas toast complete the offerings, with various combos available, including a kids’ option with two chicken fingers, sides and a drink.

Ma’ono. Photo by Kate Missine

Ma’ono, multiple locations Fried chicken may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaiian eats, but Chef Mark Fuller at Ma’ono is changing that, one crispy patty at a time. As a child, Fuller spent summers with his grandparents in Kauai, enjoying big family get-togethers with his grandmother’s perfectly seasoned picnic chicken. Deciding to bring the aloha spirit to Seattle, he founded Ma’ono, where the delicious fried chicken, made with a buttermilk batter and a secret Hawaiian seasoning blend, is served up either on its own or sandwiched in a butter-toasted Hawaiian bun. The chicken comes in six spice levels, from “naked” to “extreme heat” — choose at your own risk. Island-inspired sauces and sides like cucumber poke or mac and kimcheese, as well as a plant-based chicken-fried patty option, are also available. For littles, the Lil’ Chickie Sliders make the perfect bite-sized option. Check it out at one of the four locations, from West Seattle to Woodinville.

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B EST O F C LUC K

Logical + Imaginative + Intense + Verbal + Observant + Hands-on

continued from page 7

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Jollibee, Seattle This popular chain, originating in the Philippines, has made its way to Seattle with a location on Rainier Avenue in Columbia City. The menu is extensive, with chicken taking a prime spot: served as golden tenders with their signature dipping sauce, on sandwiches, or in family-sized buckets of fried chicken drumsticks. Find sides you wouldn’t typically expect on a fast-food menu, like adobo rice or the famous Jolly Spaghetti. For more exotic flavors — and nonchicken alternatives — try the Palabok Fiesta, a traditional Filipino noodle and pork dish, or the burger steak: beef patties smothered in mushroom gravy.

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Photo courtesy Ezell’s Famous Chicken

Ezell’s Famous Chicken, Seattle You won’t have to go far to try the famous chicken at this local hotspot, with nearly twenty locations scattered around the region. True to its name, Ezell’s has earned its fame as a veritable Seattle institution — having opened its first restaurant in 1984. For over forty years, the Black- and family-owned restaurant has been serving up its juicy chicken, never frozen and fried using a special technique to seal in flavor while keeping out excess oil. Battered pieces and crispy tenders, classic or buffalo style, are available in a variety of combos (the three-piece Small Tenders is perfect for little appetites). You’ll also find satisfying comfort sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, and slow-baked BBQ beans.

More daring eaters can try the southern specialities of fried chicken gizzards or livers, and don’t sleep on a slice of the sweet potato pie for dessert.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, multiple locations Generous portion sizes, affordable prices and uniquely spiced Nashville-style chicken make Dave’s Hot Chicken the ultimate crowd-pleaser, drawing lines at all times of day and night. Four Seattle-area locations, including a newer one near the Downtown Redmond light rail station, dish out oversized crunchy tenders, chicken sliders piled on potato buns with pickles and slaw, or saucy boneless bites — all halalcertified and with seven heat levels to choose from. A hand-cut cauliflower version is available for non-meat eaters, and kiddos will go nuts for the loaded shakes, topped with a mountain of Oreos, M&M’s or fruity cereal.

Cookie’s Country Chicken, Seattle Founded by a former maritime industry worker, Cookie’s Country Chicken began as a crew cooking operation in the galley on a Louisiana workboat.

In Seattle, it started as a pop-up during the pandemic and became one of the city’s most popular chicken eateries with two locations in Ballard and Pioneer Square. The chicken is golden, perfectly crispy and always fried fresh, available as bone-in pieces, tenders or nuggets.

Grab the 12-piece family meal for an easy dinner.

Also on the menu are sandwiches, comfort sides and hearty bowl options. Amp up the flavor with sauces like Garlic Galore or Rowdy Ranch; and spice lovers can dial up the heat with habanero or ghost pepper.

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Hen House, Kirkland This new spot, coming to us from Oregon, brings another fun dining option to Kirkland’s bustling Totem Lake Village. The simple menu spotlights the “cluckin’ good” tenders: served with fries, garlic toast and a choice of sauces and sides like

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BEST OF CLUCK continued from page 9

coleslaw or garlic butter corn. Youngsters can go for the Lil’ Clucker combo, which comes with a single-piece tender, fries and a fun toy. Finish with a delicious whoopie pie for dessert, or hit up the Salt and Straw for a cone just steps away.

Photo courtesy Chicko Chicken

Chicko Chicken, multiple locations Korean-style fried chicken has taken off in popularity around the nation,

boasting bold Asian flavors and funky combinations. Chicko Chicken delivers the deliciousness across its five Seattle locations. The chicken options, always fried to order, come in bone-in, boneless or wing cuts, with a choice of seasonings like soy garlic, spicy ganjung or sweet cheese powder.

Heat-loving grown-ups can dare to try the extra-fiery Buldak sauce, while kiddos will enjoy the honey butter variety — or just stick with the classic original version. Take your pick of fun sauces, seasoned fries and even pickled radish on the side.

Houston TX Hot Chicken, Seattle This newcomer to Seattle’s chicken scene recently opened its doors in a bright airy Belltown storefront, bringing its Texas-style hot chicken to the Pacific Northwest. Started as a small passion project in 2020, HHC is now a popular national chain, with good

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reason. Choose from free-range tenders, nuggets or the specialty hot chicken sandwiches, available in various spice levels or seasonings like honey rub and served with a choice of side and sauces. Or try a salad or loaded fries, heaped with chicken and a variety of toppings. Kiddos can nosh on a meal just for them with nuggets, fries and a juice box. And don’t miss one of the refreshing house lemonades in flavors like blueberry lavender.

