’cause parenting is a trip!
EAT • PLAY • GO with kids
FAMILY ADVENTURE
SEATTLE + NORTHWEST
SUMMER 2018
GUIDE
• Your summer bucket list • Small towns, big fun • Why Portland’s still worth it • Got a kid who hates to hike? • Visit a volcano near you • Meet the new Iceland
parentmap.com/adventure
SWIMS FOR HOURS. TUCKERED AT EIGHT. THE NIGHT IS YOURS. MILESTONES. JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. In less than two hours from Seattle, you can be peering into tide pools with your kids or treating yourself to a hot stone massage. At Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa, the little moments you live for are waiting around every corner. semiahmoo.com
9565 Semiahmoo Parkway Blaine, WA 98230 855.917.3767
1 0 7 0 0 2 3 1 S T WAY N E , R E D M O N D WA 9 8 0 5 3 | V E R T E X A R E N A .C O M
R E M F U M N U S
IN THE PARKS! A taste of the tropics
July 14 & 15 “Island Vibes
with a splash
of Aloha! Entertainment • Boat Rides • Food Vendor s • Fireworks Beach Luau • Car Sh ow • Music • Kids Sp lash Zone Arts & Crafts • Parade • Sand Sculptures & More!
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n.com
MOVIE S THE PA IN RK
JULY 2 1 MOA NA AUG 1 8 A WR INKLE IN TIM E
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contents
FAMILY ADVENTURE SEATTLE + NORTHWEST
6
Summer Bucket List
12
Small Towns, Big Fun
21
SUMMER 2018
GUIDE
27
Portland’s Still Worth It
The Best Hikes
33
Volcanoes Near You
Blue Skies Ahead It always makes me laugh when people think there’s nothing to Pacific Northwest weather but rain. Clearly, they’ve never been here in the summer.
So, put away that umbrella and get to brainstorming. Wherever you are in your summer daydreaming, we hope this guide offers your family an adventure or two.
Blue skies, sunny days, moderate temperatures (most weeks) — a Northwest summer is enough to make anyone want to have an adventure. We’ve been cooped up all winter. Let’s get out there.
— Elisabeth Kramer, Associate editor
On the “easier-to-plan” end of the summer fun spectrum, we’ve got ideas on small towns worth a visit (p. 12), hikes for even the most reluctant hiker (p. 27) and seasonal selections to check off that sunny day bucket list (p. 6). For fun that’ll take a little more legwork, head south to Portland (p. 21), pick a peak (p. 33) or cash in those airline miles (p. 41).
ParentMap is a multimedia company (parentmap.com) providing trusted, innovative and award-winning content that supports and inspires families. Sign up for newsletters with the week’s top family activities and news at parentmap.com/enews.
More travel and winter-fun ideas at parentmap.com /adventure
Important note: Prices, especially for lodging, are variable; please check ahead.
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FAMILY ADVENTURE GUIDE SUMMER 2018 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Alayne Sulkin
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR Vicky McDonald ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elisabeth Kramer OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney COPY EDITORS Sunny Parsons CALENDAR ASSISTANT Dora Heideman EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS editor@parentmap.com
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Cover image: ideabug, iStock All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or part without permission prohibited ©ParentMap 2018 • Printed in Oregon
parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 5
summer bucket list
Your Summer Bucket List Because you’ve gotta make the most of the sunny season By Teddie McCormick
Summer in Seattle can be all too brief, but when it’s on, the long, sunny days create the perfect opportunity to cross some epic adventures off your seasonal bucket list. Check out our guide to everything awesome this summer, including day trips — many of them cheap or free — for every age, before summer breezes by.
6 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
for it — its very own pirate tree house. Tip: KiDiMu is free on first Thursdays, and the family-friendly Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, right next door, is always free for kids.
FOR OLDER KIDS
Celebrate Seattle Center
FOR KIDS 6 AND YOUNGER Swim their little faces off Seattle has some great wading pools for your little tadpoles. One of our favorites is Magnolia’s outdoor “Pop” Mounger Pool. With a small and heated (94 degrees!) wading pool for the littles and a larger 50-foot corkscrew slide in the bigger (and colder) pool, your little Nemos won’t want to leave this aquatic utopia. Tip: Get there early to stake out a prime lounging spot in the sun. Pet a goat or pick some berries On select weekdays from mid-May to June, preschoolers get the run of Remlinger Farms, a U-pick farm/ mini amusement park in Carnation. During these half-price “Toddler Weekdays,” not all of the rides are open, but there’s still plenty for kids to enjoy, from berry picking to a petting zoo, with fewer crowds.
The Space Needle’s renovation is currently underway, but never fear — you can still check out the Observation Tower. Exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) are always a treat for the kids, or, if live music is more your scene, take a free tour of the very cool KEXP radio headquarters (be sure to pick up a coffee or hot cocoa at La Marzocco while you’re there). When you’re all cultured out, you’ll love the new — and much improved — food offerings at the Armory (MOD Pizza, anyone?). If it’s hot outside, let the kids splash around for a while in the International Fountain. Take a spin On a clear day, the Great Wheel, located on Seattle’s bustling waterfront, offers unparalleled views of the city as well as surrounding islands, mountains and water. School-age children are at the perfect stage to be impressed (but not too scared) by the super-smooth ride. If you don’t feel like heading home afterward, consider a visit to the Seattle Aquarium or the newly renovated Pike Place Market. >>
Tip: There’s a restaurant and snack bar on site, but you can save some bucks by bringing your own snacks and eating at one of the outdoor picnic areas. Create a ferry tale Looking for a cheap and fun escape with your small adventurers? Take the ferry from downtown Seattle’s Colman Dock over to Bainbridge Island for an easy day trip. The Seattle-Bainbridge crossing takes a mere 35 minutes, and you’ll get to enjoy great views of the Seattle skyline and the islands while underway. The best part? Kids younger than 6 ride for free! Once on Bainbridge, it’s a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal to the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu), which has play areas and — wait parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 7
summer bucket list Your Summer Bucket List continued from page 7 Take a train to Tacoma
two diving boards make this a super happening scene for tweens.
Got a rail buff in the family? Catch the Sounder train from downtown Seattle to the Tacoma station for a trip without the traffic. Once down south, call a Lyft or take public transit to explore fun destinations like the Point Defiance Zoo or the Museum of Glass (complete with awesome hot shop demos).
