An expert shares her water safety tips for kids, so they can splash securely CELEBRATIONS
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+ ABOUT ‘Bank’ on Fun at Tacoma’s Newest Playspot 21 Its eye-catching 36-foot tower will leave your crew in awe
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I don’t know about you, but nothing soothes my soul more than a “scroll” down memory lane in my phone’s camera library. With a gentle upward swipe, I can relive my family’s best moments, special memories and experiences that can feel like one-offs amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In less than a minute, my son ages three years, losing braces and his shaggy moptop, but gaining a driver’s license. My middle child’s smile goes from goofy toothless to pearly whites in record time. And my baby’s past few years of milestone changes happen even faster than they did in real life. I can travel from Bryce Canyon to Lake Chelan to Cabo, Mexico and back again in less than a minute, and pack in four seasons’ worth of family activities (okay, two — rainy and non-rainy) in the same span. Maybe it’s me, but compressing those moments is like a Temple Grandin-style hug for my soul.
But there’s one picture in the bunch that always catches me off guard. It seems so out of place among the heartwarming images of my two bookend kids digging in the sand, the bright summer sun, hefted loftily in the blue sky, reflecting off of Puget Sound’s icy cold waters behind them. But there it is, sandwiched between the photo of my daughter dutifully dumping sand into a red pail and one from our trip to The Museum of Flight the following day. It’s dated June 28, 2021.
The photo itself is nothing exciting. It’s of my car’s noticeably dusty dashboard. But what makes it stand out is what it’s noting — the hottest temperature I saw that day: 111 degrees. It was the hottest day on record in Seattle.
As the saying goes, a picture’s worth a thousand words. And I hope you’re interested in reading a few more about our warming climate in this month’s “Sustainable Living” issue. First, associate editor, Kari Hanson, sits down with local parents who’ve committed to using fewer of the Earth’s resources in their daily lives. It’s our hope you’ll be inspired by their stories (p. 6). We’re also looking at simple things you may not be doing, but should, to save the planet (p. 13), and giving a nod to local programs that help schools reduce their carbon footprint (p. 39).
Beyond that, family fun is on tap this summer, starting with an eye-catching new playground that has people talking (p. 21). Plus, our senior editor, Kristin Leong, dishes on everything to see and do on The Hill (Cap Hill to us newbies) during Pride Month (p. 29). Don’t miss out on Father’s Day and Juneteenth, either. Our monthly Play List (p. 36) has fantastic suggestions for both.
Here’s to a happy and safe summer for your family!
— Allison Sutcliffe, managing editorEDITORIAL
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Sustainable living attempts to use less of the Earth’s natural resources by altering one’s carbon footprint, method of transportation or even diet. While it is important for families to do all they can individually, some people take their dedication to sustainability to the next level by impacting their neighbors and community, even an entire city. I was lucky to speak with a few of these sustainability change-makers.
Transportation: Bike more, drive less While many people in Greater Seattle ride their bikes — even to commute to work — the thought of using a bike as your primary means of transportation when you have kids in tow is more than a little intimidating for many parents.
But not for Madi Carlson.
continued from page 6
Carlson’s mother was born in the Netherlands, and Carlson grew up visiting her Dutch relatives in that country, where bike commuting is the norm. As she got older, Carlson watched her cousins put their babies in adorable Dutch baby seats on their bikes and hoped to do the same one day. When Carlson became a mother, she managed to find a baby seat that fit her beach cruiser bike, and she’s never looked back.
Biking for transportation is extremely fun, and it’s a wonderful way to get exercise and improve your mood if, like me, you’re bad about working out just for the sake of it.
While Carlson had been an avid biker since she was a child, having her children helped deepen her dedication to sustainable transportation. “Having kids really helps one examine every choice and think about how it will affect future generations,” says Carlson. “As I learned more and more about biking for transportation and bike advocacy, I wanted to bike more and more. I met wonderful friends who were also biking with their kids, and I started helping other people figure out how to bike with their babies and kids.”
Carlson says there have been many times when she has stopped momentarily on a bike ride and had a neighbor approach her to comment on how seeing her
biking inspired them to give it a try, too. “Lots of times this has led to them dusting off their old bike or telling a friend or relative with little kids about the concept of family biking,” says Carlson.
Carlson has advice for families who want to increase their use of sustainable transportation: Remember, it’s not all or nothing; every effort counts. “Each time you don’t use your car, you’re being more sustainable. And it’s not only about sustainability,” says Carlson. “Biking for transportation is extremely fun, and it’s a wonderful way to get exercise and improve your mood if, like me, you’re bad about working out just for the sake of it.”
To connect with Carlson and learn more about family biking, check out her blog “Family Ride” or her book “Urban Cycling,” and follow her on Instagram or X.
Waste reduction: Reduce your family’s garbage We all hate lugging the trash to the curb every week, feeling guilt about the waste. But is there another way? Stephanie Wall decided the answer for her family would be yes.
When she came across the “Zero Waste Home” blog by Bea Johnson, Wall was inspired by the beautiful, simple home life that was portrayed. Though Wall was single at the time, she already had her future family in mind. “I always had a vision and dream of a beautiful home that was a secure, loving and grounding place for my future family,” says Wall. “The appeal was how a zero waste lifestyle could simplify and enrich my life. Now my husband and two young children can share in that with me.”
As with Carlson, Wall’s dedication to sustainable living has had an impact beyond her family. “People notice the different ways, big and small, that we live differently, which inspires them to make changes in their own life,” Wall says. She is a cofounder of the organization Seattle Zero Waste, which has allowed her to have a greater impact and reach a wider audience. Seattle Zero Waste has more than 6,000 followers on Facebook and more than 1,700 on Instagram.
The idea of zero waste can feel intimidating, especially when the family trash can seems to be overflowing
Schools with reported incidents
FEATURE SUSTAINABILITY
continued from page 9
every week. Wall advises folks who want to make a change to start small. “Choose one small habit or product you can swap out for a more resourceful or reusable alternative. Maybe it is buying a product in a larger quantity instead of individually wrapped items, like a block of cheese that you cut into smaller snack size pieces instead of individually wrapped small squares of cheese,” recommends Wall. She also encourages everyone to assess whether they need all of the things they buy, and to try following Bea Johnson’s “5 R’s — Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot — and only in that order.”
Wall encourages those interested in reducing their waste to “Have fun with the challenge of creating less waste and consuming less resources. Don’t see failure as a bad thing, but use it to learn and grow. Don’t strive for perfection or overnight change. You’ll be able to sustain your sustainable habits and lifestyle by moving forward with a sense of joy and hope, creating a positive and compelling vision of the future.”
Environmental cleanup: Working with neighbors to keep the community clean
We’ve all been to a beach and seen trash lying around. Most people simply shake their head and keep walking to a trash-free place to enjoy the day. But some, like Erik Bell, do more. A lot more.
When Bell looked around his community and saw litter and other trash, his first reaction was understandable: anger and frustration. But after a friend challenged him to do something about the mess if it was upsetting him, Bell got to work.
“This was a huge revelation for me at the time, that I could change how I responded to a situation and take action,” says Bell. At about the same time, Bell and his brother began meeting up on Saturday mornings on Alki, and the two started walking — and cleaning up the beach. One weekend during the pandemic, Bell decided to invite neighbors to join them. “I was blown away at the response from neighbors and decided to capitalize on that inspiration and start a group to focus on community cleanups in West Seattle.” That group became known as A Cleaner Alki, and it has grown over the years, striving to make a difference throughout the West Seattle neighborhoods with weekly cleanup and “sprucing” events.
As with Wall and Carlson, Bell’s commitment to sustainability has impacted the community. He believes that the community engagement A Cleaner Alki has seen is due, in part, to the consistency of the opportunities it provides. “When I first started A Cleaner Alki, we had an event every other week or so, or maybe just once a month,” says Bell. “Although it was better than nothing, it wasn’t nearly enough to spark the imagination of the community or show what a sustained effort could look like. Now, by having three to four cleanups a week that run as recurring projects, the community is seeing results in real time, which is much more impactful than a beach cleanup here and there.”
Bell encourages others to take the first steps and become the leader in keeping their community clean. Any step toward sustainability is important, and you never know what impact you will have. “If you walk a dog or your child to school, take a bag next time you go and pick up some trash. Maybe you will be the inspiration that gets the next neighbor to join you. The best we can do is be stewards of this land while we’re here; we’re just passing through,” says Bell.
How to start: Join an organization that shares your passion for sustainability
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the sustainability issues our planet is facing? Consider joining a group or organization working in an area of sustainability you feel passionate about. That’s how Jared Howe and his child became involved with Climate Action Families.