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Kate Missine is a Sammamish-based mom, shopping addict and lifestyle writer with over 20 years of experience.

Since 2015, she has been keeping Pacific Northwest parents up-to-date on all the coolest spots, eats and happenings around town. She is your go-to authority on finding anything from the perfect tween stocking stuffer to the coziest play cafe.

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INSIDERS GUIDE 2026 / 11

18

Summers in Seattle Time won’t wait —­let’s make these moments count

By Allison Sutcliffe

I’m not sure when I first heard the phrase “18 summers” — as in, you only have 18 summers with your kid before they’re grown. But whenever it was, it was a gut punch. Never has a phrase summed up the idea that the days are long but the years are short so well.

Because when you think about it, in the grand scheme of things, 18 summers are just a moment on life’s clock. And if you’re reading this, your time is probably already ticking.

So here it is. The list. All the things you need to do with your kids in Washington state before your countdown comes to an end. Good luck and Godspeed, because these precious years should be savored, celebrated and filled with as many memorymaking moments as you can possibly squeeze in.

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First summer. After getting over the undeniable adorableness (and utter exhaustion) of the newborn stage, take advantage of your baby’s willingness to be contained in a carrier or stroller by taking lots of walks.

I’m partial to the views and ease of strolling along Alki Beach; Green Lake is another parent favorite. Eastside parents can find miles of walking trails along the Sammamish River Trail near

Marymoor Park, or at Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Wilburton Park. The Point Ruston waterfront in Tacoma is where many South Sound families go to stroll.

This is also the perfect summer to take your little one to a waterfront eatery around Seattle or the South Sound. You get to soak up some vitamin D while baby sleeps, coos or plays with spoons.

On a rainy day, duck into the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Glass or any other museum where kids’ insatiable curiosity — and their need to touch all the things — could cause trouble while you still can.

Second summer. Make year number two the year of splash pads, spray parks and wading pools. They’re the perfect water-play solution for

just-walkers who are beginning to navigate this new play medium. With so many to choose from, there’s bound to be one nearby. My tip: Always keep a well-stocked swim bag in your car — you never know when a sunny day will strike.

For rainy days, duck into a local library for story time with friends or find an indoor toddler gym where your little one can burn off energy before naptime. Our calendar is a great resource for finding both!

Third summer. Year number three is a milestone summer for families (aren’t they all?). Gone is your sweet little buddy. In their place is a headstrong threenager who has oh-somany ideas and is ready to conquer the world. Or maybe that’s just me.

Either way, consider this your wildest summer to date — the summer of animals. Whether your kid wants to interact with them at a local petting zoo or farm, or give ’em a good stare at one of our many area zoos, you can always count on animals for the win. Beyond the area’s flagship wildlife hangouts — Woodland Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium — families can find sweet barnyard friends at Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue, Ferrel-McWhirter Park in Redmond and Sammamish Animal Sanctuary in Renton.

If you haven’t already, this is a great time to introduce your little one to a children’s museum on a rainy day. Take this year to figure out which ones you like; each has its own unique offerings and appeal.

Fourth summer. For many, year number four marks the last summer before school starts full time. For others, it’s just another chance to spend some quality time together. Whatever

Artists at Play playground. Photo by Nancy Chaney

your situation, now is a great time to expand your child’s experiences and challenge them, too. Easy hikes that aren’t too far from home, are just the right distance, and get you back in time for afternoon nap are a great way to do this. Exploring tide pools is another. My other recommendation is to head to Remlinger Farms to ride the canoes, train and antique cars. This summer is also primed for your first camping trip if you haven’t checked that one off your bucket list yet.

If gray clouds threaten rain, visit the Burke Museum because dinosaurs (obviously!).

Fifth summer. Congrats! You made it into the big-kid zone. This summer, expand your little one’s experience circle to include short but exciting road trips (don’t forget the snacks!). Two top my list. First, head to Paradise — don’t miss the visitor center in Mount Rainier National Park — and put some miles on your hiking boots when you search for waterfalls and wildflowers (Hint: Naches Loop is a great place to spot them). Second, keep on the animal train and experience Northwest Trek. At this age, kids can handle a full day of exploration, which means you can ride the tram, walk the trails, and still find time to play on the Kids’ Trek

playground (it’s one of my favorites in the state!).

Also plan to make this your strawberry summer. Not only can your 5-yearold pick their fill of strawberries, they can help you make jam when you get home. Year 5 is also the prime time to see Thomas the Train pull in at the Northwest Railway Museum. After decades of kid-popularity, Thomas has proved he’s timeless.

Sixth summer. If the previous summer was about easy, scenic hikes, go bigger this year. Scale the (very manageable) heights of Rattlesnake Ledge or Little Si to soak in the views and the glory earned by mini mountain climbing. Summiting one is a rite of passage for kids growing up in Puget Sound. Making it to the top of both earns you and your kiddo an extra gold star.

Another mountain to climb? The Artists at Play playground. It’s one of my favorite playgrounds for thrill-seeking kids, and around this age, many are ready to reach new heights on the rope climber and go down the big slide — you know the one.

Put area sporting events on your radar this summer, but sidestep the pros for the amateurs, because at this age,

INSIDERS GUIDE 2026 / 13

1 8 S UM M ER S I N S E AT T L E continued from page 13

Celebrating 29 Years of Creativity and Play!

whether your kids will make it through a game, match or event is still iffy. Instead, try something different and a little more cost-effective like watching the Cascades or Tempest play Ultimate or cheering on one of the local semipro FC teams that play in the city.

Finally, this is a great age to play a round of indoor mini golf on a rainy day.

