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Pinball and Mini Golf and Milkshakes — Oh My! Ditch the devices in favor of these proudly retro activities
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From Page to Play Activity-packed how-to books plot volumes of summer fun
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PNW INSIDE + OUT
SEATTLE CHILDREN’S Good Growing Newsletter P. 15
Ready, set, PLAY! Rain or shine, it’s time to get out there and play!
the
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C ONTENTS
July
2022
PARENTMAP.COM In Every Issue Dear Reader Play List
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Local Resources Camps + Activities Schools + Preschools
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Parenting
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WELLNESS
Back to Old School: Pinball, Mini Golf, Milkshakes and More Retro Fun 10 Ditch the devices in favor of these proudly old-school activities happening around the sound
Don’t Hesitate to Vaccinate 8 Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for kids 5–11 FAMILY MEDIA
From Page to Play 24 Activity-packed guidebooks plot volumes of summer fun
29
Semiahmoo Bound 6 No matter the season, this destination is a perfect choice for your next family getaway July Play List Get ready for a ‘feastival’ of festivals!
SEATTLE CHILDREN’S
Good Growing Newsletter
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15
These are the glorious summer days we live for, and the calendar is serving up heaps of family fun to fill them!
INSIDE: Your all-seasons guidebook to unforgettable Puget Sound–area family fun
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OUT + ABOUT
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Make This a Summer to Remember Summers are for making memories — here’s how to capture those special moments
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DE AR R E ADER
JULY 2022, VOL. 19, NO. 7
The case for ‘unsupervision’ Over the years, I have shocked my children with hyperbolic (but totally true) stories of my childhood growing up in Colorado, some of which would be better termed as terrible revelations hinting at major flaws in my character and an indictment of parental (benign) neglect. I’ll spare you the gory details, but let’s just say that if I ever write a memoir, the grabbier chapters will be titled “Towering Anthill Inferno,” “Pocketknives Out,” “Caddywhacked,” “Tetanus Shot No. 9” and “Prairie Dog Day Afternoon.” Much like the Mafia oath of omertà, I loyally refuse to give evidence on the criminal activity of my childhood gang — at least until Hollywood calls to purchase the rights. But what these summertime shenanigans all have in common — for better or for injurious — is that the abundance of my childhood was lived outside in an unfettered state of freedom which I am here coining as “unsupervision.” From seconds after the last hastily gobbled bite of breakfast each summer morning to the distinctive mama-whistle that called us home for dinner, my brother and I were outtasight, outtamind. Always barefoot (wasn’t joking about that “Tetanus Shot No. 9” thing), toting a pocketknife put to frequent, sometimes questionable, use, pedaling our two-wheelers “like 60” to keep up with the big kids: We flung ourselves at life with feral abandon, and with zero adult witnesses. Of course, you needn’t inquire if I raised my own two children in this manner. No, instead, I blithely armed them with a far more dangerous plaything when I handed them their first smartphone. I recently read a terrific essay in The Atlantic by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt called “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid.” In it, Haidt expounds on the confluence of factors that are undermining our society (social media being a primary punching bag). Among his conclusions about what reforms have the potential to pluck democracy from the beribboned handbasket scheduled for delivery to hell: We must prepare the next generation for democratic citizenship. Wow, you may be thinking, that sure sounds nifty, mister, but … uh … how do we do that? Among the curatives Haidt recommends: the panacea of play! More to the point, free, mixed-age, unsupervised play. The extinction of this kind of play, he warns, poses a serious threat to liberal societies: “Childhood has become more tightly circumscribed in recent generations — with less opportunity for free, unstructured play; less unsupervised time outside; more time online. … Unsupervised free play is nature’s way of teaching young mammals the skills they’ll need as adults, which for humans include the ability to cooperate, make and enforce rules, compromise, adjudicate conflicts and accept defeat.” So, how can you help reverse the downfall of democracy this summer? Take a deep breath, open the door and let them out on their own to play. — Patty Lindley, managing editor
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For my family’s perfect recipe for play, we just add ...
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Family Travel Semiahmoo Bound No matter the season, this destination is a perfect choice for your next family getaway By Gemma Alexander
Whatcom County is a Pacific Northwest insider secret. Families love it in summer for berry farms, beaches and bike rides. But if you’re not afraid of some rain (and who is, here in the Northwest?), the area holds just as much appeal any other time of year. From skiing at nearby Mount Baker to storm watching on the Salish Sea, Semiahmoo Resort (semiahmoo.com) makes a great base from which to explore this remote corner of the Washington coast. Chock-full of amenities, Semiahmoo is a casual beachfront resort that caters to families. Located on Semiahmoo Spit, which stretches out from Blaine, Washington, and into the Salish Sea, the 300-acre resort is designed for maximum indoor comfort (the resort wrapped up room renovations this past spring) and boundless outdoor adventures. Despite the resort’s associations with golf and its spa, there are enough all-ages activities to keep you and your kids busy for your entire vacation stay. If you do want to squeeze in a round of golf or a massage, plans are in the works to resume child-care service this summer. But if you like to cast your activities net a little wider, Semiahmoo is also a perfect point of departure for exploring an under-the-radar getaway destination: Northwestern Washington just may be the most underrated stretch of the West Coast. Get outside Matt Skaletsky, general manager of the resort, came to Semiahmoo last year after working at resorts in Hawaii and the Caribbean. He’s spent the past few months getting to know the Salish Coast area. Despite the temperature difference, he is enthusiastic about his new post: “It’s so amazing! We’re surrounded by water. Families bring dogs to the beach and go shell hunting all day long. We have three or four resident bald eagles and their younglings on the property.” People do swim at some of the beaches on Semiahmoo Spit. But if you prefer warmer water, try the resort’s heated pool instead and save the beach for exploring the tidal flats. For more-active exploration, families can grab bikes (some even have training wheels) and hit the easy, paved Coast Millennium Trail. Semiahmoo’s Beach Activities Center also offers kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for folks who want to get out on the water. Families generally wrap up a long day of adventuring by enjoying s’mores around the firepit.
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“It’s a special place, no matter what time of year,” says Skaletsky. “The winter storms here can be amazing for kids to watch.” When the weather gets dramatic, there’s indoor basketball and pickleball, pool tables, board games and a stacked program of family events, such as movie nights. Kids won’t go stir-crazy, even when outdoor activities get rained out — which, happily, isn’t very often in the summer. Blaine and beyond For those fatigued by Seattle traffic, the idea of parking your car for the duration of your stay is appealing. But at Semiahmoo, you can park your car and still explore. On summer weekends, take the historic Plover ferry to Blaine. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to reach the Blaine waterfront, as entertaining as a harbor tour — keep an eye out for the 150 resident harbor seals! Once in Blaine, visitors can enjoy the Saturday market (blainebythesea.com) or unleash their littles at the Marine Park Playground. You can also take a self-guided tour of the town’s historic buildings. Depending on your interest in old technology and local history, the free cannery museum is a nice place to pop into on your way to a picnic or a way to while away an entire afternoon. If you’re inspired by all the talk about fishing, you can drop a line or even a crab pot off Jorgensen Pier. If you decide to take a drive, Vancouver, Canada, makes a great side trip (border restrictions are easing). It’s about a 45-minute drive to Vancouver, but White Rock, visible from Semiahmoo on the other side of the border, still counts as visiting another country. There, you can explore the public art walk and loads of parks and trails. But the main attraction may be the scenic pier jutting out from the promenade that runs the length of the beach, where selfies in front of the big white rock are practically mandatory.
