ParentMap September 2026 Issue

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Lunch Box Madness Healthy school lunch solutions for busy mornings

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Reach New Heights What a local family learned when they took up rock climbing

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | PA R E N T M A P. C O M

The Holderness Family kicks off ParentMap Talks on Sept. 24

Reimagining ADHD Viral creators Kim and Penn Holderness have fundamentally changed the conversation around ADHD 6/

Private Jewish day school is now shockingly affordable.

Find out why.

Families making up to $350k are eligible.

See how affordable it is samisfoundation.org/jewish-day-school-affordability-seattle/

2 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

C ONTENTS

September 2026 In Every Issue Play List

30

Local Resources Camps + Activities Schools + Preschools

23 27

PARENTMAP.COM

Penn and Kim Holderness kick off ParentMap Talks, p.6

Parenting

Feature

RAISING GREAT KIDS

The Holderness Family’s Joy-Filled Approach to ADHD 6 Ahead of their ParentMap Talk, Kim and Penn sit down to discuss their latest book for kids with ADHD (and their parents)

Rest Easy 15 An international child sleep expert answers six questions that explain why sleep isn’t always simple and what can help EDUCATION

Simple Ways to Build Bilingual Skills 27 Through play, parents can support kids’ multilingual development at home CELEBRATIONS

Off-The-Hook Party Spots 18 Supercool places to host a kids birthday party that’s anything but boring

The Lunch Bunch 12 40 quick and easy lunch box shortcuts to help families avoid the weekday morning rush

Find more than 40 quick and easy school-friendly lunch ideas, p. 12

Family Fun OUT + ABOUT

Adventures On Belay 23 A local family shares their first-ascent rock climbing experience, plus kid-friendly spots to try it yourself

18

September Play List 30 Embrace those cozy season stereotypes with 15 autumn outings and activities

30

“Helping neurodivergent kids sleep is so hard, even for someone with resources and knowledge ...” p. 15

23 PA R E N T M A P / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 / 3

DE AR R E ADER

Settle Into the Season September and I have a love/hate relationship.

On one hand, it’s the start of a new school year and the hope that springs eternal in every parent’s heart — maybe this year they won’t lose their water bottle in the first week; maybe they will do their homework without constant reminders; maybe the carpool lane won’t be a stressful mess — only to have it dashed before we can even flip the calendar (that’s the hate part). On the other, it’s the beginning of fall, y’all — sweater season, crisp cozy mornings and the ubiquitous flavor that shall not be named. What’s not to love?

At ParentMap, September always marks our annual ParentMap Talks speaker series kickoff. It’s the culmination of our team’s hard work and our commitment to bringing the parenting world’s top thought leaders directly to you through our live webinars. Even after 18 years of being a parent and three years as a series attendee, I continue to find inspiration and little nuggets of wisdom I can put to use, peppered throughout the talks. Plus, in a world that often underestimates the attention, patience and — let’s be real — stamina it takes to raise kids these days, ParentMap Talks speakers get it because they’re living it. Not only are they experts in their fields, they’re parents too, and that counts for a lot in my book.

This year we’ve got a powerhouse season opener that (I think) everyone will want to tune into. Kim and Penn Holderness are in the house Sept. 24, noon–1 p.m. To lay the groundwork ahead of their talk, I had an opportunity to sit down with one of the internet’s most recognizable parenting duos to discuss their latest project (p. 6).

While The Holderness Family is a fantastic way to start the series, they’re the first in a very strong lineup that also includes: Dr. Dana Suskind, Emily Cherkin, Dr. Cara Natterson (back by popular demand), Uju Asika, Reshma Saujani and others.

Beyond that, there are plenty of other encouraging articles to support your parenting journey inside this issue, starting with lunch box packing cheat sheets for those ultra busy mornings (p. 12). Then dive into family activities galore with our rock climbing guide for families (p.

23), monthly Play List (p. 30) and birthday party venues that often fly under the radar (p. 18).

Here’s to a great school year start!

Warmly, — Allison Sutcliffe, managing editor

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Parents: Are Your Kids Ready for School?

Before the school year begins, it’s important to review your student’s immunization records and vaccine requirements.

Appointments book up fast so don’t wait!

Required Immunizations for the ‘26-’27 School Year Pre-K

Age 19 months to <4 years on Sept. 1st

Age >4 years on Sept. 1st

Pre-K/K

K–6th

DTaP/Tdap

4 doses DTaP

5 doses DTaP*

5 doses DTaP*

Hep B Hib MMR PCV Polio Varicella

3 doses 3 or 4 doses* 1 dose 4 doses* 3 doses 1 dose

3 doses 3 or 4 doses* 2 doses 4 doses* 4 doses* 2 doses

3 doses NR 2 doses NR 4 doses* 2 doses

7th–12th 5 doses DTaP* + Tdap at age >10 years 3 doses NR 2 doses NR 4 doses* 2 doses

Dosage amounts are not required each year, but are cumulative. Students must get vaccine doses at the correct timeframes to be in compliance with school requirements. Talk to your health care provider or school staff if you have questions. // *Vaccine doses may be acceptable with fewer than listed depending on when they were given. // NR=Not Required.

www.snohd.org/immunizations

FE ATUR E

8 Questions With The Holderness Family Penn and Kim sit down to talk all things ADHD, including their new book and what’s next for the internet’s favorite family

By Allison Sutcliffe

Picture it: December 2013. It’s been a year since Sandy Hook, the first ACA open enrollment period just opened (sort of), and my kids are belting out “Let It Go” nonstop and I’m innocently joining in because — why wouldn’t I? — they’ve only been singing it for a month.

Then there’s me: mom of two, remote worker before being a remote worker was even a thing. I’m scrolling Facebook during afternoon nap time when this video of a family dancing (and rapping) in their Christmas jammies pops up on my feed. I can’t look away.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one. Since The Holderness Family released that original viral Christmas card video (they recreated it in 2023 to mark its 10th anniversary), it’s racked up 18 million views on YouTube, turning them into internet superstars and making them a household name for families like mine.

Many of us watched them win season 33 of “The Amazing Race,” or have a copy of their bestselling book “ADHD Is Awesome” on our bookshelves (guilty!), or tune into “Laugh Lines,” their popular podcast.

Last fall they released their first children’s picture book, “All You Can Be with ADHD.” Its companion book, “Get it Done & Have Fun: ADHD Hacks for Awesome Kids,” drops at the end of this

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month (Sept. 29). As The Holderness Family explains, the new book answers the question: “What happens when my incredibly dynamic and energetic ADHD brain collides with incredibly dull chores?” Hint: The answer is “borture” (i.e. the torture of boring tasks), and the book offers some creative solutions to this problem kids can actually use.