Source: BBYO, March 2024
Distressed by the impacts of climate change, Howe began working with various climate-focused organizations and individuals. A decade later, he is still dedicated to climate issues, but he wanted to find an opportunity for his child to be involved as well. He found that with Climate Action Families.
Howe’s dedication and work toward climate change is greatly impacted by how this issue will affect his child — and all children — in the future. “I am involved with Climate Action Families because I want to walk this difficult path with my child, and be here for when they understand the challenges we face with their future, be able to hold
their pain and anger, and encourage them in whatever way they decide to participate (or not to participate). I think that’s one of the most important roles I have as a parent in this time,” says Howe.
Connecting with an organization can be helpful because, as Howe points out, when it comes to a significant issue like climate change, “You aren’t going to be able to solve this by yourself, and a lot of times it’s unclear what has to be done or the impact of one’s involvement with the climate movement.” Being part of a group working to resolve a sustainability issue that you feel strongly about can help you see that your individual actions and dedication are part of a larger effort.
Howe — like Carlson, Wall and Bell — encourages others to get involved in whatever way works for them. “There is no right or wrong way for people to be involved,” says Howe. “Climate change is very overwhelming, and I find that most people don’t want to even talk about it. That’s okay and a necessary step for everyone to go through. On the other side of our grief and our powerlessness is meaning, community, support and love.” ■
Kari Hanson is ParentMap’s Associate Editor. She is the mom of two boys and has called Seattle home for more than two decades. When she isn’t writing, she can be found crocheting, sewing or being pulled around the block by her sweet and enthusiastic dog.
Have you ever heard of “wishcycling”? That’s when we put nonrecyclable items into the blue bin to avoid garbage guilt. But this contamination can cause whole loads of recyclables to end up in the landfill. At the same time, doing truly sustainable things like biking to work instead of driving are really hard and sometimes not even feasible. Nearly all of us can find ways to be greener without undue hardship. In fact, sometimes the sustainable thing to do is actually cheaper and easier than what you are (probably) doing now.
1/ Throw things away (the right way). Put less waste in the recycling bin. Find out what materials your curbside recycling program accepts and post the list right by your recycling bin to keep contaminants out.
2/ Eat leftovers. Eating leftovers takes less work than cooking from scratch every time and creates less waste. Use leftovers for lunch instead of dinner; and think about ways to recombine ingredients. Google “creative leftovers” for thousands of easy ideas.
3/ Leave the leaves. Yard work is hard work, and a lot of our routine tasks are not only unnecessary, they are harmful. Reject the chemicals, and leave the leaf blower in the garage and the leaves on the ground, where they’ll break down and fertilize the soil. And skip the seasonal cleanup — dead stalks and leaf litter provide habitat for beneficial insects.
4/ Skip the checkout line. The stuff we buy accounts for about one-quarter of America’s greenhouse gas production. So, before you buy anything, stop and think about whether you really need it. You might end up saving time, money and the environment.
5/ Vote. Many environmental decisions are made by city and county councils. Even the school board regularly makes decisions that directly affect the environmental quality of your community. Find out where local candidates stand on environmental issues and use your vote to let them know where you stand. ■ Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts.
Summer in the Pacific Northwest means plenty of family time near, on or in the water.
Basic water safety skills save lives and unlock hours of secure play in nature. Studies show that swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88%.
But let’s go beyond swim lessons to really think through water safety basics before pressing play on a summer of splashing about in sparkling water.
lessons when they are between 12 and 18 months of age. Moreover, ongoing swim lessons may be necessary to refresh water safety skills. “Kids need an automatic response to immersion. They need to be able to float and automatically turn on their back. It needs to be reflexive.”
Next, invest in proper water safety gear.
The following is expert advice, based on an interview with child water safety expert Dr. Molly O’Shea, a nationally renowned pediatric medical consultant.
Adult supervision at all times
The first and arguably best tip for a safe summer is completely free: It’s your undivided attention. Water-based accidents can happen in the time it takes to snap a beach selfie. Keep your eyes on your child at all times if there isn’t a lifeguard present.
O’Shea recommends that you recruit an alternate grown-up to help watch your kids, because parents can start to lose focus after 15 to 20 minutes.
