ParentMap 2022 Summer Family Adventure Guide

PNW INSIDE + OUT

Family

5 Northwest Lakes for Your Epic Summer Vacation Life on the Edge: Incredible Lighthouse Stays Local Destinations to Wow Your Hard-to-Impress Kid Overnight Sensations: One-of-a-Kind Nearby Vacation Rentals Decadent Local Treats You’ll Love ‘Dough’ Much 9 Adventures That Will Float Your Boat

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C O NTENTS

Family Adventure

Summer 2022

Great Lakes!

7 5 Northwest lakes for your family’s epic summer vacation 7 Fun Things to Do in Charming Lynden, Washington 13 This ideally situated community makes for a perfect Northwest getaway

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(Not) Too Cool for Teens 17 Local destinations that will wow your hard-to-impress kid

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It’s a Doughnut Derby 23 10 holey eating adventures you’ll love ‘dough’ much Overnight Sensations 35 One-of-a-kind vacation rentals close to home 9 Adventures That Will Float Your Boat 50 Unique local boat tours and cruises for summer family fun Incredible Lighthouse 59 Stays for PNW Families Try out life on the edge by sojourning in historic keeper’s quarters

FAMILY ADVENTURE SUMMER 2022

PUBLISHER

Alayne Sulkin

Photos courtesy Original Selfie Museum

Photo courtesy Argosy Cruises

EDITORIAL

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MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley

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Add these cool water ride options to your summer bucket list — no boating license required.

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COPY EDITOR Sunny Parsons

CONTRIBUTORS Gemma Alexander, Camille Gullickson, Kate Missine, Lynn Schnaiberg

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AY L P er

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Questing for

SUMMER FUN? Join us for science nce experiments, visual arts and more!

Exhibits Featuring over 25 innovative exhibits packed full to the brim with handson play designed for children and their families.

Programs Twice a day every weekday: This summer, KidsQuest is putting the POW back into play with FREE Camptivities!

Parties Private rentals and birthday packages can include STEAM activities and more. Our friendly staff is ready to support!

Find out more att um.org kidsquestmuseum.org

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5

Northwest lakes for your family’s epic summer vacation Shuswap lake, Sicamous, British Columbia

Great Lakes!

By Lynn Schnaiberg Yes, we Pacific Northwesterners have umpteen miles of sandy, rocky or driftwood-strewn coastline on which to play. But even at the peak of summer, that Pacific Ocean saltwater is pretty darn chilly. So, let’s turn our attention to our lakes, which — at their best — furnish the iconic summer vacation experience: languid days spent

swimming, boating and floating.

We’ve rounded up five terrific picks for great lake getaways that offer good times for everyone, including houseboating, wine tasting, lakeside blueberry picking and hiking in pine forests. Happy adventuring!

1. The houseboating mecca: Shuswap Lake, Sicamous, British Columbia •

shuswaptourism.ca It’s not too often you get to sleep on the water. In south-central British Columbia, Shuswap is Canada’s houseboating mecca, a sprawling, multi-armed lake with 119 square miles of water to recreate in and on, surrounded by a thick forest of spruce, birch and cedar. Some houseboats even have waterslides, hot tubs and fireplaces. Avoid the party boaters and hang out near the white-sand beaches at the ends of Anstey Arm and Seymour FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 7

GRE AT L AKES continued from page 7

Arm. With 600-plus miles of shoreline to explore, it won’t be hard to find a quiet spot. Shuswap Lake Marine Provincial Park has oodles of boat-access-only beaches, beckoning with the promise of adventure. You’ll also find loads of trails for biking and hiking, and good scuba spots, too (including the fall sockeye run returning to the Adams River).

Heads up: Houseboating may not be a great choice for families with very young kids — there’s not much room to roam on board and too many safety hazards to worry about (and who wants to worry on vacation?). But for families with older kids, houseboating can be paradise.

Don’t miss: The sometimes challenging 2-mile loop hike up along Celesta Creek through Albas Falls’ series of five cascades; dock at Steamboat Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for bears!

Lake temp: 65–70 degrees Drive time from Seattle: About seven hours The skinny: Bluewater Houseboats (bluewaterhouseboats.ca), Sicamous Houseboats (sicamoushouseboats.com) and Ohana Houseboat Adventures (ohanahouseboatadventures.com), among many other companies, offer houseboat rentals and charters.

2. The hot and sunny lake: Sun Lakes, near Coulee City, Washington •

parks.wa.gov Why suffer the Puget Sound region’s June gloom when you can kickstart summer by heading to the carved islands and scoured cliffs of Sun Lakes in eastern Washington? Part of the

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Sun Lakes. Photo by Denis Felton

Grand Coulee river bed (a National Natural Landmark), carved from massive ice age floods, Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park has two great swimming areas at the main park lake: One is flat and shallow, thus ideal for little ones; the other has a more unpredictable bottom with some steep drop-offs (better for older swimmers). Rent canoes, paddleboats, rowboats and aqua cycles from the Sun Lakes Park Resort (sunlakesparkresort.com) — get your ice cream there, too.

Off-the-water fun includes a playground, mini golf, a nine-hole golf course and a “Water Wars” water balloon activity.

Heads up: Burn bans are regularly in effect in this area later in summer. Be prepared for heavy winds at times.

To escape the crowds, head about 2.5 miles along the park’s back road to smaller Deep Lake. (The speed limit for powerboats is 5 miles per hour there.) Hike the 2.6-mile loop

trail around Umatilla Rock for a lesson about geology on the move; it features soaring pinnacles, enormous snowballlike rocks and weird protrusions jutting toward the perpetually blue sky. Breathe in the scent of sagebrush.

Don’t miss: The Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park interpretive center and the lookout over Dry Falls, a once-active waterfall where raging waters dropped more than 400 feet over 3.5-mile-wide cliffs — that’s more than twice as high and three times as wide as Niagara Falls.

Lake temp: Low 70s (typically in the 60s in June) Drive time from Seattle: About three hours The skinny: Coulee City (tourgrantcounty.com) has a few small motels; Sun Lakes Park Resort has cabins; and many longtime Sun Lakes fans swear by the state park camping (parks.wa.gov).

3. The big daddy: Crater Lake, Oregon •

nps.gov/crla With surface water temps between 50 and 60 degrees, America’s deepest lake (1,949 feet deep) is not a place to be in the water so much as a place to be on or around the water. (Although I did take a brief, fully clothed, limb-numbing dip once, just so I could say I did it.) The result of Mount Mazama’s cataclysmic eruption some 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake — a volcanic caldera — is almost impossibly blue and utterly picturesque.

Our kids loved the “We’re hiking on an old volcano” aspect of this amazing national park.

Take advantage of ranger-led hikes, talks and the Junior Ranger program for kids ages 6–12. If necessary, bribe your littles with soft-serve from the

awesome 12-mile paved bike path that circles the lake and offers a lunch stop for pizza and beer en route.

Bonus fun: Boat (of the bumper, paddle, fishing and patio varieties) rentals are available at nearby Diamond Lake Resort (diamondlake.net).

Bumper boat fun Photo courtesy Diamond Lake Resort

Crater Lake Lodge (travelcraterlake.com).

About 10 miles away, Diamond Lake has warmer water (swimmable if there’s no algae bloom), trout fishing, spacious Forest Service camping, and an

Don’t miss: The hike up Wizard Island (you’ll need to book a boat tour to visit this island in the middle of the lake) to survey the vast, watery caldera from the middle of the lake; take the side route — it’s a rocky one, not for small kids — to Fumarole Bay, where you can feel like you have the whole island to yourself.

Lake temp: Brrr ... Crater Lake is a chilly 50–60 degrees. Diamond Lake is about 65 degrees in summertime.

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GRE AT L AKES continued from page 9

Drive time from Seattle: About eight hours The skinny: Three U.S. Forest Service campgrounds (we like Thielsen View; fs.usda.gov) in the Umpqua National Forest at Diamond Lake offer lots of sites. The national park includes two campgrounds, but note that they are not right near the lake. For a lake view, splurge on a room in the Crater Lake Lodge.