To mark the book’s release and the launch of our ParentMap Talks series on Sept. 24, featuring Kim and Penn Holderness, I had the opportunity to sit down with everyone’s favorite internet couple to talk all things ADHD. Here’s what they had to say: ParentMap: One of your goals has always been to change the conversation around ADHD. How does your new book continue that mission?

The conversation around kids with ADHD often centers around “They never turn in their homework; they don’t clean their room; they don’t brush their teeth, and it’s disrespectful!” First off, when our executive function breaks down, we don’t mean it as disrespect; it is literally more difficult for us. However, that’s an explanation, not an excuse.

We all need to roll up our sleeves and find ways to do those mundane things.

The good news is we can come up with fun, creative solutions that make them

less mundane!

ParentMap: After writing “ADHD Is Awesome” for adults with ADHD, what did you have to unlearn, re-learn or just plain learn from scratch in order to write for kids with ADHD? To be honest, we didn’t need to unlearn anything, “ADHD is Awesome” is meant to be something that younger people can understand. But for the kids’ book, I did want to make sure that reading the book and being self-aware enough to identify with it takes a ton of courage.

Kids who come to grips with their ADHD are SO VERY BRAVE. ParentMap: Penn, you were diagnosed with ADHD while you were in college.

What’s one thing your parents or teachers said to you as a kid that empowered and helped you when you were struggling? What’s something that was well-meaning but didn’t quite hit right or help?

My parents were amazing. Knowing I was different even before being diagnosed, they were patient with me and all of my careless mistakes. They also helped me regulate when I got overly sensitive and angry (which happened a lot). They calmly asked me to go to my room and “let it all out.”

Tin Can cofounder Chet Kittleson on the phone he wishes he could have handed his younger self.

Photo courtesy The Holderness Family

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FE ATURE

HOLDERNE S S FA MI LY

continued from page 6

As far as the wrong interactions, when teachers tell you to “just try harder.”

That was always tough to hear.

ParentMap: Kim, you’ve very recently been diagnosed with ADHD after being told it was anxiety for years. What do you want other girls and women who may be in the same boat to know about your delayed diagnosis? How has your diagnosis changed things, if it has?

I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that having an ADHD diagnosis has changed my life. Forever, I thought it was my fault that I couldn’t control my “anxiety.” If I could just journal more or meditate, I could calm the constant chaos in my brain. There’s something about knowing it’s not something I can change that has helped me reframe my past and allowed me to make peace with myself.

My advice for girls and women who have questions? Ask to be screened! I think clinicians are so well-intentioned, but ADHD presents so differently in girls and women. It takes a professional to unravel what could be anxiety, OCD, depression or ADHD. There’s a power in knowing. Advocate for yourself and ask the questions.

ParentMap: What advice do you have for someone who isn’t ADHD but loves someone who is — a kid or an adult?

First off, thank you.

Thank you for loving us. We really are trying the best we can to do our part, and to listen to you, and

Photo courtesy The Holderness Family

to thrive in a world that wasn’t exactly made for us. We aren’t broken, but there are some things that will take a

PA R E N T M A P / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 / 9

FE ATUR E

HOLDERNE S S FA MI LY

continued from page 9

little time to figure out, sometimes longer than people our age. Also, most of us feel things very deeply, and that can cause some pretty strong emotions, which we usually regret and feel shame for. Any understanding and support around these things from you will mean so much to us. Again, thank you.

ParentMap: What’s one expectation you’ve had to let go of, either for yourself or for someone you love with ADHD? That I can just move on from the strong, loud emotions that I have. I have to deal with them and sit in the suck.

ParentMap: You’ve campaigned for a rebrand of the term “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” What name would you recommend be used instead and why?

I’m not a doctor, so I will go with something silly. I like Fluctuating Attention and Regulatory Behavior (FLARB). First off, FLARB is an awesome name that sounds like it was made up by someone with ADHD. There are mad fluctuations.

And regulation is really the biggest aspect of ADHD.

very favorite thing.

We may have a touring show in the works! That is in early talks.

ParentMap: It seems you two are always working on something — whether it’s creating relatable hilarious social media content, recording your popular podcast, writing books, or shining lights on important topics like ADHD, meningitis and perimenopause. What’s next for The Holderness Family?

Kim is writing a book on ADHD and how it impacts girls and women. She’s deep into the emerging research right now so it’s her hyperfocus. Stay tuned! We’re both really excited for her book.

We will keep making videos because creating something out of nothing is our

OVER HERE,

nobody wonders what they’ll put in their college essays

Photo courtesy The Holderness Family

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F UN FE AT UR E

The Lunch Bunch

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

Along with gathering school supplies and soothing first-day jitters, the start of the school year brings one of the most daunting jobs for parents: packing lunches. Not only do we have to find food that kids will actually eat, we need to make sure it provides the fuel they need to get through the day and complies with school policies too.

To help meet this challenge, I’ve rounded up more than 40 quick and easy school-friendly lunch ideas. They are organized into five categories so you can cut down on planning and prep, and focus on what really counts – making sure your little scholar is well-fed and ready to learn.

Delicious dips

Bento box bounty

Kids love to dunk and dip, and it’s a parent-approved way to play with their food! Incorporating fun dips into school lunches is a fun way to change things up, and even add some nutrition. Fill your own containers or purchase packages in single portions.

Bento boxes aren’t only fun, they can lighten the decision-making load for parents. Inspired by kids’ lunch boxes in Japan, these segmented containers keep foods separated. Many even offer a small compartment for dips. When packing your bento box, choose a protein (usually placed in the main or largest compartment), a carb or grain, a vegetable, a fruit and a treat. This formula is a great way to help kids pack their own balanced meals.

Avocado. Whether you use guacamole or just smashed avocado, kids will enjoy dipping tortilla chips, raw veggies or crackers into this heart-healthy fruit. The brand Wholly Guacamole makes mini cups that are perfect for lunch boxes.

Hummus. Another nutritious dip, hummus can be paired with a variety of dippers from veggies to chips.

Several brands sell hummus in individual portions, including Kirkland Signature and Simple Truth.

Ranch dressing or dip. It’s a classic for a reason, ranch is a delicious accompaniment to veggies. Hidden Valley brand sells “dipping cups,” perfect for a lunch box.

Nut butters. Nut butters make yummy, protein-packed dips for apple slices or celery sticks. Jif brand peanut butter sells “Jif-to-go” portioned cups.

Sweetened yogurt. Greek yogurt holds up to dipping due to its thickness. Choose a flavor your kid enjoys or add your own sweetener to plain yogurt for dipping fruits.

Bean dip. Buy a commercial brand, or simply mix ¼ cup taco seasoning with a 15-ounce can of refried beans. (Use less taco seasoning if your kiddo likes less spice.) Bean dip goes well with chips and veggies alike. Sprinkle a little grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

Fluffernutter dip. Mix equal parts nut butter and marshmallow creme (or fluff) for a delicious dip for graham crackers or fruit.

