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10 Awesome Urban Nature Outings Unique nature centers and nearby wildland habitats beckon, no matter the weather
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PNW INSIDE + OUT
Insiders’ Guide Your all-seasons guidebook to unforgettable Puget Sound–area family fun
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C ONTENTS
Insiders’ Guide
2022/2023
Insider Picks From the ParentMap Staff 6 Oh, all the places we go! Family-favorite outings to add to your bucket list Go West, Young Fams Unplug from tech and reconnect on the epic Olympic Peninsula
PARENTMAP.COM
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Day Tripping to FamilyFriendly Edmonds 16 Come for the beachside location, stay for the parks, foodie props and local arts Discover a Bushel of Fun in Bucolic Snohomish 20 This welcoming community is the perfect gateway to all-seasons escapes Tacoma’s Proctor District Has Something for Everyone 24 Grit City shines in this bustling enclave full of super shops and great grub
8 Explore quiet trails and kidfriendly nature activities at these fantastic environmental learning centers and gardens.
Phenomenal Olympia Nabe Offers Capital Fun 26 Take a walk through time in the historic South Capitol District Rain-or-Shine Adventure Awaits in Gig Harbor 29 Head south to the city where ‘postcard-perfect views meet small-town charm’ 10 Awesome Urban Nature Outings 33 Unique nature centers and nearby wildland habitats beckon, no matter the weather Resource Directory
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29 Plan a day trip during any season to historic Gig Harbor, aka “the Dawson’s Creek of Washington.”
INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 3
DE AR R E ADER
In praise of gathering moss For decades, the fair citizens of western Washington have succeeded in maintaining a pretty convincing cover story that the Puget Sound area is perpetually rainy, dismally gridlocked, emotionally frosty and hopelessly choked with moss (incidentally, the moss is not the reason why Seattle is called the Emerald City). But the jig is up: Everyone knows by now that our little corner of the world is a veritable Garden of Eden. And yet, let’s pause to discuss that moss factor … A former colleague of mine, Crosscut Editor-at-Large Knute Berger, is our region’s most fascinating and beloved sage of Northwest history (crosscut.com/mossback). He is known both familiarly and professionally by the moniker Mossback, which is a throwback 19thcentury insult that later-arriving newcomers to the PNW frontier applied sneeringly to the original settlers (tellingly, the term was a contemporary reference to a variety of fish so sluggish that it becomes coated in green gunk). As a native son of the Pacific Northwest, Berger appropriated this epithet as a point of extreme regional pride, not derision, and dedicated his career to exploring and regaling the history and mythology of the Pacific Northwest, in all of its glorious, quirky mossiness. To paraphrase the old Dr. Pepper jingle, wouldn’t you like to be a mossback, too? Well, in Berger’s connotation of the term, a mossback is someone who embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, and he would be the first to tell you that anyone can be a mossback. “To me, a mossback is not somebody who was born in the Northwest, but it’s somebody who comes here and knows they’re home,” he noted in an episode of his popular series “Mossback’s Northwest.” If you gravitate to this evergreen, waterlogged place, take root and come to love it as it inevitably reshapes who you are, then you, too, can claim “mossback” status. And moss = good. Now, here I go shamelessly mixing my moss metaphors, but one thing that is true about PNW mossbacks is that we gather moss as we roll! And that is the purpose of the Insiders’ Guide, our annual invitation to all mossbacks, native or newly arrived, to explore all the insidery corners of this magical place we call home, from the plethora of nearby urban greenspaces (p. 33) to the moss-covered nurse log that marks the quietest square-inch of space in the United States (p. 6), to the many vibrant, one-of-a-kind communities around us waiting to be discovered. