August Play List 15 ways to savor summer

By Nancy Chaney

Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar.

People in other places are stocking up on fall sweaters and filling backpacks with school supplies. To that, we say, “Ha ha ha ha!” We’ve got to savor every moment of these peak Seattle summer days while they last. So, fill your days with bikes, beaches and bats, plus movies, festivals and more! Tune out those back-toschool jingles, put on your shorts and go play.

� A beach day looks quite different along the shores of Puget Sound, compared with, say, a beach day in Hawaii. On our extra-low-tide days this summer, turn up to inspect all kinds of sea creatures that normally live under the cover of the sea. Meet naturalists at various beaches, Aug. 1–3, Aug. 13 and Aug. 30. Free. parentmap.com/beach-walk

� As we progress through the summer, darkness comes a wee bit earlier, making a free outdoor movie showing at dusk more doable for families with young kids. You’ll find a free outdoor movie in parks all over the Puget Sound region, with most screening on Friday and Saturday nights, but a few on other nights, too! Select dates Aug. 1–26. parentmap.com/ outdoor-movies

� Head to Cedar Lanes Bike Park for an awesome time riding the course and learning bike safety skills. Bikes and helmets are available to borrow if you don’t bring your own, and if your kids don’t know how to ride, instructors will teach them! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1–4 p.m., Aug. 3–17. Free; for ages 3–17. parentmap.com/cedar-lanes

� If anyone tells you that bats aren’t cool, they’re totally batty! Bat-positive org Bats Northwest is back at Green Lake this summer. Stop by to learn about the important jobs our flying furry friends accomplish for our environment. Thursdays, Aug. 3, Aug. 17 and Aug. 31, 8:30–10 p.m. Free. parentmap.com/bat-walk

� Sneak out of town and soak up the beauty of our state’s three incredible national parks. Friday, Aug. 4, is a fee-free day