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Seventh summer. It’s time to bring on the music, festivals and fairs, starting with Northwest Folklife and ending with Seafair’s spectacular highlights: the pirates landing on Alki Beach and the Blue Angels flying overhead. Kids can handle being out for longer periods of time and lounging on the grass to see a show, as long as you factor in breaks to browse the craft tents and grab food.

Make Seattle Center your homebase for monthly summer festivals, and plan to see a ZooTunes concert at Woodland Park. Maybe even hit a Ren Faire if that’s your jam.

7526 20th Ave NE Seattle, WA

This is also a great summer to get kids out on the water, whether you’re in a kayak, free peapod boat rental or on a stand-up paddleboard. All you need is a sense of adventure and a body of water — lucky for you, we’ve got lots to choose from around the Sound. On the overcast days, try painting pottery.

Eighth summer. Throw a few curve balls into your eighth summer, starting with a theater production staged in the middle of a forest.

Kitsap Forest Theater has been entertaining families in the woods for more than 100 years, and this year they’re keeping the tradition going with three kid-friendly productions.

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Carve out time this summer to catch a professional sporting event. The Mariners always promise a good show, and you can duck out in the seventh inning if the kids are getting restless.

Watching the Rainiers play is another home-run option, especially since the Friday night fireworks display won’t wreck your kids now that they can handle staying up a bit past bedtime.

Rain in the forecast? No problem. Put an indoor skydiving appointment on your calendar. While kids as young as 3 years old can fly, 8 is an exhilarating age to give it a whirl.

Ninth summer. Nine is a nebulous year. At this age, kids are on the verge of tweendom but they’re still young enough to appreciate the magic of childhood. So I say lean into that sense of wonder for as long as you can. Embark on an epic quest to find all six quirky, whimsical trolls in the region. There are five in the state and one outside of Portland. Finding that final Pacific Northwest giant is a great reason to road trip to the Rose City. While you’re there, visit the waterless aquarium that opened last year — it’s really something. Then, keep the joy vibes going by seeking out simple treasures at local Little Free Libraries, Bakeries and more.

In between your joymaxxing, map out a summer beach plan that includes digging for clams.

Another fantastic family activity, kids at this age can appreciate working for their dinner.

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Tenth summer. Welcome to the world of double digits and the exciting tween years, parents! This new phase calls for new adventures that were off limits until now. Start your year-of-new by taking the kids to surf in Lake Chelan. You’ve got to be 10 to try it, so why not? While you’re there, stop in at High Trek Chelan for extra thrills.

Back in the city, plan to ride the Great Wheel on a sunny day then head to Climate Pledge for a first concert. Staying up late to watch the fireworks (or drone show?) over the Space Needle should also be part of your new experience plan. Who needs bedtime anyway, right?

Finally, The Museum of Flight is a great spot to explore when the rain settles in.

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1 8 S UMMER S IN SE AT TL E continued from page 15

Eleventh summer. Plan a double feature for double onesies at a local drive-in movie theater. The Blue Fox on Whidbey and the Rodeo in Bremerton are the closest for local families, but both are a bit of a trek. If you head to Whidbey, make a day (or weekend) of it.

There are plenty of things even tweens will appreciate doing on the island.

At this age, kids need a reason to touch grass, so plan on plenty of fitness. Run a 5K as a family or bike along the shores of Lake Washington during the city’s Bicycle Weekends all summer long.

My other suggestion is a trip to the Museum of Illusions when it’s gray or drizzly. At this age — when kids are a bit too cool to do literally anything you suggest — it’s one that sparks interest over eye rolls.

Twelfth summer. Kids on the verge of the dreaded, beloved — let’s just stick with confusing — teen years want to be challenged while having fun. So go for it. Plan to ride some white water rapids on the White Salmon River near the Columbia River Gorge. There’s a class IV rapid there that’s thrilling enough to impress even the most aloof 12-year-old.

Keep the good times rolling with a rail riding expedition. At this age, kids are old enough to help pedal, which comes in handy, especially on the return trip.

Continue riding the cool train with indoor trips to Archie McPhee and Funko Pop, even if you’re just window shopping.

Thirteenth summer. Well, parents, you finally made it. Welcome to the teen years! It’s a year of negotiating new limits and boundaries (your kids will test them all) as kids are discovering newfound independence. Late in the summer, plan to tackle a local

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Allison Sutcliffe and her son on Mount Townsend

mountain like Mailbox Peak in North Bend or Mount Townsend on the Hood Canal. Both are lengthy uphill climbs that have big payoffs. If you summit Mailbox, remember to bring a treasure you can leave behind for others to enjoy.

Another favorite, head to Green Lake as a family and let your teenager swim out to the floating dock while you read a book and sip your iced cold brew on the shore. It’s a moment of independence everyone should cherish. Also recommended: Biking the BurkeGilman as a family. Your kid can really go the distance now.

Another milestone moment for this year? Finally being able to register for TeenTix. Kids ages 13–19 are eligible.

Fourteenth summer. Now that your first teenage year is under your belt, you can really lean into the experiences Seattle is known for. Farmers markets and funky vintage shops are two places where the city really excels. Put the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall and Fremont Sunday Market on your list of must-dos.

Branch out on your free summer concert agenda as well, adding Downtown Summer Sounds. At this age, your teen can appreciate the music and the late night.

On a rainy day see who can get the high score at the Seattle Pinball Museum. This is the last year your kiddo is eligible for kid admission.

Fifteenth summer. Start the summer of your kid’s fifteenth year at the Fremont Solstice Parade; they’ll be old enough to really enjoy it — naked bicyclists and all. And what could be more fitting for your newly permitted driver than a chance to race around the track in a go-kart.