4. The all-activities lake: Osoyoos Lake, Osoyoos, British Columbia •

osoyooslake.ca Just over the border in the Okanagan Desert, Osoyoos Lake has Canada’s warmest waters and summer temps that hit the high 80s. With loads of rental outfitters to choose from, you can sample pretty much any kind of water

sport known to humankind on this lake, including wakeboarding, barefooting, parasailing and banana boating (alongside more traditional options, such as sailing and kayaking). Families flock to the shallow warm waters of Cottonwood Park Beach, but check out White Sands Beach at the nearby Osoyoos Indian Reserve if the crowds are too thick in town.

Occupying a spit jutting out into the lake, sẁiẁs Provincial Park, formerly called Haynes Point, offers camping just a few feet from the water’s edge. (Book far ahead of your visit — people have been known to hawk their reservations on eBay for this popular place.)

Bonus for mom and dad: That desert sun does wonders for winemaking. This area

L FE OUTDOORS

Visit wdfw.wa.gov/life-outdoors for more information 1 0 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

has many wineries, and some, including Covert Farms (covertfarms.ca), offer kid-friendly experiences. You’ll also find loads of nearby U-pick cherry and peach orchards.

Don’t miss: Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (nkmipdesert.com). It offers programs in summer and gives kids the chance to check out a traditional pit house and sweat lodge, hear the legends of Sen’klip (Coyote) and learn about desert ecology.

Lake temp: Around 70 degrees Drive time from Seattle: About five hours The skinny: Spirit Ridge Resort (spiritridge.ca) offers a bounty of amenities. Camping at sẁiẁs Provincial Park (bcparks.ca) is far easier on the budget.

5. The classic family lake: Payette Lake, McCall, Idaho • visitmccall.org Payette Lake contains 8 square miles of glacial-fed water and sits at the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the second-largest federal wilderness area in the Lower 48. Mountain scenery? Check. Sandy beaches?

Check. Boating? Check. Charming lakeside lodge, complete with water trampoline? Check. Add epic huckleberry picking, road and mountain biking, hiking, camping, a killer dry pine forest state park (Ponderosa State Park) and nearby natural hot springs (check out Burgdorf; burgdorfhotsprings.com) and you’ve got yourself a classic.

Payette Lake even has its own lake monster, “Sharlie” (thought to possibly be an ancient sturgeon hiding in a lake that hits 392 feet at its deepest point). Sharlie sightings date back to the 1920s; today, you’re most likely to see Sharlie on gift shop T-shirts.

McCall is small and safe, great for older kids who want some roaming radius. You’ll find good local grub in this former timber town, from upscale Bistro 45 to burgers at Lardo’s (visitmccall.org/eat/dining). If you want a backroads road trip, hit the harmonica festival (yellowpinefestival.org) in the tiny mountain hamlet of Yellow Pine (Aug. 4–6 in 2022), honoring pioneers who carried pocket harps into the wilderness with them.

Don’t miss: “Mountain size” scoops at Ice Cream Alley (@icecream_alley) Lake temp: Mid-60s Drive time from Seattle: About eight hours The skinny: Splurge on a stay at the Shore Lodge (shorelodge.com) or camp at Ponderosa State Park (parksandrecreation.idaho.gov).

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Lynn Schnaiberg is an award-winning journalist who has written for national publications, including Education Week and Outside Magazine.

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100 5th Street, Lynden, Washington

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7 Fun Things to Do in Charming Lynden, Washington This ideally situated community makes for a perfect Northwest day trip or weekend getaway

By Camille Gullickson If your family is anything like ours, pandemic life has given you a whole new appreciation for the outdoors. For my crew, outdoor adventuring during the past couple of years has included excursions to some of our state’s many beautiful agricultural communities. Lynden, a straight shot north of Seattle by car and located just a few miles from the U.S.Canadian border, is the pick of the crop to add to your family’s summer bucket list.

What drew Lynden’s first Dutch settlers to the area in the 1870s continues to hold appeal today. At its core, Lynden is a thriving agricultural community nestled in

the Nooksack Valley; its welcoming smalltown vibe makes it an ideal home base for all manner of seasonal adventures.

Its bucolic attractions are particularly abundant in summer.

Teri Treat, general manager of the Inn at Lynden (innatlynden.com), shares a few things she loves about the town: “Lynden is a classic historic American town, very walkable and bikeable, surrounded by beautiful farmland, and it has lots of interesting activities for families.” Read on for a few ideas to kickstart your planning for a family-friendly getaway to Lynden in beautiful Whatcom County.

1. Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk! Grab your

U-pick bucket and celebrate all things berry.

Did you know that Whatcom County produces the largest crop of red raspberries per capita in the world?

With berry season quickly approaching, that makes Lynden, a top berry producer in the county, the perfect destination for a sweet summer excursion. Many farms offer U-pick berries, including juicy strawberries in June, scarlet raspberries in July, and plump blueberries and blackberries in August. If you can, plan your visit to coincide with the annual Northwest FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 1 3

BOOK NOW!

C HAR M I N G LYN D EN , WA continued from page 13

Raspberry Festival (July 15–16 in 2022), which promises bushels of entertainment for the whole family, including a kids’ fun zone, classic car show, live music, $2 raspberry sundaes and more.

Escape To Your Next Escapade.

With or without the kids!

2. Explore Lynden’s charming downtown on foot or by bike.

Everywhere you turn, Lynden’s proud heritage and rich agricultural history are reflected in Dutch-themed murals, storefronts and architecture along the downtown area’s main drag, Front Street. Families can snap selfies at the 72-foot-tall Teunis & Aartje windmill, admire spectacular floral displays, pop into the independent bookstore Village Books and Paper Dreams (villagebooks.com), go roller-skating at the nostalgic Lynden Skateway (lyndenskateway.com) and peruse exhibits at the historic Jansen Art Center (jansenartcenter.org).

3. Learn about Lynden’s founding history.

At the Lynden Pioneer Museum (lyndenpioneermuseum.org), also located in the heart of the town, you’ll learn more about the area’s interesting early history. Educational displays, including an impressive collection of horse-drawn buggies, make this unique museum diverting for all ages. Keep an eye out for an upcoming exhibit that will highlight the history of John Deere agricultural machinery (dates to be announced).

4. Visit Bellewood Farms, Western Washington’s ‘premier

Water & Beaches Farms & Food Mountains & Trails

apple orchard and distillery,’ or another farm in the area.

Add Lynden to your must-visit list if your family enjoys touring working farms — the area has many to choose from (eatlocalfirst.org). While you might want to visit Bellewood Farms (bellewoodfarms.com) later in the season to enjoy its U-pick apple harvest, pumpkin patch and corn maze, it makes for a wonderful visit any time of year. A familyoperated, sustainable apple farm and award-winning distillery (with free tastings!), Bellewood also features a bakery, café, seasonal events (including a summer Farm Tunes series) and spectacular views of Mount Baker.

5. Get your wiggles out at Lynden City Park.

100 5th Street, Lynden, Washington innatlynden.com 360/746-8597

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Lynden City Park, also known as Million Smiles Playground Park, is a neighborhood park located just minutes from downtown, and it appeals to kids of all ages. The playground features a “tot lot,” a climbing wall and boulders, a pump track, a jungle gym, a castle maze and a 35-foot-tall tree house. Trails from the park connect to

creekside Bender Fields, which provides access to baseball, lacrosse and soccer fields, plus a dog park.s

6. Extend your outdoor explorations into the greater Lynden area.

Lynden is the perfect gateway to explore the Nooksack River, the majestic North Cascade Mountains and the northern edge of Puget Sound. Closer to town, check out the Berthusen Park trail system (hikingproject.com), a forested oasis of old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. Bike or walk the easy, dog-friendly 3-mile Jim Kaemingk Sr. Trail (alltrails.com), which winds by a quaint thatched-roof house that looks straight out of a storybook.

A scenic drive to Mount Baker– Snoqualmie National Forest, about 30 miles from Lynden, connects families to

glorious hiking and biking trails, fishing, nature viewing and more. Stage your perfect family Christmas card photo shoot at picturesque Nooksack Falls.

Easy access to this stunning waterfall viewing area, just off the Mount Baker Highway, makes it a jaw-dropping introduction to hiking for young children.