Swimming lessons and safety gear
“You don’t think twice about car seats,” O’Shea reminds parents. “Swim lessons are just as important.” She recommends that parents have their kids start swim
Everything you need is readily available in any department store with a sporting goods section. If you’re on a budget, you can surf around Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Buy Nothing or a local used sporting goods shop, such as Second Gear Sports, for gently used gear that’s free or costs less than the new version. Kids are always outgrowing their life vests, so you can find secondhand flotation devices for a steal by searching through peer-to-peer sales apps.
Life vests are a must. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, there are several factors to consider when selecting a personal flotation device (PFD). Check that the life jacket is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Life jackets come clearly marked with a weight range. Be sure your child’s jacket matches their current weight. And have your kid actually try on the life jacket to see if it fits — especially if they haven’t worn it since last summer, because (spoiler alert) kids grow like weeds!
Another consideration is the type of life jacket to buy. There are three types (Types I, II and III), each designed for different water-based activities. Know your activity and pick your PFD accordingly.
As for water wings, O’Shea says to throw them out. They aren’t endorsed by the Coast Guard because they can easily be punctured or slip off your child’s arms.
Consider proper footwear for rocky, barnacle-covered Pacific Northwest beaches. The shorelines of the Salish Sea aren’t exactly a palm-tree-and-sand picture postcard setting. When beachcombing or wading just offshore, it’s easy for kids to cut their feet on razor sharp barnacles, crab exoskeletons, discarded glass, shell fragments or simply jagged rocks. Make sure your kid is properly shod in water-friendly footwear with a good tread to grip seaweed-covered rocks; think Keen sandals, aqua shoes with a thick sole or Crocs.
Before hitting the beach, take a look at the tidal forecast; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers updated tidal charts. How do tides factor into water safety? Undulating high tides can push swimming kids onto sharp shoreline rocks. Changing tides can cause strong, swift currents, which can push and pull watercraft off course or make it challenging to row to shore.
Always take weather into consideration. In short, know your environment at all times and you’ll be able to foresee any peril that may threaten your chill day at the beach.
Know your limits
Help your older kids to understand their physical and technical limits. No one is born an Olympic swimmer or an endurance athlete ready to row a hundred miles up the shoreline. Self-awareness is key. Before children paddle offshore, be certain they have the strength and know-how to get back to their starting point.
Low-risk alternatives
Maybe you have a toddler or an ambulatory child who isn’t ready for immersion or a water safety class. Consider a good romp at a local splash pad. Also, sprinklers can provide an afternoon of low-risk fun in the backyard. Or dip your feet into a shallow kiddie pool, but please keep in mind that kids can drown in only 2 inches of water. As a precaution, secure your backyard from any potential drowning hazards, such as ponds and 5-gallon buckets.
If you’re concerned for your child’s safety near water, take some comfort in that feeling. Your alertness and vigilance can save lives.
Now get out there and have some summer fun, secure in the knowledge that you’ve done your due diligence. ■
Richard Porter is a writer who lives in Everett with his wife and three daughters. He drinks a lot of coffee and likes to ride his bike.
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There is a magic word that always catches the interest of my kids: “new.” So, when I told my daughter that we were going to explore a new park in Tacoma, she was excited. When I told her that her BFF would be there too, she couldn’t get into the car fast enough.
The two girls were quickly out of the car and freewheeling around Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park (aka Melanie’s Park) the minute we arrived at the Thea Foss Waterway on Dock Street.
The park is named after Melanie Dressel, former Columbia Bank CEO. Her intention, as well as that of Metro Parks Tacoma, was to create a destination that resonates with the history of the area and with children and families who live here. Located in the shadow of downtown Tacoma’s Columbia Banking Center, the visionary project is the culmination of years of environmental cleanup work, design and construction. The park officially opened on April 12.
Playing with the past
A 36-foot climbing tower rises as the central focus of the park and brings to mind the Consumers Central Heating Plant, which once stood there. The tower is hard to miss as you drive by, and the sight will captivate kids of all ages, who can’t resist the urge to figure out just what it is. Although the tower could pose a challenge younger kids may not wish to tackle, it will beckon them to return again and again, because it’s not your runof-the-mill climbing tower.
My 4-year-old and her 5-year-old friend managed a few of the tower’s climbing levels (which have resting platforms built into the rope ladders), but they never made
PEPS offers peer-support programs for expectant parents, parents of newborns, infants, or adolescents and teens, plus affinity groups.