Heed the call of the mountains and head to Leavenworth for a few exceptional experiences. Ride the alpine coaster, and if you are bold, you could hike into The Enchantments and aim for Colchuck Lake. A challenging trail that everyone says is worth it, be sure to approach this one with realistic expectations about your limitations and a safety-first attitude.

Then teach them what you did in the ’90s with a trip to Scarecrow Video to rent a movie.

Sixteenth summer. Ah, can you smell that whiff of independence for your child who’s now somehow driving? Show them the lay of the land by exploring some of the state’s most curious roadside oddities when you embark on a funky road trip. Just make sure you’re back in time to catch this year’s Bumbershoot lineup. It’s the summer you’ve been waiting for, one where you and your kid can just chill and soak in the vibes of this longstanding Seattle tradition.

While you don’t need rain, this is definitely the year you ask them to drive you to Dick’s Drive-In for a late-night burger and chocolate shake.

Seventeenth summer. The end is in sight and you’ve done so many things. But there are still more adventures to be had. Plan to experience the Tastes of the Chinatown-International District food tour with your almost-adult kid. They’re sure to have outgrown their picky eating habits by now, and it’s one meal you won’t have to cook.

Then take to the water to kayak through the Ballard Locks. It’s an unusual experience that not everyone can say they’ve done. No other reason needed.

Eighteenth summer. For this last summer, you’ve got to go big, but also simple. Find a fire lookout and hike through the wee hours of the morning to enjoy watching the sunrise over Mount Rainier. August is a great time to plan this adventure to avoid the snow (hopefully), although the trails may be a bit crowded depending on which route you select.

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That’s it. There you have it. May your very short summers be filled with very long adventures and all the time you need before your kid is ready to go it alone … sort of.

■

Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor and a mom to three amazing kids, the oldest of which is graduating high school and leaving for college this summer. She is proud to say she has gotten through most of the things on this list with her first born, and has plans to repeat them all at least two more times before her nest is empty.

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Chris Staudinger’s Secret Tacoma Using his new book as a guide, families can explore the Grit City’s hidden gems

By Allison Sutcliffe

During the early days of the pandemic, when we were all committed to experiencing the world in our jammies while lounging on the couch, a local tour company popped up on my feed and reeled me in with a gripping virtual ghost tour of Tacoma’s Stadium High School. It was the perfect antidote to the horrors unfolding around us.

Pretty Gritty Tours founder Chris Staudinger led the virtual tour, and even then, from behind the glowing light of my tiny screen, two things were obvious to me: first, Staudinger’s passion for Tacoma and its history, and second, his vast knowledge of the subject. This infectious combination is why he’s found such success introducing both locals and visitors alike to the area.

industry — has thrived on a certain lack of rules. Different industries have come here and had the opportunity to explore, make mistakes, try something new, get good at it and then go beyond.

“During the collapse of 1893, when the railroad was drying up and industries were on their way out, the entrepreneurs in Tacoma turned inward and said, ‘All right, we’re just going to take care of the people.’ That’s when we got the humane society, the food kitchens and all these boarding houses.

Those would later become big, impactful institutions, but they wouldn’t have had that opportunity somewhere else,” he explains.

This spring, Staudinger’s first book, “Secret Tacoma: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure,” dropped, providing yet another way for folks to tap into his knowledge. I sat down with the father of two to talk about the book’s release and how, after a decade, he still can plumb Tacoma’s depths to uncover new and fascinating angles that keep people interested.

“What I love about Tacoma,” Staudinger explains, “is that every time there’s a big national collapse, Tacoma seems to be at its best. It’s a city that — unlike a bigger city with a defined

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Another example of the grit for which the city is known? Renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. “In the early ’90s, Tacoma was really looking to reinvent itself — it wasn’t at its best — but that provided a vacuum for Chihuly to start to become famous. Tacoma was all too willing to celebrate a glass artist, which now we look back and say, ‘Oh, glass art is the greatest thing.’ But in the early ’90s, it wasn’t a thing yet,” says Staudinger. “I always tell people: If something is famous in Seattle now, it’s because it got good in Tacoma first.”

At the conclusion of our interview, I felt like I had just completed a masterclass in Tacoma lore and was itching to get out and explore. I hope you are too, because I asked Staudinger for his take on local itineraries for families who love history, nature and food.

Here are his recommendations: A Tacoma itinerary for history buffs of all ages There’s no better guide to the area’s history than Staudinger. You’d be hardpressed to find a fascinating tidbit that’s not on his radar. His ability to turn the events, locations and people that have made Tacoma what it is today into captivating stories is a real gift.

Chris Staudinger of prettygrittytours.com and family in Tacoma’s Wright Park.

Photo by Allison Sutcliffe

For families interested in getting a taste of Grit City’s (Tacoma’s storied nickname) rich and varied history in a tangible, kid-friendly way, Staudinger

recommends visiting the Old City Hall Historic District, Foss Waterway Seaport and Freighthouse Square.

Why? Because this is where families can “see the impact the railroad had on forming Tacoma,” he explains. “The train is the most influential force in the city’s development, start to finish.

You can still see and feel and smell its impact at these places.”

Old City Hall Historic District Start at the Old City Hall District where the railroad headquarters were once located. Perched above Commencement Bay, Staudinger points out it’s where you can see Port of Tacoma and the buildings that grew out of the railroad’s development. Take note of the architecture as you pop in and out of the buildings, whether you’re browsing for antiques or simply window shopping as you explore.

rentals, tenders and tugboats, it wasn’t the industry we think of today.”

The free museum is open Thursdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on third Thursdays.

Freighthouse Square Just down the street from the Tacoma Dome and LeMay – America’s Car Museum is Freighthouse Square.