7. Take the family to the Northwest Washington Fair.

Who doesn’t love a big ol’ fair? The Northwest Washington Fair (nwwafair.com), one of the largest and most venerable around, has been held in Lynden every August since 1909 (with the exception of 2020, during the pandemic) and has something for everyone in the family to enjoy: carnival attractions, grandstand entertainers, rodeo action, a livestock show, fair food galore and more.

Touted as a “hands-on experience”

promoting an appreciation for the area’s agricultural heritage, the fair will run a full 10 days this year (Aug. 11–20).

Tickets for the planned live music performances are already on sale, so check the website.

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Camille Gullickson was born in Seattle, raised on Whidbey Island, and has been living in Oregon since 2007. Follow her adventures at tournesoladventures.com and on Instagram @tournesoladv.

Sponsored by

The 100-year-old Waples Mercantile Building is the repurposed home of The Inn at Lynden, a boutique hotel that is one of a select few listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn shares the space with a distinctive group of restaurants and shops that together infuse convenience, comfort and interest into every stay.

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SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE A short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, there is a place where kids (and adults) can explore the wonders of Nature.

Book your visit at bloedelreserve.org/tickets Timed tickets are required for admission

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(Not) Too Cool for Teens

Local destinations that will wow your hard-toimpress kid

By Gemma Alexander

Photos cour te sy Original Selfie Museum

Even during the best of times, teens rarely want to hang out with their parents. After a couple of years stuck at home during the pandemic, they really want you out of their hair. But two years at home can turn your crew into wide-eyed tourists in your own town, so don’t underestimate the appeal (to your teen) of having you foot the bill for expensive tickets to popular Instagramfriendly sites such as MoPOP, the Space Needle and the waterfront Ferris wheel.

But even if your family has already been there and done that, you can tempt

your teen with your knowledge of the following cool, under-the-radar spots that their friends may not have heard of yet.

Archie McPhee’s • mcphee.com Speaking of cool, nobody can keep theirs during a visit to Archie McPhee in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

This weird novelty store full of radically random merchandise (e.g., rubber chickens, axolotl action figures and sardine-flavored candy canes) brings out the inner child in everyone. You

don’t have to spend a dime to browse for hours, but most customers succumb to temptation and leave with a few items they never even realized they needed.

1300 N. 45th St., Seattle; spend what you will FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 17

Virtual Experiences Bring the Discovery Center to your classroom with topics like COVID-19, Global Goals, Gender Equity, and more to your classroom or group.

discovergates.org

( N OT ) TO O C O O L F O R T EEN S continued from page 17

The Infinite • feverup.com If your teen is as desperate for an Oculus as mine is, they will probably enjoy The Infinite, opening May 21.

This traveling virtual reality exhibition transports visitors to the International Space Station. During the hourlong experience, you’ll explore a life-size 3D re-creation of the International Space Station and the daily life of astronauts; see Earth on a 3D, 360-degree virtual reality space walk; and look at an exclusive installation by Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda.

Ages 8 and older; Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave.; $60 adult/$32 youth Martyr Sauce Pop Art Museum • martyrsauce.com The brainchild of local artist Tariqa Waters, Martyr Sauce expanded from its original Pioneer Square gallery into a museum of pop culture. The underground gallery focuses on underrepresented artists. The colorful street-level museum space is itself a work of art, which families can experience in private through timed, limited-entry tickets. Centered on an old-school TV show lunch box, the museum currently features Waters’ larger-than-life installations and works by multidisciplinary artists Kenji Stoll and 9 Coleman-Harvey.

All ages; 108 S. Jackson St., Seattle; by appointment; $15

Seattle NFT Museum • seattlenftmuseum.com Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a controversial type of digital asset that authenticate ownership. Whether you think the economics for NFT art are the way of the future or a total racket, you will find digital art displayed on large, high-resolution screens at Seattle’s NFT Museum.

Discover contemporary digital artists while you and your teen discuss the climate impacts of blockchains — or just try to sort out how the whole thing works.

2125 First Ave., Seattle; hours vary; $15 1 8 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Photo courtesy Museum of Museums

Museum of Museums • museumofmuseums.com Despite its name, the Museum of Museums (MoM) is not actually about museums. It is a high-concept arts space with a particular draw

for youth, partnering with Coyote Central (coyotecentral.org) by providing exhibition space, fundraising opportunities and mentorship for the youth arts organization’s artists. Every part of MoM is used to display art, from its two formal exhibition spaces featuring rotating installations, murals and sculpture, to its three separate “museums” — privately curated art collections and a gallery dedicated to art produced on-site. There’s also a theater, an events space that hosts art classes and pop-ups, a library and a make-out closet (maybe it doesn’t mean what it did in our day?). Even the gift shop is conceptual — it hosts a talk show.

900 Boylston Ave., Seattle; open Wednesday–Sunday; $10 weekday/$20 weekend

Original Selfie Museum • originalselfiemuseum.com Even if your teen doesn’t claim a single creative bone in their body, they probably practice the art of the selfie.

Seattle is one of the Selfie Museum’s nine locations around the country. It’s not actually a museum at all. The Selfie Museum is a photo studio designed with “Instagram Walls,” where you can take your own photos and videos using professional sets, props and lighting.

This is one outing for which you will definitely want to look your best.

92 Union St., Seattle; $29–$34 The Vera Project • theveraproject.org The Vera Project is all about building a youth-driven art and music community, which means that for many teens, it’s a parent-free space. But if your teen

Auburn’s new premiere indoor adventure park with 13 amazing attractions there is something for the entire family.

Rock Climbing Wall, Trampolines , Racing Ziplines, Ninja Course and Much More!

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FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 1 9

creative reuse studio for all

( N OT ) TO O C O O L F O R T EEN S

book online! families kid drop off camps birthdays

Photo by Nataworry Photography for KEXP continued from page 19

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is welcoming and you’re willing to let them take the lead, you can join them at Vera’s all-ages live music shows, take an all-ages workshop together to learn a new skill, or even sign up to volunteer together to help keep its great programs running.

305 Harrison St., Seattle; program costs vary KEXP • kexp.org Right across the courtyard from The Vera Project is another all-ages music institution, KEXP radio station.

Unfortunately, station tours and free, live, in-studio performances are on hold for the duration of the pandemic. But you can still visit its public gathering space, where you can feel both cool and comfortable, regardless of your age. Browse at Light in the Attic Record Shop, grab a cuppa at Caffe Vita and check out the rotating art displays — or just relax with a view of the on-air DJ. 472 First Ave. N., Seattle; free admittance Wa Na Wari • wanawari.org Meaning “our home” in Kalabari, Wa Na Wari provides space for ​Black art and belonging. Drop-in visitors can view art exhibitions by Black artists from Seattle and around the world. Hours are limited, and some events are for Black people only, but the Story Porch installation is outdoors and open to the public seven days a week. Wa Na Wari hosts events as varied as mushroom cultivation

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workshops and dance performances, so there’s bound to be something on offer that will interest your kid.

Older teens may be interested in applying for Bloom, a summer training program for BIPOC youths ages 18–25.

Program topics include Indigenous knowledge systems, Black liberation, urban farming, combating environmental racism and more. ​911 24th Ave., ​Seattle; program costs vary

Photo courtesy Wa Na Wari

Hidden Wizard Gallery • 5519 University Way N.E., Seattle Your teen has grown up spotting artist Henry’s whimsical off-kilter murals all around town. Now they can visit his newly opened Hidden Wizard Gallery in the University District — and maybe even pick up an original artwork to hang on their bedroom wall. The gallery is so hidden, there isn’t even a website yet (though you can see more of Henry’s artwork at itsahenry.com), but it is located at the north end of The Ave. So, don’t forget to budget time and money for bubble tea and hitting the teen-friendly shops just down the street.

Bonus: TeenTix • teentix.org No matter what you and your teen are into, the TeenTix Pass makes it easier. Teens ages 13–19 can sign up for a free membership entitling them to purchase $5 day-ofshow tickets at any of more than 70 partner organizations in the Greater Seattle area. From Seattle Asian Art Museum exhibits to films at the Grand Illusion, ballet performances to stand-up comedy, there is something for everyone. Some orgs, including Seattle Opera, even designate days when teens can buy discounted tickets for the adults in their life!