Families can connect on weekdays and weeknights in virtual and in-person groups.
continued from page 21 it to the first stop that included a payoff — a 20-foothigh twisty tube slide. But that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm; they just played at the bottom of the slide, climbing up into the tube and sliding down.
Those who reach the top will be rewarded with a 360-degree vista that’s especially beautiful on a sunny day when the mountain is out. I noticed older kids at the park had no trouble navigating this dominant playground feature; they were all smiles emerging from the slide after completing the climb.
A 50-foot-long, ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, supported by railroad trestles, allows climbers to start up the tower at the second level. Adults may prefer to start here, too. I peered up inside the tower from this vantage point and decided it was best left for young climbers, rather than the young at heart. However, there were a few adults who succeeded in reaching the top. Just be warned, there’s no room to stand up if you do make it to the summit.
On the opposite side of the park, the girls took full advantage of a second, smaller wavy slide that reminded me of a waterfall. They climbed up the turf-covered hillsides (don’t worry, there are stairs, too) and slid down to their hearts’ content. Rolling down the hillsides was another hit with these two.
The girls also enjoyed climbing along the Log Scramble, a park play element that reflects the timber industry that once dominated this area. Both the wavy slide and smoothly sanded climbing logs are
Photo by Allison Sutcliffeappropriate for children ages 2–12, and both can easily accommodate a gaggle of kids at the same time.
A word about keeping an eye on your kids: It’s hard to see into the tower from the outside, especially past its midpoint. But you’ll easily be able to watch them play all over the park from the pedestrian bridge.
A paved area under the bridge, adjacent to the pavilion, connects the park from street to shore and has several picnic tables and benches available. I envision this space as a natural place to ride small
scooters or wheeled toys, or to accommodate a game of tag.
There also is amphitheater-style seating that faces the waterway and offers views of the Murray Morgan Bridge. This area would make a fabulous spot for a picnic or a snack break.
Art and history
Art and history are woven into this nearly 1-acre park. Before the commercialization of this parcel, it was an important place for the Puyallup Tribe, which established fishing camps on its shores. The design of the park was informed by the Puyallup people. Metro Parks staff introduced me to three information sign boards that include a description of how tribal artists created the brightly colored designs set into the cement.
Want to learn how to say a Puyallup word or two? Scan the signs’ QR codes to hear the Puyallup
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continued from page 23 pronunciation of words such as “crab” and “salmon.” It’s an unexpected feature, and one that’s fascinating to both kids and adults.
Bonus features
Melanie’s Park offers a built-in bonus: trains! When my two boys were younger, they would have salivated at being so close to a busy rail yard across Dock Street. However, if your child dislikes loud noises, the sensory element here may be too much with the trains so close.
Photo by Allison Sutcliffe
In addition to the play area, Melanie’s Park has a rentable pavilion on the southeast corner of the park, ideal for small parties and events. So, with exterior picnic tables, the pavilion space and the draw of a new playground, your next birthday party dilemma is solved — and it all comes with a view!
There is no water access from the park in order to protect the environmental caps along the waterline. However, in the future, the park will be connected along the waterfront by the esplanade. Mitigation planting has been incorporated into the park as part of the reclamation work of the land.
From one parent to another, you may want to keep a close eye on small children as the park is tucked between the waterway and Dock Street. Nevertheless,
if you are keeping a tally of your kid’s favorite parks, I’m certain this one will end up on the short list.
Although Melanie’s Park seems out of the way, it’s surprisingly close to more than a few family-friendly Tacoma attractions. Just across the pedestrian-safe overpass to Pacific Avenue is the pay-what-youcan Children’s Museum of Tacoma, and the Tacoma Art Museum, which charges admission.
Continuing along Pacific, you’ll find Anthem Coffee & Tea, located inside the Washington State History Museum — which makes a great combo for food and fun. Try one of Anthem’s creative flatbread pizzas and a warm drink, and then explore the museum, especially on Family Saturdays or third Thursdays, when admission is free after 3 p.m.
Located in the vicinity, the original, world-renowned Northwest confectionery factory Brown & Haley could serve as an extra special treat. While you’ll likely need to drive there, your kids will probably be on board when they find out about the
ParentMap is proud to highlight local area nonprofits making a difference in our community as part of our Giving Together campaign.
The phrase “It gets better” has been a long-time mantra for those experiencing hardships. But in 2010, those three words would give rise to a global movement in the LGBTQ+ community. It Gets Better is dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. They reach millions of LGBTQ+ young people before they’re in crisis each year through inspiring stories, educational resources, a school grants program, and empowering quick-bite videos on Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and more.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP AT: ItGetsBetter.org
famous Mountain Bars, Almond Roca and a variety of other available sweets.
If you go ...
Find it: Melanie’s Park is located at 1147 Dock St. along the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma. The park officially opened on April 12, 2024.
Parking: There is street parking with meters, as well as two nearby pay parking lots. An ADA-accessible street parking space is available in front of the park on Dock Street, designated for those with a properly displayed permit.
Facilities: There are two bathrooms and a water fountain located at the pavilion. ■
Sharon Mead is a Seattle-native and an enthusiast when it comes to coffee, cooking, words, reading and the Mariners.
Photo courtesy of myanthemcoffee.com
Kids’ parties have the potential to contribute lots to landfills. From themed paper plates and plastic cups to chintzy goody bag favors that only last a few weeks, the potential for waste is high. If throwing a “greener” birthday party is on your list, start with the invite. While kids love getting paper invites, there’s something equally special about an adorable digital invitation they can read online. Here are a few of my favorite sites that create digital kids’ birthday party invitations.
Paperless Post has been my go-to for a while. I love the subtlety of their designs and how easy it is to add in photos and text to make it personal. Plus, the free flyer invitations allows me to mock-up an invitation and send it out quickly, without spending anything.
Evite’s Taylor Swift-inspired collection has appeared in my email inbox more than once over the past year. But even without these trendy digital invites, they’ve got plenty of cute ones to choose from. Parents can also customize details such as date, time, location and RSVP options.
Punchbowl If your kid loves popular characters (such as Trolls, Peppa or even Cookie Monster), chances are you can find an invite to match at Punchbowl. Their platform allows parents to manage guest lists and track RSVPs, too.
Canva may not be a go-to digital invite platform yet, but it’s definitely worth a look. The site offers plenty of free birthday party invite templates for those of us who need a roadmap. But designminded parents will love the flexibility of creating something totally from scratch on this platform.
Greenvelope is a Seattle-based company, and while many of the others on my list offer free options, Greenvelope does not. Pricing for their invitations starts at $19 for up to 20 invites. The reason? They donate a percentage of every sale to Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. ■
— Allison Sutcliffe
From rainbow sidewalks to a pinball hot spot, this Seattle neighborhood shines
By Kristin Leong
More than a decade ago, my son was often the lone baby toddling around the north Capitol Hill neighborhood where we lived. Today, The Hill (we old-school residents would never call it “Cap Hill”) is home to more kids and fewer artists and rebels than in its grunge glory days of the mid’80s and ’90s.
One reason for the big shift: Capitol Hill’s housing prices have soared as techies have moved in, following the growth of
Amazon and other local tech startups. Still, the neighborhood maintains its hip and creative energy. Capitol Hill’s street art is some of the most vibrant in the city, events featuring visual arts and live performances are plentiful, and the neighborhood’s roots as an LGBTQ haven are still strong.
In fact, The Hill’s centrally located Cal Anderson Park is named in honor of the first openly gay member of the Washington State Legislature, who served from 1987 to 1995. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage with the Obergefell v Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015, Cal Anderson Park boomed with joyful celebrations as locals gathered to mark the victory for marriage equality with cheers, music and fireworks all through that historic night.
When exploring Capitol Hill with your little buddies, kick off your adventure at Volunteer Park. Your kids can burn off their zoomies running through the expansive park, climbing on the woodsy play structure, and splashing in the wading pool during warmer months. While you’re there, explore the wild collection of flora at the beautiful Volunteer Park Conservatory where children 5 and younger are admitted free. In the southeast corner of the park, you’ll find the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) in a gorgeous 1933 Art Deco build-
ing. There, families can explore the extensive Asian art collection and learn about our region’s rich cultural history. SAAM is open Thursday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free for children 14 and younger.
For families with bookworms, head to Ada’s Technical Books and Café, where curious minds can delve into a world of innovation while snacking on poutine made with shredded Brussels sprouts and Beecher’s cheese curds. There’s also Seattle’s long-loved Elliott Bay Book Company, which now has a boat in the children’s section in which kids can curl up while flipping through a book. Every first Saturday of the month at 11 a.m., there’s a free storytime for children at Elliott Bay. It’s a great time for younger readers to discover new picture books while parents savor a cup of coffee in the café next to the children’s section.