If crossing the border seems like too much trouble, you can still enjoy Peace Arch Park (the U.S. side is open) and explore the rest of Whatcom County. There’s a water park on Birch Bay that features eight fast slides and a couple of pools (birchbaywaterslides.net). For a more natural water experience, bring fishing poles (or inner tubes) to the Nooksack River near Lynden. A great destination for foodies, Lynden plays host to food- and farm-focused festivals every month throughout the growing season. If your visit doesn’t happen to coincide with such a “feastival,” console yourselves by selecting your “just desserts” from among the 40 flavors of ice cream offered at Edaleen Dairy Store (edaleendairy.com); or venture to any of several area farms where you can pick berries to your heart’s content (eatlocalfirst.org). Head 20 miles south to Bellingham to explore historical Fairhaven (fairhaven.com) and cruise along scenic Chuckanut Drive. Mount Baker is a bit farther away — about an hour-and-45-minute drive directly east — but Semiahmoo is one of the closest accommodation options to the mountain, which has as much to offer in summertime as winter. Don’t miss a stop at stunning Nooksack Falls on the drive up! “At Semiahmoo, families get to unplug and spend time together,” says Skaletsky. The northwest corner of the continental United States has whatever you need for your kind of family quality time, whether it’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs, an activity-packed weekend that doesn’t take a lot of planning, or a home base for all-seasons exploration.
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Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts. When she’s not writing for ParentMap, she blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.
Sponsored by
A seaside escape less than two hours from Seattle and minutes from the Canadian border, Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa is a rejuvenating getaway for couples and families. Sitting on 300 acres of picturesque seashore, this one-of-akind resort provides endless year-round activities indoors, on the shore and on the water.
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Wellness Don’t Hesitate to Vaccinate Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for kids 5–11 By Kellie Schmitt
When the COVID-19 booster vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds received the green light in May, infectious disease physician Shireesha Dhanireddy, M.D., signed her son up to receive a booster dose right away.
Children who are immunocompromised should receive their booster at least three months after completing their primary
One of the reasons Dhanireddy was eager to provide her son with the additional health protection afforded by the booster was that she didn’t want a COVID-19 infection to ruin his much-anticipated summer sleepaway-camp plans. The best way to protect against waning immunity is a booster dose.
While the vaccine is highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, its protection wanes over time. Similarly, protection conveyed as a result of an active infection diminishes over time. Such protection decreases because the virus is constantly evolving to dodge the body’s immune response. The booster helps increase protection and enhance the body’s ability to fight off the virus.
“It’s so disruptive for children to be sick, isolated and away from friends,” says Dhanireddy, who is the medical director of UW Medicine’s Infectious Diseases Clinic. “Providing that extra boost of protection allows kids to participate in activities and be active physically.” And the pandemic has greatly hampered this age group’s social development, she adds. Providing that extra layer of protection can help them stay healthy while allowing them to reengage with their peers. The benefits also transfer to the parents, who may have to stay home from work to care for a sick child — and possibly catch the virus, too. “There are implications for the whole family’s health,” says Dhanireddy. The booster enhances the body’s immune response Public health officials now recommend that children ages 5–11 receive a COVID-19 booster five months after completing the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series.
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series. So far, the Pfizer vaccine is the only approved option for this age group.
While it’s unclear exactly how long the antibodies triggered by the booster dose will last and how well they’ll prevent a symptomatic infection, data from a recent small clinical trial show that the third dose of the vaccine results in a thirty-sixfold increase in omicron-variant-fighting antibodies. There is also some evidence that suggests vaccination reduces one’s risk of developing long COVID, a condition that can result in lingering symptoms such as brain fog and chronic fatigue in both children and adults. A recent study of more than 13 million people found a 15 percent reduction in long COVID among vaccinated people. “Knowing how debilitating long COVID is makes this a significant finding,” says Dhanireddy. Physical and mental health benefits Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 4.8 million U.S. children ages 5–11 have been diagnosed with COVID-19; 15,000
have been hospitalized, and more than 180 have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the omicron surge, the hospitalization rate of children in this age group was about twice as high among unvaccinated children as vaccinated, according to an April CDC report. Of those hospitalized, 30 percent had no underlying medical conditions, and 20 percent spent time in an intensive care unit. Children with obesity and diabetes are more likely to experience severe symptoms from COVID-19 infections, the report confirmed. But even a mild case can sideline kids, suspending them from their regular activities and contact with friends. “I think it’s a big deal at this age,” says Dhanireddy. “I want them to go to birthday parties and do that stuff again.” The extra protection that comes from the booster dose might encourage hesitant parents to provide more social opportunities for their young children. It may also reassure families that include a member who suffers from a weakened immune system. People who have compromised
immunity are less protected by the vaccine, which means they depend more on others around them to protect themselves from infection. Should I wait or do it now? Some parents might be wondering if it’s best for their child to get the booster now or wait until the start of the new school year in the fall. Given the current surge in cases and the unpredictability of the virus, it’s smart to provide protection now, Dhanireddy advises. That’s also her advice for parents who might be waiting to time the booster before a vacation. The bottom line: If your child is eligible now, don’t hesitate. “In the moment, we should be doing the best for kids and get them protected right now,” says Dhanireddy. It helps to consider the COVID-19 vaccine in a different way than we do most childhood vaccinations, which are “one and done.” Instead, Dhanireddy encourages parents to think about COVID-19 as a disease that will require frequent preventive boosters. Ideally, we will one day get into a more regular cadence of vaccination, as with the annual flu vaccine. Even with the boosters, there are still roles for indoor masking and pretesting, particularly for gatherings such as sleepaway camps and for other events during which the virus could easily spread, Dhanireddy adds. While the lingering precautions and necessity to keep vaccinating can be frustrating, it’s important to put things in perspective. Yes, cases are still high, but the number of hospitalizations is falling. Kids have been able to return to school and participate in extracurricular activities. Slowly but surely, progress is happening. “We are inching our way back to our lives,” says Dhanireddy. “We are going back to some of these things, and that is encouraging.”
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Kellie Schmitt is an award-winning health and science writer.
Sponsored by
WHAT WE KNOW:
Everyone 5+ years who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is eligible for a booster. WHAT IT MEANS: Vaccines continue to protect from severe disease. A booster shot strengthens and extends this protection. Go to VaccinateWA.org to schedule your appointment.
The Department of Health works to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state by leading changes in policies, systems and environments to prevent illness and injury; promoting healthy families and communities; encouraging healthy lifestyles; and focusing on places where people live, learn, work, recreate, seek health care and worship.
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FE ATUR E
BACK TO OLD SCHOOL: Pinball, Mini Golf, Milkshakes and More Retro Fun
By Maegen Blue
Ditch the devices in favor of these super old-school activities happening around the sound One of the best things about having kids is getting to revisit your own childhood favorites. Remember when bowling was something you did without a controller, and when you went to the arcade to play video games? If your kids think free time has to mean screen time, maybe it’s high time you drag everyone out of the house for some old-school fun in the real world. Sure, the Seattle area is known for all things hip and high tech, but we found many great places that are proudly retro.