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Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts. When she’s not writing for ParentMap, she blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.

FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 2 1

FINDS A CLAM. TRIES ONE AT DINNER. PROGRESS. MILESTONES, JUST A FEW MILES AWAY.

Only two hours from Seattle, Semiahmoo is the perfect place to experience the moments with your kids that you live for. And with award-winning golf, casual seaside dining, and endless beach activities, you can try something new, too.

Visit Semiahmoo.com or call 360.318.2000.

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Photo courtesy Donut Factory

It’s a Doughnut Derby 10 holey eating adventures you’ll love ‘dough’ much

By Kate Missine

They’re fluffy, yeasty, sugary and all-around indulgent: We’re talking about doughnuts, of course. Who doesn’t love those puffs of pillowy deliciousness? Today’s dizzying array of decadent descendants of this once-humble treat have gone far beyond jam-filled or glazed, with pastry chefs elevating them to edible art and creating unique flavors that range from refined French brioche to exotic matcha-mochi.

Ready to go on a hunt for the best doughnuts the Greater Seattle area has to offer? Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork (you’re welcome): Just follow our powdered-sugar trail to these local bakeries and shops that have achieved doughnut perfection, and get ready for some seriously sticky fingers and happy faces! We’ve also included a fun bonus tour to sample some of these fried treats in one go!

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D O UG HNU T D ER BY

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continued from page 23

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Ongoing Adult Drop In Classes for Ballet, Jazz & Modern INSTRUCTORS: Joshua Grant, Christopher Montoya, Sierra Keith, Julia James, Prasti Purdum & other International Guest Faculty

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Photo courtesy General Porpoise

General Porpoise • gpdoughnuts.com With four gorgeous city locations, General Porpoise may well be the holy grail of fancy Seattle doughnuts.

Owner Renee Erickson, a James Beard Foundation Award–winning chef, got her inspiration for the concept from the famous doughnuts created by the St. John Restaurant group in London. The brioche dough is almost impossibly light and fluffy, and the fillings are a nod to their British roots, with classics such as vanilla custard and lemon curd, and with fresh, seasonal flavors such as quince jam in the mix. Teens will love the swanky décor that lands General Porpoise on the list of Seattle’s most Instagrammable cafés, while coffee-connoisseur parents will be pleased with the carefully curated array of caffeinated beverages.

Raised Doughnuts • raiseddoughnuts.com Raised Doughnuts owner and pastry chef Mi Kim discovered her love for doughnuts as a child, when her dad would buy them from the local gas station to sweeten early-morning drives. Her own flavor creations raise the bar (pun intended) on those simple childhood memories. From her take on the traditional maple bar to imaginative

monthly specials, such as the chocolate chip cookie doughnut or “The Noodle,” which is iced with a chocolaty doggy face, these are not your average pastries. For the more adventurous, the savory “Everything Doughnut” is a unique variation on its bagel brother.

The Central District shop is soon moving to Midtown Square. Follow Raised Doughnuts for updates; plus, keep an eye out for its pop-ups around town.

Photo courtesy Raised Doughnuts

Frost • frostology.com In Mill Creek Town Center, Frost brings a taste of artisanal doughnuts closer to those of us who live outside of Seattle proper. Kiddos will be delighted by the oodles of sprinkles on chocolate and vanilla cake doughnuts, while parents will appreciate the novelty of Moscow mule or spiced Aztec chocolate

It’s fun in the sun, R on the water! but BETTE

Photo courtesy Frost

varieties. The location also serves a full breakfast and lunch menu until 2 p.m., so you can get a sandwich or omelet into your littles before the sweets. (The doughnut French toast is always an continued on page 28

Get ahead of the summer rush and scan to book your cruise!

– Your Friend with a Boat

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option, too!) Bonus: Elevated Sportz (elevatedsportz.com) and the Arena Sports Family Entertainment Center (arenasports.net/mill-creek) are both a short drive away for burning off that sugar rush!

the

history and culture

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Dochi • dochicompany.com If you haven’t yet had the chance to try the much-hyped sensation that is the mochi doughnut, you’re in for a real treat. Orlando brand Photo courtesy Dochi Dochi — the treat being a culinary cross between a doughnut and mochi, of course — brings the fusion dessert to the Pacific Northwest.

Each crispy bubble of ring-shaped dough is filled with a chewy bite of mochi, the glutinous Japanese rice sweet.

Funky flavor choices include ube, taro pebbles and matcha-Oreo, plus there are fun rotating specials such as Unicorn Candy and Lucky Charms (stalk Dochi’s Instagram feed to see the latest taste sensations; @dochi.seattle). There’s no standalone shop; to find these delights, you’ll need to venture into the Uwajimaya food hall in the Chinatown–International District or inside The Eatery at Lam’s Seafood Market in Tukwila.

The Flour Box • theflourboxseattle.com You’ll know you found this insanely popular Hillman City bakery café when you spot the long customer queue outside the doors, a line that often forms long before the 10 a.m. opening. You’ll need to arrive early if you want to get your hands on one of the incredible brioche doughnuts: The firstcome, first-served bakery Photo courtesy The Flour Box is open Thursdays through Sundays, and usually sells out of doughnuts by noon!

Inside, the cozy, light-flooded space feels like a friend’s (very chic) living room. Everything is made in house from scratch. Homemade honeycomb or pandan leaves make

their way into unexpected fillings, such as coconut milk custard or cardamomscented basmati rice pudding. The Flour Box also serves a selection of fun beverages.

The Donut Lab • thedonutlabseattle.com Dreaming of a tropical escape? If you can’t make it to Hawaii’s sandy beaches, the island-inspired delicacies at The Donut Lab might just be the perfect consolation treat. The company looks to bring a taste of the tropics to Seattle with its take on the malasada, a Portuguese-style doughnut delicacy popular in Hawaii. The fluffy, sugarcrusted pastries come in a variety of exotic flavors, including guava, macadamia nut and piña colada.

Currently, the shop doesn’t have a storefront: You’ll need to order online

and pick the doughnuts up in Renton to get your malasada fix.

Donut Factory • donutfactoryinc.com Over-the-top decadent is how we would describe the sugary temptations

Photo courtesy Donut Factory

at Donut Factory, which loads up its confections with everything from Oreos to

bacon. Indulge in a doughnut version of your favorite candy bar, cinnamon roll or s’more; or go for a classic Bavarian cream or a fun PB&J option. The University District location is a hop and a skip from the Burke Museum, making it the perfect pre- or post-visit refueling stop. There is also a location in Lynnwood.

Jet City Beignet • jetcitybeignet.com Ever tried a beignet before? If not, you’re in for a treat. These airy, crispy golden puffs are a New Orleans specialty made with a choux-like pastry.

The square fritters are typically sold in servings of half a dozen or more, dusted with powdered sugar and served piping hot out of the fryer with a dipping sauce of melted chocolate. Jet City Beignet brings the yummies to Seattle at pop-up stands and ghost kitchens

SUMMER FUN AT THE BURKE MUSEUM! Dino Camps Visit ice age animals, appreciate Northwest Native art, and play in our field research campsite And more!

Tickets and more info: burkemuseum.org

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around town; you’ll need to check the calendar to catch them, but trust us, they’re worth it! You can also purchase packages of the company’s beignets in the freezer section at all Metropolitan Market locations to fry up at home.

Photo courtesy Jet City Beignet

• mightyo.com Considered a venerable local institution, Mighty-O may not have the glitz factor of some of the other shops on this list, but the doughnuts are definitely on point, consistently tasty and made with all-organic ingredients — and without eggs and dairy, making Mighty-O one of the few veganfriendly doughnut shops in the area. The focus is on dense, chewy cake doughnuts in chocolate, vanilla, iced and glazed options, along with specialty flavors, such as the wildly popular French toast. Five convenient locations around the city mean you’re never too far from a yummy treat.

Mighty-O Donuts

SUMMER CAMP FOR 3-8 YEAR OLDS

Photo courtesy Underground Donut Tour

• Half or full-day camps for 1-6 weeks in July & August • Daily adventures in tinkering, performing arts, discovery/science, arts & crafts, and more!