1 2 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Keep smaller finger food like nuts, grapes or pretzels contained in your bento box by using silicone muffin cups. These are easy to wash and reuse, plus they add color to your lunch palate.

Ideas for building a kid-friendly bento box lunch Main dish/protein. Try sandwiches (cut out with large cookie cutters for extra fun), cheese and crackers, hard-boiled eggs, or cheese and lunch meat (sliced, diced or rolled together for easy eating).

Fruit and veggie sides. Fill out the meal with fruits and vegetables by adding cut-up veggies such as bell pepper, celery, carrots, pickles or cherry tomatoes.

For fruit, think easy-to-eat fruits such as sliced apples, orange segments, berries, grapes or dried fruit.

Grains. Add fuel for school with carbohydrates such as chips, crackers, rice or pasta.

Sweet treats. Finish off the meal with trail mix, cookies, mini muffins or fruit snacks.

Sauces and dips. Don’t forget to fill the dip compartment. Try ranch dips for veggies, peanut butter for apples and celery, flavored yogurt for fruits, hummus for carrots or cucumbers, or bean dips for chips.

Freeze-ahead lunches

Not sandwiches

What’s easier than grabbing lunch items from the freezer on busy mornings? Of course, you will have to do the prep work, but it will be worth it when you are running late. Even better, many of these can be put in the lunch box frozen to thaw throughout the day, eliminating the need for ice packs.

For the kids who don’t want sandwiches, school lunch planning is even more challenging. Whether your student is tired of sandwiches or just doesn’t like them, here are some great alternatives.

Freeze dinner leftovers. Whenever you have a hearty soup, chili or other hot meal, freeze one or two portions for later. Transfer from the freezer to fridge to defrost the night before, or defrost in the morning, heat and pack in a thermos.

Yogurt and smoothies. There are a variety of reusable products on the market, from tubes to pouches, that can be filled with yogurt or smoothies and frozen.

Simply prepare a smoothie or grab a yogurt, fill your favorite reusable container and freeze. Pack these frozen in your child’s lunch box where it will thaw throughout the day.

Muffins. A hit with both kids and parents, muffins can serve as a dessert or a way to add veggies, fruits and other nutrients to a lunch. Muffins freeze well and defrost right in the lunch box. Check out My Lovely Little Lunchbox for muffin recipes from sweet to savory.

Breakfast for lunch. Pancakes, waffles and even French toast freeze well and defrost quickly. Make a kid-friendly batch by slicing French toast or waffles into strips or making small silver dollar-sized pancakes. Let them cool completely, then freeze on a cookie sheet. Store in resealable bags, and put into the lunch box frozen. Provide syrup for dipping or jam for spreading, and add a protein such as hard-boiled eggs or precooked sausage links to top it off.

Fruits. Grapes and berries are great for lunches, but they spoil quickly in the fridge. Freezing these not only avoids food waste but also makes a great addition for school lunches. Wash and dry grapes or berries (blueberries work especially well) and freeze in a single layer. Store in single portions and pop them into the lunch box straight from the freezer.

Quesadillas. Easy to make the night before and endlessly customizable, quesadillas are a treat. Simply heat a tortilla in a skillet, top one half with filling, fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through. Cut the quesadilla into smaller pieces and include guacamole or salsa for dipping.

Tortilla pinwheels. Spread a large flour tortilla with cream cheese, then layer on their favorite lunch meat.

Roll the tortilla tightly, then slice it into discs for easy eating. Customize by swapping the cream cheese with guacamole, hummus or a thin layer of ranch dip.

Kabobs. Bite-sized foods on a skewer are both fun and delicious. Whether you choose fruits, veggies, meat, cheese or a combo, be sure to alternate the bites for an attractive presentation. Or better yet, let older kids make their own!

Pasta salad. Most kids like pasta, and cold pasta salad can be a filling sandwich alternative. As a bonus, it’s easy to make ahead of time. Cook a box of pasta and allow it to cool completely. Toss the cooled pasta with some olive oil to coat it and prevent sogginess. Then choose your additions: cut up string cheese, cubed cheese, cubed salami or chicken, pepperoni slices, olives, cherry tomatoes, cut up cucumber, carrot slices or bell pepper strips. Store the pasta and additions separately in the fridge and toss together each serving before packing it up. You can mix in some dressing on the day you pack the lunch or put it in a container on the side.

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is an essayist, book author, freelance writer, writing instructor and mixed media artist. Her work has been featured ParentMap magazine, CNN.com, Parents.com, Grown and Flown, two Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, Motherwell, Sky Island Journal, Hippocampus Magazine and many more publications.

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Parenting is hard.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Get practical advice from the experts families trust.

Join live online conversations with nationally recognized parenting speakers on today’s biggest family challenges.

What you’ll gain Expert guidance: Leave every session with research-backed strategies you can use right away.

Interactive format: Submit your questions live, plus stick around after each talk for a bonus 30-minute Q&A with Dr. Laura Kastner.

SEASON KICKOFF! Bestselling authors and viral content creators

The Holderness Family share fresh ADHD parenting strategies.

SEPT. 24

Convenient access: Attend the Zoom sessions from anywhere and enjoy on-demand recordings after every event.

A supportive community: Connect with parents navigating the same questions and milestones.

One quick registration, eight outstanding talks

ParentMap.com/talks PRESENTING SERIES SPONSOR

Speaker lineup SERIES SPONSORS

2026—2027

SPEAKER LINEUP Meet the host ParentMap welcomes Laura Kastner, Ph.D., back for her fourth year as series moderator. A clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington and author of the acclaimed “Getting to Calm” book series, Dr. Kastner brings decades of experience helping families navigate the challenges of raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids.

S KI E A CK SO OF N F

ADHD Is Awesome: How to (Mostly) Thrive With ADHD Parenting a child with ADHD can be exhausting, frustrating and unexpectedly joyful — all at once. Viral creators and New York Times bestselling authors Kim and Penn Holderness, both diagnosed with ADHD themselves, bring humor, hardearned perspective and real-world strategies to help families understand ADHD’s challenges, celebrate its strengths and thrive together.

SEPT.

24

Human Raised: Helping Kids Flourish in the Age of AI As AI becomes more embedded in our kids’ home and academic lives, many parents are asking how much is too much. Dana Suskind, a pediatric surgeon and New York Times bestselling author, explains what children still need from the adults who love them. You’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, nurture curiosity and critical thinking and make sure technology strengthens rather than replaces human connection.

OCT.

15

When EdTech Disrupts Learning: How Parents Can Speak Up Laptops, learning apps and online assignments are now part of everyday school life. But are they actually helping kids learn or just adding more screen time? Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., a former teacher known as The Screentime Consultant, will help you evaluate your child’s experience, recognize red flags and know when — and how — to speak up if technology is getting in the way of learning.