Staudinger included it on this itinerary not just for its many shops and international food court, but also because it’s the Amtrak and Sounder stop; a place to “see the tracks and hear the trains coming and going,” he says.

Also in the area: Tacoma Book Center and the Brown and Haley factory store, home of Almond Roca.

“What I love about each of them is that they’re an escape from the urban environment even though you’re totally surrounded by it,” he says. “Point Defiance, for me, is always the best access to the water — you can rent those little motorboats and get out to see the water that defines Tacoma.

It’s the same with Snake Lake and Swan Creek — you get this glimpse of what the area looked like before it was developed into a city. Even though you’re completely surrounded by that urban environment, you can disappear back into the woods for a moment.”

Point Defiance Park Even if you don’t live in the Tacoma area, chances are you’ve visited, or at least heard of, Point Defiance Park.

Home to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Fort Nisqually, Owen Beach and miles of hiking, biking and walking trails, it hardly needs an introduction.

Of the old-growth forest, Staudinger says: “The fact that it was preserved because of the military is always fascinating. Having this section of oldgrowth forest that didn’t get logged is really special.”

Foss Waterway Seaport. Photo courtesy fosswaterwayseaport.org

Foss Waterway Seaport For Staudinger, the Foss Waterway Seaport is where the train and waterfront connect. “Even now, when you’re in the museum, you hear the trains rolling past on the historic track,” he says. He groups the Foss family in with Chihuly, pointing out that, like the artist, “when they started doing boat

A curated itinerary for nature lovers Thanks to our temperate-rainforest climate, enjoying the natural world isn’t confined to the hot summer months.

No matter when you want to explore, Staudinger recommends visiting Snake Lake, Point Defiance Park and Wright Park, with Swan Creek as a bonus.

Wright Park For Staudinger, Wright Park has a similarly funny and fascinating history.

I was surprised by all he shared: “I always find Wright Park hilarious because they clear-cut it right down to nothing and then spent the next several years putting trees back in, creating the champion tree arboretum we have today,” he explains.

“The idea was to strip it down and sell the trees to the lumber mills. But then as the city was expanding, the railroad realized, ‘People don’t want to live in a desert, they need public spaces to unwind.’ So they created Wright Park as an arboretum to preserve and showcase trees from around the world.

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Wright Sprayground. Photo courtesy parkstacoma.gov continued from page 19

There’s a delicious irony in killing all the forest to make room to plant trees; it’s like sweeping away cobwebs to put up fake ones for Halloween,” he says. The irony of “having this little sanctuary for these record-holding trees built on top of the graveyard of their ancestors” is not lost on Staudinger. “It’s kind of remarkable,” he says. “As I said, someday they’ll dig them up, put them in Seattle, and then they’ll be famous,” he jokes.

Wright Park’s playground has recently been updated, and walking through the W.W. Seymour Conservatory is always worth the extra steps.

Snake Lake at Tacoma Nature Center For me, one of the defining characteristics of Snake Lake is the way the city disappears once you set foot on the trail. I shared my observation with Staudinger — how I’m always caught off guard when I remember that there’s a highway just beyond the trees when I’m hiking. He agreed, mentioning the section of the trail where you go under the bridge and realize it’s the same freeway people drive over all the time.

Whether you sign up for a Family Nature Walk, stop in to play at the playground or spend time exploring the exhibits at the Interpretive Center, there’s always something to do.

Swan Creek Park Editor’s note: At the time of publication, Parks Tacoma is reporting that parts of this park are closed to the public through summer 2026.

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This Tacoma park has undergone significant renovations in the past few years, including the addition of mountain bike trails and an off-leash

dog area. Staudinger covers some of that in his book. “And then the outlet where the Salishan flows into the Puyallup River was recently developed as well — they put in new logs to slow down the water and create salmon habitat,” he explains.

It’s also where students from Tacoma Public Schools release coho and chum salmon every year as part of their salmon release program.

A culinary itinerary for families When it comes to local restaurants that have a few secrets to spill, Staudinger recommends Frisko Freeze, Elks Temple and Engine House No. 9.

Photo courtesy friskofreeze.com

Frisko Freeze Bring the kids to one of the first drive-throughs in the state. While you’re enjoying your burger and fries — Staudinger points out they still make all their burgers “exactly the way they used to back in the day” — take note of the distinct Googie architectural style. “It’s that Jetsons-era futurist design from the 1950s, when everyone was asking, ‘What will the future look like?’ Frisko Freeze has become an icon for the region ever since. And their blackberry shakes are truly the stuff of legend,” he says.

Elks Temple According to Staudinger, Elks Temple is “another classic Tacoma icon” and I’d have to agree. “It began in 1916 as a Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks hall,” he explains. “The Elks were there until about the 1970s. Then, it became a venue and bar for a period, and by the 1980s it was completely empty. It stayed empty for

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decades until McMenamins bought it. They’ve not only restored the history and grandeur of that 1916 building, they’ve also filled it with little codes, secret walls and storytelling about Tacoma’s history. Visually, if you want to become entranced by Tacoma’s history, there are few places as good for it. From UFOs to important artists to Sasquatch, they’ve told it all through imagery — it’s like the Sistine Chapel of Tacoma history. All of our great deeds are painted on the walls.”

Walk around with the kids to see this remarkable visual representation of the history, and when you’re done, stop in at the family-friendly pub for lunch.

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Engine House No. 9 If your kid loves fire engines and firefighters (and let’s be real, what kid doesn’t?), Engine House No. 9 is a can’t-miss. Staudinger says it’s “really cool, and not just because it’s a brewery and restaurant, but because of what it represents.