Seattle and the Eastside
Seattle Pinball Museum, Chinatown– International District • seattlepinballmuseum.com Pay your admission and have your fill of machines set to free-play mode. At this retro gem in the heart of the International District, you’ll find more than 50 machines, including some dating back to the 1950s. Most kids will find pinball tricky at first, so this is a great way for them to learn without blowing through all of your change. Tip: Because the machines are delicate, children younger than 7 aren’t allowed to play them, and this policy is enforced. Details: Admission is $20 for adults and $17 for kids ages 7–12. Check the Facebook page for updates and specials. Find it: 508 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle More pinball: The Northwest Pinball Collective (nwpinballcollective.org) is a newer player on the pinball scene, operating on a membership model. Members join and then have access to play a variety of pinball games at its center, called The Sanctuary, in North Seattle.
West Seattle Bowl • wsbowl.com There is archaeological evidence that suggests bowling may date back to ancient times. West Seattle Bowl isn’t that old, but it has been around since 1948. Bumpers are available on every lane here, so you won’t have any gutter balls. A really nice feature is that you can choose which bowlers get the bumpers, so they are raised or lowered automatically depending on who is bowling. Mercer Island mom Kelsey Joyce calls this spot “family-friendly and clean.” Tip: Make reservations for weekend bowling at this popular spot. Details: Lanes range from $18 to $42 per hour, per lane. Reservations can be made on the website. Find it: 4505 39th Ave. S.W., Seattle More bowling: Get your bowl on at all these other alleys around town: Spin Alley in Shoreline (spinalleybowling.com), Roxbury Lanes in White Center (spinalleybowling.com), Lynnwood Bowl & Skate (bowlandskate.com) and Bowlero in Tukwila (formerly Acme Bowl; bowlero.com). Full Tilt Ice Cream • fulltilticecream.com There are three Seattle-area locations of this homegrown ice cream parlor/arcade gem. The combo of ice cream and both new and old video games and pinball machines makes for great fun for the whole family. West Seattle mom Rachel Vaughn loves the vegan ice cream and the stools that help young customers peer into the case. She adds that the business does a great birthday party. Tip: Don’t try to eat your ice cream and play pinball at the same time. Details: Full Tilt’s hours are seasonal. Find it: Full Tilt has locations in White Center, Columbia City and Ballard.
Photo by JiaYing Grygiel
Interbay Miniature Golf, Seattle •
premiergc.com You’ll find waterfalls rather than windmills here, but it’s one of the area’s best miniature golf spots, and a round of mini golf is terrific fun for all ages. You’ll love it! Tip: Do not sweat the rules with beginners and young kids. Details: Adult admission is $9; kids, $6.50. Find it: 2501 15th Ave. W., Seattle More mini golf: Find a mini golf spot near you with our guide to where to play mini golf around Seattle at parentmap.com/mini-golf. Arcane Comics, Shoreline • arcanecomicbooks.com Comic book shops are great for nostalgia lovers and modern reluctant readers. My younger son and his dad have had a great time bonding over their shared love of “Green Lantern” titles. Seattle mom Sharon Feliciano takes her kids to Arcane Comics, which gets new titles in every Wednesday. The whole family loves it for its huge kids’ selection on dedicated shelves. Tip: New to the world of comic books? Arcane Comics is a participating shop in the annual Free Comic Book Day; you’ll find at least a dozen more in the Puget Sound region with the Free Comic Book Day store locater (freecomicbookday.com).
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Details: Arcane is open daily. Find it: 15202 Aurora Ave. N., Suite A, Shoreline More comics: Your local library can also recommend graphic novels for kids who like this style of reading. Find great graphic novel reads at parentmap.com/books. Rainbow Run mini golf at Willows Run, Redmond • willowsrun.com Looking for some outdoor fun that can help with math skills, hand-eye coordination and even memory? This 18-hole miniature golf course is your answer. It’s a scenic course with a par listed for each hole — one for kids and one for adults. Tip: There’s also a nine-hole, par-3 course that is fun for older kids. Details: Check the website for current hours. Admission is $12.67 for adults and $8.64 for kids 12 and younger. First come, first served — just show up. Find it: 10402 Willows Road N.E., Redmond Husky Deli, West Seattle • huskydeli.com Stepping into this popular ice cream spot is like walking into an old-time general store, with its wood paneling and a littlebit-of-everything inventory. The owners have been serving scoops since the 1930s, and it continues to be a family-run neighborhood gathering spot. Sit at the counter and enjoy a made-to-order deli sandwich — a great value for the size. Ice cream flavors range from the traditional to the unusual (coffee-Oreo?!). You’ll also find a fun selection of candy and European products. Tip: Pack your patience if you go on a sunny weekend; you may find a crowd.
Details: Open daily Find it: 4721 California Ave. S.W., Seattle More ice cream: Who needs more ice cream? Duh, everyone! Check out our guide to tasty ice cream shops around town, including Husky Deli, at parentmap.com/ ice-cream.
Luna Park Cafe, West Seattle •
lunaparkcafe.com Seattle-based travel writer CoreyAnn Khan recommends this West Seattle diner, where you’ll find jukeboxes, walls full of funky ’50s memorabilia and plentiful portions. A sign in the window promises the best milkshakes in Seattle. You’d better go find out for yourselves. Tip: Parking is tight here, and waits for breakfast are long on weekends. You might choose another time if you don’t want to wait — you can get Luna Park’s famous breakfast all day. Details: Open daily. The website has the menu and some interesting tidbits about the restaurant’s history. Find it: Luna Park Cafe is located right below the West Seattle Bridge at 2918 S.W. Avalon Way.
Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, Issaquah • triplexrootbeer.com You’ll find décor and eats straight out of “Happy Days” at Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in. The walls are literally covered with memorabilia. Reviews of the food are mixed, but everyone agrees it is worth a trip for the ambiance, especially if you love nostalgia. Burger and sandwich portions are enormous, so plan on paying the extra fee to share — unless you’ve burned off some serious calories hiking on nearby Tiger Mountain first. Tip: It’s a cash-only business, although there is an ATM on-site. Service is friendly and efficient, but the drive-in is often crowded. There are vintage car “cruz-ins” most Saturdays year around. Consult the schedule on the website. Details: Open daily Find it: 98 N.E. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah
South Sound retro fun
Chalet Bowl, Tacoma • chaletbowl.com It definitely has retro décor, but it’s the small size and neighborhood location that give this friendly Proctor spot an old-school feel. There are just 12 lanes, and it’s popular with neighborhood families. Tip: Because of its small size, you definitely want to make a reservation online (reservations are no longer taken by phone). Be sure to check for weekly specials and ask about glow bowling. Details: Closed Monday, hours vary; check the website for the current schedule. Perhour bowling starts at $22. Find it: 3806 N. 26th St., Tacoma
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Skateworld, Tacoma • skateworldtacoma.com Some folks will remember this spot as Rollin’ 253, and no matter the name, it’s still getting kids and families rolling on four wheels — well, eight, actually. Enjoy some family time during the all-ages public skate sessions. Looking for a new datenight idea? Adult skate on Thursday evenings is for the 18-and-older crowd. Need some new laces, kneepads or a fresh pair of roller skates? Fritzy’s Roller Skate Shop (fritzysrollerskateshop.com) is located just down the street. Tips: A variety of birthday party packages are available. If you are hosting a party for a big crowd (up to 75 people), consider renting the entire facility. Details: Hours and prices vary, so check the website for specific activities, sessions and times. Admission for the three-hour public skate session is $15. Purchase tickets ahead of time and skip straight to skating when you arrive. Find it: 2101 Mildred St. W., Fircrest
Join us for SUMMER FUN!
Museum Visits
This summer, check out our staff-led STEAMbased CAMPTIVITIES! Weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., free with admission.
Special Programs
KidsQuest Summer Nights! Join us Friday and Saturday evenings in August. With special themes each weekend, there is always something new to explore.
Virtual Camps
The perfect choice for a pod of friends in your own backyard. We’ll ship you a “camp in a box,” with materials and activity instructions.
Find out more at kidsquestmuseum.org
Shake Shake Shake, Tacoma ● shakeshakeshake.me This hamburger-and-shake place in Tacoma’s Stadium neighborhood has a super-cool interior — imagine the Jetsons opening a diner — but it’s the tasty burgers and real ice cream shakes that will keep you coming back. Try one of the inventive flavors, such as the Tiger Stripe, made with the area’s most famous confection: Almond Roca. The straightforward menu also offers hot dogs. Tip: You don’t order meals by the number here, so the price can add up fast. We think it’s worth it, and an order of the fries is big enough to share. So are the shakes, but you won’t want to! Details: Open daily Find it: 124 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma
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LO CAL R ES O UR CES / CAM P S : ARTS + ACT I V I T IES F E AT UR E
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July & August Summer Dance Camps ter Regis y Toda
Destiny City Comics, Tacoma • destinycitycomics.com Though the all-ages section of this small shop in the Stadium neighborhood is small, the owner is friendly and knowledgeable, and was able to steer our kids toward several appropriate titles. While most of the shop is for comic fans of all ages, we didn’t see any covers or posters displaying anything rated higher than PG — a big plus. Tip: Destiny City Comics is located right next to King’s Books (kingsbookstore.com), the area’s largest independent bookseller. You’ll find somewhere around 150,000 new and used titles there. Details: Closed Mondays Find it: 218 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma
Dance Studios near you in Greenwood,
Magnolia, Wedgwood, Shoreline
JUST ASK
Don’s Ruston Market & Deli, Ruston Sit at the counter and order a malt or another classic treat at this little spot in picture-perfect Ruston. It’s a tasty trip back in time. On our last visit, our boys sat on stools at the counter chatting about their days with the owner while he made their shakes with real ice cream. Tip: The market is close to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) and Point Defiance Park. Check out the phenomenal slides at the newer Dune Peninsula section of the park or the brand-new tot play area at PDZA. Details: Open daily Find it: 5201 N. Winnifred St., Ruston
Asking Saves Kids
Before your child visits another home, just ask one more important question: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” It’s a simple question, but asking it can save your child’s life.
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Learn more at EndFamilyFire.org.
Maegen Blue is the editor of Sounds Fun Mom (soundsfunmom.com), a blog for South Sound families.
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Dorky’s Arcade, Tacoma • dorkysarcade.com If you remember Pac-Man and Frogger, you’ll be right at home at Dorky’s. Located in the heart of downtown Tacoma, Dorky’s boasts several rooms of old-school video games and pinball machines. Beer is available, but there is an equal mix of young families, teenagers and 20-somethings on first dates. Our boys had a great time here, although they were initially frustrated by how quickly they reached “game over.” Your young gamers may be surprised at how tricky the old-fashioned games can be at first. Be prepared to go through some quarters. Dorky’s also serves up some tasty dinner specials. Tips: All ages are welcome until 9 p.m., after which this spot is strictly for patrons 21 and older. Children must be with a grown-up at all times. Most games are 25 cents a play; come with cash. Details: Open daily Find it: 754 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
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A Seattle Children’s Publication | Summer 2022
Discover the Benefits of Child-Directed Play Child-directed play (CDP) is a special form of one-to-one play between a child and their parent or caregiver. During CDP, the child chooses and leads the activity while the parent is an active follower. While CDP is fun and valuable for all young children, it’s especially helpful for those with behavior challenges. Research shows that child-directed play has many benefits. It builds a child’s feelings of self-direction and selfconfidence while boosting their social skills and language development. It’s also an ideal way for a child to enjoy some positive, focused attention without having to misbehave to get it. Plus, CDP helps parents practice positive parenting skills and strengthen the parent-child bond. Child-directed play is ideally done several
Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic Community Open House Saturday, July 9, 12 to 3 p.m. 3939 S. Othello St., Seattle
This free community event is in celebration of the opening of the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic Othello location. Come join the family fun! to learn more:
Visit seattlechildrens.org/obcc.
times a week for no more than 10 to 15 minutes each time. You need a quiet place where there will be no distractions or interruptions — no TV, phone or other screens. Choose a time that is likely to be good for you and your child. Start by watching your
child and then join them wherever they are and follow along with what they do. For example, if your child is lining up their toy cars, you might say, “Great idea! I’m going to line up cars, too.” Another favorite activity is doing an exciting play-by-play of your child’s actions, the way a sports announcer would do. And be sure to notice and praise behaviors you want to encourage, such as, “Wow, you’re stacking those blocks so calmly and carefully!” Keep in mind that your role is to be a focused, fun, easygoing playmate — you’re not there to teach or direct or correct. And generally, during CDP, a child’s positive behavior gets lots of warm attention while negative behavior is ignored. The link below has more details on the benefits of CDP and how to do it. You may also attend a free online class. Child-directed play is one of the topics offered through Seattle Children’s Early Childhood Parenting Skills classes. These classes are aimed at parents and caregivers of children up to age 5 with behavior challenges. They are held via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, go to seattlechildrens.org and search for Early Childhood Parenting Skills Classes. to learn more:
Visit seattlechildrens.org/health-safety/ keeping-kids-healthy/development/childdirected-play.
Online Hub for Mental Health Resources Mental health problems are common in children and teens. In any given year, about 1 in 5 experience mental health disorders. However, only about half of these kids get the help they need — sometimes because parents simply aren’t sure what to do. The Seattle Children’s Mental Health Resources website helps parents and caregivers know the signs of mental health problems and take helpful action. This online hub has advice on spotting symptoms and warning signs,
plus how to best support a child with emotional and/or behavioral issues. There’s also advice on making your home as safe as possible if you have a child who’s struggling with mental health problems. For families in crisis who need immediate help, the site also lists several local resources. to learn more:
Visit seattlechildrens.org/mental-health-resources.
Keeping Kids Hydrated To keep our bodies and minds healthy, we must stay hydrated — and water is the best drink of all. Getting plenty of water is especially important for active kids, who may be too busy to think about it. Children ages 1 to 3 need about 4 cups of water a day. Children ages 4 to 8 need 5 cups a day, and older kids need 7 to 8 cups a day. These amounts may vary depending on their activity and weather conditions like heat and humidity. It’s important that kids drink before they feel thirsty, because thirst indicates you’re already at risk of dehydration. Be sure to bring water
bottles with you everywhere and remind your child to drink several times an hour. Kids who are especially active or playing a sport need more water. They should have 12 ounces 30 minutes before activity begins and at least 10 gulps every 20 minutes during. Plus, in the first hour after activity, they should have at least 10 gulps every 20 minutes. to learn more:
Visit healthychildren.org/English/healthyliving/nutrition/Pages/Choose-Water-forHealthy-Hydration.aspx.
Touch Supervision for Toddler Water Play Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4. Safety studies show that it’s very easy for caregivers to get distracted when they are supervising a toddler’s water play. This is true even when caregivers are just a few feet away. Since drowning can happen quickly and in very little water, safety experts recommend ‘touch supervision’ in and near the water. This means staying within arm’s length during bath time and swim time. During swim time, get in the water with your toddler. If you need to get out, take them with you — even if it’s just for a moment and even if lifeguards are nearby. Whenever your child is in the water, give them your full attention. Don’t do anything that pulls your focus away, even for a moment. Don’t
use your phone, tend the grill or do yard work or other chores. Avoid alcohol, which affects judgment and concentration. Practice other layers of water safety, too. Supervision and a life jacket are two of the
most important things you can provide to protect your child from drowning. It’s also essential to start swim lessons as soon as your child is ready. When a toddler drowns, it’s typical that the caregiver hadn’t planned for the child to be in the water at all — and didn’t see the child go in. Also, it’s a myth that if a child falls in the water there will be lots of splashing and noise. The reality is that in most cases, children slip under quickly and silently, without being seen. Constant vigilance is the surest way to prevent a tragedy. to learn more:
Visit seattlechildrens.org/dp.
Kid Bits
Is That Belly Ache Appendicitis?
Rentable E-Scooters Are Not for Kids
Choices for the Win!
Kids can get belly aches for many reasons. But if the appendix is to blame, it’s a serious medical condition. So, it’s important to know the symptoms of appendicitis. Pain in the lower belly is the most common symptom. Children age 2 and younger are also apt to have vomiting and/or swelling in the belly. Older kids may report pain near their belly button, with the pain moving to the lower right. In most cases, the pain does not improve by lying still and movement tends to make the pain worse. Kids with appendicitis often do not want to eat, feel sick to their stomach, and may have vomiting and/or diarrhea. They may also have a fever and chills. If you suspect appendicitis, see a doctor right away.
Rented electric scooters are sending people of all ages to emergency rooms. Broken bones are common, and so are serious head injuries because so few riders wear helmets. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that electric scooters are unsafe for all children under 16, whether they are drivers or passengers. E-scooters are in many cities and they’re easy to rent with a smartphone app. Although scooter-share rental contracts make them legal only for riders age 18 and older, many younger kids rent them anyway. Talk with your tween or teen about the safety risks and be sure that those under 18 don’t have the app. If you use electric scooters, wear a helmet and never allow a child to ride with you.
By using a method called ‘forced choice’ parents and caregivers can help kids cooperate and feel empowered at the same time. It involves giving a child two choices, either of which you’re happy with. For example, rather than asking, “Will you please put on your coat before you go outside?” instead offer the choice, “Do you want to wear your blue coat or your red sweatshirt?” Or, rather than telling them, “It’s time to brush your teeth,” instead ask, “Do you want to brush your teeth before or after you put on your pajamas?” Being able to choose helps kids feel they have some control over the situation. The forced choice method also avoids situations where you need to nag or negotiate with your child.
to learn more:
to learn more:
to learn more:
Visit seattlechildrens.org.
Visit tinyurl.com/2p89rv3z.
Visit cdc.gov/parents/essentials/index.html.
Quick Tip Young children have thin skin. To prevent scald burns, set your water heater to 120° F or lower.
facebook.com/seattlechildrens instagram.com/seattlechildrens
twitter.com/seattlechildren youtube.com/seattlechildrens
Regional Clinic Locations
Online Resources
• Bellevue • Everett • Federal Way
Visit seattlechildrens.org for the following: • Child Health Advice • my Good Growing email newsletter • Doctor Finder • On The Pulse and Autism blogs • Medical condition information • Health & safety information • Ways to help Seattle Children’s • Research Institute information
• Olympia • Tri-Cities • Wenatchee
Primary Care Clinic • Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic
Main Hospital Numbers 206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (Toll-free)
Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can find Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2022 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.
Classes and Events As the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to adjust or postpone our classes and events to follow public health recommendations. We are offering some classes online while some are on pause. Please check our website for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar. PARENTING CLASSES Autism 101 This free, 90-minute, on-demand session provides information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Topics include up-to-date, evidence-based information about ASD, behaviors associated with autism, autism prevalence, treatments available and resources for families. Watch the lecture, in English or Spanish, at seattlechildrens.org/autism101. Email Autism101@ seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.
Conversations About Autism Conversations About Autism is a series of free 60-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. In these sessions, experts and advocates share their knowledge and perspectives on autism as well as helpful tips for supporting a child, adolescent or young adult with autism. Each class features a different topic, such as early intervention, transition to adulthood, feeding support and more. Sessions take place on the third Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more or view past sessions at seattlechildrens.org/ conversationsaboutautism. Email Autism200 @seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.
Babysafe Babysafe is a 4-hour class for new and expectant parents and others who care for babies. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and care of common injuries for infants from birth through 12 months of age. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced, but this is not a certification class. This class is offered virtually via Zoom. The fee is $90 and each registration is good for two people from the same family. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.
Early Childhood Parenting Skills Classes This series of free classes offered by experts from the Early Childhood Clinic is for parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 5 with behavior problems. Get practical information on how to promote child development and learn how to manage common behavior problems. These classes are available via Zoom. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes.
Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start This free, video-based class is for families who are seeking mental health services for children or youth under 18 and who are not familiar with the mental health system in Washington state. This class is available in English and Spanish via Zoom. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.
Youth Mental Health First Aid This free class is for adults who live or work in King County and regularly interact with adolescents ages 12 to 18. Youth Mental Health First Aid will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed. Youth Mental Health First Aid is available as a two-part virtual series. The series includes a self-guided course and a live instructor-led course. The date you register for is the date of the live instructor-led course. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES Better Babysitters For youth, ages 11 to 14. Students learn about responsible babysitting, basic child development, infant and child care, safety, handling emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business tips and parent expectations. This is a two-part class, with sessions taking place via Zoom on two consecutive weekend dates. Each session is two hours long. The fee is $50. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
CPR and First Aid for Babysitters For youth, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills. Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED completion card, which is valid for two years. This class is offered as a two-part series. The series includes a virtual session as well as a short in-person skills check. The fee is $75. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-987-2304 if you have questions.
The Chat The Chat is an online workshop series on puberty and sex that reflects the content from the inperson classes, For Boys and For Girls. Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 10 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult. You may take any individual workshop or all five. While families can choose to attend any combination of workshops, the information in earlier sessions provides a foundation for understanding later sessions. The fee is $30 per workshop or the series of five for $100. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.
EVENTS Free Online Mindfulness Groups for Parents and Caregivers Join a culturally relevant mindfulness and compassion session by phone or with Zoom. Sessions are offered for Black parents, parents of a child with special needs, Spanish-speaking parents, as well as any other parents or caregivers. Take part in activities and mindfulness practices led by parents for parents, and share strategies to cope with challenges. Learn more and view dates and times at seattlechildrens.org/clinics/odessa-brown/ community-programs/mindfulness-program.
Free Car-Seat Checks: August 6 in Seattle Tuesdays in Bellevue Learn how to safely secure your child in the car. Child passenger safety experts will check your child in a car seat, booster seat or the seat belt and answer any questions you may have. Car-seat checks are by appointment only and will follow COVID-19 safety protocols. Learn more and register for an appointment at seattlechildrens.org/carseatchecks.
Free Virtual Car-Seat Checks King County Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car-seat check appointments via video-chat platforms. For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura.miccile@ kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664. South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County offer free virtual car-seat classes. Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.
It’s a
New!
FUN FOR THE LITTLE ONES Learn, Explore & Grow with us! Check out the NEW opportunities available for kids age 18 months-5 years. Registration is now open!
TINY TOTS CLASSES (AGE 18M-3Y) How Does Your Garden Grow? – July 6 Soil, seeds, water, and sun. Let’s explore what we can grow!
SUMMER
Creepy Crawlers – July 13 Spiders, dragonflies, lady bugs, oh my! Build a bug jar, learn to identify different types of bugs, and end the day with a bug hunt! Up, Up, and Away – July 20 Let’s go fly a kite! Anything that flies is the name of the game. Hawaiian Luau – July 27 Take a tropical trip to the island with us! ABC & 123! – August 3-24 Alphabet letters, numbers, shapes, colors, animals, and so much more.
LITTLE SPROUTS CLASSES (AGE 3 ½ - 5) How Does Your Garden Grow? – July 6 Soil, seeds, water, and sun. Let’s explore what we can grow!
Especially for KIDS! FREE SUMMER CONCERTS WEDNESDAY PICNIC PERFORMANCES
at Morrill Meadows Park July 6 – August 10 • 12-1 p.m. Check out the full line-up at
Seasonal Celebrations – July 13-August 3 Learn about our seasons through crafts, songs, games, and stories. Lil’ Artists – August 10-24 Give your littlest artist a chance to develop their creativity. All supplies included!
CAMPS
Scholarship Available! s
Camp Walkapala Keep your child active and engaged this summer. Campers will enjoy games, sports, arts & crafts, and fun field trips! Open to all students entering grades K-6 this Fall. Camp is held Monday-Friday from 7:30a.m. - 5:30p.m. at the Kent Parks Teen Center.
Summer Sleepaway Camp Join us August 1-5 at Camp Waskowitz for our annual sleepaway camp. Open to all students entering grades 5-7 this Fall. Campers will experience hiking, campfires, barbecues, swimming, and MORE!
KENTWA.GOV/SUMMERCONCERTS
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July Play List Get ready for a ‘feastival’ of festivals! By Nancy Chaney Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar.
Ah, July ... these are the glorious summer days we live for here in the Northwest, and the calendar is serving up heaps of family fun to fill them. Festivals are back in force, as are parades, beach adventures and cool bargain movies. Book tickets when you need to, but leave plenty of time to revel in free and easy summer days. It’s time to play!
� Treat your fam to a special outing to see the captivating Venardos Circus, back in the Puget Sound region for the first time since 2019. Talented human performers will wow your whole crew under the Big Top — this show has no animals. The circus is in town through July 10; tickets $27 for adults and $16.50 for kids ages 12 and younger. parentmap.com/circus � Roll out for a family bike ride that’s mostly segregated from cars — good for practicing pedaling skills and also for your peace of mind. Seattle Parks has expanded its Bicycle Sundays program to Bicycle
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Weekends. This month’s dates are July 1–5 and 15–18. Head to Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach and Seward Park. Free. parentmap.com/bicycle
� Leave the screens behind and partake in a real-life history lesson — one that your kids will love. Visit Auburn’s charming Mary Olson Farm for a peek at local family farm life of the late 1800s. The farm is open every Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 14, noon–4 p.m. Admission is free, though a $5-per-person donation helps maintain the property. parentmap.com/farmlife
� Fireworks are back! Celebrate the Fourth of July with sparkles and booms raining down over almost every town. If late-night fireworks shows are less compatible with your family’s bedtime routine, lots of festivities take place during the day on July 4 as well. parentmap.com/fireworks
Highlighted Events for July
Through July 10
July weekends
Opening July 5
Venardos Circus
Historic Mary Olson Farm
Jetty Island
STAR Center, Tacoma parentmap.com/circus
Auburn parentmap.com/farmlife
Everett parentmap.com/jetty-island
� Watching a movie during the day in an air-conditioned theater is a timeless treat for kids and families. And it’s a budget wonder, too, thanks to Regal’s and Cinemark’s cheap summer movies series, happening Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer. Book your $1.50–$2 tickets online at a participating theater. parentmap.com/summer-movies
� Show up to learn about and honor the culture and traditions of local Indigenous tribes and those from across the continent. The Seafair Indian Days Powwow takes place at Daybreak Star Center July 15–17 and showcases native food, music, arts and, most powerfully, dancing. Free entry Friday; $5 Saturday and Sunday. parentmap.com/powwow
� Feel the sand between your
� The Ballard SeafoodFest fea-
toes and wade and splash in the warm shallows at marvelous Jetty Island, opening for the summer season on Tuesday, July 5. Book your ferry ride ahead of time — reservations are now required. Pay $3 for the ferry; ages 2 and younger free. parentmap.com/jetty-island
� Go “fishing” with naturalists at Bay View State Park. Help pull a seine net through Padilla Bay and get a close look at the marine critters that lurk under the surface. Don’t worry, all creatures are put back in the water before they get dry. Join in on July 6 at 3 p.m. or July
Seafair Indian Days Powwow
22 at 10 a.m. Free, no RSVP required, just bring your Discover Pass to park. parentmap.com/padilla
tures a salmon bake, naturally, together with live entertainment, kids’ carnival games and tasty food-truck fare. Plan a visit Friday–Monday, July 15–17. Pro tip: Don’t miss the band Nite Wave on Friday night. (You’ll thank me later.) parentmap.com/seafood-fest
� Of all the summer fests hap-
pening this month, this is the one featuring giant inflatables for the kids! Don’t share that info if you don’t want to take them. Maple Valley Kids’ Fest takes place at Lake Wilderness Park on Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. It’s free, and your kids will have a ball. parentmap.com/kidsfest
� After a long wait, the Chinatown Seafair Parade returns! Line the streets of the International District to celebrate the neighborhood, a Seattle Seafair summer and all the cultures represented in the parade, taking place Sunday, July 24, 7–9 p.m. parentmap.com/seafair
� Book your tix to the Island of Sodor Snoqualmie to meet the “real” Thomas the Tank Engine at the Northwest Railway Museum. Catch a ride on a train car pulled by Thomas and say hello to Sir Topham Hatt. July 8–10, 15–17 and 23–24. Tickets $30; ages 1 and younger free. parentmap.com/thomas Salmon bake at Ballard SeafoodFest
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INSPIRED LEARNING
� Duvall’s McCormick Park, along the scenic Snoqualmie River, once again hosts the SandBlast Festival of the Arts. You’ll find music, art and food, but sand sculpting is the star here. Join the festivities Saturday–Sunday, July 16–17, beginning at noon. Free. parentmap.com/sandblast � Party by the lake at Kirkland Summerfest, featuring the Kids’ Zone for kiddie fun, music and food for all ages, and grown-up bevvies for the parents. Head to Marine Park July 29–31 for all the fun. Free entry; food and some entertainment for purchase. parentmap.com/summerfest
Seafair Torchlight Parade. Photo by Sheri Putzke
� It’s a Seattle summer tradition, and we’re in for celebrating this and all our local summer fun. The Seafair Torchlight Parade lights up the night on Saturday, July 30, starting at 7:30 p.m. Grab your spot on the sidewalk in downtown Seattle, along Fourth Avenue or near Westlake Park. Free. parentmap.com/torchlight
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Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s Out + About editor.
S P O N S O R ED EVENT
August 26-28 Thing Music and Arts Festival Get 20 percent off on your three-day pass. Thing features unique and eclectic music, comedy, food, podcasts, visual arts and more. KIDS 12 AND YOUNGER FREE. thingnw.org
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SAMENA PRESCHOOL
Now E N Enrolling lli
WHERE SWIMMING IS PART OF THE CURRICULUM
All ages Infant - Kindergarten Call us to learn more or to book a tour with us!
SWIMMING | PLAY-BASED | ART S.T.E.M. | MUCH MORE! WWW.SAMENA.COM PHONE : (425) 746-1160 - INFO@SAMENA.COM @SAMENACLUB
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From Page to Play! These interactive nonfiction guidebooks plot volumes of summer fun By Lindsay Zielinski
Ahh, summer break ... has a chorus of “I’m bored!” filled your home yet? When the boredom blues strike, reach for a trusty nonfiction activity book for your little (and not so little) ones that will help them nurture a new hobby, practice a new skill or learn more about the world around them — and buy you some time to drink your coffee in peace!
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
“The Backyard Bug Book for Kids” by Lauren Davidson Ages: 3–5 Crawling with bugs that one might see lurking in the backyard, this book is a triple threat: part story, part activity and part photo journal. It’s a perfect companion for your curious toddler’s backyard adventures. “Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find?” by the editors of Storey Publishing Ages: 4–8 This field guide is perfect for pint-size outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore nature. From helping to find shapes in the clouds to worms in the ground, this interactive guide is sure to keep your kids engaged with art projects, games, realistic drawings and photographs. It even includes a working magnifying glass! “Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest” by Fiona Cohen, illustrated by Marni Fylling Ages: 5–9 Encourage your little one to appreciate the beauty in their own backyard with this unique guidebook, which is organized by habitat (forest, freshwater, beach, backyards and parks) and helps kids make connections to their own neighborhoods and beyond. Featuring fun facts, full-color illustrations and a Pacific Northwest focus, “Curious Kids” is a perfect pick for even the youngest of Puget Sound–region explorers.
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For the Creator
“Paper Crafts for Kids: 25 Cut-Out Activities for Kids Ages 4–8” and “Preschool Paper Crafts: 25 Creative Crafts to Practice Hand-Eye Coordination & Scissor Skills” by Stefania Luca Ages: 4–8 / 3–5 Looking for a craft that is easy to set up and clean up? Think paper! These fun guides present 25 different paper crafts with easy-to-use templates for puzzles, hats, puppets and more. With a few additional household items, your little one will be busy crafting their paper creations all summer long. “Sewing for Kids: 30 Fun Projects to Hand and Machine Sew” by Alexa Ward Ages: 6 and older With this guide, you’ll introduce the kids in your life to sewing by hand and, later, sewing with a machine. Easy techniques and beginner stitches will help build confidence while working on projects such as a sharktail blanket, sloth backpack charm and a beanbag chair. “Clay Lab for Kids: : 52 Projects to Make, Model, and Mold with Air-Dry, Polymer, and Homemade Clay” by Cassie Stephens Ages: 4–10 Written for all skill levels by an expert art teacher, each of the 52 tutorials in this book is presented with complete and easy-to-understand instructions to support the development of each child’s creativity, imagination and fine motor skills. “How to Make Jewelry Out of Anything : A Complete Out-of-the-Box Jewelry Making Guide for Teens and Teens-at-Heart!” by Menucha Citron Ceder Ages: 10 and older For tweens and teens looking for a new hobby or who want to hone their jewelrymaking skills, this guide is a perfect fit. Follow along with 42 tutorials that explore specific jewelry techniques using items from around the house, natural materials you can find in your backyard and upcycled materials.
LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / S C HO OL S , PRES C HO OL S + N WA IS
For the Scientist
“The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-on Activities for Ages 4–8” by Asia Citro Ages: 4–8 Perfect for younger budding scientists, this guide holds more than 100 science investigations to answer your child’s most burning questions, such as “Is slug slime as strong as a glue stick?” Parents will appreciate the clear directions and simple materials, and kids will love the playful experiments that help them understand what it’s really like to be a scientist. “The Science Spell Book: Magical Experiments for Kids” by Cara Florance Ages: 7–10 Witches and wizards agree: If you really think about it, science is true magic. With easy-to-follow instructions, clear diagrams and photographs, and complete explanations about the science specifics, this bewitching book perfectly blends whimsy with home experiments in biology, physics and chemistry. “Steve Spangler’s Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids!” by Steve Spangler Ages: 8–12 Featuring 50 STEM-tastic experiments ranging from beginner to advanced and that use materials found around the house, this collection is sure to provide your mad scientist hours of fun. Projects include an air-pressure can crusher, the world’s simplest motor, eggshell geodes and even a homemade lung!
For the Builder
“The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have” by Sarah Dees Ages: 6–12 What’s not to love about Lego? Besides stepping on a rogue 2x4 in the early morning, these little bricks are the perfect play companion. This jumbo guide presents cool objects you can assemble using bricks you most likely already have on hand, such as a pirate ship, troll, Humvee and more. With the book’s story and scene suggestions, hours of Lego fun are in your future. “Sticks and Stones: A Kid’s Guide to Building and Exploring in the Great Outdoors” by Melissa Lennig Ages: 7 and older With projects such as designing a stick catapult, creating a bug hotel, building a dam, making jewelry and crafting a fishing pole from a stick, the guide has something to interest even the starchiest couch potato. Each activity supports the development of problem-solving skills while nurturing creativity. “Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers & Future Scientists” by Jonathan Adolph Ages: 9–14 Perfect for recycling enthusiasts and budding engineers, this guide contains a variety of step-by-step photographic instructions for creating amazing things out of cardboard. Projects include a robotic hand, handmade spin art, a wind-powered tractor, a bouncy Skee-Ball and even a rocket blaster.
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Lindsay Zielinski is a mom, wife and writer living in Tacoma. She spends most of her time in libraries, where she is always looking for her next favorite picture book.
The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond
Call 425-883-3271 for a tour. ͻ Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with strong academic focus ͻ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ͕ DŽŶƚĞƐƐŽƌŝͲĐĞƌƟĮĞĚ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ͻ Preschool, kindergarten, and STEAM Enrichment ͻ Family owned and operated since 1977 ͻ ^ƵŵŵĞƌ͕ ďĞĨŽƌĞ Θ ĂŌĞƌ ƐĐŚŽŽů ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ͻ WƌĞƉ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ͕ ;ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ ĂŐĞƐ Ϯ ПШЖͲϯͿ
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Shuttle pick-up from select Eastside schools offered for added convenience. 2 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
SOUNDVIEW SCHOOL now accepting applications
www.soundview.org (425) 778-8572 a small, independent school in Lynnwood, WA
6/17/22 11:38 AM
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Explore! Experiment! Excel!
Orion Montessori (A part of Orion Education)
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• Let your kids Shine! • An independent school in Eastside Seattle serving from preschool through 1st Grade • We strive for academic excellence, developing good habits and learning life skills. • Beautiful, safe, indoor and outdoor spaces • Experienced and Board certified teachers • Focus on STEAM curriculum + Reading • Math science, social, Cog-AT and Spanish • Fun and interactive learning • Organic nutritious meals and snacks • Extra-curricular activities: Yoga, music, arts and crafts • Small class sizes • Summer camps
Located in Kirkland
orionkids.com • 425-499-3313 orionkidsschool@gmail.com
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Brighton School offers outstanding private education, from preschool through eighth grade, with a curriculum that prepares students for success. Our preschool offers the perfect balance of learning and play. Our elementary school offers rigorous academics and inspiring specialty classes.
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JUST ASK Asking Saves Kids
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Before your child visits another home, just ask one more important question: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” It’s a simple question, but asking it can save your child’s life.
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Ages + Stages
Make This a Summer to Remember Summers are for making memories — here’s how to capture those special moments By Kari Hanson
“The longest shortest time” is how author and podcast host Hillary Frank described parenthood, and I think she nailed it. This phase of life is exhausting and moves fast, and the idea of preserving family memories feels both vital and overwhelming. When it comes to capturing memories — especially during this wild period — it can start to feel confusing. Am I keeping the right things? Am I missing important moments? While we can’t answer those questions for you, we can suggest a variety of clever ways to capture those special moments. Write it down Journaling every day (or every week) can feel like a lot of work for busy parents. Thankfully, there are plenty of other ways to jot down those precious memories. • Created by a Seattle author and yoga instructor (founder of 8 Limbs Yoga Centers), “This Life of Mine” is a user-friendly journal complete with writing prompts and beautiful art. This book is a great way to capture memories and would make a great gift for a loved one. • Texting counts as writing, right? So much of our life happens over these quick, simple messages: birth announcements, cute kid quotes and telling your friends you got the new job. Keepster message book (keepster.co) pulls your texts into a beautiful book, rather than letting them scroll out of sight, lost to the great internet void. • “Letters to Me, When I Grow Up” is a neat book containing writing prompts and space for your kids to write letters to their future selves. Stickers are included to seal each letter. Put them away in a time capsule to be opened when your kids are older, or pull them out on a rainy day — the timing is all up to you.
Get cooking Cooking can be a deeply meaningful tradition. From time spent in the kitchen together to tastes and smells that can evoke childhood in an instant, food holds a major place in family memories. Luckily, there are many options for creating a personalized cookbook so that recipes and traditions can be passed down. • Heritage Cookbook (heritagecookbook.com) lets you add recipes and images and then invite others to contribute to your personalized cookbook. There are free and paid memberships, as well as a large selection of options to make your cookbook truly your own. Some of the options are a bit pricey, but there is enough flexibility to keep costs reasonable. • Looking for an option to preserve family recipe cards? Recipe Card Cookbook (recipecardcookbook.com) allows you to upload images of your recipe cards to create a simple cookbook. A picture is worth a thousand words • If you are like me, you probably have hundreds (maybe thousands) of digital photos. Timeshel (timeshel.co) is a great tool to print a few of those images each month to share with family and friends. You can choose either 10 or 30 prints per month, and
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it’s easy to change your option. Select images straight from your phone, and high-quality prints arrive in the mail. Ta-da! • If you would rather have your prints assembled in a scrapbook format, Chatbooks (chatbooks.com) is an easy and inexpensive solution. You can print a 30-page photo book (60 pictures) straight from your phone. • Recently (getrecently.com) also pulls images directly from your phone (from a preselected album or folder) and mails a printed magazine monthly, quarterly or one at a time. Each issue contains 25–150 photos. • Maybe you have the opposite challenge — boxes of photos or VHS tapes sitting around collecting dust. The ScanMyPhotos service (scanmyphotos.com) will digitize your photos, videos, slides and negatives. You can choose to have individual photos scanned, or send them in a big box and get them all scanned. See the website for more details about the process and pricing. Ready, set, action! There is something about video that brings back moments and preserves memories in such a powerful way. Thanks to modern cell phones, video is easier than ever to capture. But, as with pho-
tos, those videos are often forgotten and rarely rewatched. Here are two options to make great compilation videos that you will actually want to watch again … and again: • 1 Second Everyday (1se.co) is a popular app that puts together one second of video each day and then creates a chronological compilation. (Relive a whole year in just six minutes!) Features
BE CURIOUS. Curiosity is back and more colorful than ever. Zoom in at pacsci.org
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Free include a calendar and a notification to remind you to take a video each day, as well as a useful editing tool. This app twice won the “Best Use of a Mobile Camera” Webby Award. There are paid and free membership options. • My Life Journal (mylifejournalapp.com) is a calendar journal app that allows you to add a picture, text, video and audio clip each day. The app makes a compilation video at the end of each year based on all of your entries. You can share your journal entries with others or keep them private. There are free and paid membership options. Is this thing on? Audio recording of family members or special events can be a magical way to preserve memories. Interviewing family members can be a great way to capture history and stories. Here are a few tools that can help:
Parenting: It’s harder than it looks. Our free virtual ParentEd Talks are here to help. SEE THE 2022-2023 LINEUP:
ParentMap.com/live
• StoryCorps (storycorps.org) was founded nearly 20 years ago with a mission “to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.” Using the StoryCorps mobile app, anyone anywhere can record an interview and upload it to the Library of Congress. Talk about preserving memories! • If the thought of conducting your own interview makes you nervous, Artifact (heyartifact.com) has you covered. A professional interviewer will conduct a virtual 30-minute interview, which will then be edited (with music added), resulting in a professional-quality 20-minute audio piece. This option is kind of pricey, so you might want to save it for a special occasion or milestone birthday. rtwork and school milestones and A memories Most parents have a dedicated drawer or storage box stuffed to the brim with kids’ artwork and treasures. Add to that stack report cards, awards and other school documents, and you’ve got a paper mountain! Luckily, there are options to help clear out all that clutter and capture those memories in a way that allows you to easily share them with family and friends. The Keepy app (keepy.me) allows you to save, organize and then share precious milestones and memories through photo books, prints on canvas and much more. The base application is free, but there are a variety of paid monthly membership options.
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Kari Hanson is a mom of two and ParentMap’s digital content production coordinator.
We provide deaf and hard-of-hearing children with the foundation to thrive socially and academically – in the classroom, at home, on the playground and beyond. LEARN MORE: www.northwestschool.com | 206-364-4605 | Shoreline, WA PA R E N T M A P / J U LY 2 0 2 2 / 3 1
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