NOV.

10

Raising Capable Kids: Are We Helping Our Children Too Much?

You remind them. You troubleshoot. You text the other parent, email the teacher and step in before a small problem becomes a big one. It feels like good parenting — but what if all that help is getting in the way of what kids need most? Lenore Skenazy, author of “Free-Range Kids” and co-founder of Let Grow, joins us for a lively conversation about when helping helps — and when it doesn’t.

JAN.

21

Less Awkward: Handling Growing Up, From Early Signs to Hard Questions Puberty starts earlier, lasts longer and looks a lot different than it used to. It can leave parents worried they’ll say the wrong thing or set the wrong limits, and schools wondering how to cover these topics, too. Pediatrician and bestselling author Cara Natterson, M.D., creator of the iconic book series “The Care and Keeping of You,” will share approachable ways to talk about changing bodies, swinging moods and everything else puberty brings.

FEB.

9

Growing Good Humans: Raising Kind Kids in a Divided World Kids ask big questions about race, identity and fairness — often when we least expect them. Journalist, bestselling author and global speaker Uju Asika shares how to respond with honesty and confidence, helping you raise children who lead with empathy and aren’t afraid of difficult conversations. You’ll gain age-appropriate language for talking about difference, challenging bias and turning uncomfortable moments into opportunities for connection and growth.

MARCH

10

Parent Without the Panic: Worry Less and Trust Yourself More If you constantly second-guess your parenting, lie awake worrying or wonder whether you’re getting it all wrong, you’re far from alone. Drawing on decades of clinical experience — and as a father of seven — Dr. Michael Milobsky explains why parenting anxiety has become so common and offers tools to calm your inner critic, manage worry and parent with greater confidence.

APRIL

20

The Motherhood Trap: Why You Feel Like You’re Failing When You’re Not You went back to work too soon, or you didn’t go back at all.

Girlboss, tradwife or somewhere in between — you feel the judgment no matter what you do. Activist Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, is here to tell you it isn’t you. Drawing on her documentary “No Country for Mothers,” she shows how the so-called mommy wars turn a national failure to support families into private guilt — and what mothers can do to stop carrying that guilt alone.

SAVE YOUR SPOT

Early bird registration is open through Sept. 15, 2026. Access all eight talks for just $35 (save $15).

One quick registration, eight outstanding talks

MAY

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ParentMap.com/talks

LO CAL R ES O UR CES / BIRT H DAYS + CEL EBRAT IO N S

Birthday Originals 7 spots full of surprises

By Krista Tsai Bounce house, arcade, trampoline park.

If you have a kid, there’s a good chance you have been to a birthday party at one of those spots. Maybe you’ve even hosted a party at one. But if you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, I’ve got seven atypical birthday party venue suggestions that keep the mess out of your house, and are good options for year-round indoor parties.

For a rejuvenating party: Lush, Bellevue For a relaxing spa-like birthday for kids, try Lush at Bellevue Square. Gather your friends and choose the theme that matches your party vibe: Fun and Games, or Treat Yourself. Fun and Games has a silly and playful feel, while

the Treat Yourself package is more like a traditional spa experience with arm or hand massages and skin care. All 1.5-hour long parties take place in the center of the store with dedicated Lush staff to coordinate two varying activities. You’ll also make a bath bomb or bubble bar to take home.

For water lovers: Swimply, various locations Swimply is the private alternative to a public pool party — like Airbnb for pools where you can rent a private swimming pool, and sometimes extras like hot tubs. Search the Swimply site for options close to your home. Pools book by the hour. I have my eyes on the highly rated Duvall Pool, which includes

Photo credit: K1 Speed, Tukwila

an 80-degree heated carved granite pool with waterfalls, hot tub, sauna (at an additional cost), covered patio, spacious yard, fire pit and large pool house. It’s a backyard oasis fit for parties of up to 40 people.

For energetic kids: Ninja Quest Adventures, Issaquah and Northgate Ninja Quest Adventures is home to the only ninja warrior gyms in the Seattle area. Party packages include private use of the facility, safety instruction and coaches who can facilitate games

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LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / BI RT HDAYS + C ELEBRAT ION S

like floor-is-lava, timed ninja courses and free play in the ninja gymnasium. A party offers the perfect mix of structured games and free exploration of the obstacles.

indoor vertical wind tunnel one at a time with an instructor. Each flight lasts 60 seconds and has an add-on option to fly higher. Flyers will go home with professional photos and videos.

For creative kids: Wicked Rae’s, Seattle Wicked Rae’s is known for wildly fun and messy splatter paint experiences.

Party guests get private access to the studio for about two hours to either make splatter paint canvases in the designated splatter room or create art in a customized guided art workshop.

Want both? The Hybrid Celebration allows three hours to splatter paint and create something in a guided workshop.

Parents, don’t think this party is only fun for kids — I thoroughly enjoy splatter painting!

For builders: Bricks and Minifigs, Issaquah, Federal Way, Northgate, Monroe and Everett Lego fans unite for this brick-building party with a bit of fun competition — kids will build and race their own Lego car creation on a derby track. After the race, celebrate in the private party room with a birthday treat or food (bring your own). Kids will also get a chance to make their own custom minifigure to take home (the birthday kid gets two!).

For thrill seekers: iFly, Tukwila High-level adventure seekers will love this indoor skydiving party! After a short safety debriefing, each flyer will don their flight suit and helmet to enter the

For movie buffs: A movie theater near you Many theaters have their own birthday party options ranging from private showings where you get the whole theater to yourself, to regular ticketing plus a party room rental for food and

presents. Check out party packages in our area with the large theater chains: AMC, Cinemark and Regal. But don’t forget to see what the smaller independent theaters have to offer! For example, the North Bend Theatre can be rented for three hours starting at $300 and offers more than just a movie screening.

More ideas online.

Krista is a Seattle-area mom of three.

You can follow her family’s adventures, travel tips and travel hacking on Instagram: @mamabearintheair.

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Sleep Isn’t Simple

Helping neurodivergent kids get the rest they need

By Kari Hanson Sleep is something every child needs, but getting enough isn’t always easy.

For neurodivergent kids, like mine, sleep can be especially tough to come by. As parents, we try all the things, follow the advice from friends and family, yet our kids still take forever to fall asleep, are awake for hours during the night or are up with or before the sun. It’s exhausting in every sense of the word. Luckily, there’s help.

Melisa Moore, Ph.D., DBSM, is an international expert on sleep and related psychological conditions in infants, children, adolescents and young adults. She is a licensed psychologist and board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine, and author of the recently published book, “The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids.” She is also a mom to a son diagnosed with ADHD and autism who experienced challenges with sleep.

As she struggled to help her son, she realized the resources she was looking for did not exist. “There was nothing that brought together accurate science with practical strategies while encouraging parents to give themselves some grace,” says Moore. “I know this quote is overused, but Toni Morrison said that if the book you want to read isn’t out there, you have to write it.” So she did, for two reasons. First to create a resource for other parents that she felt was missing. Second, to let parents know they are not alone.

As someone with lived experience and expertise in the field, she has a unique perspective to share. She can say yes, helping neurodivergent kids sleep is so hard, even for someone with resources

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and knowledge. “I had a lot of experience and I had a lot of colleagues that I could turn to. So I’m probably in the best position a person could be in when it comes to helping a child sleep.

It was still so hard. And I wanted other parents to know it’s not hard because of something about you. It’s hard because it’s really, really hard,” said Moore.

Why do neurodiverse kids have trouble with sleep?

As the mom of a neurodivergent son, these sleep challenges are all too familiar to me. I asked Moore why neurodivergent kids struggle so much with sleep, and she said there are several reasons: Genetics. “Whatever caused the neurodiversity, whether it’s autism or ADHD or something else, that cause is largely usually genetic. So the genetic cause of neurodiversity might also be the cause of genetic sleep problems,” says Moore.

Certain sleep disorders are more common in neurodiverse kids.

“For example, in kids with ADHD restless sleep disorders are more common.

Sometimes a circadian disorder can be more common. In Down syndrome, for example, obstructive sleep apnea is pretty common,” says Moore.

Issues that cause sleep problems — but are not necessarily sleep disorders — are common in neurodiversity.

For example, “things like constipation from picky eating or pain or eczema or allergies. They aren’t sleep disorders but they cause sleep problems,” says Moore.

The other issue that can cause sleep challenges for neurodiverse kids is circadian rhythm. Moore explained that circadian rhythms can be different in neurodiverse kids. It’s not necessarily a disorder, but something internally generated. When I told her in my son’s perfect world he would stay up until 3 a.m. and sleep until noon, she nodded and said yep, that’s his circadian preference, that’s genetic.

When should I get help from a sleep expert?

Since sleep can be a struggle for many kids, and new parents are always told to prepare to be exhausted for the foreseeable future, it can be hard to know when to seek professional help. Moore said that if your child “has any snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing, or wakes up with a headache in the morning, those are all reasons that you need to see a sleep physician and probably go to a sleep center.” If you don’t know where to turn to find a reputable sleep specialist, Moore suggests starting with these resources:

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine • Pediatric Sleep Council • Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine Moore also advises seeking help if your child is waking for hours at a time during the night (whether you are involved or not), is experiencing extreme restlessness when they sleep (perhaps all their covers are on the floor in the morning) or complains that their legs are bothering them at night. She also suggests getting help if, “you’re doing things that are healthy sleep habits and your child is just not responding the way you think they should.” For parents

who feel like they just need more help, Moore encourages them to reach out to a professional in their area.

What can I do to help my child’s sleep?

One thing that can significantly impact your child’s sleep is a sleep routine.

Each family’s sleep routine will look different, but Moore says they should follow the five S’s: short, sweet, sensory soothing, streamlined and steady.

Short. Moore says you do not want a bedtime routine longer than 30 minutes, maybe 45 if there is a bath involved.

Don’t let this drag on for hours.

Sweet. A bedtime routine should be filled with things your child likes and avoid the things they hate. For example, if your child has sensory issues which makes brushing their teeth a huge battle, a really thorough brushing at night might not be a great idea, since it causes stress and winds them up.

Moore would suggest a quick brush at night, then focus on the deep clean in the morning. Parents should try to keep the metaphorical temperature low during this routine, so introducing things that your child really hates isn’t ideal. As Moore explains, “Imagine if you had to do your taxes right before bed?”

Point taken.

Sensory soothing. Incorporate sensory elements that your child likes. People who study mindfulness often say that senses are the portal to the present.

“So when you’re smelling something you really like, or petting the dog and the fur feels really good, or you have a special blanket, you’re not worrying about the past or the future, you’re experiencing that sense,” says Moore.

Streamlined. Try to avoid this familiar scenario: Upstairs to the bath, downstairs for a snack, upstairs to say good night, downstairs to get in bed. Moore says “everything during the 30-minute sleep routine should go in the direction of the bed.”

Steady. Keep your child’s bedtime routine consistent every night. But,

when the routine gets interrupted (this is real life after all), Moore says the important thing is to not give up and try to get back on track as soon as possible. The goal is to move the needle in the right direction. It’s okay if things are not always perfect.

How can I help my teenager get better sleep?

Both of my sons are teenagers, so the nights of curling up with snacks and bedtime stories are a thing of the past. While they crave independence, I worry about their sleep — or lack thereof. I asked Moore what I can do to support my neurodivergent teen to get the sleep he needs.

She was not at all surprised by my question and, much to my surprise, told me she sees an increase in sleep struggles during two different stages. The first is infants and toddlers; the other is teenagers.

“There are some things stacked against teenagers and young adults. We know that the circadian rhythm shifts around puberty by about two hours, and that’s true everywhere all over the world — Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Europe — it’s been studied everywhere. That two-hour delay is a normal part of development,” says Moore.

For example, a 10-year-old who had no problem falling asleep at 8:30 p.m. might struggle with such an early bedtime when they turn 12. “That’s a physiological thing,” says Moore. “And, people with ADHD tend to have a later circadian rhythm, and people with autism tend to have an inconsistent circadian rhythm. Those are the kind of things that might be more prominent at teenagerhood.”

According to Moore, one way to support teens’ sleep is to help them keep a consistent schedule. That means, teens should wake up at a similar time every day (within a two-hour window). If they wake up at 8 a.m. for school, they

should wake up by 10 a.m. on the weekend (a tough sell to my teens, for sure!).

Moore encourages parents of teens to be involved in their sleep routine, and acknowledges that it’s tough, since we are constantly trying to figure out the right mix of independence and support.

“I think being involved in their sleep is actually really helpful.” Moore says, “Even if it’s just to say: ‘You’re 16, but you have to get in bed before midnight.’

I would negotiate it, but I would still make sure that there was some kind of structure there.”

Moore also suggests a tactic that tends to work with teens — get someone else to tell them what you want them to do. They might not listen when you tell them to go to bed, but if they are a sports fan and they hear LeBron James wax poetic about the importance of sleep, you might notice their light turn off a little earlier.

Should I worry about sleep trackers and electronics at night?

It seems like products for tracking sleep are everywhere. From rings to apps to smart mattress pads, personal sleep data is easy to come by. But does it help? Moore isn’t convinced. She doesn’t recommend any apps or sleep tracking products, and thinks often the people or parents who are tracking that

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data, are not the ones who need to be. Plus, Moore thinks all that info can sometimes cause more stress.

