Seattle’s Child “The Summer Route 66 Issue” July/August 2022

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

YOUR GUIDE TO A KID FRIENDLY CITY

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>>Contents Seattle’sChild

July/August 2022 // Issue 494

WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT....... 5 DAD NEXT DOOR................ 9 TOOLBOX................................. 11 FEATURE SUMMER ROUTE 66..........12 JULY........................................13 AUGUST.................................16 SEPTEMBER.......................22 MUSEUMS ARE FOR KIDS!....................23 IEND LY FAMI LY-FR ZINE

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MUSEUMS ARE FOR KIDS! SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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ANN BERGMAN Publisher, Founder abergman@seattleschild.com JASMIN THANKACHEN Associate Publisher jasmin@seattleschild.com KATHRYN HOLLOWAY Art Director kathryn@seattleschild.com CHERYL MURFIN Managing Editor cheryl@seattleschild.com JULIE HANSON Website Editor and Copy Editor jhanson@seattleschild.com ROSE WILLIAMSON Proofer JOSHUA HUSTON Photographer JEFF LEE, MD DR. SUSANNA BLOCK Columnists DR. ROBIN DIANGELO JASMIN THANKACHEN Contributors ADVERTISING AMBER ELBON Ad Production Manager amber@seattleschild.com JULANN HILL Senior Account Manager julann@seattleschild.com 206-724-2453 Seattle’s Child has provided useful information to parents since 1979. In addition to our magazine, look for our special themed publications — FamilyPages, School and SummerTime — distributed free throughout the Puget Sound area. Seattle’s Child is published every other month.

„ Find us online at seattleschild.com Cover illustration by KATHRYN HOLLOWAY

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Don’t miss these stories on seattleschild.com

1

2

3

Gun violence: Have you reached your tipping point?

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Shop till you drop — or choose to Buy Nothing?

»What Parents

„ Find more local news for families on seattleschild.com

Are Talking About Education, health, development and more

Raising an antiracist Dr. Robin DiAngelo talks with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi about his new book for parents

P H OTOS CO U RTESY OF TH E M ACA RT HU R FOU N DATI ON A N D R OBI N DI A N G E LO

Last month Dr. Ibram X. Kendi released his latest book, “How to Raise an Antiracist,” a conversation-deepening guide for parents and caregivers. At Seattle’s Child, we too believe that a world without racism starts with raising anti-racist kids. Here we present two leading voices on this topic in a dialogue about the role of parents in that work. Dr. Kendi and Seattle’s Dr. Robin DiAngelo have both authored books deeply influential in the national and international dialogue on race.

Dr. DiAngelo’s 2018 release, “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism” brought that term — white fragility — to the table.

Here are excerpts of their conversation.

An expanded version is available at Seattleschild.com Dr. DiAngelo: How do you think about audience when you're writing a guide for raising anti-racists? Anti-blackness impacts all of us but, of course, differently depending on our positions. For example, as a white person I've received and continue to receive the message of superiority.

That's a different message than what people of color receive.

Dr. Kendi: That's what made writing “How to Raise an Antiracist” so difficult. I did not want the book only to be for a particular parent who is trying to prevent their child from thinking that they are superior or inferior. I wanted parents of children of color and parents of white children to both find the book useful. So in the book I positioned both.

For example, in the introduction, I said ‘What if our kids realized that there's nothing

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Dr. Robin DiAngelo, leaders in the national conversation on racism.

right about them because of the color of their skin?’ And, what if that was something that white children were raised on and internalized? There’s something right about them when they are nice; when they share. There’s nothing right about them by merely the color of their skin.

What if simultaneously we were also imparting there's nothing wrong about you because of the color of your skin? And, what if that’s something that children of color

internalized?

How much better would our children be?

Dr. DiAngelo: So there are common misunderstandings that we need to address up front. This is the idea that children are racially innocent and if parents want to keep their kids racially innocent, they shouldn’t talk to them about race – that somehow it is conversations about race CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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«What Parents Are Talking About CONTINUED

that introduce racist ideas.

Dr. Kendi: Scholars and scientists have found that by 3 years old our kids have an adult-like conception of race; that by 3 years old our kids are attaching negative qualities to dark people and deciding that they will not play with them because they are dark — particularly white children. This is the period in preschool and elementary school when parents are generally not talking to their kids at all about race. And that is actually showing up in studies that show most kids think that their parents hold —particularly white kids — more racist ideas than they really do. So their perceptions are partly because their parents don’t say anything. Their children are seeing their nonverbal behavior, which is likely racist.

Dr. DiAngelo: I don't think a lot of us understand what we're doing with our nonverbal behavior that’s communicating these ideas. Will you give a few examples?

we were just talking about — nonverbal behavior. Your racist ideas are going to come out in your nonverbal behavior, which is, particularly for children younger than 8 years old, actually more influential than your verbal behavior.

It isn’t until kids become 9 or 10 years old that what you’re actually stating becomes very influential. What that means is that for eight, nine years, (if) you are not doing any work on yourself to be anti-racist you’re saying all sorts of racist things to your children without saying a word. They’re consuming those non-verbal behaviors and internalizing them. To raise an anti-racist child, we have to raise ourselves to be anti-racist.

Dr. Kendi: You’re a white parent with a white child. You have over a Latinx boy and something goes missing later in the day. The first thing you ask is “did that boy take it?”

But last week when you had a white boy over, that wasn't your first sort of question.

So why can't that parent say “Do you wanna call your friend and make sure he didn't lose anything too?”

“If you are not doing any Dr. DiAngelo: You Or, when you are walking down the street talk about race racial work on yourself to be and a black male is empathy. I notice that anti-racist you're saying white parents often approaching you and all sorts of racist things address racism with you are getting scared in a way that you did not to your children without white children by saying get scared of the white how unfair it is and how saying a word. To raise man who passed you sad that it happens and previously. Your child can an anti-racist child, we therefore we need to see that. have to raise ourselves to be very “nice” to other A study of racial attichildren and “help” be anti-racist.” tudes of white children them. Similar to how (shows) attitudes are we talk about children —DR. IBRAM X. KENDI actually more consistent with disabilities: “Isn't it with the number of interracial friendships tragic that this child has this struggle and that their mother has than the actual racial we need to be nice to them.” What are your attitude of the mother. Why would that be? thoughts about that approach?

Because a child can see that if you are rarely bringing people of color to your home and Dr. Kendi: Your book, Nice Racism, speaks you're almost always bringing white people, to this. I think that we conflate empathy with you’re saying who you value. niceness. But you can be nice to a person who you consider to be your inferior. You can Dr. DiAngelo: One of my favorite quotes be nice to a person who you consider needs from you is that while we may not be the your help because you imagine that they are producers of racist ideas, we've all been underdeveloped and need to be civilized, so the consumers. So can parents raise an you’re approaching them from this paternalanti-racist child if they have not addressed istic posture. We really need to distinguish the inevitable absorption of racist ideas empathy from niceness. within themselves?

Dr. DiAngelo: You are clear and so am I Dr. Kendi: It's very difficult because of what that there's no such thing as “not racist.”

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So, what do parents need to understand about that claim?

Dr. Kendi: Because many parents believe, wholeheartedly, that they are quote “not racist,” they also believe, wholeheartedly, that their child is not racist. It’s not even “I am not a racist,” it’s “I can’t be a racist” because I am a liberal or I have a black friend or because I'm a Democrat or because I live in the north.

And then with children it’s “Because they're a child, they can't ever say or do anything that is racist.”

What I’m trying to get people to realize through my work is that we need to move it off of who we are and who our child is and be focused on what we’re doing. What environment are our children being raised in? From the time a child starts seeing skin color to the time they leave their home, they’re constantly being told people have less because they are less. And they’re being told that those who have less are demanding more and demanding unfair racial privileges or are even trying to replace us. And then they have easy access to assault rifles. . .

What do we think is going to happen? All the while the parents believe that they were not racists and their kids were not racist.

Dr. DiAngelo: Did anything surprise you as you delved into the research on children and race?

Dr. Kendi: I think the thing that probably surprised me the most, which I should not have been surprised about, is just the mountains of research that have been done about this topic for nearly a hundred years, ever since the social worker Bruno Laskar wrote “Race, Attitudes and Children” in 1929.

There’s a fascinating study that I cite that finds that (infants) between 3 and 9 months old who grow up in a homogeneous area are less likely to distinguish people from another race. But those who grow up in a heterogeneous environment have a great ability to CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

«What Parents Are Talking About CONTINUED

being deliberate about the environments that we are putting our children in.

inequality in this country? Do they think it’s racial hierarchy or structural racism?

distinguish people of another race.

The way that matters is that black folks will say “For white folks we all look the same.

And, we are not.” And so the environment, even with someone as young as 6 months, matters according to scientists.

Dr. DiAngelo: What would you say to someone who says “My parents taught me to treat everyone the same?”

Dr. DiAngelo: I've certainly heard many times “People are just more comfortable with their own” and “It's natural to fear difference.” But you're very clear that the research shows this isn't natural, it is learned.

Dr. Kendi: We should be shifting the dialogue.

Because that (statement) creates this discourse: “I’m teaching my child that everyone’s the same while Robin DiAngelo and Ibram Kendi are teaching that people are different.”

“The way that I am doing it is good and the way that they are doing it is bad and the way they’re doing it is racist and the way I’m doing it is ‘not racist.’”

And that’s not actually what we are saying. What we are saying is: How are you explaining to your children racial inequities and disparities in this country? What are you saying to your children about those ideas circulating that white people are superior or Native people are inferior? How do they understand racial

Dr. Kendi: It is learned. People have studied newborns to figure out if it is natural and they’ve actually found that no, it is not. We can scientifically state that no child is born racist or anti-racist or even has a conception of race. The reason I brought up the study about the 3 to 9 month olds is because it shows how environmental it is. If a child in a heterogeneous neighborhood is more likely to be able to distinguish individuals of another race than a child in a homogeneous neighborhood, what does that say? This is a learned behavior that we can change by

Dr. DiAngelo: None of us is the sole influence on our kids. Unless we're homeschooling, we literally deliver our children into an institution 40 hours a week, for 12 years. Clearly parents are powerful and they can affect what happens when they're not there, but we're not the only socializing force on our children.

Dr. Kendi: Many of the early scholars who studied the racial attitudes of children argued or hypothesized that the parent was the primary sole influencer of kids, but research disputed that. (However), recent research has affirmed that the parent has the ability to counteract larger societal messages to protect their children from ingesting this idea of white superiority.

Dr. DiAngelo: One of the things I really appreciate about your work is that you weave scholarship through personal narrative, which makes it very accessible.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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«What Parents Are Talking About CONTINUED

You give the example of (your child) Imani and your thinking as a parent: “Well, we’re at home and we're doing really well.” Then you realize, wait a minute, what's happening in her classroom? So how can parents go deeper than just lecturing their children with “Don't be racist?”

Dr. Kendi: I learned this about my daughter who is 6 years old: When I'm lecturing her it’s a losing conversation. There's no learning happening there.

She's learning when she’s asking questions.

That’s the irony. Typically when our kids ask questions about race, they’re shut down. Particularly white parents shut down white children and sometimes black parents shut down black children.

Whether we are totally denying it or totally accepting it, we’re not engaging with our children.

We can put our children in a situation where they’re going to ask questions. You want them to understand about housing insecurities? You can take them to a local homeless shelter. We want our kids to understand about food apartheid? We can take them to a local soup kitchen that is being run by people who recognize that the food that they are serving is a temporary solution and are also involved in activism to eliminate food apartheid.

We can take our children to cultural festivals of other groups so they can ask questions.

What I’m trying to do (with Imani) is put her in situations where she can ask questions.

Dr. DiAngelo: In your talks around the country on this topic, what themes or patterns have you observed about how parents come to this conversation that may be problematic?

Dr. Kendi: This desire for me to provide a seven-step process that they could follow to the ‘T’ to help them raise their child to be an antiracist.

There is almost no way that anyone can provide that because depending on their age, depending on their environment, depending on so many factors, your approach has to be different.

It’s just not that type of thing. It is a journey.

„ Read all of Jeff Lee’s columns on seattleschild.com

»DadNextDoor

A little encouragement from across the fence

by J E F F L E E , M D

Portrait of an Artist My father was a practical man. He didn’t have much choice.

He was a child of the Great Depression in a family that was trying to scrape by in a foreign land. If he wanted to escape the uninspiring future that awaited him in their Chinese laundry, he needed a solid, workable plan.

At 16, near the end of World War II, he lied about his age and joined the U.S. Navy in the Pacific fleet. After two tours of duty (and a case of tuberculosis), he went to Franklin and Marshall College on the GI Bill. A career counselor there put him through some tests and declared that he should find a job where he could work with his hands, so he enrolled in Tufts Dental School. Soon after graduation, he started a dental practice in Amherst, Massachusetts, had four sons, and spent the next forty years working and providing for his family.

In the evenings, when he finally got off his feet, he’d read dental journals or man-

age his investments. He didn’t really have any hobbies — there were never enough hours in the day. Once in a while, though, he’d do something that seemed strangely out of character: he’d take out a piece of paper and a pencil and try to draw.

Usually, he’d come home with a library book on how to draw figures or animals. He’d study it at the kitchen table, tracing out the shapes and lines, trying to reproduce a horse or a ballet dancer on the page. Sometimes I’d sit down beside him, and he’d give me a piece of paper to draw on, too. He’d do this for a week or so, and then he’d stop. Maybe a year or two later, he’d try again.

I never asked him about these random attempts at artistic expression, but looking back, I have to wonder what was bubbling up inside of him trying to break free. There was nothing in his life, as far as I knew, that told him he could be an artist, and yet that thought came back to him again and again. The seeds of it kept germinating in his otherwise pragmatic

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mind, but they never rooted deeply enough to survive.

I’ve felt the need to plant those seeds again — for both of us. Every time I take out my camera or my guitar or a notebook, I think of how he put his own creativity on hold so he could give me this comfortable life, where I have time and resources he never had. I feel a responsibility to take that gift and do something impractical with it.

My father’s experience was, in part, an immigrant experience — but in our culture, inner artists can wither on almost any vine. If you ask a class of kindergarten students how many of them are artists, almost 100 percent will raise their hands. By sixth grade, it’s 20-30 percent. By high school, it’s less than 5 percent. Their definition of art gradually shifts from “something you’re compelled to create” to “something someone else would want.”

So far, our 11-year-old, Pippa, has managed to beat those odds.

She constructs complex worlds and civilizations out of sheer imagination and happily sketches them with pencil and paper for hours at a time. Sometimes we suggest that she draw on nicer paper or color them in so we can preserve them, but she just ignores us. “Why?” she asks, as if we’ve just told her to save her toenail clippings or belly button lint so we can frame them and put them on display.

The other day she asked if she could paint her room. She had a clear vision and enough allowance saved up to buy the paint supplies herself. We wrestled for a while with our timid, grown-up sensibilities, but eventually agreed. In a few hours she had covered her wall with a bold, chaotic, spray-painted graffiti mural in black, purple and fluorescent green. When she unveiled it, we took it in with that strange mixture of wonder, pride and dismay that only parents get to experience.

Inside every one of us, the seed of an artist lies waiting.

What’s unique isn’t the seed — it’s the soil and the light and the rain we give it. Artistic talent is never just given. It’s grown.

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Protecting our children from cancer and HPV

by D R . S U S A N N A B L O C K of K A I S E R P E R M A N E N T E

It feels like there are many things we cannot control these days — dare I say COVID numbers? Let’s take this moment to talk about something we can control: cervical cancer and the preventative HPV vaccine.

What is HPV and why is it so important to protect our children from it? Let’s talk about it.

What is HPV?

HPV is an incredibly common group of viruses. At some point almost every person will get HPV if they are unvaccinated. The tricky thing is that most people will never know they have it.

Sometimes the immune system can fight it off, but other times HPV can linger in the body and cause cancer. Ninety-one percent of cervical cancers in the U.S. are thought to be caused by HPV. While those of us older than 26 have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated against HPV, we can protect our children.

Do boys and girls need the vaccine? When should they get it?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12. Interestingly, the vaccine is more effective if given to preteens rather than teens. Kids between 9 and 15 can be fully immunized with a two-dose series. Studies show that preteens (9 to 12 years old) produce more antibodies after receiving the HPV vaccine than older adolescents, so younger is better. The vaccine seems to work better with preteen immune systems. Older teens can still get the vaccine, but they need a three-dose series to be fully protected.

Remember that we are talking about a cancer-preventing vaccine. The best time to get the HPV vaccine is before being exposed to HPV. HPV can be transmitted by many kinds of intimate exploration, so it’s recommended to get vaccinated as a preteen.

HPV vaccine — isn’t that for sexually active people?

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, typically in the setting of intimate exploration. Sexual intercourse is not required for HPV transmission. We know that most people become infected with HPV within two years of starting any sexual activity. Unfortunately, a person infected with HPV may have no symptoms and spread the infection (and the risk for cancer). Three out of four adults will have at least one HPV infection prior to the age of 30. More than 46,000 men and women suffer yearly from cancer caused by HPV. As much as we can’t wrap our heads around this, at some point in their lives our children will become sexually active.

Whether it is when they are teens or adults, the HPV vaccine is how we can protect them from some types of future cancers for their entire life.

Does getting the HPV vaccine mean we are having the “sex talk”?

Absolutely not, but this is a common question. It is important to remember that getting the HPV vaccine is not sending the message to have sex. In fact, it is not even the sex talk or the safe-sex talk.

That’s a much bigger conversation and is likely to be many conversations. The HPV vaccine is just another way we can be mindful and keep our bodies healthy for a lifetime. Just like getting other vaccines, getting exercise, wearing helmets and not smoking.

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Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes. The HPV vaccine is approved for people from 9 to 26 years old. This vaccine is available in 80 countries around the world and there have been no serious safety concerns. It has been shown to protect people from almost all cases of cervical cancer, genital warts and precancerous abnormal cells. The side effects from the vaccine are generally mild and can include soreness or redness at the site of the injection.

Got a question for Dr. Block? Send it to jhanson@seattleschild.com.

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Your roadmap to fabulous fairs, festivals and all-around family fun!

by C H E R Y L M U R F I N A N D J A S M I N T H A N K A C H E N photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Whether you count it in months, weeks, days or hours, summer is the season for family doing and going. It’s the season of long, active, outdoor fun as you hike, bike, swim, dance and play close to home or across Washington State.

It’s the season of lazy inside days spent reading, learning and watching creativity bloom from boredom. And, it’s the season of Washington's major and most popular family-friendly fairs and festivals, the biggest and oldest of which are right here in Puget Sound.

On the following pages, Seattle’s Child’s Summer Route 66 makes a stop every day between July 1 and September 7. It's a guide full of great ideas, local outings and interesting destinations.

So, sit down as a family, check out the route, choose the stops that excite you all. Be sure to check websites and register early for events and activities that require registration. Once that’s done, sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through summer 2022.

Summer Season is Fair Season

The Big Three With nearly 70 full-on fairs and fair shows happening every summer around the state, you don’t have to travel far to join in the fun. Just go online to the Washington State Fairs Association and pick your fair poison. For those of us in the Puget Sound region, three stand out as the biggest and best of all the livestock love’n, elephant ear eat’n, giant squash measuring bunch: King County Fair, Evergreen State Fair and Washington State Fair.

July 14-17 round up your little ones, grab the sunscreen and get ready for a day of entertainment, contests, fair foods and animals at the King County Fair, which has the honor of being the oldest fair west of the Mississippi River!

What’s on the docket for 2022?

This year’s event will feature bullfighting, a stunt riding show, a rough stock rodeo, music stages, farm animals galore, roaming characters and barrel racing.

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Miles (left) and Kei (right), enjoying traditional fair food.

Don’t miss: The Pirate Parrot Show and Reptile Isle. For the line-up go to 3enumclawexpo. com/p/king-county-fair.

“The show must go on!” This year’s theme at the Evergreen State Fair recognizes the last three difficult years and the courage it takes to go on with so many

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unknowns. Chock full of entertainment, music and a whole host of food, agriculture and craft competitions, there’s something for everyone at this timeless Monroe event. The Evergreen State Fair has received accolades for its Morning of Dreams event, a special morning fair session

for children and adults with disabilities or special needs. The fair runs August 25-30 and September 1-5. For a list of events, go to 3evergreenfair.org.

As the finale of summer and herald of fall, the Washington State Fair (a.k.a “The Puyallup”) is the largest single-attraction event held annually in the state of Washington and one of the largest fairs in the world. Did you know it takes 1,900 people to put on a fair this size? Gates open September 2 and the fair runs through September 25, offering many new and familiar big- fair attractions: carnival rides, animals, agriculture competitions, food, crafts and a whole lot of kid-oriented fun. To get the line up, go to 3thefair.com.

Check out “Take the kids to the Puyallup or Evergreen State Fair” at 3seattleschild.com. For a list of all fairs in Washington State, go to 3wastatefairs.com.

July

Thursday, July 7

Check out a museum for free!

Friday, July 1

Claim your campsite Whether your clan prefers tents, cabins or yurts, rustic or modern, take this weekend for a little overnight adventure in the woods, on the beach or by a lake. Great family camping can be found on the Key Peninsula at Joemma Beach State Park (a first-come, first-served park). Cabins are the thing at Cama Beach State Park. And, if you’ve never tried a yurt, head out to Tolt Mac-Donald Park, much closer to home near the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers. Spots all booked? Don’t let that stop your family fun! Pitch a tent in your living room or backyard, roast s’mores, tell spooky stories and Voilà!

You’ve gone on the easiest camping adventure ever. 3 waparks.org.

Saturday, July 2

Fly a kite

Feel a breeze today? If so, grab a kite, slip on running shoes and get ready to soar on the joy of kiting. For the best flying, head to the Great Earth Mound Summit at Gasworks Park or loosen your strings on Kite Hill, Magnuson Park’s 35-foot-tall kite run.

Catch the last day of Come Fly a Kite Days at Chambers Creek Regional Park between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Need a kite? Purchase a kite kit online and build it at the park. For more great kite-flying opportunities, check out August 18 in this issue and “5 solid kite-flying spots” at seattleschild. com. 3 piercecountywa.gov/6939/ Come-Fly-a-Kite

Sunday, July 3

F RE E M U S EU M S : PH OTO CO URTE SY O F TH E M U S EU M OF F L I GH T

Cruise through Bicycle Weekend Your human-powered wheels are welcome right down the middle of Lake Washington Boulevard, today through tomorrow morning at 7 a.m., during Bicycle Weekend. On select weekends, the City of Seattle closes a portion of the boulevard to motorized vehicles from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m.

Monday. So pack a sack lunch for a lakeside picnic and bike, jog or stroll the street between Seward Park’s entrance and Mount Baker Park’s beach.

Mark your calendar for upcoming Bicycle Weekends: July 15-18, ​​August 12-15 and 19-22, and September 2-6 and 16-19. Check out “10 Bicycle Weekends set for summer 2022 along Lake Washington Boulevard” at seattleschild.com.

Monday, July 4 See "The Biggest Festival in the U.S. of A." on this page.

Tuesday, July 5

Get lost on a tiny island It isn’t big, but Everett’s Jetty Island is a fascinating place to roam on a Tuesday afternoon. A 3-minute ferry ride takes you there — it’s a perfect spot to bask in the sun, discover tidelands and saltwater marshes, build sand castles and swim in shallow waters. Jetty Island ferries start running today and will continue to run Wednesday to Sunday through Labor Day. Reservations are required. Kids under age 2 are free. Swimming is only allowed on the west shore and at your own risk (no lifeguards). Check out “Everett’s lovely Jetty Island is just a ferry ride

Juanpa is ready to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Monday, July 4

The biggest festival in the u.s. of a.

Parties, gatherings, parades, fireworks and old-fashioned fun are on offer at America’s biggest festival: Independence Day. For kids, July 4th is an invitation to let loose, bang some pots and pans, whirl sparklers, wave flags and otherwise celebrate the ideals of democracy.

Tips for a fun (and safe) day of national pride: 1) Plan ahead: Get to your destination early, find parking and settle into your spot before the crowds surge in. Bring comfy chairs, a blanket for the cool night and lots of snacks and games to keep your family entertained while you wait for the show.

Hint: Some neighborhood events allow you to set up your seats the day before, increasing your chances for upfront viewing.

2) Hydrate, wear sunscreen, wear a hat and bring headphones to help with noise control for little ones.

3) Is water in your 4th of July plans? Heed this advice from the The American Red Cross: Wear life vests where necessary, never leave children unattended in the water, swim safely while lifeguards are in attendance and encourage your kids to swim with a buddy.

4) Want to enjoy the rocket’s red glare with home fireworks?

Safety first. Check local and county rules to make sure that athome fireworks are allowed in your area. Handle all fireworks with care, keep water close by, wear eye protection when lighting fireworks, never re-light fireworks and never leave children unattended.

Where should your family go to watch spectacular fireworks?

In Seattle, the Seattle Seafair Fireworks show is best viewed at Gasworks Park or Lake Union Park. The light show begins at 10:15 p.m. Learn more at 3seafair.org.

The following cities are also lighting the skies this year: Bellevue at Downtown Park 10:05 p.m.; Everett at Legion Memorial Park 10:00 p.m.; Mountlake Terrace at Ballinger Park at 10 p.m. on July 3; Federal Way at Celebration Park at 10:15 p.m.; Renton at Gene Coulon Memorial Park 10 p.m.; Lacey at Rainier Vista Park at 10 p.m. on July 3; SeaTac at Angle Lake Park at 10 p.m. away” at seattleschild.com. 3 visiteverett.com/jetty

Wednesday, July 6

Summer Reading Challenge With more daylight hours and warm, curl-up weather, summer is the perfect time for a lazy day of reading.

Dedicate today to the written word, starting with cartoons or a short story

over breakfast. King County Library System’s summer reading program started in June, but you have until August to log 1,000 minutes of reading or (audiobook) listening. Consider a book from the Global Reading Challenge held by Seattle Public Library earlier this year. Read to your child or encourage your fourth or fifth grader to read a Challenge book to you. 3 spl.org

A visit to a museum for the whole family can be prohibitively expensive.

That’s why several local museums give you and yours the opportunity to explore for free – on the first Thursday of every month.

Free Thursdays are a great opportunity to introduce kids to amazing art, ideas and history.

The Museum of Flight, Museum of History and Industry, the Burke Museum, National Nordic Museum and others participate in free Thursdays. That makes today a perfect day to pick a museum and spark your child’s curiosity. Check out “Seattle-area museums to explore for free on First Thursdays” at seattleschild.com.

Friday, July 8

Meet the Bard in the park William Shakespeare (or at least his plays) will be roaming parks in Seattle and King County this summer looking for you and your family. Tonight Seattle Shakespeare Company’s Wooden O Productions performs A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma and Cymbeline at Luther Burbank Park Amphitheater on Mercer Island.

Greenstage (now in its 34th season) opens its Shakespeare in the Park season today as well.

3 seattleshakespeare.org 3 greenstage.org Kids not feelin’ Shakespeare? 14/48 Project’s high-energy staging of “Mega Hero Rangers Go Go Go Supreme” is onstage this weekend and plays every weekend through July.

Think superhero mashup of Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 3 the1448projects.org

Saturday, July 9

Ride the rails with Thomas and friends Thomas the Tank Engine is rolling into the Northwest Railway Museum and depot in Snoqualmie today!

Thomas will be joined by several of his railway friends, including Sir Topham Hatt. So head to the station to meet them and/or jump on board Thomas for an interactive train ride.

Little engineers will also delight in the museum’s Dream Big Corner where they are invited to participate in lawn games and other activities.

Can’t ride the rails with Thomas today? The world’s favorite No. 1 blue engine will return to Snoqualmie July 15-17 and 23-24. 3 trainmuseum.org

Sunday, July 10

Farmers markets Breaking news: Food comes from farms! Explore the bounty of freshpicked fruits and veggies, bouquets of summer florals, baked goods, homemade jams, entertainment and more at summer farmers markets taking place all around King County this summer. Today, head to the West Seattle Farmers Market (Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Farmers markets take place in neighborhoods across Seattle just about every day of the week. And Jul y /Aug us t 2 0 2 2

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Friday, July 15

Join the dance at the seafair indian days powwow

outside Seattle too: Monroe Farmers Market (Wednesdays, 3.-7 p.m.); Renton Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m.); Redmond Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.); Tacoma Farmers Market ( Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Check out “Picnic perfect farmers markets” at seattleschild.com. To find a list of all farmers’ markets in our region and beyond, go to 3 wafarmersmarkets.org.

Monday, July 11

Take a wander on the Seattle Waterfront The Seattle Waterfront offers plenty to see and do today. While away the hours watching ferries come and go, check out skyscraper-sized cruise ships or join a game of soccer on the turf on pier 62. Take a spin on the Great Wheel carousel at pier 57 for a little tummy-dropping excitement and stunning city views. Then hunt for the Giant Pacific Octopus at Seattle Aquarium (Pier 59). Check the article “A day out on the Seattle Waterfront with kids” at seattleschild. com.

Tuesday, July 12

Find the pinball whiz in your family Arcade games are always a pull for kids with their bright lights, sounds and flashing scores. The Seattle Pinball Museum is the place to see, learn and experience games dating from the 1930s to today. Let your own childhood memory of pinball play guide your fingers as you pull that spring-loaded pinball knob and watch the silver ball bounce down the board.

Or challenge your kids to rack up points on what museum curators say is the original video game. Nostalgia alert: This museum is also a retail store, so don’t be surprised if a favorite game follows you home!

3 seattlepinballmuseum.com

Wednesday, July 13

Set sail

Salt in the air, ripples on the water ...

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A young dancer in traditional regalia at Seafair Indian Days Powwow.

P HOTO COURTESY OF JACK STOR MS

to share their good fortune. As time went on, while the meal was being prepared, relatives

would dance to honor their host.

Eventually, the dancing became the main focus of the event.

does today’s weather scream “perfect day” to set sail with your family?

The Center for Wooden Boats’ Public Peapod Program makes that prospect easy. Peapod boats are free to use (maximum of five adults) and are perfect for rowers of all experiences.

Reservations are required and they fill fast (open Wednesday to Sunday, year round).

In fact, Seattle offers an array of great family-friendly boating options, including the dessert and float experience of the Seattle Water Tours Ice Cream Sail. The King County Water Taxi ferries people to and from West Seattle and Vashon Island for the cost of a bus ride. You can also rent stand-up paddle boards at Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club. Or rent canoes at the Waterfront Activities Center, located behind the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium.

For more easy family boating ideas, check out “On the water: 11 options for Seattle boat rentals and tours” at seattleschild.com.

Friday, July 15

Thursday, July 14

Take a guided wildlife tour Learn all about nature on a tour led by a naturalist or park ranger. Go to Richmond Beach Salt Water Park or Carkeek Beach today and visit with the Seattle Aquarium volunteer naturalists, who stand ready to teach you a thing or two about ocean life.

Today will be one of the lowest tides of the summer, so you’re bound to see a variety of shelled and/or tentacled beauties. Pick up different lessons about the what/when/where of local wildlife at the Seward Park Audubon Center, where experts teach all about birds and other wildlife in the area.

Visit Mercer Slough or Coal Creek Park to learn about owls, bats and other nocturnal animals.

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See "Join the Dance at the Seafair Indian Days Powwow" on this page.

Saturday, July 16

Strawberry fields forever Classic cars, a parade, and strawberries everywhere: The free Vashon Island Strawberry Festival is an old-timey tradition filled with intergenerational fun.

Hop a morning ferry from the Fauntleroy terminal in West Seattle to spend today gorging on ripe red heart-shaped berries in all forms (jams, sundaes, lemonade, pie). Use that energy dancing to live music and strolling among artist and vendor booths. The festival runs through July 17. 3 vashonchamber.com/strawberryfestival

Sunday, July 17

Whidbey Island Take the ferry or drive over to Whidbey Island today. Hike Ebey’s Landing, a 5.6-mile trail that winds over a bluff and leads down to a rocky shore.

Share a picnic at the beach or head over to Kapaws Iskreme for a sweet treat.

Don’t miss Price Sculpture Forest for another short hike, perfect for little legs and exploring art works from local artists. Check out “Parent review: Hidden fun at Whidbey’s Price Sculpture Forest” at seattleschild.com.

3 whidbeycamanoislands.com

Monday, July 18

Day trip to North Bend A visit to North Bend really starts at Snoqualmie Falls, or more precisely, at the 2-acre park, gift shop, observation deck and popular Salish Lodge

Powwows also had religious significance. They were an opportunity for families to hold naming and honoring ceremonies.” This weekend, Native Americans of all tribes and cultures will come together to celebrate their heritage and showcase traditional Indian cooking, jewelry-making, music, dance and food which is a central part of Native Peoples hospitality.

Join in a traditional salmon bake and get a taste of other traditional Indigenous foods. Don’t sit on the sidelines when the Grand Entry dance begins. After Native American dancers enter the powwow circle in their traditional regalia, all are welcome to join the dance.

Check out the FAQs page at 3unitedindians.org. located at the top of this 270-foot waterfall. The upper observation and lower observation decks are open every day of the year. Challenge your little ones to spot the long pipes that carry the water from the falls up through turbines to create electricity for our region. From the falls it’s an eight-minute drive into North Bend to check out the city’s large murals, old steam engines, and learn about the region’s logging history. End your visit with two scoops from Snoqualmie Ice Cream.

3 discovernorthbend.com 3 snoqualmiefalls.com

Tuesday, July 19 See "Dig in at Sandsations Sand Castle Competition & Festival" on the next page.

Wednesday, July 20

A weekend in Skagit Valley What’s there to do in Skagit Valley after the tulips have stopped blooming? Plenty. Rent a tiny home in the mountains and spend your days hiking. Check out the 1.8-mile hike to Craft Island, where you’ll discover an ocean wonderland at low tide.

Head to Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, a free museum with touch tanks and information about all the animals in the area. Good cookin’ is waiting for your family at the Skagit River Brewery. Follow it up with a visit to Snow Goose Produce, where they serve up enormous scoops of ice cream. 3 visitskagitvalley.com

Thursday, July 21

Lakeside lounge day!

We wait nine months for that sun you see in the sky. Bask in it during an all-day lounge at a lake. It’s easy: just inflate the alligator raft, grab loose change for the ice cream truck and head for the water. With so many beautiful beaches nearby, you could make lake-hopping a weekly activity.

Consider Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue, which boasts a big swim-

S E T SA I L : P H OTO COU RTE SY OF TH E CEN TER FOR WOOD E N BOATS W H I DB E Y I SL A N D : PH OTO CO URTE SY O F L AU RI E O F BE L L E VU E A N D COU P E VI L L E M AD RO N A TRE E R ET RE AT

There’s a lot to discover at Seattle’s Discovery Park beyond its rambling trails and rocky beaches. This weekend is your family’s opportunity to discover or engage in Indigenous culture through dance, music, Native arts and crafts and traditional foods during the 33rd Annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow.

The powwow takes place at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, located in Discovery Park, today through Sunday, July 17.

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, event organizers, offer this history of the powwow: “In early times, hunters would invite their friends and relatives

ming area, water sport rentals, a playground, picnic tables and awesome views. Take a tour of Green Lake on an electric pedal boat. At Seward Park, bring bikes and scooters for a roll along the flat, 2.6-mile loop before spreading out a blanket at the lakeside or shady playground.

Friday, July 22

Themed Playgrounds Have an aspiring astronaut in the family or someone who loves trains? Maybe a kid who likes to play boardgames? Fuel their passions at a themed playground today. Zip down the line at Wilburton Park in Bellevue, climb the Jupiter structure at space-themed North Kirkland Community Park. Hop square to square at the colorful Chutes and Ladders-inspired West Fenwick Park in Kent. Check out “10 fun, themed playgrounds in the Seattle area to explore” at seattleschild.com.

Saturday, July 23

Mima Mounds

What exactly are those orbs rising from the ground in the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve? Toss around scientific and silly guesses as you move through this eerie preserve near Olympia. Stepping into this environmental oddity is a little like landing on another planet. Visit the observation deck for a birds-eye view and to compare scientists’ best guesses on why the mounds may have formed to your family’s guesses.

Check out “The mysterious Mima Mounds: Family-friendly day trip from Seattle” at seattleschild.com.

Tuesday, July 19

Dig in at sandsations sand castle competition & Festival Did you know there’s actual science behind sand castles? It’s called “surface tension.”

Surface tension is the force that causes water molecules to be attracted to one another and it’s the strength behind great sandcastle building. So, add a little science fact to the fun when you pile in the car and head to the Sandsations Sand Castle Festival in Long Beach, WA. This annual festival starts today and runs through July 23. Pack your buckets, shovels and tools and set to work on an enormous family castle. There will be inspiration aplenty – master sculptors from around the country will be on the beach, building incredible sand art as part of the Sand Castle Competition. Largescale sculptures can be viewed all along the shoreline near the

Louise Cihon learns all about building sand castles.

Bolstad Beach Approach and at participating businesses around town who sponsored sculptures in front of their storefronts.

Don’t miss the individual and family sand castle competition

entries or, better yet, enter your family! Learn how to build castles at sand sculptor-led drop-in classes for families. 3facebook. com/longbeachsandsations

COUGAR MOUNTAIN ZOO

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Celebrating

Years of Conservation through Education www.cougarmountainzoo.org Jul y /Aug us t 2 0 2 2

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Monday, July 25

It’s one thing to see animals. It’s quite another (and a lot more fun for most kids) to touch goats, lambs, chickens and even bunnies. Visit Farrell McWhirter Park or Kelsey Creek Farms (or both) today for a hands-on experience with chickens, bunnies, pigs, horses and more. Both farms offer kid-friendly classes about animals, their behaviors and their habitats. Check out “Best family farms and petting zoos around Seattle” at seattleschild.com.

Seattle’s Chinatown-International District is the perfect place to explore Asian culture and to gain understanding of the historical role and experience of the region’s Chinese, Japanese and other Asian communities. Start your day with a boba-filled bubble tea and then head to the Wing Luke Museum. Stop for dim sum lunch at one of several Chinese eateries specializing in this small plates taste fest. Next wander up to Kobe Terrace Park, named after Seattle’s sister city, Kobe, Japan. After browsing shops, move on to sushi or another favorite dish at a nearby

Petting Zoos

Get to know Seattle’s Asian heritage

Agu (left) and little brother Mateo (right) draw chalk creations.

Friday, July 29

Get creative at bellevue arts fair Expose your kids to the creative minds and energies of hundreds of artists during the largest arts and crafts festival in the Northwest.

First launched in 1947, Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair showcases the handmade crafts and art of more than 300 artists. With that much creativity on the streets, there’s something sure to capture the attention of every member of the family. Not to mention, there’s a lot to do here, from free museum exhibitions to art vendor booths to music, food trucks and more.

Do the words “arts festival” sound a little too lofty for a family outing? Have no fear. This arts extravaganza isn’t just for grownups. Kids and families are invited to step into Bellevue Art Museum Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for hands-on art projects, games and gallery activities. All are welcome, but most stations are best-suited for ages 3-10. The younger set will also enjoy the BAMboozle Stage located near the Bellevue Macy’s store fountain, featuring local music just for kids. Not to mention, a bubble area and crafts.

Bring your sidewalk chalk! Your family is invited to create chalk art and graffiti all along the closed portions of NE 6th Street (outside Bellevue Arts Museum) from Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The fair runs July 29-31 at Bellevue Square and Bellevue Arts Museum. Learn more at 3bellevuearts.org/artsfair.

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Japanese restaurant. Be sure to stop in at Uwajimaya, one of the city’s largest Asian food markets to stock up on delicious snacks to remember your day in the “I.D.” 3 visitseattle.org/neighborhoods/ international-district

Tuesday, July 26

Stairway walks

Running up and down stairs has several benefits: stairs get you to new places, they can tucker out ansty kids and they can provide a heart-pumping workout for parents. We call that a win-win-win! With more than 650 publicly accessible stairways in Seattle, there’s plenty of adventure waiting to be found in every neighborhood. Step up to the longest staircase in Seattle – Howe Street Stairs, ascending a lofty 388 steps!

And check out “5 Seattle stair walks that are fun (and worth the work) with kids” at seattleschild.com.

Wednesday, July 27

Take them out to the ballgame!

What could be more iconic in the summertime than cheering from the stands at a baseball game? Today the Seattle Mariners take on the Texas Rangers, so grab your placards, hats and mitts and head to T-Mobile Park for an afternoon game.

Along with game viewing, T-Mobile Park has a Kids Zone and lots of opportunities to meet the mascot, Mariner Moose. But major league play isn’t the only great baseball in Puget Sound. For more action, check out the Everett AquaSox and Tacoma Rainiers, our region’s minor league teams. Hint: Get lawn tickets at the Rainiers’ home, Cheney Stadium, to give kids room to roam and play on the adjacent playground. Everett’s Funko Field also has a Fun Zone, with a big slide, bouncy house and pitching cage. For a list of Washington’s professional teams, go to 3 wsscaseattle.com.

Thursday, July 28

Story walks

A walk, a story, time in nature and a little literary adventure. What’s not to like about a storywalk? The non-profit group PopUp StoryWalk integrates children’s stories (some by local authors) into popular trail walks in and around east King County. Learn where and when new stories will be displayed at 3 facebook.com/popupstorywalk/popupstorywalk.org.

And don’t miss the Pretzel Tree Trail, a permanent story walk installation in Issaquah.

Friday, July 29 See "Get Creative at Bellevue Arts Fair" on this page.

Saturday, July 30

It’s SEA-ttle! More tide pools please!

Check the tide pool charts and head out to find amazing Puget Sound creatures usually visible only at low tide. There’s a lot to look for: crabs, sea stars, gunnell fish, anemone, barnacles and more can be found at Marina Beach Park in Edmonds or on the beaches at Discovery Park below Magnolia or Golden Gardens Park in North Seattle. Remember to use a gentle two-finger touch to explore sea creatures. Check out “Your guide to

exploring Seattle-area beaches at low tide” at seattleschild.com.

Sunday, July 31

Wildflower wonders Rolling hills, swaying meadows and waterside wildflowers are a sight to see! Head up to Snoqualmie Pass today for a walk in the wildflowers along Gold Creek Pond. It’s an easy 1.2-mile stroller and ADA-accessible walk with plenty of colorful flowers come mid-summer. Pack bug spray and leave flowers on the fields so others can share in the experience, too.

Go to “Gold Creek Pond Loop: These kids had so much fun they hiked it twice” at seattleschild.com.

august Monday, August 1

Explore Edmonds and beyond Kick the city for small town fun in Edmonds, starting with a morning back and forth walk-on ferry ride to the old logging town of Kingston and its popular French crepery J’aime les Crepes. When you land in Edmonds, head to the beaches just off the ferry terminal or a short walk south. The model train room at Edmonds Historical Museum is well worth a visit as is a walk-through Edmonds Marsh teeming with wildlife year round. Don’t miss the wonderfully curated Teri’s Toybox shop. Check out “A Walk-on Ferry Ride from Edmonds and Crepes” at seattleschild.com.

Tuesday, August 2

Take a Night Out with neighbors Learn about public safety during block parties and other activities at tonight’s citywide Night Out event.

Neighborhood gatherings and street closures are sponsored by the Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention program. Night Out, an annual nationwide celebration, is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, get communities involved in anti-crime efforts and unite neighbors in watching out for each other.

3 seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/night-out

Wednesday, August 3

Squeeze some lemons There’s that old saying that is handy when things don’t go the way kids want them to: “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Sometimes, however, making lemonade is just a fun way to spend a summer day – and perhaps make a little money for a special treat or a favorite cause. Pull out old boxes, duct tape and markers to help your crew fashion a lemonade stand today, then squeeze those lemons, take your spot on a lawn chair and let your little entrepreneurs work the pitch.

Thursday, August 4

Ready, set, plog!

Plogging is gaining popularity here

P E TTI N G ZOOS : P HOTO CO U RTESY OF FA RRE L L M CW H I RT E R PA RK E DM O N DS: P H OTO COU RTE SY OF TH E S I E RRA CLU B

Sunday, July 24

Saturday, August 6

Sail through seafair weekend & Magnolia summerfest Seafair is Seattle’s annual summer-long festival, a 72-year-old celebration that encompasses several major citywide and regional events and culminates this year in Seafair Weekend, August 5-7.

Set on Lake Washington’s 1.5 miles of shoreline, Seafair Festival Weekend is a boating event, hydroplane competition, air show and festival rolled into one and includes several roaring fly-bys from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the second oldest precision flight acrobatics team in the nation.

Throughout the weekend, a variety of neighborhood events also take place, including Magnolia Summerfest, which is designed specifically with kids and families in mind. Summerfest runs in tandem with Seafair Weekend. Rather than hydroplanes, settle in for the pet fashion and costume contest, dive into free kids’ crafts and games, boogie to live music, spread out for an outdoor movie and let the kids bop in the bounce houses for as long as they like. The event includes toy boat building and races, food trucks and other points of interest for kids of all ages.

The crown jewel of Magnolia Summerfest?

The annual Kids Parade, which prefaces the spectacular Magnolia Seafair Parade. Enin Seattle and around the world — it’s a pastime that is not only great exercise, but a great service to communities. Originated in Sweden, plogging is the simple act of taking a walk and picking up trash along the way. Grab your walking sticks, tie trash bags to your waists and plog the litter from your neighborhood, your local park or both. 3 plogging.org

Friday, August 5

M AGI C I A N : P H OTO COU RTE SY OF LOU I E FOXX

Kid concert in Covington Put on your dancing shoes, pack up a picnic dinner and hit the road to Covington for an evening concert with award-winning children’s musician Joanie Leeds. The concert is part of Covington’s Summer Concert Series, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at Covington Community Park Stage.

Consider making it a full afternoon by stopping along the way for some watery fun and an awesome playground at Lake Meridian Park in Kent and/or, nearer to Covington, the Maple Valley Gnome Trail.

3 covingtonwa.gov/events

Saturday, August 6 See "Sail Through Seafair Weekend & Magnolia Summerfest" on this page.

Sunday, August 7

Meet Ann of Green Gables at the Kitsap Forest Theater Located in a lush forest glen far away from city sounds, Kitsap Forest Theater is a magical place to enjoy truly fine theater as a family. Toes will be tapping tonight when “Bend in

Performers in the Magnolia Seafair Parade in 2018.

P HOTO COURTESY OF LY DIA BR EW E R P H OTOGRA P H Y

courage your kids to reinvent themselves entirely or dress up as their favorite characters, animals or entities when they crawl out of bed today. Then simply show up at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of 34th Avenue West and West Raye

the Road: The Anne of Green Gables Musical” hits the stage. Based on the beloved classic novel, “Anne of Green Gables,” this high-energy production follows the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert to help them on their Avonlea farm.

Anne’s intelligent, joyful and imaginative ways change the lives of all those around her. 3 foresttheater.com

Monday, August 8

Set your GPS toward a destination park Make a great playground THE destination today. The KidsUp! Playground on Bainbridge Island is less than an hour and a ferry ride away.

Gnome trails, a fabulous play structure -- what more could a kid want?

Or ferry over to Whidbey Island to visit South Whidbey Community Park (near Langley) known for its spectacular Castle Playground. Scale the walls, traverse the tire-lined obstacle course and see eye-to-eye with your toddler in the expression swing.

Pack the bikes or scooters for this park – it includes a great skatepark and pump track. On Hood Canal, the aerospace-themed playground at Bremerton National Airport is the must-go play spot. The main climbing structure there resembles an air traffic control tower, while runways crafted from poured rubber and aircraft-shaped play equipment will delight any future aviator. The bonus here is that you get to pretend

Street in Magnolia to join the parade. The kids march starts at 10 a.m., followed by the larger Magnolia Seafair Parade at 10:30 a.m..

3magnoliasummerfest.org 3seafair.org

to fly planes while watching the real thing take off just steps away. Check out “Destination playgrounds for your next NW family road trip” at seattleschild.com.

Tuesday, August 9

Yodel in the Issaquah Alps No need to drag kids onto a plane to sing in the Alps like the Von Trapp family in The Sound of Music — we’ve got our own alp-like range right here in the Pacific Northwest. Introduce your kids to the Issaquah Alps today; they’re located between Seattle and the Cascades along I-90. The Issaquah Alps include Tiger and Cougar mountains and hundreds of hills and trails. A great place to start: Zoe and the Swamp Monster Trail. This 2.6-mile walk is flat, beautiful and tells (via strategically placed plaques) the story of one girl’s run-ins with trail monsters. 3 issaquahalps.org/ alltrails.com

Wednesday, August 10

Feel the magic!

Get ready for some side-splitting family-friendly comedy, hilarious cowboy tricks and astounding magic at the Kids Summerstage in Auburn.

Magician Louie Foxx’s OneMan Side Show has been called, among other compliments, “exhilarating.” It’s rife with unique

magic tricks and laugh-out-loud antics. According to the Society of American Magicians, Foxx is “a Variety Artist in the truest sense of the words!” Today’s performance is part of Explore Auburn. 3 exploreauburn. com

Thursday, August 11

Board game day (and/or night)!

Playing Ticket to Ride or Candy Land on the living room floor might seem simplistic, but in the big list of summer activities (with more than a month of summer still to go) a low-key game day might be just the breather you need. Equally important, games help your kids practice their math, language and strategy skills!

So, dust off the classic games from your childhood for a dose of nostalgia or visit Meeples Games in West Seattle for the store’s weekly game night (Thursdays 6:30-10 p.m.). 3 meeplesgames.com

Friday, August 12

Get 'em wet!

Wading pools and spray parks are a summertime must for parents with young children – and older ones, too.

Shallow, bordered and usually within toddling distance of a playground, the pools are a perfect solution to a hot afternoon. Spray parks can be a little more rambunctious, as the cool flow flies in all directions. There are dozens of wading pools in and around Seattle and at least 15 Seattle-area spray parks. Seattle Parks and Rec’s Facebook page is your go-to spot for the most updated information Jul y /Aug us t 2 0 2 2

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Saturday, August 13

Be part of the story at washington midsummer renaissance faire Step back – way back – in time to find yourselves in ye old Towne of Merriwick, England.

It's a magical place where knights joust, jesters roam the paths, blacksmiths, potters, seamstresses and weavers practice their ancient crafts, and storytellers are the teachers. In other words, get ready for a whole lot of family fun and adventure at the always colorful, sometimes chaotic, always entertainment-packed 2022 Midsummer Renaissance Faire just outside of Bonney Lake.

For the best time, dress up as your favorite fairytale characters today to become active participants in this weekend’s theme, Fairytales &

Face painting at a previous Midsummer Renaissance Faire.

P HOTO COURTESY OF BY R AN DAZEY / CR EATIVEFLASHES.COM

Fantasy Adventures. A little story background on today’s theme: Merriwick, a land far, far away, was once ruled by a beautiful

and strong queen. The queen loved the fairytales she heard as a child so much that when she ascended the throne she

was determined to bring those characters to life. So once a year she presides over a townwide festival, celebrating storytellers

and the characters they carry with them. The annual tradition continues as all the peoples from all kingdoms (including the members of your family) are invited to the festivities.

In this town you’ll find dancers, singers, short plays, puppeteers, raptor demonstrations and a lot more, most demonstrated or enacted with as much historical accuracy as possible. Get ready to hear timeless tales of heroism, mystery, magic and more.

Don’t have a favorite fairytale character? No problem, come just as you are. All ages are welcome, kids are free. Learn more about this and other upcoming renaissance weekends at 3washingtonfaire.com.

BE CURIOUS. Curiosity is back and more colorful than ever.

Zoom in at pacsci.org

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regarding parks with water play features. Check out “Wading pools are open: 11 places to dip your toes” at seattleschild.com.

Saturday, August 13 See "Be Part of the Story at Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire" on the previous page.

Sunday, August 14

Be included with an adaptive bike Is taking a family bike ride difficult for your family due to a parent or child with a disability? Head over to Outdoors for All, a nonprofit foundation that offers adaptive bike rentals free of charge. On-site rentals are available seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no rentals after 5 p.m.). Free rentals apply only to cycles used on-site, departing from and returning to the Adaptive Cycling Center.

Bikes transported off-site (say, to roll along Seattle’s Bicycle Weekends ride today along Lake Washington Blvd.) are subject to fees. Check out details on July 3 in this article and learn more at 3 outdoorsforall.org.

Monday, August 15

Perform random acts of kindness Although the official worldwide celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17, every day is a perfect day for engaging in kindness.

Challenge your family members to sprinkle a little goodness on each other, your neighborhood, perfect strangers or the environment today.

What can you do? The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has lots of ideas for you. For example, pay for the coffee or meal of the person behind you in line. Leave a kind note for someone. Drop flowers at a nursing home and ask the receptionist to give them to someone they think really needs them today. Share words of encouragement.

Drop off a load of groceries at the local food pantry. Plant a tree. Leave quarters at a laundromat. Wheel out the neighbor’s waste cans. 3 randomactsofkindness.org

A DA P TI VE B I KE : P H OTO CO U RTE SY O F OU TD OOR S FOR A L L M U D RU N : P H OTO COU RTE SY O F SM A M M I S H F RI E N DS

Tuesday, August 16

Build a birthday party for a stranger Birthday Dreams is a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party. Volunteer with your kids to create a Birthday-in-a-Box (includes presents, baked birthday cakes and birthday activities) for kids experiencing homelessness throughout the Greater Seattle area. You may be asked to attend a volunteer orientation at the Birthday Dreams office in Kirkland before you start to build your special party. 3 birthdaydreams.org

Wednesday, August 17

While away the day at Golden Gardens The city shortened the hours for Ballard’s Golden Gardens Park this

summer, but there’s plenty to do here between morning and the 10 p.m. closing time. At 87 acres, Golden Gardens is one of Seattle’s most popular parks – and most beautiful as it looks out over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Park your blanket next to the small stream at the east end of the beach and let the kids spend a few hours digging, building and wading.

After lunch, take a short hike along the loop on the northern end of the park.

Sunsets are often spectacular here, leashed dogs are welcome and there’s beachcombing aplenty. Sign up for one of the park’s designated fire pits or picnic shelters in advance to make it a full day of sun, sand and fun. Note: weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds. 3 seattle.gov/parks/find/ parks/golden-gardens-park

Thursday, August 18 See "Take Flight at Washington State International Kite Festival" on this page.

Friday, August 19

Take a seat at “The World’s Quickest Theater Festival” So your tween thinks writing a short paper about William Shakespeare is hard? Imagine writing, casting, directing, rehearsing, scoring, designing and putting on seven plays all in one day (or 14 in two days)! That’s the nutty fun of The World’s Quickest Theater Festival, a 48-hour play-staging challenge. The first seven plays will premiere tonight at 8 p.m. in a Seatte park near you. The second seven will be staged tomorrow, August 20. Shows are free and best for middle school and above. 3 1448projects.org

Saturday, August 20

Get dirty two different ways Dirt is good. It’s healthy. And, for many kids, it’s a whole lot of fun to get messy. Today’s the chance for your children ages 4 to 10 to muck it up when Smammish Friends holds the 2022 Kids Mud Run. How muddy will runners get on this 1-mile course?

Head to toe! In addition to some obstacles getting kids wet, the final obstacle is a giant mud pit that participants will crawl through (but only if they want to). The run itself takes about 20 minutes, but kids are invited to go at their own pace. Fee and signed waivers are required for this event.

3 sammamishfriends.org/ mud-run-2022 Don’t want to get THAT muddy today?

Head instead to the Big Day of Play, a celebration of Seattle’s diversity, at the Rainier Community Center and Playfields in South Seattle from noon to 6 p.m. This annual event, sponsored by the Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Get Moving Initiative, encourages neighbors, communities and families to have fun, build relationships and be active together.

3 bigdayofplay.org

Sunday, August 21

Feel the thrill of public transport Cars are overrated. And in the

Henry, Nathan, and Sam (left to right) practice flying their kites.

Thursday, August 18

Take flight at the washington state international kite festival The sand and skies will be filled with color, competition and a few other surprises on Long Beach shores during the 40th Annual Washington State Kite Festival today through August 21.

It’s the largest kite festival in North America, drawing competitive flyers from around the globe as well as more than 100,000 kite-loving viewers.

Why is Washington a key place for competitive kiting? Our shores offer steady, strong wind. In fact, the wind is sometimes strong enough to drag the trucks used to tether the larger kites.

There’s a lot going on during any given day of this weeklong event, where high-flying action and choreographed movement include kite fighting, lighted kite shows, kite ballets, maker demonstrations and more. Kite buggies, blokarts and other wind-powered vehicles are allowed to run here so look for demonstrations during the festival. And be sure to bring your own kites to join this airborne extravaganza.

Don’t miss a visit to the World Kite Museum, the only kite museum in the Western Hemisphere. During the festival there are more than 200 kites on exhibit, from 12 different countries. Check out the article “Wide appeal of kites, and nostalgia gives hobby new life” at 3seattletimes.com. For festival info go to 3kitefestival.com. summer they are often too hot, too stuffy and too filled with whining.

If your kids have gotten their fill of driving, walking and hiking this week, today’s the day to give them the gift of public transportation. Plan a route that includes a Metro bus, Sound Transit light rail ride and a ferry sailing. One option: park at Northgate Sound Transit Station, ride Sound Transit rail to downtown, then take the C-line Metro bus all the way to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle. Jump on a ferry to Vashon Island. If you arrive

at the West Seattle ferry terminal around lunchtime, it’s a short walk to a kid-friendly meal at Endolyne Joe’s, which marks the “end of the line” for the old Seattle trolley that used to get West Seattleites downtown at the turn of the century. Check out how one dad caught the bug in the article “How my baby taught me to fall in love with transit” at seattleschild.com.

Monday, August 22

Zoom at the zoo Sure, you want to see Woodland Jul y /Aug us t 2 0 2 2

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DIVE INTO summer with TRIUMPHANT STORIES TO INSPIRE TODAY's young Readers FROM new york times bestselling author

JEWELL PARKER RHODES

Park Zoo’s lions, tigers and bears, but did you know it also has an outdoor playground designed with little jungle explorers in mind?

On the Habitat Discovery Loop, kids can run through a mini-mountain cave, climb a spider’s web, and slide like an otter under the cover of shady trees.

Go for a spin on the Historic Carousel at the zoo’s north end, or if the weather is sweltering and smoky, pop into Zoomazium, an indoor play place. The zoo even lends out headphones, fidgets, weighted lap items and other sensory supports to kids who need them. 3 zoo.org

Tuesday, August 23

It’s so much more than a gift!

Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate A portion of the proceeds from each birth certificate benefits the Children’s Trust Fund of Washington, administered by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families Strengthening Families Program.

• This official birth certificate is personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar.

• Certificate is 8 1/2 x 11 and includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the name and birthplace of the parent(s).

• Frameable keepsake.

• For each $45 purchase of an Heirloom Birth Certificate, $20 is tax deductible.

To find out more information on Children’s Trust and child abuse prevention in Washington State visit: www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/governmentcommunity/community-engagement or visit the Department of Health to order your own Heirloom Birth Certificate.

S E AT T L E ’S C H I L D

Wednesday, August 24

U-Pick Trip!

There’s no time like a warm August day to prove to your kids that food is not born in a grocery store.

Going to a farm and participating in the harvest of fruits and vegetables is a great way to connect children with the earth, the seasons and the process of planting, growing and harvesting that happens before those blueberries arrive at the store in plastic clamshells. Today is a great day to head out to one of several Seattle-area U-pick farms. Some family favorites include Bolles Organic Berry Farm in Monroe, The Farm at Swan’s Trail in Snohomish or Biringer Farm in Arlington. August bounty includes blueberries, blackberries, tayberries, boysenberries, corn, tomatoes and more. Check out “Berry season: 9 Seattle-area U-pick berry farms to check out” at seattleschild.com. For a list of farms go to 3 pickyourown.org/WAseattlearea.htm.

Thursday, August 25

Go to a star party!

Tonight’s the night to really see the stars. Get a telescopic look at the moon, sun, stars and planets during Seattle Astrological Society’s annual Star Party in Brooks Memorial State Park near Goldendale. The society’s Star Parties are free and all ages are welcome. What better way to learn about the solar system, deep space, constellations, types of telescopes and the layout of the night sky than heading to one of the darkest spots in Washington state? The astrological society regularly facilitates free star parties in Seattle, too. To check the schedule, go to 3 seattleastro.org.

Friday, August 26

Mining for gems

Attention rockhounds! Gather your shovel, sifter, flashlight and a jar for gems and head to Hansen Creek, a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near North Bend. You won’t have to go very far down the trail

DCYF FS_0010 (09-19)

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There are three national parks in Washington, plus national historic sites and other federally managed areas. The closest and most iconic one, of course, can be seen all the way from Seattle on a clear day.

Mount Rainier National Park is easily accessible from King County and has trails aplenty. It’s a no-hassle wilderness experience. Day trippers, take note: Mount Rainier is popular and sometimes difficult to get into on weekend summer mornings.

Consider a weekday trip and be sure to follow the park’s Twitter account for updates. Olympic National Park is more remote. Known for its oldgrowth rainforest, miles of rocky beaches, Olympic Mountains and spectacular Hurricane Ridge, it is summer exploration at its best. Does your family like truly challenging hikes? Then start your tour of Washington’s national parks at the North Cascades National Park. 3 nps.gov/state/wa/index.htm

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ZOO: P H OTO CO U RT ESY OF RYA N HAW K /WOOD L AN D PA RK ZOO U -P I C K: P H OTO COU RTE SY O F M OL LY W H I TE

www.jewellparkerrhodes.com/children

Day trip or overnight to a national park

to see why families enjoy hunting for crystals and other stones at this spot. There are literally gems everywhere on the trail. Look closely for quartz crystals hidden around fallen logs and the roots of trees. Dig down to see what’s below the surface.

Focus on one spot, then hike further up the hill and look for your next claim. 3 alltrails.com/trail/us/ washington/hansen-creek-trail

Saturday, August 27

Team up for the Kick’N It Kickball Classic!

Brothers in United in Leadership Development (BUILD), a grassroots community organization, is hosting its Kick’N It Kickball Classic today at Genesee Playfield (4316 S Genesee St. in Seattle). No hidden agendas here according to BUILD leaders, just an afternoon of community play, family fun and neighborly connection. All ages are welcome! Balls start rolling at 1 p.m. 3 build206.com

Sunday, August 28

Learn the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond

Call 425-883-3271 for a tour.

in g N o w E n r o ll

• Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with strong academic focus • Experienced, Montessori-certified teachers • Preschool, kindergarten, and STEAM Enrichment • Family owned and operated since 1977 • Summer, before & after school programs • Prep Program, (starting ages 2 1/2-3)

www.sammamishmontessori.com • 425-883-3271

The Washington Park Arboretum is a botanical treasure no matter when you visit, but summertime is something special. The park’s winding paths, grassy knolls and curated plants invite hours of gentle walking and exploring. Download the Picture This app before you go and use it to identify and learn about all the foliage you see as you wind your way to the Seattle Japanese Garden. Amid the tranquil branches here, introduce your school-age child (if able to sit quietly) to a graceful and ancient tradition: the 40-minute Japanese Tea Ceremony.

3 seattlejapanesegarden.org/tea-ceremony

Monday, August 29

Watch the workings of the Port of Seattle Is there a child in your house who lives for big rigs, ships, construction machinery and pretty much all things wheels and transportation?

Spend today visiting Jack Perry Memorial Park on the Seattle Waterfront before heading over to Jack Block Park in West Seattle for great views of a port in action. The two parks are the anchors of The Port of Seattle’s self-guided tour, which highlights Terminals 5, 18, 30 and 4 of the sixth-largest port in the country. Print or upload the guide and take it along; it offers a wealth of information on port activity, capacity and more. Binoculars or a long-lens camera will help focus on details. For a treat, head to the historic Luna Park Cafe to enjoy a “perfect” milkshake.

3 portseattle.org/sites/default/files/2017-12/ Walking_Tour_1.pdf

Tuesday, August 30

P ORT: P H OTO COU RTE SY O F TH E P ORT O F SE ATTL E

Find freedom in a fort You were a kid once, right? Remember those long meandering summer days when you uttered the dreaded words, “I’m booooorrrred,” to a parent?

And then that parent, with a wry smile, sang out, “Boredom is an attitude, go build a fort!” And you did. And for the rest of the day just a few blankets and cardboard, rocks and old wooden planks, or cardboard boxes and duct tape turned your room or yard into a magical place filled with endless adventure. Today is the day to pass on the wisdom.

Invite your kids to build a fort inside or out. Better yet, join them. For a little inspiration, check out Tom Birdseye’s A Kids’ Guide to Building Forts.

Wednesday, August 31

Chalk it up!

Sadly, the Pacific Northwest Chalkfest will not be happening in 2022, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on partaking of this great art form.

Dust off the sidewalk chalk, grab some new colors and go to town on your sidewalk, carport or any pavement that is safe. Express yourselves in art and positive, inspiring words. Make it an event by inviting friends or the neighbors on your block or in Jul y /Aug us t 2 0 2 2

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your building to draw away the hours of a Wednesday evening. End with a “gallery walk” of appreciation. For other great home- or neighborhood-based ideas, check out “19 creative ideas for outside fun with kids” at seattleschild.com.

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Help a family you don’t know

SWIMMING | PLAY-BASED | ART S.T.E.M. | MUCH MORE! WWW.SAMENA.COM PHONE : (425) 746-1160 - INFO@SAMENA.COM

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It’s hard not to think about the fact that school starts in less than a week. As you shop for school supplies with your kids, collect items (for example, calculator, set of crayons, pair of shoes, or box of snacks) for their school’s list of “must haves” to donate to a family experiencing financial hardship. Check in with donation organizers, including Hopelink, Mary’s Place and local PTSAs, to find a supply drive near you where you can drop off or pick up supplies this week. Office Depot and Fred Meyer locations often have bins for donated supplies, which they give to neighborhood schools.

Friday, September 2

Step into a the garden Drop in for Open Play at Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, a welcoming, safe, fun and accessible place for kids (and parents) to be themselves, located just south of Colman Park. PlayGarden staff are on hand to help you tend the sunflowers, visit with farm animals, facilitate inclusive play between kids, and work on a construction, art or garden project. No prior registration or fees required.

3 childrensplaygarden.org

Saturday, September 3

Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids Run September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series (half-marathon, 5K and 1-mile Kids ROCK run) is an awesome way to help raise funds for research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Kid’s ROCK and 5K runs, which include LOTS of music, will be held this morning starting in downtown Bellevue. Can’t run or walk? Come to cheer! To register, go to 3 runrocknroll.com.

Sunday, September 4

Slide through the end of summer Embrace the summer slide with a visit to one of our area’s most exciting slopes. Fisher Creek Park at Snoqualmie Ridge features seven steep, thrilling slides along with a bike course, ziplines and a huge climbing structure. Adventurous kids will love hitting the massive, twisty water slide at the Rainier Beach Pool. If you haven’t yet made it to Wild Waves Water Park in Federal Way, today could be the day. Tube down the Konga slides as a family or brave the long twists, dips and turns of the huge water-slide complex. 3 wildwaves.com

Monday, September 5

Music at Ballard Locks Visit a Seattle family favorite, the Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks. Lots to do here: watch the boats rise and fall in the locks, look for fish in the fish ladder, stroll through the botanical garden.

And then, today at 2 p.m. sit on the lawn for a free concert by the Moondance & Van Morrison Band. For the full Ballard Locks Summer Concert Series line-up, go to 3 ballardlocks.org/free-summer-concerts.html.

Tuesday, September 6

Almost back-to-school do nothing day You’ve hiked, you’ve biked, you’ve played, you’ve danced. You’ve visited tide pools and petting zoos and museums. Instead of cramming in one more end-of-summer event or activity, how about just hanging out as a family today. Cook a favorite meal together, including dessert. Choose your favorite outfit for the first day of school, fill up the backpacks, take school lunch orders. Then pull on your jammies — parents too — and settle onto the couch for a low-stress, fun or favorite Disney family flick before hitting the hay early. Tomorrow’s a big day.

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS OF THE PUGET SOUND REGION AND SEATTLE'S CHILD MAGAZINE

Museums

are for

KIDs! What did the world look like before I was here?

Who shares the earth with me?

How do things work?

What does art say to me?

Who do I want to become?

Museums

tackle the

big questions

that young SH UT TE RSTOC K

minds ask

Explore a museum with your child today!

Burke Museum MUSEUM info Website: www.burkemuseum.org Address: 4300 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 Hours: 10am-5pm Tuesdays-Sundays (closed Mondays); Open 10am-8pm first Thursday of the month Admission: $22 Adult; $14 Youth; FREE for kids 3 and under and Burke members Free/Discounted Museum Days: Free for all the first Thursday of the month Special Events: Virtual & in-person field trips, at-home Fossil Fun Packs, Burke Live! Virtual lessons, & more year round!

Summer camps: www.burkemuseum.org/education Programs for Schools/Homeschoolers: www.burkemuseum.org/education/families-and-youth Parent & Kid-Friendly Features: Dinosaurs, animals, art, play spaces and educational activities throughout the museum Museum Cafe: Yes COVID-19: We continue to welcome and strongly recommend mask wearing at the Burke.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

The museum’s T. Rex skull and other amazing fossils! They’ll also enjoy watching scientists and artists working in the museum’s visible workrooms and labs, stepping into incredible canoes, and getting some energy out in the museum’s play space set up like a local field research campsite.

How their kids can see potential career paths in the sciences and arts in action through the visible workrooms. They’ll also love the chance to get a closer look at the cultures and wildlife that make the Pacific Northwest so special with monumental art and towering biology exhibits.

Children's Museum of Skagit County MUSEUM info Website: www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net Address: 432 Fashion Way, Burlington, WA 98233 Hours: Check our website for current information!

Admission: $7.75/person, $6.75/Military & Senior, $3.00/ Museums for All/EBT, Free for children under 12 months of age (admission prices subject to change) Free/Discounted Days: Check our website for current information!

Special Events: Check our website for current information!

Summer Camps: www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net/ education/camps After school: Check our website for current information!

Parent/Kid friendly features: Interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages to learn through hands-on play.

Celebrations and events throughout the year. Museum Explorers Preschool. Museum store. Memberships available.

COVID-19: Check our website for current information!

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What kids will love:

What parents will love:

A real tug boat, semi-truck, crane and so much more to explore in the Main Street exhibits-Café, Dental Office, Doctor’s Office, Bank, Design Studio, Grocery Store and Construction Site.

Create in the Art Studio, discover the Reading Room, Toddler Farmyard, Barn, STEAM Lane, Theatre Stage, Music Studio, and Train exhibits.

The exhibits are as much fun for adults as they are for children!

The museum offers opportunities and resources for parents to engage with their children, learn more about the community, in an atmosphere that feels welcoming and relaxed. Exhibits are filled with components that inspire curiosity, exploration and fun!

Explore a museum with your child today!

Hands On Children's Museum SC AV EN GE R HU NT

discoveries Don’t miss these five exciting m at Hands On Children’s Museu

New Wags and Whiskers Animal Hospital

Examine and care for our furry friends. Complete the exam check-list, give them a bath, take an x-ray, and return them home to the kennel.

Ballcano Get your hands wet and experience the different states of water. Play with a steam bell and launch balls into the 8-foot-tall water vortex.

Megan D Schooner Captain an authentic schooner, climb a 6-foot rope ladder, play in the crow’s nest, navigate the ship’s ladder and rickety bridge to explore the hull.

P HOTO © BILLY HUSTACE P HOTOGRAP H Y

U FIND EACH ONE! CHECK THEM OFF AS YO

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

150 interactive exhibits including Wags and Whiskers Animal Hospital, Two-story climber and Stream Slide, Ballcano, Water Table, Art Studio, and Snug Harbor. Plus, half-acre Outdoor Discovery Center, with Lighthouse Lookout, Trike Loop, Megan D Schooner, and Climbing Boulder. Summer long Summer Splash! event features themed adventures, special guests, and activities.

Washington’s award-winning museum on Olympia’s waterfront adjacent to WET Science Center and Plaza with 250’ interactive stream.

Near downtown, Farmer’s Market, and Percival Landing. Clean and beautiful facility with fresh foods, in the Play Day Café. Voted “Best Family Fun Destination” by King 5 Evening Magazine.

MUSEUM info Airways Maze Send scarves and yarn balls through a 25-foot Airways Maze and try to catch them! Change the airflow direction and watch how the pathway changes.

Website: www.hocm.org Address: 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, WA 98501 Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm Admission: General Admission (18 mo - 64 yrs) $15.95, Seniors (65+) $14.95 Military/First Responder/Foster Family (with valid ID) $14.95, FREE for members Free/Discounted Museum Days: EBT Cardholders: First 2 guests free/each add. $2 Special Events: Summer Slash! (June-Aug), Boo Bash (Oct), Noon Year’s (Dec 31), Ice Adventures (Jan), Spring Break Weeks (Mar-April)

Art Studio

Follow suggested seasonal activities or choose from a huge assortment of new e and recycled art supplies to creat one-of-a-kind works of art.

Summer Camps: https://bit.ly/3AmxP3J Weekend/After School: https://bit.ly/3xT3Jqt Museum Cafe: https://bit.ly/3p3QfEk, Daily 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Family-Friendly Features: Preschool, Sensory Friendly Hour (Sundays), Birthday Parties, Private Events

COVID-19: https://bit.ly/32JFqfi

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Explore a museum with your child today!

hibulb cultural center and natural history preserve SC AV EN GE R HU NT

discoveries Don’t miss these five exciting at Hibulb Cultural Center U FIND EACH ONE! CHECK THEM OFF AS YO

Longhouse

Traditionally, longhouses were homes made from cedar planks that were used for gatherings and communal living. Today, Tulalip Tribes has one central longhouse that is still used for ceremonies.

Point Elliott Treaty

The Point Elliott Treaty of 1855 is a living document that protects the rights and culture of the Tulalip Tribes.

The signing of the Treaty is one of the most pivotal points in Tulalip history.

Dentalium shells Dentalium shells were used as currency and regalia. Mostly used for trade, these small, tubular mollusks were symbols of wealth and were commonly incorporated in traditional wear.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Stories are given as gifts to make one more knowledgeable. Young people can immerse themselves in the stories, music, canoes, cedar and salmon interactive exhibits of the Tulalip people’s past and present at the cultural center.

Our senior curator described the cultural center as the intellectual and cultural soul of the Tulalip people. The center incorporates history, language, science and art in the hands-on activities for a unique, enjoyable learning experience.

MUSEUM info Website: www.hibulbculturalcenter.org

Teaching pole Teaching poles were carvings that represented stories and the morals behind them. In the winter months, grandparents would tell stories to children in the longhouse.

Address: Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, 6410 23rd AVE NE Tulalip, WA 98271, 360-716-2600 Hours: Monday: Closed, Tuesday–Friday 10am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday noon–5pm Free the 1st Thursday of each month, open 10am–5pm on those days Admission: Adult (18 and over): $10, Senior (50+): $7, Student (6-17): $6, Military & Veterans: $6, Child (5 and under): FREE, Family: $25 (2 adults and up to 4 children) Special Events for Families: Yes Summer Day Camps/Classes: Tour programs offered Afterschool/Weekend Classes: Yes

Stone net weights Stone net weights were used to weigh down nets for beach seining and fishing.

These weights helped the net sink down to catch fish, or to anchor nets in place.

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Programs for Schools/Homeschoolers: Yes Family-friendly features: Interactive exhibits, hands-on activity options

Explore a museum with your child today!

Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) SC AV EN GE R HU NT

discoveries Don’t miss these five exciting DiMu) at Kids Discovery Museum (Ki U FIND EACH ONE! CHECK THEM OFF AS YO

Nature Microscope Zoom in and out as you investigate the natural world under our microEYE microscope.

Nano

Imagine and discover a world you can’t see in our Nano exhibit! Explore progressively smaller magnetic materials and work together to build a giant model of a carbon nanotube.

Art Studio Visit our Art Studio to reflect, appreciate, and create art. Our studio is a creative outlet to try different mediums and celebrate that art is special, worldly, and a part of who we are.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

KiDiMu’s hand-on exhibits invite children to learn through play.

Build and problem-solve with our Rigamajig. Junior astronauts will blast off into outer space in our Mission to the Moon exhibit.

Veterinarians-in-training will love taking care of the animals in our Ready, Vet, Go clinic. Our daily art and science activities engage early learners to imagine, discover, and grow.

Just steps from the ferry, Kids Discovery Museum is in the heart of downtown Bainbridge Island. Our two-story, LEEDcertified building is surrounded by parks, restaurants, shops, and rocky beaches. Engage in play!

Make patterns on our light wall and construct towers with blue blocks. You will have as much fun as your little ones!

MUSEUM info Ready, Vet, Go

Website: www.kidimu.org

Tend to your cat, dog, or rabbit in our new Ready, Vet, Go exhibit.

Grab your stethoscope as and clipboard and begin an exam a veterinarian-in-training!

Hours: Summer hours: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 5pm, Friday - Sunday 9am - 4pm. Fall hours: Monday and Friday 1pm - 5pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 9am - 4pm.

Please check our website for current hours!

Address: 301 Ravine Lane NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Cost: Single admission: $9, Members and children under 1: FREE, Museums for All: $3 Free/Discounted Museum Days: Join us on for First Friday Art Walk! Free from 3pm - 7pm, and check our website for free and discounted days offered throughout the year!

Light Wall What patterns can you create or words can you spell on our giant light wall? Leave your masterpiece for all to enjoy!

Special Events: Webb Telescope First Images on Saturday, August 6th from 12pm - 4pm FREE, Halloween Party on the Plaza (Oct 31), Holidays at KiDiMu featuring gingerbread house workshops and sock skating (Dec), Noon Year’s Eve (Dec 31st)

Summer Day Camp: www.kidimu.org/camp Weekend/After-School: Daily pop-up art or science activity Family-Friendly Features: Preschool, Camps & Workshops, Birthday Parties, After-Hours Events

COVID-19: Hand washing required upon entry, masks are optional.

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KidsQuest Children's Museum UP CO M IN G EV EN TS

KidsQuest Summer Nights

Fridays & Saturdays in August after hours during Families can play at the museum es and special them New ts!

Nigh mer Sum KidsQuest ! week guests each

Camptivities

st 26th Weekdays from June 20th - Augu -themed activities camp with Make summer memories ip. Spark the fire of FREE with admission or membersh creativity through play!

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Playing, exploring, & learning in every inch of the place! Kids can hop aboard a real truck, climb 25 feet in the air, or help out in a grocery store! They can paint, draw, or collage, before heading up to the Story Tree to engage their imaginations.

Watching their children engage in thought-provoking, independentplay or joining them in the fun!

KidsQuest encourages all guests to keep on playing and exploring!

Create something new out of recycled materials in our Recycle Rebuild room, or watch your tiny tot explore safely in our Tot Orchard.

MUSEUM info Website: www.kidsquestmuseum.org Address: 1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Adjacent to the Bellevue Library and Ashwood Park

Hours: With extended hours this summer, check our website for more details!

Cost: Members: FREE, Children Under 1: FREE, Children over 1: $11, Adult Timed Ticket: $11 Free/Discounted Museum Days: Discounts are available everyday!

Museums For All: $3, Military/First Responder: FREE (5/28–9/6), Microsoft Prime: $5.50 Special Events: KidsQuest Summer Nights, Camptivities, and more! www.kidsquestmuseum.org/programs/special_events_for_all_ages/

Pre-School Classes: www.kidsquestmuseum.org/programs/preschool/ After-School/Weekend Classes: www.kidsquestmuseum.org/programs/school-age-programs-2/

Programs for Schools/Homeschoolers:

KidsQuest BEES & Worms

Learn more about our tiny Watch bees and worms up close! rtant to our habitat! impo so are they why neighbors and

www.kidsquestmuseum.org/programs/field-trips/

Family-Friendly Features: Take a piece of the museum home with you from the Museum Store. Low-sensory programming each month and low-sensory kits available for usage on site anytime. Book a birthday party or experience a private event with only your friends and family onsite.

Covid-19: Check our website for updates www.kidsquestmuseum.org

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MOHAI MUSEUM info Address: 860 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98109 Hours: 10am-5pm daily Summer Extended Hours: Thursdays, July and August, 10am–8pm.

Cost: Admission is free from 5-8 pm on first Thursdays to MOHAI’s regular galleries. Admission is $22 for adults: $18 for seniors (65 and above); $17 for students and military (with ID); free for children 14 and under (when accompanied by an adult) and MOHAI members.

Special Events for Families: Point of View: Lake Union Photo Scavenger Hunt. It’s about the framing in this all-ages scavenger hunt of Lake Union Park! Complete this digital hunt anytime during the month of August or join us for an in-person facilitated experience with MOHAI educators on August 4 and 13. Details at MOHAI.org/calendar Special Ongoing Programs for Families: Join MOHAI as we tinker, experiment, and create our way through history. Explore in the Idea Lab in the Bezos Center for Innovation or at home using the templates and videos. Activities change regularly.

Programs for Schools/Homeschoolers: Details at http://mohai.org/education/

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Create, collaborate, and explore at the Bezos Center for Innovation where young visitors can tinker and solve real-world problems in the Idea Lab and use Exploration and Innovation Packs to discover history in fun, hands-on ways.

MOHAI’s big open floor plan allows kids to get their wiggles out as they explore. Hands-on interactives supplement in-depth exhibit content to entertain everyone in the family.

Gourmondo at MOHAI Café: Whether you are visiting the museum or strolling around Lake Union Park, you are invited to stop in for a bite at Gourmondo at MOHAI. Members save 10%

Museum of glass

MUSEUM info

Website: www.museumofglass.org Address: 1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm Admission: $18 - Adults; $16 - Seniors (62+)/College Students/Military (with ID); $10 - Children (6-18); Free – Children (under 6); Free - Museum Members; $1/person; $2/family - EBT Cardholders Free/Discounted Museum Days: Third Thursday of the month: free admission from 5-8pm.

Field Trip Fridays: On Fridays from July 15–September 30, MOG provides 100 free admission tickets to small family groups for a self-guided experience. Families are provided a discussion guide to prompt meaningful conversations around selected artworks. Registration is required.

Family Day: The second Saturday of each month, from 1–4pm, visitors of all ages are invited to make their own art, guided by a MOG Educator.

Kids Design Glass: Watch as MOG’s Hot Shop Team brings a child’s drawing to life. One entry is selected to be interpreted into glass monthly.

Museum Cafe: Yes COVID-19: Museum of Glass follows state and county guidelines related to Covid-19.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

The Hot Shop at Museum of Glass is an active glassblowing studio!

Watching hot molten glass turn into forms is mesmerizing and appeals to kids natural sense of wonder. Leaving the Hot Shop, families can check out glass forms designed by children in MOG’s Kids Design Glass installation.

Located in downtown Tacoma, Museum of Glass is a makerspace, celebrating glass art with live glassblowing, gallery exhibitions, and hands-on art projects. The combination of activities makes for a great family day trip.

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northwest railway museum MUSEUM info Website: TrainMuseum.org Address: 38625 SE King Street, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Hours: 10am–5pm Admission: $0–$30 (Depends on event) Free/Discounted Museum Days: Toddler Train Storytimes offered during the school year.

Special Events: Steam Train Rides, Day Out With Thomas, Halloween Train, Santa Train Camps, classes, virtual experiences: Visit TrainMuseum.org for details Parent & Kid-Friendly Features: Trains of all sizes — Real & Models; Train Rides, Historic Snoqualmie Depot, Bookstore, Train Shed Exhibit Hall COVID-19: Masking is currently optional, but will follow county, state & federal guidelines if things change. Please, Check website for current information.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Trains! Train ride, model trains, Snoqualmie depot has a climbaboard train car. Go inside a real caboose at the Train Shed exhibit hall.

Trains! A train ride that includes a stop to view the Snoqualmie River from the top of Snoqualmie Falls; The history of how the railway changed EVERYTHING!

Pacific Bonsai Museum

MUSEUM info

Website: www.pacificbonsaimuseum.org Address: 2515 S. 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98001 Hours: 10am–4pm, Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays) Admission: Suggested donation of $12 per adult Free Days: Admission-by-donation every day Special Events: In typical years, BonsaiFest! (spring) and A Bonsai Solstice (winter) with kid-centered programming.

Summer day camps: Virtual Field Trips (see www.pacificbonsaimuseum.org/learn/field_trips) Afterschool/Weekend Classes: https://pacificbonsaimuseum.org/learn/6954-2/ Programs for Schools/Homeschoolers: https:// pacificbonsaimuseum.org/learn/field_trips/ Parent/Kid friendly features: ~60 bonsai are on display year-round; children and parents alike find the tiny trees captivating and enchanting; experience the exhibits at your own pace; interpretive materials available to read about each bonsai; a clean, well cared for outdoor museum; flat, fine gravel walkways are stroller/wheelchair accessible.

Museum Cafe: No

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What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Seeing an amazing variety of beautiful, tiny trees living outdoors year-round. Kids can see and “Be the Bonsai” by looking at the shape of a tree and mimicking its form with their posture and limbs.

Bonsai are displayed as artworks inside of a forest of bigger trees, which sets up a magical experience of nature.

The Museum is a safe space to be outdoors, breathe fresh air, and appreciate living art. Free Virtual Field Trips include lesson plans and activity sheets for art, STEM, and social studies curricula.

Explore a museum with your child today!

Seattle Art museum MUSEUM info Seattle Art Museum: 1300 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Olympic Sculpture Park: 2901 Western Ave., Seattle WA 98121 Website: www.visitsam.org Hours: Wed-Sun 10am–5pm Cost: Kids 14 and under are always free! Teens (15-18) and Students General Admission: $12.99 if purchased in advance. SAM Members are always free!

Free/Discount Museum Days: The first Thursday of every month, admission to the Seattle Art Museum is free.

Olympic Sculpture Park is always free to visit.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Special Events for Families/Kids: Summer at SAM is a series of family-friendly events, featuring music, food and art | Thursday and Saturday at the Olympic Sculpture Park from July 14 - Aug 20. For other family activities visit: www. seattleartmuseum.org/programs-and-learning/families

Children’s imaginations soar at SAM! The Knudsen Family Room is a space for kids to rest and play, and the SAM Store is filled with art-centric toys, books and games.

Children 14 and under are free at SAM! With family spaces for children to play there are endless ways to spark your child’s inner artist.

Parent & Kid-Friendly Features: Olympic Sculpture Park is the perfect summer picnic place with lots of grass, beautiful waterfront views and sculptures.

Museum Cafe: Yes

Whatcom Museum

Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) MUSEUM info Website: www.whatcommuseum.org Address: 250 Flora Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 10am–5pm, Sunday, noon–5pm Admission: $10 general, $8 youth (6-17)/student/ senior/military, $5 child (2-5), under 2 free Free/Discounted Museum Days: $5 FIG-only visits Thursday-Saturday, 10am-Noon Special Events for Families/Kids: FIG Studio art activities, Thursday story time, STEAM Saturdays, Saturdays with the Symphony Sumer Day Camps/Classes: www.whatcommuseum. org/learn/camps/ Afterschool/Weekend Classes: Check our web calendar at www.whatcommuseum.org/calendar/ Programs for Schools/Homeschoolers: www.whatcommuseum.org/learn/school-tours-and-workshops/ Museum Café: Yes Parent & Kid-Friendly Features: Learn through play activity stations and art studio meant for adult-child interaction inside the FIG. Admission includes art and history galleries in this 2-building campus, offering kid-friendly interactives.

What kids will love:

What parents will love:

Activity stations include a climbable fire lookout, building zone, farm-to-table area, costumes, interactive sensory light activities, art studio, toddler area, and music area. STEAM Saturday science experiments are a favorite!

The FIG is designed for adults and children to have fun together. By offering self-directed exploration, the FIG provides educational opportunities in many critical areas, including science, technology, art, innovation, problem-solving, and social experiences.

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