Tacoma had the first professional fire department in Washington state, and they built a series of brick engines and firehouses. Engine House No. 9 was one of the historic ones from the turn of the century. By the 1970s it stopped being a firehouse and became a restaurant.” He continues: “They were actually the last of the engine houses to keep using horses to draw the pumps. So the section in the back has all these little stalls where people can sit, but they’re the original stables for the fire horses.”

Personal favorites As for Staudinger’s family’s local favorites, he likens choosing one to having to “choose a favorite star from the heavens” and explains that, like most things in the Pacific Northwest, it depends on the season. In the summertime, Charlotte’s Blueberry Park is a favorite, according to his kids.

It’s the same with Point Defiance. “We love to go regularly, but each season there’s something different we like to access about it,” he says.

In the end, “I don’t know that I have a single favorite, but Tacoma as a whole offers something for every season.”

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Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor and a mom to three amazing kids.

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Raise a Glass:

Washington’s Best Family-Friendly Wineries

By Greg Freitas and Natalie Compagno

Here’s a secret that seasoned Washington wine parents already know: Almost every winery in the state is family-friendly. It’s just the nature of the place. East of the Cascades, where most of the vineyards grow, the land is wide open — lawns to frolic on, fields to scramble around in, patio tables with room for a stroller and a charcuterie board. Bringing the kids along on a wine excursion isn’t a compromise, it’s actually a great excuse to grab a glass with your partner, or meet a few friends in the sunshine, while the kids burn off energy somewhere beautiful.

Washington wine country spans several distinct regions, each with its own personality. Woodinville is the easy Western Washington win — 150-plus tasting rooms, 30 minutes from Seattle.

Red Mountain is small, storied, and produces some of the best wine in the world. The Tri-Cities anchor Columbia Valley’s most welcoming estates. Walla Walla is the polished wine town that’s getting increasingly stroller-savvy.

Woodinville: Wine country on your doorstep Very few grapes actually grow in Woodinville, but more than 100 producers have set up shop in a compact cluster just northeast of Seattle.

Bounce between tasting rooms on foot, grab a slice of pizza between pours and be home before bedtime.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Washington’s oldest and most iconic winery is also one of its most family-

friendly. The 105-acre estate feels more like a park than a tasting room, tots can play on the sweeping lawns while adults sip dry riesling on the terrace. In summer, food trucks, concerts and the beloved Chateau Picnic experience (a curated spread of local bites plus a bottle, brought right to your blanket) make it a destination in itself. This summer there will be World Cup soccer on big screens and concerts galore.

Location: 14111 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville Novelty Hill–Januik This sleek, modern tasting room from one of Washington’s most acclaimed winemakers, Mike Januik, has a spacious outdoor patio, a bocce ball court, and wood-fired pizzas on weekends that keep the whole crew happy. The wine is some of the most consistently excellent in the state.

Location: 14710 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. N.E., Woodinville Matthews Winery Bordeaux-inspired wines in a bright, farmhouse-style tasting room that welcomes the whole family. If you buy a bottle, your tasting is complimentary — a nice incentive to treat yourself.

Location: 16116 140th Pl. N.E., Woodinville Sparkman Cellars “Family. Good Livin’. Real Fine Wine.” is Sparkman’s motto, and they mean every word. Coloring books and juice boxes arrive at the table alongside

your flight, so the tots stay occupied while you work through the Holler Cabernet. Seasonal markets and live events rotate throughout the year at this lively Old Redhook Brewery campus spot.

Location: 14300 N.E. 145th St., #102, Woodinville DeLille Cellars DeLille makes some of the finest Bordeaux-style wines in Washington, and their tasting room brings real polish to the Old Redhook Brewery campus. The adjacent restaurant’s kids menu covers all the classics: buttered noodles, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets — and yes, brunch french toast for the tiny gourmands.

Location: 14300 N.E. 145th St.#101, Woodinville Red Mountain: Big reds, big views Tiny but mighty, Red Mountain is one of the most respected Cabernet appellations in the world. The warm, mineral-rich slopes produce concentrated, structured reds that wine lovers drive hours for. Wineries here are intimate, the setting is dramatic and the pace is blissfully slow, a welcome change for many families.

Hedges Family Estate The Hedges family has farmed Red Mountain biodynamically since the 1980s, and their Tuscan-inspired chateau in the middle of the vineyard is one of the most striking settings in Washington wine country. Kids can scramble around the grounds and INSIDERS GUIDE 2026 / 25

FAM IY-FRIENDLY W IN ERIES continued from page 25

vineyard rows while grown-ups taste everything from the approachable Red Mountain blends to rare library bottles.

Location: 53511 N. Sunset Rd., Benton City Kiona Vineyards and Winery Kiona planted the first vines on Red Mountain in 1975 — three generations of the Williams family have been farming here ever since. The tasting room is genuinely unpretentious, the grounds are open and comfortable, and the winery marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a particularly compelling lineup. Try the Lemberger, a cult classic for four decades and a great conversation-starter.

Location: 44612 N. Sunset Rd., Benton City Tri-Cities: Columbia Valley at its most welcoming Situated in the heart of the Columbia Valley, the area’s rich, fertile soil produces many of the fruit-forward wines the region is known for.

Barnard Griffin Winery A Columbia Valley institution since winemaker Rob Griffin vinified the very first Red Mountain wine in 1978. The Richland tasting room has a sculpture garden vibe, a generous outdoor patio, and food on-site. The approachable lineup — Fumé Blanc, Syrah, crowdpleasing rosé — gives every palate something to love.

Location: 878 Tulip Ln., Richland

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Photo courtesy Waterbrook Winery

J. Bookwalter Winery Bocce courts, a large patio and a restaurant make Bookwalter easy to turn into a full afternoon outing. The structured Cabernets are serious business; the vibe is anything but.