Tip: Call the pool for special events, such as night swims and other fun summer goings-on.
FOR TWEENS Living it up on the sound A heated saltwater pool and stunning views of the sound converge at West Seattle’s Colman Pool, located within Lincoln Park. It can get pretty crowded when the weather heats up, but the giant tube slide and
Beach blanket bingo The 2-mile-long spit of land known as Jetty Island in Everett is worth the drive. This huge expanse of walkable beach and shallow, swimmable water is a great way for your family to beat the heat. In addition to the beach, there are miles of gorgeous nature trails to explore. Tip: Pack light as it can be quite a walk from the car to the beach. Paddle around the sound The outfitter Outdoor Odysseys specializes in kayaking adventures around the San Juan Islands, which teem with an assortment of native wildlife, including orcas. Even if the whales don’t make an appearance, you’ll find tons of other island critters and natural beauty galore. Tip: The minimum age is 12, but private family tours are also available.
School’s out. Science is in! See what’s new this summer.
Music and movement classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them!©
pacsci.org
www.littlesproutsmusictogether.com Mukilteo - Everett
8 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
R E M M U S tory Museum! i is H te a S St n o gt in Wash
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Experience
SLEIGHT OF HAND Magic & Illusion!
Glide through the trees Strap yourself in to a zip line and fly from tree to tree courtesy of Canopy Tours Northwest, located on Camano Island. During the two-and-ahalf-hour experience, you’ll ride six different zip lines (the longest one measures 660 feet), traverse a long bridge, explore trails and take a ride in a 1963 Unimog truck.
And more! Visit us at
rg WashingtonHistory.o ma, WA 1911 Pacific Avenue, Taco 1-800-BE-THERE
Tip: The minimum weight allowed is 65 pounds, and the maximum is 300 pounds. Experience Asia for a day Seattle’s Chinatown–International District (ID) features a world of fun for teens. Check out the bathhouse exhibit at the Panama Hotel for an enlightening history lesson, then visit the Chinatown Gate at S. King Street and Fifth Avenue S. Lunch at Dough Zone to try its fabulous soup dumplings. Finish with a stop at Uwajimaya, an Asian specialty supermarket, for a bubble tea dessert and visit the Kinokuniya Book Store for plush toys, imported pens, manga and more.
CLIMB ABOARD
THE QUEEN ANNE’S REVENGE
Tip: To save on parking, take Metro right to the ID station in the bus tunnel. Turn it up Bumbershoot has evolved from a small, independent music festival to a thrilling and immersive experience featuring the biggest acts in music, comedy and art. If you and your teen can afford the steep ticket prices, attend one or more days of this three-day fest to create memories that will last a lifetime. Tip: Bring earplugs and don’t forget to hydrate. Teddie McCormick is a freelance writer, editor and blogger of the sandwich arts (seatownsammies.com).
EMERALDCITYPIRATES.COM or (206)639-8689
parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 9
sweet spots
Small Towns,
BIG FUN Four sweet spots for a memorable day out
By Elisa Murray
What’s the perfect recipe for a summer
day trip? Each family will have a different answer to that question, but I’m willing to bet there are some common ingredients, at least for us Puget Sound–area parents: Not too long of a drive. Water to splash in. And a small town to explore that offers history, whimsy and grown-up-worthy grub.
12 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
If you unfold your map, any direction leads to tiny, tantalizing destinations. Some are well-known and worthy: La Conner and Langley to the north; Olympia to the south; Snoqualmie and Enumclaw to the east. We’ve uncovered three lesser-known small towns (and one subset of a very big town) that offer big summer fun, all within a 90-minute drive of Seattle.
NORTH: Foodie fab in Edison Talk about grown-up-worthy grub: The tiny Skagit Valley hamlet of Edison, Washington, which sits prettily along the Samish River near Chuckanut Drive, has become a celebrated destination for art-loving foodies in recent years. But many families still haven’t checked it out, figuring it might be best saved for older kids with actual table manners. Our tip: No need to wait. Sourcing ingredients from Skagit farms, its eateries, are as inventive as they come, but also informal, welcoming and packed with picnic fare. Combine it with some nearby nature fun. Foodie fun. Stop and savor. Make those words your mantra as you exit Interstate 5 at Burlington and head west, admiring weathered barns, endless fields and big sky along the way (this area is a birding mecca, so keep your eyes up). About 2 miles east of Edison, stop at Bow Hill Blueberries to pick a peck of luscious, certified organic blueberries (typically open for picking mid-July to mid-September). Next stop might be the vintage Farm to Market Bakery for espresso, buttermilk biscuits and a game of chess. Just down the road, Samish Bay Cheese sells cheeses made on the premises (as well as cheese plates, drinks and Lopez Island ice cream). Sample any of the wares, and take a self-guided tour of the farm and its herd of organically raised cows. (Warning: The smell of manure is likely.) About a minute later (don’t blink), you’ll arrive at the colorful patchwork of streets that make up Edison. Park and wander, admiring the blooming gardens and art everywhere. Pick up a chocolate babka and a loaf of Samish River potato bread at Breadfarm, share a hearty strata or peach crisp at lovely Tweets Artisan Café and Eatery; or enjoy tacos at Mexichic Mariposa. (Pro tip: Bring cash.) Artsy families will also want to browse the antique and vintage stores, such as The Lucky Dumpster collective for one-of-a-kind garden art and recycled-lumber furniture and eco-fixtures. On your way out, pick up picnic supplies at Slough Food or (on summer Sundays) the Edison farmers market and head to one of the scenic spots described below.
Other destinations north: Closer to Seattle, steer toward Snohomish for some of Edison’s charm, including good eats, uncrowded biking on the Centennial Trail and berry picking.