• Weekly field trips and special projects • Plenty of outdoor time at nearby Green Lake Park

tcsseattle.org The Children’s School

7400 Woodlawn Ave. NE. • 206-258-4900 We’re a nonprofit, independent school focused on social-emotional learning, relationships and play!

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Underground Donut Tour • undergrounddonuttour.com Just can’t decide which of these amazing doughnutty creations to try first? How about leaving it up to a local doughnut expert (yes, that’s a thing) to decide and be your guide? Go on a delicious family adventure with the Underground Donut Tour, starting in Belltown and heading to Pike Place Market. You’ll check out some of Seattle’s best doughnut shops, learning about their history and other doughnut-related trivia along the way. But most importantly, of course, you’ll sample all of the fried sugary goodies you can handle!

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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.

KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

FOUNDATION

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Overnight Sensations One-of-a-kind vacation rentals close to home

By Gemma Alexander

We are all overdue for a mood-reviving getaway. The pandemic appears to be receding, but we’ve been here before, and even if splurging on plane tickets isn’t too big of a risk, the constantly shifting regulations of international travel are hard to navigate. Not to mention there’s a war happening in Europe, so this really isn’t the best time for that once-ina-lifetime international vacation.

Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest is a worthy travel destination in its own right. And thanks to my teen’s pandemic-inspired hobby of surfing Airbnb (airbnb.com), we’ve discovered some truly unique vacation rentals. You can plan a nearby trip your kids will never forget — with as much, or as little, social distancing as you want.

Follow the short URLs to check availability and current booking rates.

‘Jurassic Park’ • parentmap.com/jurassic Fortunately, Jurassic Park isn’t real.

But parents can offer kids the next best (much safer) thing at the Jurassic Retreat in Washougal, Washington. Lifesize T. rex, velociraptor and triceratops movie props dot the grounds of this rustic-industrial lodge house, which hosts as many as eight guests. Parents will appreciate the hot tub, full kitchen and laundry amenities, while kids will marvel at a dinosaur skull mounted in the great room, dinosaur-themed artwork and a huge TV. It even has bunk beds.

8 guests • 3 bedrooms • 5 beds • 2 baths The Shire • parentmap.com/shire There may be more accurate replicas of Bag End available in Washington, but it’s hard to find another underground

house that sleeps a family of five.

Corner Getaway is a cozy 500-squarefoot hobbit hole located within walking distance of Sequim Bay State Park and the Olympic Discovery Trail. Inside, there’s a double bed in the bedroom, and a single bed, sofa bed and air mattresses in the living room and loft.

Outside, there’s a firepit and a private half acre where kids and pets can play.

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FIND YOUR

ADVENTURE

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The Fairy Tale • parentmap.com/castle Once upon a time, in a land not too far away (only 1 mile from the center of Sequim), there was a fairy tale castle surrounded by lavender. Feel like royalty sitting in front of the central hearth or climbing the circular stair to your medieval-themed bedroom. Kids will appreciate the provided dress-up clothes and castle-themed movie collection — just remember, the swords and armor are for display only.

12 guests • 2 bedrooms • 4 beds • 2 baths

Register today for Day Camp and Overnight Camp

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Magical Boarding School • parentmap.com/schoolhouse It’s okay to fall asleep in these classrooms. It’s not exactly Hogwarts, but the hosts promise that the Rainier Schoolhouse in Mineral, Washington, is “gently haunted.”

Used as an artists’ retreat space for part of the year, this former elementary school near Mount Rainier is perfect for a family reunion. Play piano or project a movie in the library (or just lounge in the comfy chairs), make big meals in the fully stocked kitchen and throw a dance party in the gym. You can barbecue and make s’mores outside or roam the 4-acre property with the dog. It’s located within walking distance to a fishing lake (kayaks provided) and a 25-minute drive to the entrance of Mount Rainier.

10 guests • 6 bedrooms • 6 beds • 2.5 baths

Ships Ahoy! • parentmap.com/boat One of a handful of docked vacation boats in Gig Harbor, the Shamrockin will rock you to sleep at night. You can’t take the boat out, but kayaks are also available; the boat’s harbor location means you can paddle to

the waterfront Anthony’s seafood restaurant when you don’t want to deal with dishes in the galley. This charming little boat is far from ADA-accessible

— you need to be nimble to climb aboard and to squeeze into the smaller sleeping spaces. There is a safety rail on deck, but families with small children might want to wait a few seasons.

4 guests • 2 bedrooms • 2 beds • 1 bath Glamp in a Bubble • parentmap.com/bubble Sorry, kiddos — this unique sans enfants getaway is for adults only.

Under the Stars offers a truly unique eco-glamping adventure designed to maximize comfort while minimizing environmental impact. Guests will sleep on air mattresses in a clear bubble tent with an unobstructed view of the night sky. You can prep the provided basket of grown-on-site veggies in a covered cooking area nearby, and soak in an outdoor tub (no soap!) that waters the vegetable garden. If you’re looking for

Take a tour of T-Mobile Park, the spectacular home of the Seattle Mariners. The 19.59 acre outdoor ballpark features real grass, a retractable roof and state-of-theart amenities. View areas normally restricted to the public, including the field and visitors clubhouse. (All areas of the ballpark are subject to availability based on ballpark activities.)

Use the promo code and receive one complimentary child ballpark tour with the purchase of one adult ballpark tour.

Restrictions: Code valid 1 per transaction. Must be used online only. Not redeemable in-person at the Team Store. Only valid during the MLB season (April - October 2022).

MARINERS.COM/TOURS FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 3 7

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A flexibleA and convenientand way for people living with disabilities flexible convenient way to invest in their quality of life.

for people living with disabilities to invest in their quality of life.

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WashingtonStateABLE.com • 1-844-600-2253

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adventure, the site is close to Hood Canal, state parks and national forests, as well as the small town of Hoodsport.

But if you just want to relax on-site, there’s a meditation tent and more than half a peaceful acre to explore.

4 guests • 1 bedroom • 1 bed • 1 bath

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Raised in a Barn • parentmap.com/barn This farm-stay lodging may look rustic, but the inside is downright cozy. One of the bedrooms comes stocked with toys on the off chance that you’ll have downtime from all the activities the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. This quiet location outside of White Salmon has prairie views from the upstairs and views of the river from various points on the property. If you’ve got a bigger brood, consider renting out the third floor of this old dairy barn in Arlington ($279/night; sleeps 10; parentmap.com/big-barn).

4 guests • 2 bedrooms • 2 beds • 1 bath

Swiss Family Robinson • parentmap.com/treehouse From spheres suspended by cables to luxe Scandi-modern structures, the Pacific Northwest hosts an abundance of tree house rentals. Looking very much like a child’s idea of the perfect secret clubhouse in the trees, The Squirrel’s Nest hits the sweet spot at 280 square feet and is nestled 15 feet above the ground between two fir trees.

Accessed by a spiral staircase, the tree house sleeps four with a queen and two single beds. There’s a loft and two balconies, but only a half-bath.

That’s okay; The Squirrel’s Nest is near Redmond, so you can run home for a shower.

4 guests • 1 bedroom • 3 beds • half bath

Locked in a Tower • parentmap.com/skyhouse Why sleep in the trees when you can rise above them? At Skyhouse, you’re not actually locked in a tower, but after a 98-stair ascent to the Space Needle–like Skyroom, you might choose to stay up top rather than return to the main house at ground level. For family members who can’t handle all those stairs in order to take in the bird’s-eye views of Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains on three sides of the Skyroom, two levels of wraparound decks down below offer plenty to see and enjoy.

11 guests • 3 bedrooms • 5 beds • 3.5 baths All Aboard • parentmap.com/caboose You’ll feel like you’re heading somewhere (even though you stay

put) in the Great Northern Caboose.

It’s one of four retired railroad cars remodeled into vacation rentals in Cle Elum. Located next to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail and the Milwaukee Road interpretive trail of railroad history, and with a small railroad museum out back, this unique lodging experience is perfect for cyclists and train enthusiasts alike. The railcars are part of the Iron Horse Inn, which has ADA suites in the main building and serves farm-to-table breakfasts.

5 guests • 4 beds • 1 bath

Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts. When she’s not writing for ParentMap, she blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.

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SHOP

EAT

PLAY

STAY

Discover the beauty of Anacortes, the crown jewel of Fidalgo Island. Explore our beaches, marinas, lakes and forestlands, or stroll through the fine boutiques and cafés in our vintage downtown. Enjoy live music, community theatre, festivals and more!

Click or call to learn more | anacortes.org | (360) 293-3832 FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 3 9

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{the power of}

That’s Child’s Play.

Kids learn best in a play-based world. Why? Because …

Play heals …

Play teaches …

Play connects …

Play prepares …

Play inspires.

Play is the birthplace of the individual.

Our region’s beyond-vibrant children’s museums have always been an essential staple of every parent’s PNW “play book” — rain or shine — and they are open and welcoming back adventure-hungry families. In our increasingly plugged-in world, these meccas of playful learning and socialization offer a time-tested, real-world antidote to the allure of screen time — and to the worrisome aftereffects of pandemic learning loss.

Pop in for a playtime or make a day of it with a trip to a museum a bit farther from home. Plus, don’t miss your chance to enter the Power of Play Giveaway for your chance at winning fantastic prizes (see p. 49), including free admission to regional children’s museums and gift cards valued at $1,000.

LOOK!

“Play is important forever.”

— Putter Bert, president and CEO of KidsQuest Children’s Museum FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 4 1

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4 imaginecm.org

5 kidimu.org

6 kidsquestmuseum.org

7 seattlechildrensmuseum.org

8 kid-time.org

IDAHO

9 cmidaho.org

10 fairbankschildrensmuseum.com

Keep going!

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Hands-on exhibits, camps and classes, special events and more!

Powering play for Pierce County

The Children’s Museum of Skagit County is a place where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them. With more than 15,000 square feet of exhibit space, there is plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do. Camps and classes are offered during the spring, summer and winter.

The Help Me Grow – Family Resource Center is available for families in need of basic household and infant items, such as diapers, formula and toiletries.

The Children’s Museum of Tacoma and the Children’s Museum at JBLM power play through Pay As You Will, a unique donation-based admission model that promotes access for everyone.

Since 1985, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma has inspired children’s imaginations with imaginative handson playscapes, an art studio, and early learning programs.

Opened in 2021, the Children’s Museum at JBLM is the first children’s museum on a military installation in the world.

Check the website for current operations, hours, ticketing information and more.

Both museums are powered by Greentrike, a nonprofit that advocates for and models equitable access to playful experiences for children, youth, and families.

• Hands-on Exhibits • Special Events • Preschool • Memberships • Parties and Field Trips • Museum Store • Camps and Classes • Scholarships available • Family Resource Center

• Pay As You Will, donation-based admission • Open Thursday through Sunday • Greentrike’s learning and enrichment programs for children, youth, and families include Preschool Powered by Play, Play to Learn, and Greentrike Camps.

greentrike.org/visit

skagitchildrensmuseum.net

432 Fashion Way, Burlington, WA 98233 360-757-8888 • info@skagitcm.org 4 4 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Children’s Museum of Tacoma: 1501 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402 Children’s Museum at JBLM: 2275 Liggett Ave., Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433

253-627-6031

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Visit the award-winning children’s museum on Olympia’s East Bay waterfront!

Voted the Best of Western Washington

by KING 5.

Imagine your summer fun expanding in our new building!

Explore 150 interactive exhibits, including a two-story Streamside Climber, the Ballcano water table, an Emergency! Gallery and an Airways Maze.

Design & create in the Art Studio, tinker in the MakerSpace, and make and launch your own rockets!

Experience a half-acre Outdoor Discovery Center as you climb on a real vintage schooner, dig for dinos, go bouldering on our beach, and sluice for hidden treasures.

All Summer Long!

• Summer Splash! Festival of Fun • Fire Rescue Spectacular • Visiting Animals • Awesome Artists • Spectacular Scientists • Special Events • Mud Pie Mondays• Rock Wall Climb

hocm.org

414 Jefferson St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98501 360-956-0818 • info@hocm.org

If you thought Imagine Children’s Museum was the best place to play before, you should see us now! Our recent 33,000-square-foot, three-story expansion means that there’s even more room for children to stretch their creativity, work out the wiggles and follow their imagination. New exhibits, studios and performance areas offer fresh opportunities for the whole family to learn through play before school starts again. Whether it’s a camp, playdate or family outing, we’re cool inside and sunny on our Rooftop Adventure for all-weather summer fun!

• Summer camps registering now • Expanded art, culture and science programs • Memberships offer a year of free admission • Exclusive hours for children with special needs • Admission discounts for EBT families

imaginecm.org

1502 Wall St., Everett, WA 98201 425-258-1006 • reservations@imaginecm.org FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 4 5

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Family fun just steps from the Bainbridge Island ferry!

Discover the superpower of play at KidsQuest!

Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) invites children and their families to learn and grow through experiential exhibits and activities centered around science, technology, engineering, art and math.

KidsQuest features more than 25 innovative exhibits packed full to the brim with hands-on play designed for children and their families. Pick apples in our Tot Orchard, funnel and splash in our water exhibit, or climb aboard a real-life semi truck cab!

Make music memories or build with your imagination in our outside exhibit, Sticks + Stones. Plus, twice a day every weekday this summer KidsQuest is putting the POW back into play with FREE Camptivities! The world is your oyster, and KidsQuest Children’s Museum is your Pacific Northwest playground!

KiDiMu’s exhibits encourage imaginary play and scientific inquiry, focusing on early childhood education. Imagine and discover a world you can’t see in our Nano exhibit.

Build giant sculptures with Blue Blocks. Become a veterinarian, store clerk or banker in the Our Town exhibit.

Located in downtown Bainbridge Island, KiDiMu is just steps from the ferry, parks, restaurants and shops!

• Art projects • Special events • Workshops • Summer camps • STEM kits and activity books • Cultural programming • Holiday celebrations

kidimu.org

301 Ravine Lane N.E., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 206-855-4650 • learnmore@kidimu.org 4 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

• Check our website for the most up-to-date hours.

• Reservations are strongly encouraged.

• Low Sensory Afternoons are offered every third Thursday, 3–5 p.m.

• Discounted tickets are available to those in need.

kidsquestmuseum.org

1116 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004 425-637-8100 • info@kidsquestmuseum.org

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Seattle Children’s Museum (now reopened!) promotes learning through play

New museum opening in Southern Oregon for summer fun

In the heart of Seattle, in the middle of the beautiful Seattle Center campus, the air is filled with excitement and laughter. Seattle Children’s Museum has reopened its doors for youth from birth to 10 (and their adults!) to engage in hands-on play, creative learning and discovery.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon (previously known as Kid Time!) is opening its longawaited new location in June. Visit the beautiful Rogue River Valley and explore play in a whole new way.

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This 42-year-old gem shines brighter than ever with refreshed and new exhibits reflecting an intentional focus on art, literacy, role playing, and appreciation for the region’s natural and built environments. Plan your visit today. All are welcome. All are valued.

• The museum shop includes fun and educational gifts and books for kids.

• Reservations are available for private parties.

• Before you visit, check the museum’s website for hours and other info.

seattlechildrensmuseum.org

305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109 206-441-1768 • Info@seattlechildrensmuseum.org

We offer dynamic interactive playscapes, instructed programs, an extensive makerspace, engaging information on regional heritage and much more.

Whether your child is interested in driving an ambulance, climbing, singing, taking a photo with Sasquatch or launching paint from a catapult, we’ve got you covered!

• Opening this summer • Brand-new exhibits • Outdoor playscape • Drop-in programs to attend (music, art, ninjas and so much more!)

• Located right in the heart of Medford, Oregon

kid-time.org

413 West Main St., Medford, OR 97501 541-772-9922 • info@kid-time.org FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 47

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Let the adventure begin

Visit the farthest north children’s museum!

Welcome, explorers! The Children’s Museum of Idaho inspires and nurtures future explorers, innovators and critical thinkers through interactive play featuring hands-on exhibits and programs designed specifically for children ages 2–8.

• Fly a plane • Climb inside a rocket • Milk a cow • Steer a pirate ship • Shop at a grocery store • Visit a cave full of critters • Dig for dinosaur fossils • Make and bake a play pizza • Be a veterinarian and X-ray a dog … and so much more!

cmidaho.org

790 S. Progress Ave., Meridian, ID 83642 208-345-1920 • info@cmidaho.org 4 8 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

The Fairbanks Children’s Museum provides a rich environment that stimulates children’s natural curiosity and creativity. Kids explore multisensory, hands-on, engaging and child-centered activities at FCM. Our interactive environment offers unique opportunities for discovery, invites free and joyful exploration, and encourages kids to engage and connect with the world around them.

• Create in the Imagineering Lab • Explore in the canopy tree climber • Crawl in the infant discovery area • Participate in art and science programs • Connect with our community

fairbankschildrensmuseum.com

302 Cushman St., Suite 101, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-374-6873 • hello@fairbankschildrensmuseum.com

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Enter for a chance to win one of 10 museum admission prizes or one of three Amazon gift cards valued at up to $500.

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9 Adventures That Will Float Your Boat Unique local boat tours and cruises for summer family fun

By Kate Missine

5 0 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

One of my family’s favorite things about living on the West Coast is all the gorgeous bodies of water surrounding us everywhere we look, from plentiful lakes to stunning Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the great Pacific Ocean beyond. What better way to take advantage of these natural wonders than to spend time on them? Warm summer months are the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely sail or boat ride. (Bonus: It’s cool and breezy on the water, even on the hottest days.) And luckily for us, there’s no

shortage of cool local water ride options to choose from — no boating license required.

The following unique local boat tours, rentals and cruises are essential additions to your summer adventure bucket list!

1. Seattle Donut Boat Co. • seattledonutboat.com No, there are no actual doughnuts involved in this ring-shaped ride (though have we got some doughnuts for you, p. 23), but

w w w . S k a g itC h ild r en sM u se u m.ne t

15,000+ Square Feet Hands-on Exhibits Art Studio

Pre-School

Field Trips

Special Events

Scholarships

Celebrations

Museum Store

Camps & Classes

... and more!

Check website for current operations, hours, ticketing information and more. that doesn’t make it any less sweet! Grab some snacks and beverages, and pile into one of these cute doughnutshaped vessels to float lazily around Lake Union, chilling in the shade provided by the cheerful red umbrella overhead.

The boats seat six and are a breeze to control

Closed some holidays 7KH &KLOGUHQ·V 0XVHXP RI 6NDJLW &RXQW\ LV D QRQ SURÀW 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote, encourage and increase an understanding of the arts, science, culture and literature among the children, youth, families and educators in Skagit County and beyond.

Located in Burlington, WA :: Tel: 360.757.8888

www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net Photo courtesy Seattle Donut Boat Co.

VisitBurlingtonWA.com

VisitSkagitValley.com FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 5 1

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INSPIRED LEARNING

by anyone age 25 or older with a valid driver’s license; life jackets are provided and required for any passenger younger than 12.

Cost: Hour-long cruise, $125; two-hour cruise, $198

2. Ice Cream Cruise • seattlewatertours.com

Everything is better with ice cream, and boats are no exception! Board this sweet family- and dog-friendly tour boat at Lake Union Park and get ready to enjoy a 45-minute narrated sailing, learning entertaining facts about local landmarks, such as Boeing’s birthplace and the lake’s houseboat community. And, of course, there’s the ice cream — for sale as soon as you get aboard! The cruise sails year-round on Sundays (five sailings during the day); an additional schedule of summer Saturday cruises will run June 18–Aug. 27 in 2022. You can also bring your bikes aboard with the new Bike-and-Boat option: Dock at Fishermen’s Terminal for a 3-mile return ride along the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

Cost: Adults, $15; kids ages 3–12, $10; children ages 2 and younger, $4; ice cream treats, snacks and beverages available for purchase

3. Emerald City Pirates • emeraldcitypirates.com Arr, mateys! Gather up your little buccaneers and get your sea legs ready for a voyage aboard Queen Anne’s Revenge, a 50-foot, custom-built ship hosting Seattle’s only interactive pirate-themed cruise. For the popular Family Treasure Cruise, salty dogs of all ages get outfitted with cool pirate swag to wear, along with an item of choice from the ship’s treasure chest. Then it’s off to

Photo courtesy Emerald City Pirates 5 2 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Experience a Boutique Farm Without Crowds

KiDiMu Kids Discovery Museum

Spend time with chickens, ducks, bunnies, goats and sheep!

Small-scale, first-generation farm Woman-owned and operated

imagine. discover. grow.

Private Tours NEW Birthday Parties

TUESDAYS

6:3m0 p

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Concert Series

6:30 pm

July 6 – Aug 10

Noon – 1:00 pm

noon

July 5 – Aug 9

FRIDAYS

7:0m0 p

Schedule your visit today!

Music AND Movies Concerts at 7:00 pm Movies at Dusk July 15 – Aug 5

For more info

laceyparks.org

18ft x 18ft Screen • Concessions for Sale • Bring Your Own Seating

heartnsoulfarm.com 206-919-0597 heartnsoulfarm@outlook.com FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 5 3

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WEEKEND SANCTUARY TOURS!

chart the waters of Lake Union, searching for treasure, playing games and learning some pirate slang. The cruise concludes with the finale firing of the ship’s cannons.

Snacks, drinks, more pirate goodies and adult beverages are available for purchase from the ship’s store; the entire experience takes around 1.5 hours.

Cost: Salty dogs ages 14 and older, $39; scallywags ages 18 months–14 years, $32; wee pirates 18 months and younger, $15

4. The Center for Wooden Boats • cwb.org

CONNECT WITH ANIMALS IN A NEW WAY

Ready to row, row, row your boat? Due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Center for Wooden Boats has temporarily replaced its 25-year-old Sunday Public Sail tradition with its Public Peapod Program, offering one-hour rowboat rentals for free, every day during business hours, as a nostalgic way to explore the lake at your leisure. No experience is needed — the friendly team of staff and volunteers will assist you when you arrive. Five people at a time can get rowing; reservations must be made ahead of time.

Cost: Free!

Join Pasado’s Safe Haven for a tour of our internationally accredited and awardwinning sanctuary! Explore 85 beautiful acres in the foothills of the Cascades and home to over 200 rescued animals.

WWW.PASADOSAFEHAVEN.ORG/TOURS 5 4 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Photo courtesy of Argosy Cruises

5. Argosy Cruises • argosycruises.com Play tourist in your own town by treating the family to one of Argosy’s fun hour-long narrated cruises, departing from the Seattle waterfront.

Listen to fun facts about the city and its history, and enjoy panoramic and close-up views of the city skyline, shipping

port and more. Two tour options are available: the Harbor Cruise; and the Locks Cruise, during which you get to ride the Ballard Locks “elevator” as the vessel transitions from salt water to fresh water! Snacks and soft drinks are sold on board for the youngsters, and there is a full bar for the grown-ups.

Cost: Harbor Cruise: Seniors (65 and older), $32; adults (ages 13 and older), $35; kids (ages 4–12), $20; children ages 3 and younger, free Locks Cruise: Seniors (65 and older), $46; adults (ages 13 and older), $49; kids (ages 4–12), $25; children ages 3 and younger, free

6. The Electric Boat Company •

theelectricboatco.com Looking for more independent water fun? Put on your captain’s hat and get ready to steer these electric rental boats

for groups of 6–12 — they’re an awesome option for a birthday celebration, family reunion or just a grand adventure.

Traverse Lake Union between the Ballard Locks and Portage Bay in one of the three options available: a standard or luxury Duffy boat, or an open-air donut boat. All of the boats are easy to operate and come with features such as a Bluetooth sound system, tables, heating and shade canopies. (No restrooms are on board, however, so prepare to disembark should you need to use the facilities.)

Catering options made on-site are available, along with snacks and beverages for sale in the rental office. Plus, check out the new “Clueless in Seattle” scavenger hunt add-on for extra family fun!

Cost: Boat rentals range from $85/hour for the donut boat (seats six) to $125/ hour for the standard Duffy (seats 10) to $175/hour for the luxury Duffy (seats 12);

catering, GPS-guided tour add-on and the scavenger hunt option are extra

7. Hot Tub Boats • hottubboats.com That summer sun not hot enough for you? Turn up the heat with a dip in a one-of-a-kind boat that is a hot tub, too!

Take in the scenery around Lake Union as you soak in balmy 104-degree water in a tub set right in the middle of the joystick-navigated boat. Each hot tub seats six and is surrounded with teak decking for lounging, hatches for storing snacks and drinks, and waterproof Bluetooth speakers for blasting your favorite tunes. Changing rooms, lockers and showers are available at the rental facility, which is quite an attraction itself: a floating hut decorated by local muralists. All ages are allowed on board, but passengers need to keep safety precautions in mind for little

FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 5 5

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ones and pregnant mamas.

Cost: $400 for two hours; six people maximum per boat

8. Salish Sea Tours • salishseatours.com If you have strolled by Miners Landing lately, you might have noticed a distinctive black-and-red vessel taking off from Pier 57. Opened to the public last summer, these new boat tours are a chance to get a taste of Indigenous culture as well as have fun cruising on the water. The two 93-foot catamarans are Native-owned and -designed, featuring carvings by a local Skokomish artist as well as pieces by a group of traditional carvers from British Columbia.

Passengers learn about Native history during the one-hour voyage, which is

narrated by a member of the Duwamish Tribe. Two full-service bars operate on board, offering a salmon meal along with sandwiches, snacks and other nonalcoholic beverages.

Cost: Seniors (65 and older), $27; adults (ages 12–64), $30; kids (ages 3–11), $20; children 2 and younger, free

9. Seattle’s Tall Ship •

seattlesailingship.com Looking for truly old-school sailing action? You can’t get more classic than the Bay Lady — an actual old-world tall ship — operating daily sailing cruises departing from Seattle’s historic Elliott Bay waterfront. Kiddos will feel like they stepped into a favorite adventure novel as they board the 85-foot, twin-masted

schooner right out of a bygone era, complete with a friendly crew and even a cannon! Three public sailings take place daily, most of them powered by wind alone. The ship is family-friendly, with two onboard bathrooms, a snack and drink bar, and plentiful seating.

Cost: Adults, $39–$49; kids ages 2–12, $29–$39; children younger than 2, $5

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PIRATE SHIP CRUISES

Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.

PUBLIC CRUISES

• Family Treasure Cruise

1.5 hour interactive pirate adventure for a� ages!

• Adult Pirate Party Cruise (21+)

1.5 hour party cruise with games and great music!

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• Plan Your Own Voyage Ca� to book Queen Anne’s Revenge for your private event up to 48 guests. Birthday Parties • Family Reunions • Holidays

• We also offer Corporate Events and Team Building, as we� as adult cruises for Moms and Dads!

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EMERALDCITYPIRATES.COM or (206) 639-8689

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WWW.MERCERISLAND.GOV/PARKSREC 5 8 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Incredible Lighthouse Stays for PNW Families Try out life on the edge by sojourning in historic keeper’s quarters

By Kate Missine A salty ocean breeze, the cries of seagulls and a familiar white structure jutting up against the coastline: There is something undeniably mesmerizing about the stalwart and nostalgic charm of lighthouses. If you and your family want to really dive into this feeling, you’re in luck. Did you know you can spend the night in real lighthouse keeper’s quarters?

Pacific Northwest coastlines are peppered with these historic and essential stations, many of which have opened up to visitors seeking a taste of life on the edge. Some lighthouses and keeper’s quarters have been fully converted into vacation properties, offering the lighthouse mystique along with fullservice comfort. Others invite you in to fully experience the lightkeeper’s life with programs that involve guests in carrying out basic station duties.

North Head Lighthouse

Whether you’re looking for a fun night’s stay or a unique learning experience for the entire family, check out these four unforgettable lighthouses along the Washington and Oregon coasts.

State Park is a popular camping destination, but did you know you can also enjoy this spot’s far-from-disappointing landscape from the comfort of a lightkeeper’s home? Two residences (one of which is a duplex) are available for overnight accommodations, both situated within walking distance of the North Head Lighthouse and each having served as living quarters for nearly 75 years. Both of the pretty two-story Victorian homes sleep as many as six people each, with three bedrooms, a kitchen, and living and dining rooms. The properties come fully furnished and are stocked with linens, towels and kitchen essentials.

North Head Lighthouse, Ilwaco, Washington • parks.wa.gov At the base of Long Beach Peninsula, Cape Disappointment

When you head out to explore, walk the park’s hiking trails and coastline; watch storms from the cove at Waikiki Beach or fly FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 5 9

L IG HT HO U S E STAYS continued from page 59

a kite at Benson Beach. To learn more about the history of the area, check out the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, an interactive history museum and observation deck set high on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.

Point No Point Lighthouse, Hansville, Washington • uslhs.org Sitting on the northeastern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, about an hour by car from Seattle, the lighthouse at Point No Point was built in 1879 and is considered to be Puget Sound’s oldest lighthouse. Two on-site properties are available as vacation rentals. The Keeper’s Quarters, perfect for a family, presents a cozy home with a living and dining room, two bedrooms and a full kitchen. Also on the station property is keeper John Maggs’ Cottage, built by the first lighthouse keeper and his wife. The cottage can house as many as four adults and a child.

This station’s unique locale opens to nearly unbelievable panoramic views of the sound’s islands, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline. The lighthouse also sits next to a nature preserve, so keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including bald eagles, waterfowl, other cool bird species, seals and more!

WITNESS ART IN THE MAKING

Tour dynamic exhibitions, join in family activities, and watch art in the making at the hottest museum on the West Coast.

Plan your visit at museumofglass.org 6 0 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Browns Point Lighthouse Park, Tacoma, Washington • metroparkstacoma.org Eleven miles from Tacoma, the historic 1903 lightkeeper’s residence at Browns Point has been described by the U.S. Lighthouse Society as one of the finest lighthouse restorations anywhere in the country.

The three-bedroom waterfront home, which sleeps six, overlooks an expansive park lawn and gardens perfect for frolicking. Farther on, the lighthouse itself rises on the saltwater beach, affording awe-inspiring views of south Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Tacoma’s glittering city lights.

To add to the unique experience, families get

Everybody loves a train ride.

Point Wilson Lighthouse

a glimpse of life as a lightkeeper by taking part in some casual duties: raising the flag daily; maintaining a log of maritime traffic; and keeping the cottage and yard tidy for the next guests.

Looking for more activities to fill the day? Hop over to check out some of Tacoma’s top attractions: Point Defiance Park and its newer Dune Peninsula section, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the pay-what-youwish Children’s Museum of Tacoma or the refreshed Swan Creek Park.

Point Wilson Lighthouse, Port Townsend, Washington • uslhs.org Located within sprawling — and fantastic — Fort Worden Historical State Park, the Point Wilson Lighthouse sits at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Admiralty Inlet. The restored Point Wilson Light Station offers the Chief’s House for rent, with four bedrooms (sleeps eight), two bathrooms and comfortable living quarters. All necessities, from toiletries to tea, coffee and free Wi-Fi, are provided. And you’ll sleep well knowing that income generated from the rental contributes to the station’s restoration efforts.

The locale makes it a great base camp for exploring the amazingly diverse peninsula, including Fort Worden itself, the quaint Victorian town of Port Townsend and, of course, Olympic National Park, a short drive away.

Current COVID19 saftey requirements apply

Fun for all ages. > Ride thethe Snoqualmie Valley Railroad > Ride Snoqualmie Valley Railroad > Explore exhibits, train cars and railroad equipment at at thethe > Explore exhibits, train cars and railroad equipment historic Snoqualmie Depot historic Snoqualmie Depot > Enjoy history trainshistory of all sizes the Train > See railroad and learn aboutand railroad andattrains of allShed sizes > Experience DayShed Out Exhibit With Thomas at the Train Hall in July > Walk thethe Centennial Trail > Walk Centennial Trail Online ticket sales only.

Visit TrainMuseum.org to reserve your spot today.

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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.

Exhibits | Excursions | Experiences FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 6 1

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Frontier Park, Graham WA FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 6 3