Location: 1695 Malibu Pr. N.E., Richland Walla Walla: Wine town Walla Walla is Washington’s most celebrated wine destination — a walkable, charming town whose wineries are increasingly strollersavvy. Plan at least a weekend.

Waterbrook Winery Waterbrook has quietly become the gold standard for family wine outings in Walla Walla. While adults taste award-winning Cabernet and Merlot on the 49-acre estate, the little ones get a proper flight of their own: strawberry, chocolate or classic milk, or go the

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juice route with orange, pineapple and cranberry. (Monitor your kids closely: The pineapple-orange combo has been known to make them a little giddy.) Disc golf, bocce, horseshoes and a stocked trout pond round out the grounds. It’s less a tasting room and more an enviable family-friendly backyard of sorts.

Location: 10518 Old Highway 12, Walla Walla Echolands Winery Echolands takes the laid-back approach and runs with it. Cornhole sets and Frisbees appear on the lawn, the grounds are gorgeous, and the wines — Rhône-inspired reds and whites from Walla Walla fruit — pair well with the atmosphere. Let the kids run; you’ve earned this.

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Seattle: Urban pours for the whole family Don’t expect lush lawns and vast expanses of grapes on the vine. But what these destinations lack in natural beauty, they make up for with convenient, chic surroundings.

Tinte Cellars Georgetown’s most community-minded tasting room donates a portion of every sale to local nonprofits — so you’re basically doing good by ordering another glass. The 1912 building is beautifully restored, the back patio opens for events, and kids are set up with their own milk-and-cookies, plus juice flights in pineappleorange and other rotating flavors. (The tots tend to take the whole “flight” concept very seriously.)

Location: 5951 Airport Way S., Seattle SODO Urbanworks Think of SODO Urbanworks less as a single tasting room and more as a wine lover’s courtyard — ten of Washington’s finest wine and food makers sharing one lively space in the heart of South Seattle. Patterson Cellars is a quality, recognizable winemaker, with tasting rooms in Woodinville and Leavenworth as well. The open courtyard hosts live music and art showcases. Casual, comeas-you-are, and genuinely fun.

Location: 3901 First Ave. S., Seattle WeRise Wines One block from Pike Place Market, WeRise is downtown Seattle’s most purposeful pour — a Black-, women-, and LGBTQ+-owned wine bar on a mission to spotlight underrepresented winemakers from Washington and beyond. The cozy, beautifully designed space feels immediately welcoming and the snacks menu is legit.

A genuinely great spot to introduce the next generation to the idea that wine is for everyone.

Location: 1913 Second Ave., Seattle

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Currently based in Seattle, Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas have been traveling the world in search of stories since 2011. Their work has appeared in Seattle Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Frequent Flyer, TravelAge West, Food52, Smart Meetings, Meetings + Events, Tinybeans, and Red Tricycle, among others. In a previous chapter, they owned a travel bookstore in Los Angeles, selling travel stories before setting out to tell their own.

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Best Dressed Playgrounds Around

Story and photos by Meredith Charaba

Pier 58’s waterfront playground

Whatever your kid’s interest, there’s a playground to match Over the past four years, my daughter and I have visited more playgrounds than I can count. It’s one of our favorite outings. And while we pretty much know what to expect, every once in a while a playground surprises us with a whimsical, imaginative theme — ocean, airplane or even a dragon. So I thought I’d share our knowledge and joy by rounding up 11 of our favorite themed playgrounds. Each one will capture your child’s imagination and probably convince them to make a return visit.

Whether your kids are sports enthusiasts, mini farmers, budding ship captains or 2 8 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

wannabe astronauts, they’ll love the details at these fantastic playgrounds.

Explore the seas at Pier 58’s waterfront playground Perhaps the most highly anticipated playground of last year, Pier 58’s waterfront playground does not disappoint. Situated along the Seattle Waterfront right next to the Seattle Aquarium, the 25-foot jellyfish climber is this playground’s centerpiece and a definite showstopper. Towering over the playground and stretching its tentacles across it, kids can climb to the

top and brave the 18-foot tube slide to come back down.

Back on the ground, more marinethemed elements, like the crabshaped boards, tucked between kelp-like posts, await. Both are perfect for toddlers. Older kids might want to scramble to the top of the jellyfish’s tentacles, or sway with the ropes on manta ray-shaped seats.

It’s easy to pair a playground romp here with a bit of learning for your budding marine biologist. Metal strips on the pier note the depth of the water underneath, along with the names of sea creatures you might expect to find.

Location: 1401 Alaskan Way, Seattle

Fly high at Hubbard Homestead My daughter ran up to this new playground with her arms outstretched, as if she were an airplane landing. She could hardly wait to take her turn in the pilot’s seat of the park’s airplane structure so she could twist the control wheel and shout out her steps for takeoff and landing to kids in the area.The structure honors WWII veteran Harry Hubbard, whose family once owned the site.

There are more nods to the aeronautical theme throughout the play area, including etched panels with airplane designs. Beyond these design elements, multiple slides, spinners and even a zip line keep kids busy. The park also has a skate bowl, a basketball court and fitness equipment.

Note: There are no restrooms at the park, but there is a shopping center across the street with facilities.

Location: 11203 Fifth Ave. N.E., Seattle Hit a homerun at Shoreview Park Head to this baseball-themed playground, where you might just overhear parents giving postgame pep talks or siblings playing during a team practice.

The oversized baseball, bat and mitt are perfect for climbing, and a scoreboard towers over them. A baseballthemed play structure complete with a tunnel, two slides and monkey bars offers even more climbing options.

My daughter spent nearly an hour on the playground before we explored more of the park.