However, Moore does feel that there is a time and place for sleep trackers. “If someone’s not speaking and we need to know about their sleep patterns, that might be a really good time to use it,” she says. “Or if you see your child go to sleep at 9 p.m., and you see them get up at 7 a.m. but they are falling asleep constantly during school, you might need to know what’s going on.”

Many parents worry about electronics impacting their child’s sleep. Moore says the impact of electronics are much more nuanced than we thought.

Is it a great idea to fall asleep with electronics on? No. But, is it a problem if you are watching TV until your bedtime routine starts? Probably not. “We’ve known for many, many years that blue light stops your brain from producing melatonin,” says Moore. “But that’s

temporary. And I think in the sleep world, we all kind of made the leap to blue light is bad for sleep. But when you really look at that, it’s not necessarily that way. The problem with electronics is that they push your bedtime later.”

What can I try tonight to help my child sleep?

If you are struggling with helping a neurodiverse child sleep, Moore says the first two things to focus on are establishing a bedtime and a routine. “If your child is neurodiverse, having a bedtime and a bedtime routine might not be as straightforward as it sounds, but I think that’s always the place to start,” says Moore.

She also advises parents to be aware of their child’s sleep associations.

“That’s really important and a light bulb moment for many people; it was for me,” she says. The items you use to fall asleep (a sleep mask, special blanket, a bottle, noise machine, etc.) are what you will need to fall back to sleep during

the night if you wake up. “Night wakings are completely normal. We all have four to six night wakings every single night.

We don’t realize it because we are so efficient at getting ourselves right back to sleep most of the time,” Moore says.

“But if you don’t have the situation you had to fall asleep, you’re more likely to wake up more.” Make sure your child has their blanket or stuffie or sleep mask when you head to bed, so they have a better chance of soothing themselves to sleep when they wake up.

Moore hopes that parents who read her book come away with some new ideas and strategies that will help everyone get more rest. She also hopes that parents feel supported and a little less alone. “Give yourself some grace,” she says. “We’re all doing the best we can and balancing a lot of different things.”

■

Kari Hanson is ParentMap’s content editor. Kari has 17 years of parenting experience from unique vantage points including as a stay-at-home-parent, working parent, biological parent, foster parent and adoptive parent.

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Out + About

Keep Calm and Climb On Learn the ropes of a new hobby, inside and out Article and photos by Kathryn Mueller Rock climbing wasn’t something I grew up doing. My childhood extracurricular activities were more traditional: soccer, T-ball, ballet, gymnastics. It was a bit intimidating learning how to rock climb while simultaneously championing it for my kids, but I really want to expose them to a variety of sports, and rock climbing is rewarding both physically and mentally.

Solving problems and scaling walls There are essentially two different types of climbing: ropes and bouldering.

Bouldering is arguably a more accessible way of climbing because you don’t need any certifications or experience to start out. You can show up to a gym, watch the safety video, sign a waiver, and then you’re off to the walls. Bouldering is a type of rock climbing, but the walls are shorter and there are no ropes. Each route on a bouldering wall is called a boulder problem, aptly named because the climber needs to use their strength, balance and problem-solving skills to

determine how best to get from one hold to the next to successfully scale the wall. Some gyms are specifically bouldering gyms, meaning you won’t find any ropes, and no harnesses are required. If you want to dip your toe into the world of rock climbing, bouldering is a great option.

Our family really wanted to learn top rope climbing, so we searched for gyms that had both top rope routes and bouldering areas. Top rope climbing is where you are secured to a rope that runs through an anchor at the top of the wall, and a belayer controls the rope from below. In this system, you need a harness, a belay device and a rope. As opposed to bouldering, you can’t just walk into a gym and start top rope climbing. You first need to take a course that teaches you the basics.

When we started out, we did an intro to rock climbing course. In the class, we learned how to put a harness on, how to tie an eight-figure knot, and all the safety checks required when climbing.

During the course we also got handson experience belaying someone and catching them when they fall — a valuable skill you very much need.

Get your foot in the door — and on the wall Honestly, picking up rock climbing was a bit overwhelming. Everyone looked like they knew exactly what they were doing, my kids in jeans did not sell us as expert climbers, and we didn’t have any gear. The unfamiliar sounds of carabiners clicking, the distinct smell of chalk

in the air, and the climbing vernacular being yelled throughout the gym felt foreign.

Luckily, it’s not that bad once you get your foot in the door.

Finding a gym Seattle is home to several family-friendly climbing gyms. I would highly recommend doing research before heading to a climbing or bouldering gym. We learned the hard way that some gyms are not kid-friendly. Some gyms don’t even let kids in the door. Trust me when I say you’ll want to find a gym that helps make you feel comfortable.

We shopped around, and let’s just say, some of our first attempts at bouldering did not go well. We made a few climbers pretty angry.

Places to take it from the top (rope) Vertical World My favorite gym for top rope climbing is Vertical World. There are multiple locations throughout Puget Sound, with a great mix of bouldering routes, top rope and lead climbing routes, and auto-belays at each gym. Auto-belays are great because they don’t require someone to control the rope from below.

Instead of an anchor at the top that feeds the rope back down to a belayer, the machine controls the rope. You simply clip in, do your safety checks and start climbing. Selfishly, I love gyms that have auto-belays because then I get to climb too, instead of being a designated belayer all the time.

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Vertical World Lynnwood takes the cake for climbing gyms. It is kid-friendly, with areas specifically set aside for youth, and it feels like a community rather than simply a gym.

I also love the gym’s origin story. You could say rock climbing gyms were born in Seattle thanks to Vertical World: It opened as the first climbing gym in the United States in 1987.

Today, Vertical World has 3 locations: one in North Lynwood and two in Seattle.

I highly recommend their youth programs, which offer programs for kids as young as 3 years old. You can register your child for a program, which gives a consistent schedule and structure for learning to climb, or try one of the flexible classes perfect for busy schedules, including a Parent and Me class, and Kids Night Out for youth ages 6–9. You can also choose from a myriad of camps that run year-round, including summer camps, outdoor climbing days or week-long camps.

“We understand it can feel intimidating to start. You can learn the basics here,” says Cierra Coppock, who works at Vertical World and is an avid climber herself. “We will literally show you the ropes,” she says, laughing.

You can also book birthday parties at Vertical World, which would be such a fun and unique way to celebrate.

Seattle location: 2330 W. Commodore Way Lynnwood location: 12300 Beverly Park Rd.

Edgeworks Climbing Edgeworks Climbing has multiple locations across Puget Sound, including Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, for top rope and lead climbing. There is also a dedicated bouldering gym in Bellevue.

The gyms don’t have auto-belays, but they are expansive, with more than 91,000 square feet of climbing space in Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma combined.

We usually climb at the Seattle location when we go, although it doesn’t feel as geared toward kids as the other gyms.

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Seattle location: 2839 N.W. Market St. Bellevue location: 15600 N.E. Eighth St., Suite C-1 Tacoma location: 6102 N. Ninth St., Suite 100 Cirque Climbing If you live in the South Sound, Cirque Climbing is a great option for top rope climbing. The gym offers a variety of routes, including auto-belays for beginners. Cirque Climbing is a large gym with 3,500 square feet of bouldering and 11,000 square feet of roped climbing, and the 45-foot walls are impressive.

For families with kids ages 17 and younger, Cirque Climbing gives families a great option if they want to get into rock climbing safely. Every Saturday morning, the gym has belayers available from 9:30–11:30 a.m. It’s a designated time just for kids to try out various routes and build their climbing confidence.

This is a great resource for families who aren’t belay certified. Space is limited though, so you will need to book ahead, either online, in person or by phone.

Location: 8276 28th Ct. N.E., Lacey Bouldering spots Seattle Bouldering Project Seattle Bouldering Project has various gyms around Seattle, but our favorite and most kid-friendly (in my humble opinion) is the Poplar location. My kids love the whimsical, colorful bouldering routes and the designated areas for youth. It’s so nice to have a space where you don’t have to worry about weaving around or climbing next to adults — it always takes some of my anxiety away. When we boulder at places without kids zones, I always feel more on edge, like we are tiptoeing around other climbers.

The gym has two castles and tons of holds scattered around the walls surrounding the structures. The slide is also a big hit — because why climb down the castle walls when you can slide into the

squishy mat below?

The youth programming offerings are robust. The gym offers camps focused on play and creativity, holiday school programs, lessons where kids can learn basic climbing skills and youth clubs.

Their weekly summer camps are for kids ages 6–15. If you’re looking for camps to keep your little climbers entertained in the summer, learning to boulder could be a great option.

Most gyms have youth-to-adult ratios. Please check ahead. The ratio at Seattle Bouldering Project is a 2-to-1 youth-to-adult ratio for climbers ages 13 and younger.

South Seattle location: 900 Poplar Pl. S., Seattle Fremont location: 3535 Interlake Ave. N., Seattle U District location: 4502 University Way N.E., Seattle Half Moon Bouldering Half Moon Bouldering is a local family-owned bouldering gym in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. The gym feels really welcoming as soon as you walk in the door. At the front desk, you might even meet the adorable, speckled dachshund that greets guests.

There is a space where kids can climb away from the more advanced routes in the gym. You can’t miss it. The kids area is large and bright with a towering castle that kids can climb. Once at the top, kids can descend by sliding down a bright yellow slide. All ages and skill levels are welcome, so you don’t have to worry about being an expert to climb here. The gym focuses on education, inclusivity and programs designed for kids and adults.

There are also a plethora of camps for kids ages 6 and older.

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A few great class options for families include: Family Bouldering: A 30-minute introduction to climbing where one adult and one child learn how to climb and solve problems.

Climb After Class: This beginner class for ages 5 to 11 helps kids learn the basics of climbing.

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Location: 124 N. 85th St., Seattle Climb Nora Climb Nora opened in 2025 in Federal Way, offering a shared bouldering space that’s “energetic, inclusive and rooted in the Southside.” The gym doesn’t have designated kids zones, but that’s intentional.

At Climb Nora, there’s a shared space where everyone can climb together. Kids younger than 5 are welcome to climb, but they have to be accompanied by a member. The gym has supervision ratios to help ensure safety. For children ages 5–9, the parent-to-child ratio is 1-to-1. Ages 10–12 require a 1-to-2 parent-to-child ratio, and those older than 13 do not require supervision. A day pass for children is $20.

Bonus: Meet Wiebe, the gym’s dog ambassador, who is often at the gym in the mornings.

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Location: 30820 Pacific Hwy. S., Federal Way Take your skills outside Once you feel confident in the gym solving problems, you can take what you’ve learned and apply your skills to outdoor rock climbing. I highly recommend taking an intro to outdoor rock climbing before sending it outdoors. Many climbing gyms or organizations, such as the Mountaineers, offer introductory courses. The courses can help build confidence and teach safety techniques before heading outside.

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When looking for rock climbing routes, try to find beginner-level climbs rated 5.0 to 5.9. Rating systems can indicate the difficulty of a route and its appropriateness for your skill level.

Class 1–4: Scrambling and easy climbing, no rope needed Class 5: Technical rock climbing, requiring safety devices and belaying. Routes labeled between 5.0–5.9 are beginner to moderate routes.

Marymoor climbing wall The wall is impressive, standing at around 30 feet tall. It has lots of bouldering routes to choose from,

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and it’s a great place to get some wiggles out since you can also play at the playground.

typically two hours in length. Pricing starts at $175 for up to 15 climbers.

Camp Long also hosts climb nights on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.

Location: Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond

Location: Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave. S.W. Dawson, Seattle

continued from page 25

Schurman Rock Schurman Rock is part of Camp Long, a 68-acre park in West Seattle. The structure is open to the public and great for beginners. If you want to boulder, like most places, you will need to bring a crash pad. Unlike gyms, there isn’t soft padding to absorb a fall. If you want to top rope climb, you can bring your own ropes and anchor systems — the top of the rock is bolted and can be accessed from the ground. Climbing is done at your own risk. You can also schedule a rock climbing experience.

The climbing programs include two belayers, harnesses, helmets and a variety of routes to explore. Camp Long is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The rock-climbing programs are

SPIRE Rock SPIRE Rock is a man-made outdoor rock formation in Tacoma. The impressive structure was created using various types of rock. It’s great for families. (It’s next to the Sprinker Recreation Center, which has a thrilling playground and an indoor ice arena with ice bumper cars.)

like climbing on rock. The climbing structures can be climbed year-round. I highly recommend taking a class before testing your skills on the outdoor walls.

The Mountaineers’ youth classes and camps are great for beginner rock climbers and little adventurers. Under the “Youth” tab on their website, you can filter by location, age and activity type to find the best program to meet your needs.

Location: Sprinker Recreation Center, 521 Military Rd. S., Tacoma The Mountaineers climbing wallsThe outdoor walls at The Mountaineers in Seattle are available for public use.

Some of the rock climbing options are great for beginners, including a boulder/ scree field, a large and artificial boulder and an outdoor wall that feels

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Kathryn Mueller is a mother of three with a proclivity for outdoor adventures. Professionally, she works in public relations for a health care system in the Pacific Northwest.