SOUTH: History and an island swimming hole in Steilacoom Early settlers had big dreams for Steilacoom, which became the first incorporated town in Washington state in 1854, and also opened the state’s first post office and public school. Spoiler: Its economic heyday didn’t last long, but this postcard-worthy town on Puget Sound, just a bit south of Tacoma, offers lots of history, views and Sound fun, including a ferry ride to a bona fide swimming hole. Living history, eats included. Steilacoom is fairly walkable; park in the vicinity of Main Street and you’re set for most attractions. If your kids are into local history, check out the self-guided tour map of historic homes at the corner of Lafayette and Wilkes streets, and definitely make a stop at the Steilacoom Historical Museum. It has nicely laid-out exhibits of the town’s origins, including a few hands-on exhibits, antique school desks and period dress-up clothes; it also operates The Wagon Shop, a restored wagon-making business and blacksmith open on select days. Down the street, Bair Drug and Hardware, built in 1895, is a combination of restaurant and “living museum,” where you can peruse antique tools and medicine bottles while you sit at the long soda fountain counter and enjoy burgers, fragrant clam chowder and handmade sweet potato fries — or just go straight for the milkshakes. Island time. Steilacoom is home to a nice beach park just north of town, Sunnyside Beach, where kids will enjoy jumping off driftwood, digging and watching the trains go by. Even better: Add a trip to Anderson Island to your day’s itinerary. Leaving from downtown Steilacoom, the pint-size Pierce County ferry will transport you to a different era. Once on the island, make an obligatory stop at the town’s one general store for staples before you head to the Ol’ Swimming Hole (aka Lowell Johnson Park), a two-dock swimming area on spring-fed Lake Florence. A little farther down the island, hit the trail at Jacobs
Nearby nature. Just 10 minutes south of Edison, Bay View State Park offers brilliant views of the San Juan Islands and opportunities for kiting, boating and beach fun. Just a half-mile away, visit the Padilla Bay Breazeale Interpretive Center to learn about the 11,000-acre protected Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve through its aquaria and other exhibits; or walk (or bike) the scenic Padilla Bay Trail, a 2.2mile trail along a dike and mud flats. parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 13
sweet spots Small Towns, Big Fun continued from page 13 Point Park, where a 2.5-mile round-trip hike brings you past the chimney of an old homestead and, eventually, to a beach with a view of Mount Rainier. Pro tip: Check the ferry schedule, which typically takes a 2.5-hour break around lunchtime. You can buy tickets online. Other destinations south. About a 15-minute drive north of Steilacoom, University Place is home to one of the South Sound’s most scenic playgrounds, Playground by the Sound. The playground is part of Chambers Creek Regional Park, with trails, a dog beach and more spectacular views.
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14 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
EAST: Rustic eats, farm country and biking in Duvall The friendly folks in this Snoqualmie Valley town, just east of Woodinville, won’t correct you, but just so you know: It’s pronounced DOOH-vall, not DuVALL. Any way you say it, downtown Duvall has managed to find a rural yet artsy vibe — look for murals, metal art and totem poles — without feeling too upscale. And it’s the starting point for a rail-trail bike adventure that’s perfect for families. Coffee, candy and farm eats. Fuel up for that bike ride! Park on Duvall’s Main Street and everything is within reach. CC’s 2.0 Espresso & Ice Creamery is a fun caffeine, ice cream and penny candy stop, crammed with cheerful Formica tables, antique phones and toys, and funny signs. Nearby, The Grateful Bread Café (an outpost of the northeast Seattle institution) sells pastries and sandwiches made with farm-fresh ingredients. Another food news flash: The beloved Grange Café is getting a makeover; it will re-open in late spring as a farm-to-
More quick summer trips Want more super summer ideas? We’ve got the goods on many more fun summer day trips, including to Bellingham, Astoria, Enumclaw, Gig Harbor and Whidbey Island. Go to parentmap.com/ summerdays.
table, wood-fired-pizza eatery that aims to be super family friendly. (At press time, the new owner was looking for a vintage pinball machine.) Or pick up picnic supplies at Village Specialty Market. If you’re in need of cowboy boots, a saddle, antique water skis or old-timey tools, stop in at one of the funky antique shops in town. Rocking “E” Feeds will stock you in chicken feed and other pet supplies for life. A river runs through it. A mere block away and down from Main Street, McCormick Park is a sweet riverside spot; peer in at the antique train depot as you cross the Snoqualmie Valley Trail on the way to the park. At McCormick, there’s sand to dig in and, down a steep bank, swimming areas in the river (there’s no lifeguard on duty, so keep an eye on kids). McCormick is also the site of Duvall’s biggest summer festival, SandBlast, a destination in its own right. Held every year in July (2018 dates are July 21–22), the festival showcases an international sand sculptor creating a work in real time, as well as live music andan art fair. Bikes away. If you’re used to ducking speed bikers on the Burke-Gilman Trail, Snoqualmie Valley Trail will be a welcome outing. The rail-trail runs south from Duvall along the river for 31 miles through the lush agricultural valley, on to Carnation, Fall City, North Bend, Snoqualmie and all the way to Rattlesnake Lake. For families with strong, school-age bikers, a turnaround point might be Carnation, 9 miles away, where you can also visit ToltMacDonald Park, Remlinger Farms or the Carnation Saturday farmers’ market. Note: The trail is crushed rock, so choose your bike accordingly. The staff at Duvall’s Pacific Bike and Ski is a good source of info on the trail. Other destinations east: Just off Interstate 90, the town of Snoqualmie is always a fun stop for its Northwest Railway Museum, eats and antique shops; Snoqualmie Falls is just a two-minute drive away. And Issaquah offers summer trolley rides as well as car shows at the Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-In.
WEST: Nature in the city in West Seattle
N O RT H W E ST F O L K L I F E A N D S E AT T L E C E NT E R P R E S E NT
Explore global cultures alive in the Northwest through movement, music, play and hands-on activities! Movi n ’ Ar o u n d t he Wo r l d April 7-13, 11am – 3pm at Seattle Center Armory G LO BAL P L AYGR O U N D August 4, 11, 18, 4pm – 7pm Artists at Play at Seattle Center S E AT T L E C H I L D R E N ’ S F E ST I VAL September 22, 10am – 5pm at Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion S E AT T L E C E NT E R W I NT E R F E ST L AU N C H PART Y November 23 at Seattle Center Armory
Committed to access for all. Suggested daily donation: $5 per person For event details and more information, please visit www.nwfolklife.org/our-big-neighborhood
Where can you visit old-growth forest, a working lighthouse and a whalewatching beach without leaving the city? That’s right, we’re talking about that section of Seattle across the Duwamish River known as West Seattle. While West Seattle is not technically its own town, much less a small town, a trip across that bridge always feels like a getaway: a little hard to get to, but worth the effort. >> parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 15
sweet spots Small Towns, Big Fun continued from page 15 Snacks first. I’m usually a hike-first, snack-later kind of mom, but when in West Seattle, we stop at Husky Deli first because when the tsunami hits, we want to make sure we’ve already had our 12th Man grilled panini (pastrami and Swiss) and handmade ice cream at the deli counter. Plus, the 80-plus-year-old West Seattle institution boasts an oldfashioned candy counter, where kids can go to pick out their après-hike reward (mine is Kookaburra black licorice).
life and astronomy. Stroll the rocky beach at low tide (Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists might be out there, sharing information), enjoy the tidalthemed art and look for the constellation studies placed in the sidewalk. And though you’re unlikely to see whales in the summer, remember the spot for winter whale spotting. This park is on the Whale Trail. Tip: Alki Point Lighthouse offers free tours on summer weekend days.
Trees and creeks. You already know about Alki and its wonders — that sandy beach, perfect for California-style people watching, and the wide Alki trail, perfect for scootering. But did you know that just a few blocks from Alki, you can find a 53-acre preserve of old-growth trees that seems like it was designed for young hikers? Park at S.W. Admiral Way and S.W. Stevens Way to access Schmitz Preserve Park, formed from land donated to Seattle in the early 1900s. Kids will love wandering its 1.7 miles of trails, which crisscross Schmitz Preserve Creek and offer a window into Seattle’s forested history.
Got kids who climb? Add Camp Long to your itinerary. This 68-acre park and outdoor education center, not far from the West Seattle Bridge, has many attractions, but its star is probably Schurman Rock, a Works Progress Administration–era “mountain” designed to incorporate every kind of rockclimbing problem into its design. (Check its hours before visiting.)
Tides and whales. Just around the lighthouse from busy Alki Beach Park, another hidden gem of a park, Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint, which includes Constellation Park, offers a quieter spot to learn about intertidal
Other destinations west: Just south of West Seattle, White Center is playful and culturally interesting, with vintage roller-skating at Southgate Roller Rink and pinball and ice cream at Full Tilt. Or, hop the ferry to Vashon Island for inspired eats at The Hardware Store and beach time at Point Robinson Park. Elisa Murray is a Seattle-based freelance writer and former ParentMap editor who is always up for a day trip.
July 13-15 & July 20-22
August 17-19
Snoqualmie Railroad Days
80 years of Trains, Timber and Tradition!
www.railroaddays.com
Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 14-16
16 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com FAS18_nw_railway_museum_1-2h.indd 1
2/7/18 6:00 PM
Hands-on Exhibits Art Studio
Pre-School Program Special Events
Parties Summer Camps
Field Trips ... and more!
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 12pm-5pm Toddler Tuesday 8:30am-10am Community Free Days on the 2nd Tuesday of each month Located in Burlington, WA :: Tel: 360.757.8888
www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net www.VisitSkagitValley.com
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Shiver me timbers! Join other scallywags at this fun costume party on the beach, with pirate music, festival rides and a scavenger hunt. Last weekend in June. www.rockawaybeach.net/events/pirate-festival
Come fly a kite on the beach! Join professional kite flyers, team flyers and families for one of the best kite festivals in the Northwest. Three days of fun every Memorial Day weekend. www.rockawaybeach.net/events/kite-festival
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The tastiest seafood is the kind you catch yourself. All you need is the right tools and a proper license, easily available in Rockaway Beach and at local marinas. Toss a crab ring off a dock, or get a shovel and dig! www.visitrockawaybeach.org/outdoor
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Plan your next family getaway! www.visitrockawaybeach.org
Part art outdoor adventure, part scavenger h hunt, geo ocaching ching n is a great family experience. Find out how geocaching to join the treasure hunt at www.geocaching.com and get started on the fun. Here’s one family’s story: www.t www.tillamookcoast.com/geocaching-treasure-hunt/
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Explore 150 Exhibits & 1/2 Acre Outdoor Discovery Center Tinker in the MakeSpace & Create in the Art Studio Visit our NEW Nature Maker Stations & Enjoy Nature Play Adjacent to LOTT WET Center & East Bay Plaza
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gatesvc.org | | discovergates.org gatesvc.org 414 Jefferson St. NE • Olympia, WA 98501 • (360) 956-0818 • www.hocm.org 20 • Family Adventure Guide Guide •• parentmap.com parentmap.com
portland
By Emily E. Smith
Our neighbor to the south hasn’t lost its family-friendly charm The “Portlandia” film crews may have packed up and moved on, but Seattle’s favorite rival city is still full of good grub, culture and enough quirk to make for excellent people-watching. Enjoying Portland in the
summertime, with its abundance of outdoor offerings, music festivals and delicious treats, could easily take all summer. If you have an afternoon or a weekend to spare, you’ll find more than enough to make your trip worthwhile. >> parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 21
HEATHER BOWMAN
Why Portland’s Still Worth It
portland Why Portland’s Still Worth It continued from page 21
HOW TO GET THERE When the rain clouds part, motor down to Bridgetown. By car, it’s a straight shot south on Interstate 5. Amtrak will get you there by train, or take BoltBus to really stretch your dollar. Once you exit Vancouver and cross the Columbia River into Portland’s northern edge, you’ll be downtown within minutes. From there, the TriMet’s MAX light rail train, Portland Streetcar and bus are great options for navigating the city. If you’re sans car but you need wheels for the day, consider using a car-sharing service like car2go, with its smart cars, or
hopping onto some of Portland’s orange Biketown bicycles, which you can rent and leave at stations around town.
WHAT TO DO Walk to the water Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Naito Parkway between Southwest Harrison and Northwest Glisan streets Hit the banks of the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a
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OPENS SEPT 14 UNDER THE BIG TOP KING COUNTY’S MARYMOOR PARK
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perfect place to take in the city sights and watch ships pass. Walk, bike or in-line skate — or rent a four-wheel surrey bike to make pedaling a team effort. Stop for a visit at the Oregon Maritime Museum. If you wander a few blocks north, every weekend day you’ll find food carts and craft vendors at Portland’s Saturday Market. The waterfront is also the venue for many festivals and performers throughout the year. Stop and smell the roses International Rose Test Garden, 400 S.W. Kingston Ave. Learn why Portland is known as the Rose City when you explore the International Rose Test Garden, and don’t forget to bring a camera. This century-old spot is a tourist favorite, for good reason. On clear days, you’ll catch glimpses of Mount Hood and the city skyline, in addition to every color and type of rose you can imagine. A free public tour is offered
daily at 1 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visit Voodoo Voodoo Doughnut, 22 S.W. Third Ave. Locals and tourists alike delight in the fact that doughnuts are a Portland mainstay. Keep things traditional by having breakfast or snack time at Voodoo Doughnut. Rain or shine, this place attracts a line of hungry visitors on weekend mornings that
ADVENTURE TIME ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
A giant hopscotch board?
Why are these arms raised high?
A velociraptor claw scratch?
Come play Eye Spy. With over 150-acres of ponds, gardens, woodlands, and forests, we have surprises around every turn of the trail. Summer hours start May 26 | Open Tues- Sun 10 AM-4 PM | bloedelreserve.org parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 23
portland Why Portland’s Still Worth It continued from page 23 snakes a block or more through Old Town. Known for funky (sometimes anatomical) shapes and toppings (such as bacon or cereal), these doughnuts showcase the sweet side of the city’s renowned culinary scene.
Get wild at the zoo
Buy a book
Take MAX or drive west on U.S. 26 to visit the Oregon Zoo, 3 miles west of downtown. The zoo is home to some of Earth’s most fascinating creatures, sure to entertain kids of all ages. Elephants, giraffes, penguins — animals from all over the world live in spacious habitats modeled after their homes in the wild. Give your feet a break and take a ride on the Washington Park & Zoo Railway, which gives riders a lush, scenic view through zoo grounds.
Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside St. No trip to Portland is complete without a visit to Powell’s. The world’s largest independent bookstore takes up an entire city block and offers an expansive children’s section. This is a literary experience as well as a vibrant gathering place that’s central to the city’s character. Browse for the next title in a series your kid loves or find something new. The store routinely brings best-selling authors to town and hosts a children’s story time every Saturday morning.
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Seek out a castle Escape busy streets with a visit to Forest Park, a 5,200-acre pocket of nature that exists, amazingly, within the urban setting. It also has 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads. For an easy hike with big payoff, start at Northwest 29th Avenue and Upshur Street and follow Lower Macleay Trail for about a mile. Take in the verdant, leafy scenery and end at the moss-covered Stone House, sometimes called “Witch’s Castle,” a 1930s structure built by the Works Progress Administration. It looks just a little bit spooky, definitely enchanted and straight from a classic storybook. Make it free Enjoy a movie or concert in one of Portland’s parks (portlandoregon. gov/parks/61921). These free events are well attended, kid-friendly and offered all summer. Pack a picnic and prepare to lounge outside with some quality entertainment. For a relaxed theater experience, try an outdoor performance of Shakespeare, staged by the Portland Actors Ensemble (portlandactors.com). Check the acting group’s website for details on this year’s performances. Take a sip Portland is heaven for the craft beer enthusiast, and lots of breweries in town welcome kids — at least before nightfall. McMenamins pubs, many of which are located in funky, historic buildings, have lots of menu options. Be sure to spring for an order of Cajun potato tots. In the Pearl District of Portland, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. offers a rooftop patio (and is open to minors at all hours). Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House is another kid-friendly favorite. Emily E. Smith is a journalist who previously called Portland home. parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 25
26 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
best hikes
THE BEST HIKES for the kid
WHO HATES TO HIKE
Entice them out on the trail with these treks By Jennifer Johnson
Sometimes kids are
gung-ho to hike, but there are times when they may need a little extra incentive to join parents on a trek. (And parents appreciate rewards, too!) Choose one of these hikes that end with a “prize” and that reluctant hiker just may be enticed to join you. 1. Meadowdale Beach Park
The prize: A freshwater stream and saltwater beach offer splashy
Remember: Before you head out on any of these hikes, check Washington Trails Association (wta.org) to get driving directions and current trail conditions. options for spring and summer play. The hike: This Edmonds park is a popular local destination for families. What starts as a wide dirt trail then descends sharply into Lunds Gulch, leveling out along a creek and within a half-mile of the beach. Parents will appreciate the deep shade of the mature forest. Bring waders or old tennis shoes to walk through the tunnel, which carries the creek under the railroad tracks and to the beach — you’ll be sloshing through water. >> parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 27
best hikes JENNIFER JOHNSON
THE BEST HIKES
continued from page 27
Check the water level and your comfort level first, of course. Play on the beach, but save some energy for the climb back up to the parking lot. Details: 2.5 miles round trip, 400 feet elevation gain. No parking permits required.
2. Big Four Ice Caves The prize: Views of unique ice caves at the base of impressive cliffs, accompanied by cool, refreshing breezes on hot days.
3. Old Sauk River The prize: Huckleberries in season, colorful rocks to collect, and mud and water to play in.
The hike: Follow a delightful trail to the Big Four Ice Caves through a bird-filled wetland, over a rushing river and amid deep green forest. This beloved route has seen substantial development to make the trail wide, gentle and accessible to all kinds and ages of hikers. Follow the directions of the warning signs and stay well back from the caves and the cliff face. Recent, tragic deaths have resulted from caves collapsing and rocks and ice falling.
The hike: Meander among gargantuan old-growth trees next to a wild and scenic river on the Old Sauk River Trail. In mid- to late summer there are safe places to play on the river banks. This trail is close to the town of Darrington and has two trailheads. From the northern trailhead, hikers can travel the entire mossy 3 miles to the southern end. The central trailhead has restrooms and access to an ADA-accessible loop trail, which has interpretive signs and allows for a shorter hike to the southern end. The trail ends abruptlsy at Murphy Creek, which is where my kids found all kinds of stunning rocks, as well as frogs!
Details: 2.2 miles round trip, 220 feet elevation gain. A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park.
Details: From 1 to 6 miles round trip, less than 100 feet elevation gain. A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park.
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4. Heybrook Lookout The prize: A sky-high lookout tower with panoramic views. The hike: To reach Heybrook Lookout, you’ll climb a steep trail from Highway 2, through shady green forest, to a sturdy tower that lets hikers see over trees to nearby peaks and valleys. Though it’s all uphill, even young children will be able to complete this hike to a worthy goal. A picnic table at the summit provides a place for eating lunch. Details: 2.6 miles round strip, 850
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feet elevation gain. No pass needed for parking.
5. Pyramid Lake The prize: Carnivorous plants. The hike: Venture up a steep, rugged trail with few views to access Pyramid Lake, a small pond surrounded by rock cliffs. This hike is not for small children, but hardy hikers will enjoy the huckleberries, giant cedars, forest flowers and streams. The trail climbs straight up from Highway 20, through lodgepole pine forest, past a mossy stream and up into a lake basin with a rare population of carnivorous sundew plants. The plants live on logs out in the water. My kids were also enchanted by newts in the lake, and by dragonflies metamorphosing from nymph to adult. Details: 4.6 miles round trip, 1,500 feet elevation gain. No pass required. >>
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best hikes JENNIFER JOHNSON
THE BEST HIKES
continued from page 29
6. Northern State Ghost Town The prize: Creepy old buildings and a disc golf course. The hike: While not exactly wilderness, a walk through Northern State Ghost Town has enough cool factor to entice teens and tweens who might otherwise want to stay home. The trails are on the site of an old mental hospital; dilapidated farm buildings from that era provide unique photo ops. There are signs warning against entering the buildings, and there are hazards such as broken glass and roofs in the process of caving in, so keep a close eye on youngsters. The trails are flat and open, and you might be lucky enough to spot raptors or songbirds at the forest edges. To play disc golf, bring Frisbees and snap a photo of the course map posted near the parking lots. Details: 5 miles of trails, 50 feet elevation gain. No pass needed.
7. Panorama Point, Mount Rainier The prize: Wildflowers and views right from the car, summer snow patches and a hobbit-like outhouse. The hike: When parents want glorious views and flowers, but aren’t sure how long the kids will hike, the trail from Paradise to Panorama
Point delivers something for everyone. If you can encourage or bribe youngsters to climb the steep paved paths in the first mile, the grade gets easier after that. You’ll find blossoms of every color in July and August, jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier and Nisqually Glacier, and snow patches that can persist through the summer. Clear days allow views to three other volcanoes. Panorama Point makes a good snack stop and turnaround point, and parents will appreciate the stone privy, with its rounded-arched door, composting toilet, toilet paper and skylight. Details: 5 miles round trip, 1,300 feet elevation gain. Admission to the national park required. Jennifer Johnson and her two kids love to explore the Pacific Northwest. She writes about their adventures at thehikermama.com.
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learn more & plan your visit at anacortes.org 30 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
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32 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
volcanoes GREEN BUTTON / FLICKRCC
to Visit Near You
Have a blast at these natural wonders By E. Ashley Steele
Got a budding volcanologist in the family? Jot down one of these adventures on your summer to-do list. We’ve got ideas to make the most of a trip to our Pacific Northwest volcanoes, perfect for local families and tourists alike.
START THE FUN BEFORE YOU GO It’s hard to look at a big volcano or even a small volcanic cone and imagine the rumbling activity inside. Prep your kids by watching videos about volcanoes online (Bill Nye the Science Guy has a great one on YouTube).
Also, National Geographic offers a quick read at nationalgeographic.com/environment/naturaldisasters/volcanoes, or check out a few books about volcanoes at the library. A few ideas for eruptive fiction: “Vacation Under the Volcano” by Mary Pope Osborne, which is part of the Magic Tree House series; “Ashfall” and “Ashen Winter” by Mike Mullin; and, of course, the Jules Verne classic “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” >> parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 33
Seattle Skills Center
Pathways to career, college, and life The Seattle Skills Center is a free program in Seattle Public Schools that prepares students for careers, college, and life. We provide this training through our regular school year courses and our summer program.
volcanoes Volcanoes Near You continued from page 33 Play educational and fun volcano-centric games at Oregon State University’s volcano site (volcano.oregonstate.edu/volcano-games). Websites full of photos, science fair projects and exciting facts are great for somewhat older children. For extra credit: Give the kids an assignment to brief the family on the science of volcanos before you go.
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VOLCANOES TO VISIT Mount St. Helens
Many of us can remember when Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. The eruption removed more than 1,000 feet of mountain and left a horseshoe-shaped crater to commemorate the occasion. In the nearly 40 years since the blast, neighboring forests, lakes and rivers have mostly recovered, but the altered landscape remains exciting to visit. Start your trip at the Forest Learning Center at mile marker 33 on State Route 504. It offers an impressive range of interpretive (and free!) exhibits and is a great starting point for short and long hikes. View geologic formations up close on the half-mile Eruption Trail, right behind the visitor center, or try the nearby 2.4-mile Hummocks Trail, a loop full of fascinating hummocks, debris left by the blast and small ponds. At the far end of SR 504 (about 52 miles east of Castle Rock, Washington), you’ll find Johnston Ridge Observatory. There you can enjoy views of the lava dome, crater, pumice plain and landslide deposit. Don’t miss: The Johnston Ridge Observatory regularly runs rangerled and Junior Ranger programs (check with the information desk for 34 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
the day’s schedule). Most ranger programs work well for younger kids, with the Junior Ranger program geared toward kids ages 6–12. Those who successfully complete the day’s mission even get sworn in as official Junior Rangers! Where to stay: A particularly fun camping option is Seaquest State Park, which is connected by a pedestrian tunnel to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake. Though the park is near Interstate 5, it has great views of the mountain, nearby swimming and lush hiking trails. The Eco Park Resort, just down the road, offers somewhat more luxurious options with cabins, yurts, a full-service restaurant and guided horseback rides. Reservations are required.
Mount Bachelor Start a visit to Mount Bachelor in central Oregon at Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend. Watch videos, check out the 3-D map and walk the Sun-Lava Path, a 5.5-mile paved bike trail, along the edge of a real lava field. In summer, you can hop a shuttle to the summit of Lava Butte, which erupted about 7,000 years ago. (You’ll pay $2 per person, round trip.) Also visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument, with its 50,000-plus acres of lakes, and lava, basalt, rhyolite and obsidian flows. Mount Bachelor itself is a dormant stratovolcano that formed more than 11,000 years ago. In summer, you can ride a chairlift from West Village to Pine Marten Lodge, or take a summer dogsled ride with Oregon Trail of Dreams. You can also hike up to Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, an old cinder cone just east of Bend. Where to stay: Camp at Little Crater Campground on the shores of Paulina Lake within the collapsed crater of Newberry Volcano, or splurge in Sunriver and enjoy the Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation
parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 35
volcanoes Volcanoes Near You continued from page 35 Center (SHARC), a family-centered recreation area with an outdoor water park. Don’t miss: Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube at Exit 151/ Cottonwood Road off Highway 97. It’s a fairly steep descent down to the cave, but it’s cool inside all year long.
Mount Rainier A beloved sight in the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier sits on a subduction zone atop colliding continental and oceanic plates. That means earthquakes galore (the mountain experiences more than 20 a year!).
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Mount Rainier is also a wonderfully accessible national park where you can learn about seismic activity and volcanic history. Past volcanic activity created the nearby mineral springs; find them on the short Trail of the Shadows near Longmire Museum. Although the 49 springs are no longer open for soaking or drinking, visit the historic Longmire Cabin — also along this trail — for a taste of earlier times.
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Another amazing artifact of volcanic activity: the columnar lava — think hot lava meeting cold ice to create distinctive hexagonal columns. You’ll spot it along the road to Sunrise. Don’t miss: Unforgettable trail experiences include the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail at Sunrise. It’s suitable for teens, sure-footed younger kids or babes in backpacks and offers some stunning alpine and panoramic vistas. There’s also the easier Grove of the Patriarchs; wander through some of the most stunning old-growth forests on Earth (including a magical suspension bridge). But wait! Don’t forget to visit Paradise, with
its stunning meadows of wildflowers and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. This might call for more than one visit.… Where to stay: Consider a room at the historic Paradise Inn, built in 1916 and perched at an elevation of 5,420 feet. In summer, camping is also a great option. Almost all 473 car-camping spots inside the park are fantastic. Most are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but some can be reserved in advance (recreation.gov). There’s also the charming Silver Springs Campground, just outside the park boundary on State Route 410, complete with bubbling springs and a gurgling creek.
3 VOLCANIC SPLURGES In the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty more volcanoes to explore by car, including Mount Baker and Mount Adams. There are still
more options in British Columbia (try Mount Garibaldi, just north of Vancouver). But why stop at PNW volcanoes? Hop a plane and splurge on one of these explosive adventures.
Iceland. The Icelandic
volcano Eyjafjallajokull, famous for its recent airtravel-disrupting eruptions, is part of a stunning landscape. There’s a small visitor center and some exciting tour options that are particularly well-suited to older kids.
Japan. Just west of Tokyo, take the Hakone Ropeway into the heart of the Ōwakudani Valley. There you can sample a blackened egg, boiled in the sulphur
vents of the geothermal valley, while enjoying stupendous views of Mount Fuji.
Italy. Visit the most famous
volcano of them all: Mount Vesuvius. This one made history when it erupted in A.D. 79 and buried the town of Pompeii, near Naples, Italy. A visit is really a once-in-a-lifetime archeological experience. And if you’re looking for a less crowded option, try the town of Herculaneum, which also fell victim to Vesuvius during the same eruption. E. Ashley Steel, Ph.D., is a scientist and co-author with her husband, Bill Richards, of “Family on the Loose: The Art of Traveling with Kids” and “100 Tips for Traveling with Kids in Europe.”
SAFECO FIELD TOURS
Take a tour of Safeco Field, the spectacular home of the Seattle Mariners. The 19.59 acre outdoor ballpark features real grass, a retractable roof and the largest videoboard in Major League Baseball. View areas of the ballpark that are normally restricted to the public, including the Press Box, Owners Suite, Field, Dugouts, Visitors Clubhouse, All-Star Club, and more.
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the azores
Meet the Next Iceland
You’ve heard of Reykjavik — but what about the Azores? By Gemma Alexander
For the past decade or so, Iceland has been the place to go, and for good reason. It’s easy to reach, safe to visit and absolutely gorgeous. And word has spread: Last year, the nation of 334,000 hosted more than 2 million visitors. But never fear: If you like to be on the cutting edge of family travel — or just enjoy seeing places that aren’t overrun with tourists — we’ve found the next Iceland. Welcome to the Azores. >> parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 41
the azores
The Next Iceland continued from page 41
The where? Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of the autonomous region of Portugal called the Azores. Until recently, these remote volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean were better known for fishing than tourism, like Iceland. But unlike Iceland, the Azores enjoy a surprisingly mild Gulf Stream climate (year-round temperatures range from 40 to 85 degrees). There are nine islands in all, but most travelers visit the largest, São Miguel; its nearest neighbor, Santa Maria; or Terceira, which has its own international airport.
Why the Azores? Why are the Azores next in line to become the favorite destination of Seattle families? They have none of the cons of Iceland (weather, prices, crowds) yet offer many of the same pros (natural wonders, low crime rate, fascinating culture). In Iceland, my family of four spent more than $100 on a pizza dinner. In the Azores, we spent less than $1,000 per person for one week; that includes hotel, airfare and local transportation. The towns were tiny, but we rarely saw another tourist outside of our hotel (which was inside a UNESCO World Heritage site). Even though everyone we met spoke English, we got a taste of familyfocused Portuguese culture, too. Locals welcomed our kids everywhere and often for free or at a discount. One example comes to mind: When my family landed on Terceira, we were among a group of passengers whose suitcases had gone missing. 42 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
It was 5 a.m., and only one person was working the tiny arrivals area. He loudly announced, “It’s always my policy to help children first!” and left everyone else waiting until he tracked down our missing bag. No one questioned his priorities. It was a sharp contrast from the side-eye parents often get in the United States.
What to do in the Azores Where Iceland presents austere grandeur, the verdant islands of the Azores could pass for Hawaii, and they offer many of the same adventures. As in Hawaii, you can island-hop to sample unique cultures and biomes, or rent a car and explore one island more deeply. The numerous beaches are great for swimming in summer. Fishing, surfing and diving are also options. Mountain biking, exploring canyons, hiking on and in volcanoes and whale watching are among your other choices. And if you prefer relaxation over adventure, you’ll fit right in. Amble along cobblestone roads to visit botanical gardens and museums
dedicated to the Azores’ military, whaling and artistic histories. Most of the islands have their own local history museum, as well. (The small museum on Terceira held my kids’ attention for more than two hours.) Whatever your speed, you’ll want to eat — a lot. The Azores offer amazing fresh seafood as well as locally grown pineapples (they taste different from the ones you’re used to), cheese and fancy pastries (gingerbread-like Dona Amelia cakes are a specialty). On Terceira, try alcatra, a slowly baked cross between pot roast and stew. On São Miguel, sample cozida, a one-pot meal geothermally cooked in the ground. Drink local wine or the only tea grown in Europe, while your
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azores
The Next Iceland continued from page 43
kids enjoy the Portuguese soda Sumol. (Tip: The only place I’ve found Sumol in Seattle is Luso Food and Wine in Greenwood.) Just remember to find a restaurant before everyone gets hungry. Azorean food is slow food — everything is cooked from scratch after you order.
Getting there With direct flights from Seattle, Iceland still holds the advantage when it comes to accessibility, but the Azores are getting easier to reach. Until recently, all North American flights to the Azores originated on the East Coast (Boston is still the departure point for most flights). Last year, Azores Airlines (formerly SATA) introduced a summer-season direct flight between Oakland and Terceira. Taking a page from Icelandair’s playbook, Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal both offer free stopovers in São Miguel or Terceira. Another thing that makes the Azores accessible? Amazing package deals. (As I’m writing, Azores Getaways offers one week on São Miguel during spring break for $1,260 per person, Seattle-based airfare included.) Sign up for Travelzoo to receive alerts when the best deals pop up.
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Just the facts Safety: According to the U.S. State Department, travelers should exercise normal caution in Portugal, which has a relatively low crime rate. Lowlevel street crime, such as pickpocketing, is the most common threat. The Azores have a lower incidence of crime than mainland Portugal. Health: The water is safe to drink, and there is virtually no air pollution. Hospitals are located on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial, and meet European standards (which the World Health Organization ranks higher than standards in the United States). Anyone dreaming of a trip to Iceland this summer should consider this: In the coming decade, the Azores will become the place to go. If you visit now, you can still beat the crowds. Gemma Alexander is a Seattle-based freelance writer with two daughters who blogs about books and travel. Find her on Twitter (@gemmadeetweet).
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KidsQuest
Children’s Museum
18_portal_VR_lounge_1-4_.indd 1
4/3/18 2:38 PM
FILM SCREENINGS
“Angst” looks at anxiety, its causes and effects and what we can do about it. This documentary starts a conversation about anxiety from a peer-to-peer standpoint that is intimate, honest and accessible.
MAY 10 + 22
“SCREENAGERS” documentary sheds light on the impact screen time is having on families, and explores how learning, playing and socializing online affects teens’ developing attention span, fragile self-esteem and moral instincts.
MAY 22
parentmap.com/filmscreenings ,cause parenting is a trip!
KidsQuest
Children’s Museum
Located in downtown Bellevue kidsquestmuseum.org parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 45
CELEBRATE YOUR STATE
GET OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER! New adventure guide for families
OPENS LABOR DAY WEEKEND! BECU FREE KIDS WEEKEND Aug. 31 - Sept. 3 By the Shore: Explore the Pacific Northwest Coast Like a Local
To see the special activities and deals available on Labor Day weekend, visit THEFAIR.COM
Nancy Blakey
CLOSED TUESDAYS & SEPT. 5
Join the
KCTS 9 KIDS CLUB! Connect your family to a world of learning and discovery! • Be the first to hear about KCTS9 KIDS events. • Visit the studio and choose a toy from our Treasure Chest! • Receive our KCTS9 KIDS e-newsletter every month.
• Enjoy all the full benefits of regular KCTS9 membership. For details about how to join, visit KCTS9.org/kidsclub today!
46 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
advertisers
parentmap.com
Anacortes Chamber of Commerce . . . . . 30
More summer fun on parentmap.com
Argosy Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bellevue Arts Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bellevue Martial Arts Academy . . . . . . . . 43 Bloedel Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Camp Techwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Children’s Museum of Skagit County . . . 17 Cirque du Soleil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 City of Bellevue Parks & Rec . . . . . . . . .10,11
Hit the road These ain’t your regular road trips. Plan a drive they’ll never forget with our funky family ideas. parentmap.com/funky
Cool down
City of Mercer Island Parks & Rec . . . . . . . 4
No need to wait for the ice cream truck. These recipes for cool homemade summer treats taste good, whatever your age. parentmap.com/ summer-treats
Comfort Baby Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
City of Redmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Crossroads Shopping Center . . . . . . . . . . 42 Elevated Sportz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Emerald City Pirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fluid Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Folklife Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Gates Foundation Visitor Center . . . . . . . 20 Gender Odyssey Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gotta Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hands On Children’s Museum . . . . . . . . . 20 KCTS Public Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 KidsQuest Children’s Museum . . . . . . . . . 45 Lacey Parks & Recreation Dept . . . . . . . . 28 Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce . . 48
Baby, you’ll love these
Little Sprouts Music Together . . . . . . . . . . .8
Don’t let life as a new parent drive you crazy. Get out of the house with our best baby and toddler outings around the Sound. parentmap.com/baby-outings
Metro Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Living Computers: Museum + Labs . . . . . 25 Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . 34 Northwest Railway Museum . . . . . . . . . . .16 Pacific Science Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Pierce County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Portal VR Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Summer birthday bash ideas
Ride The Ducks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Sasquatch Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Seattle Art Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Seattle Children’s Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Celebrate with these party activities perfect for warmer months. (Psst — Try these at a BBQ, playdate or any summer outing, too!) parentmap.com/ summer-birthday
Never miss another all-around awesome family adventure. Visit ParentMap.com every week to learn about top family events for Seattle and the Eastside. parentmap.com/weekender
Seattle Public Schools Skills Center . . . . .34 Semiahmoo Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sleeping Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Stillaguamish Tribe- Festival of the River 26 The Seattle Mariners Ballpark Tours and Events . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Tillamook Coast/Rockaway Beach . . . 18,19 ALLI ARONLD ILLUSTRATION
Weekends, planned
Seattle Every Kid in a Park Collaborative 30
Top Ten Toys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Traxx Indoor Raceway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Vacations By The Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Washington State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Washington State History Museum . . . . . .9 Wild Ginger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties . . . .35
parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 47
WHE RE Y U R HEAR SKIP T SA BEAT
Ride your bike at the park, go on a scavenger hunt, pet goats and horses, and delight in the candy and ice cream shops! Fall in love with nature on a river walk, celebrate at the festivals, and always ďŹ nd fun for the whole family in charming Leavenworth!
Find what you love at LEAVENWORTH.ORG #LOVINLEAVENWORTH | 509-548-5807