For families with older children seeking thrills, Blade & Timber Axe Throwing offers an opportunity for some unconventional family bonding. With supervision, kids ages 10 and older can test their skills in
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the art of axe throwing alongside their lumberjack and lumberjane parents. Every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. is Family Play. Kids ages 10–18 throw for the price of their age with the purchase of an adult ticket.
For classic gamers of all ages, Raygun Lounge has 13 pinball machines, eight arcade consoles and a wellstocked tabletop gaming library. This all-ages and dog-friendly spot offers kid-fave fare, including grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs, with beer and wine available for grown-ups.
While longtime Seattleites might still be mourning the loss of late-night espresso and pastries at B&O Espresso, young families are finding so many old and new treats to devour in this reborn historic neighborhood.
For a casual Greek family-style meal, Vios Cafe and Marketplace is the perfect spot. There’s an enclosed play area that’s visible from the dining tables, so children can play while adults finish eating.
courtesy of cochevalleydessertcafe.com
Looking for an Instagram-worthy treat? Coché Valley Dessert Café comes highly recommended by Rachel Oppenheim, a Capitol Hill mom of two. The cafe’s specialty is bingsu, a milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert with delicious toppings. Coché Valley’s mango cheesecake version comes topped with fresh mango, pieces of cheesecake and vanilla ice cream. If you prefer to enjoy your treats through a straw, the cafe’s beverage menu is also colorful — from a bright purple taro milk boba tea to a strawberry matcha latte.
For a taste of the Himalayas, head to Annapurna Café and savor authentic flavors from Nepal, India and Tibet. Enjoy savory momo dumplings and aromatic curries while surrounded by the festive and cozy ambiance of this neighborhood gem. ■
Kristin Leong is ParentMap’s senior editor.
Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar
By Julie Dodobara
We are on the verge. Yes, it’s true. With the arrival of June, we are nearly at the beginning of summer and the end of the school year. That means more free time (hopefully); long, warm days; and a plethora of activities to get to, from Father’s Day and Juneteenth events to fairs and fests of all kinds. Congrats, all, we made it! Now let’s get down to play.
� Honk! Fest West invites families to listen to all kinds of awesome mobile music — marching bands, drum lines and street bands — to be played for free in three Seattle locales. Join the festivities the evening of Friday, May 31, 6–10 p.m. in the Georgetown neighborhood; Saturday, June 1, noon–8 p.m. at Columbia Park; and noon–6 p.m. on Sunday, June 2 at Pratt Park.
� Sound the alarm! Fire Day with the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is coming, marking the 135th anniversary of the Great Seattle Fire. Meet Seattle Fire Department firefighters, try on firefighter gear and learn about fire safety on
Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fire Day activities are free; regular museum admission is not included or required.
� DinoFest comes roaring back to our local dino HQ, Seattle’s Burke Museum, on Sunday, June 2 — be sure to book your tickets early to save a spot at this popular event. Your future paleontologists can check out the Burke’s T. rex skull, go on a Jurassic quest and dig for fossils! 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Timedentry tickets $14–$22; tots ages 3 and younger, museum members, and University of Washington staff and students enter free.
� Catch a Kindiependent family
concert before the series is over! The Kindie West Music series concludes with a melodic bang this month with not one, but two tot-rockin’ shows at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. The Harmonica Pocket shares its indie folk tunes on Sunday, June 2, while The Not-Its! turn up the volume two weeks later on Sunday, June 16. Shows start at 10:30 a.m. $10 adults, $5 kids.
� Anyone can tell you that the past few years have been especially challenging to the mental health of our kids and teens. Join ParentMap on Wednesday, June 5, 1–2 p.m., to learn practical and effective strategies to help kids and
June 5 | Wednesday
ParentEd Talks: “Calm and Connected: Coaching and Coping Skills in Your Children”
Online
teens develop coping skills, manage stress and reduce anxiety from mental health counselor and author Janine Halloran, LMHC. Free; preregister.
� Head to a local beach on low-tide days to inspect all kinds of marine critters that normally live underneath the sea. Walk, touch gently and learn more about what you see from Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists, who will be on-site. Programs take place at beaches up and down Seattle-area shorelines, June 5–9 and 21–25. Free.
� Honor Seattle’s first people and their descendants at Seattle Center’s Indigenous People Festival. Celebrate through art, dance and food, and learn about the Indigenous knowledge that keeps individuals and communities healthy. Saturday, June 8. Free entry.