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Resources to Support Bilingual Learning at Home

By Kari Hanson

•

There are many ways you can support your child’s bilingual/multilingual development through play at home and within your community. Here are some ideas to get you started.

remember things they are learning

• Books — A great way to support

site and app help motivate everyone to learn a new language through quick lessons that can be picked up when you have a few minutes to spare. Earn points as you progress through the lessons, and get kudos for engagement “streaks.” This program offers dozens of different languages, including Swahili, Navajo, Chinese and even Klingon.

dual-language development at home is to provide books for your children that they already love in a language other than primary language. For example, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is available in Spanish and a dozen other languages, including German, Polish and Japanese.

• Play games in another language —

Games that focus on language, such as I spy, bingo, “Who am I?” and memory are great.

• Sing songs, dance and play music in

another language — Children love music, and melody is a great way to help them

•

Language-learning apps and games — Bolster bilingualism through tech.

• Duolingo (duolingo.com) — This web-

•

Babbel (babbel.com) — This subscription-based app claims that it takes just 10 minutes a day to learn a new language. The platform supports 14 different languages and offers live online classes, original podcasts, games, videos, an AI conversation partner and more.

Lirica (lirica.io) — This innovative program uses popular music, one verse at a time, to teach Spanish, German and English. You can “gain fans” and advance to higher levels as you complete lessons.

•

Listen to radio programs, including popular music programs and channels for teenagers, in a language other than their primary language. You can connect to many international radio stations online.

•

Connect with family and friends who speak other languages. If they do not live close by, connect with them using a videoconferencing service.

Kari Hanson is ParentMap’s content editor and the mother of two teenage sons.

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FAM I LY F UN

September Play List Fall into everyone’s favorite season with 15 only-in-autumn originals Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar

By Julie Dodobara

Summer break may be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. While I will miss leisurely schedules and sleeping in, I look forward to the onset of my favorite season with the promise of crisper fall days ahead. Want to make the most of bluesky and shorter days? How about an outdoor excursion with the entire crew to a farm, a sunny sunflower field or the fair? Make it a month to remember and head to a cultural fest, BrickCon or even a big rig show. There are plenty of ways to welcome fall.

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� It’s a wonderland of

towering blooms at Bob’s Sunflower Experience in Snohomish. As you frolic in the fields, snap the perfect seasonal selfie and let the kids play all day. Admission includes a wagon ride, big slides, sand pit, huge playground and more kids activities. Open daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. through Sept. 13.

Admission is $15.95 weekdays, $20.95 weekends; kids younger than 2 are free.

� It’s time to do the Puyallup at the Washington State Fair.

Brave the carnival rides, savor fair treats, admire animal exhibits and more.

The Fair takes place Sept.

4–27 (it is closed every Tuesday, as well as Wednesday, Sept. 9). Gate

admission is $13–$15; ages 5 and younger are free; shows and rides extra. Discounts and additional deals are available. Pro tip: Catch a Blippi show at the fair on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and your tickets include fair admission!

� Affectionately known

as MukFest, the Mulkilteo Lighthouse Festival returns with fun kids activities, live music, a parade and tons of entertainment for all ages, Friday–Sunday, Sept. 11–13.

Simply follow the beacon that leads you to Lighthouse Park. Free.

� Back for a third year,

Kenmore’s Oktoberfest returns with Bavarian singalongs, games for families,

wiener dog races and, of course, beer for grownups at multiple locations around town. Join all the merriment of this autumn tradition, Saturday, Sept. 12 and Thursday–Sunday, Sept.

17–20. Free to attend, some activities have a fee.

Highlighted Events for September

� Behold thousands of

creations at BrickCon, the longest running Lego fan convention in the world.

Brought to you by fellow devotees, you’ll be sure to find inspiration for your own creations. It all happens at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 12–13. Tickets are $19–$24; ages 4 and younger are free.

Through Sept. 13

Sept. 19 | Saturday

Bob’s Sunflower Experience

Renton Harvest Festival Extravaganza

Snohomish

Legacy Square, Renton

performances and more.

Join the party at Seattle Center, Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 19–20. Free.

� Crisp, juicy apples from

� Motor on over to a truck

lover’s paradise happening at Sprinker Recreation Center. At this free TouchA-Truck event, kids get to climb on, “drive” and honk the horns of many of the awesome big rigs they see out on the roads. Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. –1 p.m. (horn-free hour is noon– 1 p.m.).

� Our local flagship fish

are returning home to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.

View these impressive swimmers up close at the Salmon on Sunset Celebration. Join in themed activities for the whole family including arts and crafts, fly casting demos, painting projects and hourly rubber duck derbies.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Free.

� Celebrate the cultural

traditions and cuisines of Latin America in our local community. Commemorating the independence of Latin American countries, Fiestas Patrias welcomes all for food demos, kids activities, folkloric

Luminata lantern procession around Green Lake to mark the start of fall on Saturday, Sept. 19 starting at 7:30 p.m.

Purchase a lantern from the Fremont Arts Council, bring your own or make one at a free workshop leading up to the big event. Whichever you choose, it will be an illuminating and magical night. Free.

� Renton has a snazzy,

brand-new outdoor arts and culture hub for community gatherings in Legacy Square.

Check it out this fall at the first-time Renton Harvest Festival Extravaganza.

Gather with friends, family and neighbors to celebrate the season with live music, harvest games, a market and more. (Adults can sample local brews.)

Saturday, Sept. 19, noon– 9 p.m. Free.

� Located in the heart of

Seattle, the Rainier Beach Urban Farm brings agriculture to urban dwellers. Stop by for a community fest celebrating local food, city farming and healthy living. Entry is free, food for purchase, on Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

� Bring something light or

bright and join the gorgeous

Snoqualmie Valley orchards are ripe and ready. At the Fall City Apple Festival you can press apples into cider, hop on a horse ride and enjoy other fun autumn activities. Held at the Northwest Natural Horsemanship Center, proceeds support equine therapy for veterans, and summer camp scholarships for kids. Sunday, Sept.

20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free entry; food and some activities for purchase.

� The internet’s most entertaining and relatable couple is kicking off our 2026–27 ParentMap Talks series. On Thursday, Sept. 24, noon–1 p.m., join Kim and Penn Holderness of The Holderness Family for a spirited live discussion sure to produce some chuckles along with practical parenting advice.

Sign up today for $10, or $50 for the entire ParentMap Talks series (and receive the recording to watch anytime!). Members

Sept. 26–27 | Saturday–Sunday Italian Festival Seattle Center

of partner schools can join for free.

� When it comes to helping

the planet, kids are leading the way. Bring yours to the Loyal Heights Community Center for the Sustainable Ballard Festival and get inspired to lower our carbon footprint and live more sustainably. Kids will have a blast racing solar-powered cars, making a birdhouse and pressing apples into cider on Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.

� Bring your appetite and

gather with other enthusiasts at Seattle Center to celebrate the culture, arts and especially food of Italy.

Additional Italian Festival highlights include a car show, cooking demos, dog show and the popular grape stomp. Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 26–27. Free.

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