Lucky for us, this park is two-for-one on themes: You’ll find a playground fit for airplane enthusiasts on the other side of the parking lot. Rock back and forth on the airplane as it waits on the runway, or spin the steering wheel of the truck carrying “jet fuel.”

Location: 17229 Third Ave. N.W., Shoreline

Jetty Landing Park

Play pirate on the ship at Jetty Landing Park Every summer, my family and I look forward to taking the ferry to Jetty Island. But you don’t have to wait for summer to visit this amazing nautical playground by the Everett ferry dock.

There’s a larger structure for kids 5 and older, and a smaller version for the 2–5 crowd. In the middle of the play area, you’ll find a few different swings.

The turf is bouncy and brightly colored, making it easy and fun to make your way across the play area.

Kids will immediately see the sails rising above the deck of the playground’s ship. Climb across the ship, look through the porthole and slide back down to the sea-colored turf.

From the ship’s bow, you can spot a giant Pacific octopus peeking out from the water, along with an orca whale (both of which can be climbed on).

Location: 10th Street and West Marine Drive, Everett

We spent a sunny afternoon here and wished we had packed a picnic to enjoy on the grassy lawn. There’s also a paved path perfect for extra fun on wheels.

Location: 1903 112th Ave. N.E., Bellevue

Make a beeline to Hidden Valley Park Buzz on over to Bellevue with your little honeybees for a stop at this whimsical playground. Hexagon-shaped climbers in shades of yellow, orange and black will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a futuristic beehive. From the honeycomb platforms to the flower spinners and a log climber, there are nature-inspired elements throughout the park.

Climb aboard the train at Veterans’ Memorial Playground All aboard! Put on your conductor hats and head to this train-themed playground in Depot Park. This is one of our favorite shaded playgrounds to visit on a sunny day, as the surrounding trees keep the play area cool. My daughter quickly made a friend her age and played for an afternoon, taking turns on the slide, making her way to the top of the rope climber, and sitting down for a spell in the brightly colored train.

You can keep the train theme of the day chugging along with a visit to the Issaquah Depot Museum just across the tracks, where you’ll find exhibits INSIDERS GUIDE 2026 / 29

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that explore the history of the city. The museum is open on weekends and admission is free.

Location: 140 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah Go fishing for fun at Doris Heritage Park Even the cloudiest of days can be cheered up with the bright blue playground at Doris Heritage Park. Drawing from the area’s maritime history, you’ll find a giant ship, smaller fishing boats, rope climbers and more to explore. There are inclusive elements throughout, including a ground-level merry-go-round. Your seafaring kids can spin, climb and slide to their hearts’ content.

The 2.25-acre park also has several pickleball courts, bocce ball courts and an open lawn.

Recently, two fields used for football and soccer opened and can be enjoyed by families if they aren’t reserved by local teams. Families can reserve the event stage and shelters with picnic tables.

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Find a fanciful dragon at Deane’s Children’s Park Yes, it’s known locally as “dragon park,” thanks to a 45-foot-long sculpture complete with a slide and plenty of spots to climb. Kenton’s Dragon rests in the forest, making this an enchanting spot to visit on a sunny day. Adding to its fairytale vibes, one of the park’s playgrounds has a castle. Let the kids defend their kingdoms and go on epic quests (including scaling a climbing wall).

Then call them over for a snack break under the covered picnic shelter.

If you have more time to spare, the park has a bike skills area and nature trails. And take note for the future: While Kenton’s Dragon isn’t going anywhere, a playground renovation to make the play area more inclusive and interactive is in the works.

Location: 5500 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island Blast off to outer space at Kherson Park This small park is just shy of a half-acre, but you’ll still feel like you stepped on the moon. Inspired

by NASA’s Apollo missions, Kherson Park celebrates space exploration (and the contributions of Boeing employees at the nearby Kent Space Center that made the Apollo missions possible).

Step onto the life-size replica of a lunar rover,

peek behind an astronaut’s suit for a photo op, and climb inside a lunar lander.

Take playtime up a notch with the Space for Kidz app, which adds augmented reality experiences to the play structures at the park.

Note: There are no restrooms at the park; plan ahead or stop at a nearby café or shop.

Location: 307 W. Gowe St., Kent Play an oversized game of Chutes and Ladders at West Fenwick Park Step onto the colorful playground at West Fenwick Park and challenge the kids to a game similar to Chutes and Ladders. Spin the spinner, start on the green circle and make your way along the rainbow path through the playground. You may slide back spaces or

climb forward before you make it to the finish line!

There are more ways to play and relax here, including courts for handball, tennis, pickleball and basketball. Plus, there’s a pollinator garden and hillside footpath.

Location: 3808 S. Reith Rd., Kent Spend a day on the farm playground at Van Lierop Park Put on your overalls and head down to the farm playground at Van Lierop Park. The bright red barn-inspired play area is impossible to miss, and the overall theme of the playground honors the area’s rich agricultural history. Play farmer on the playground’s tractor or Jeep playsets, swing on a saucer or climb across the bridges.

You’ll find engraved panels with more farm details along the way, including

cutouts for farmer photo ops.

Keep the farm fun going across the street at Farm 12, a restaurant serving up scratch-made meals that the whole family will love (including weekend brunch!). It’s also a great spot to take a snack and restroom break.

Note: The park currently has a portapotty. There are plans for expanded parking, restrooms and more park amenities in the future.

Location: 7999–7529 134th Ave. E., Puyallup

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Meredith Charaba has served as ParentMap’s family fun editor for the past two years. Her work has been published on Sleep Doctor and Sleep Foundation, and she has appeared on King 5 News, sharing fantastic play ideas for local families.

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