� Wishing you were fishing? Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect time to cast a line and teach the kids how to catch a fish. During the weekend of Saturday–Sunday, June 8–9, adults can fish without a
fishing license (youths ages 14 and younger can always fish without a license), though some rules still apply. Gear up and reel one in at a lake near you. Bonus: Discover Passes at Washington state parks aren’t needed on June 9 in honor of Free Fishing Day!
� June brings a bounty of opportunities to get out and explore. Take your cue from our state parks as they welcome families to visit on a fee-free day — there are three in June! On June 8 (National Get Outdoors Day), 9 (wFree Fishing Day) and 19 (Juneteenth), visitors to our state parks can park their car without a Discover Pass. Get out and play!
� It’s a “berry” good time to meet all the lambs, calves, chicks and bunnies at Swan’s Trail Farms, and to pick strawberries from the farm’s berry fields (pay by the pound for berries you pick). Celebrate the beginning of summer at this family-friendly festival, which also features a cow train, zip lines, jumping pillows and more, June 8–9, 14–16, 19 and 22–23. Book tickets in advance; $22.95 per person ages 1 and
June 8–23 | Weekends + select dates
Baby Animals and Berries Festival
Swan’s Trail Farms
older, tots ages 11 months and younger enter free.
� What to do for a special Father’s Day outing that will suit all the dads in your life? Cruise on over to Fenders on Front Street for fun that will please dads and grandpas alike (and kids, too)! Admire classic cars, trucks and motorcycles; you can also partake in kids’ activities and food truck fare. Sunday, June 16, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Free, donations welcome.
� The largest Juneteenth celebration in Washington state returns to Tacoma’s Stewart Heights Park, Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Round up the family and join the festivities, which include live music, community resources, kids’ play zone, food trucks and more.
� Set your spirit free and celebrate the end of the school year and beginning of summer at the Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade, taking place June 22–23. The Solstice Parade (Saturday at 1 p.m.) features giant puppets, stilt walkers, floats and, ahem, those infamous wacky naked bicyclists. The
June 5–9 + 21–25
Low-Tide Beach Exploration with naturalists
Multiple locations
Sunday dog parade is at 2 p.m.
� Here in the Pacific Northwest, we love our Pacific waters and everything in, on and around them. Join in for all the free and inspiring Tacoma Ocean Fest activities, which include hands-on science, gorgeous art, music, performances, conservation activities and more.
Saturday June 29, noon–5 p.m. at the Foss Waterway Seaport.
� Our area’s Pride extravaganza, one of the nation’s largest, returns to Seattle Center, this year with a family area. So gather your clan and celebrate all types of families and all manner of love at PrideFest on Sunday, June 30, noon–8 p.m. Free. ■
Julie Dodobara is ParentMap’s calendar editor.
• Pre-K openings starting January 2024
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Sustainable initiatives in Seattlearea schools
By Allison SutcliffeAlthough Kermit may lament “it’s not easy being green,” Seattle-area programs have made it easy and convenient for local families to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily habits for years now. I remember when we got our first compost bin in 2009. I dove into finding that “just right” counter container for scraps and even ponied up for compostable liners to match.
While we’re making strides in our home, it’s heartening to see similar efforts and attitudes in the larger community. Especially at local schools, where kids spend the majority of their days. Efforts such as “carpool days” and “plastic-free lunch days” go a long way modeling sustainability for students. Plus, it’s exciting to see the creative ways schools and students are showing up for the planet. Check out these local programs that are partnering with schools to impact climate change.
• EarthGen is helping local Seattle-area schools with “science-based, action-oriented” programs that keep students focused on solutions. They also have a Green Schools Certification program that covers six categories including Recycling, School Grounds and Gardening, Water, Healthy School Buildings, Energy, and Transportation that school teams can implement.
• Recology is all about zero waste and they’re taking that concept to the classrooms with engaging programs for preschoolers through high school seniors. Recycling truck visits, recycled art activities and school waste audits are just a few of the programs they offer.
• King County’s waste reduction and recycling programs offer students from kindergarten through grade 12 the opportunity to participate in a Curiosity Quest or an EcoConnection Workshop — a sampling of the many programs offered to schools through the county.
• In addition to educational programming, schools in Pierce County (outside of Tacoma) can apply for a water bottle refilling station for the building. ■
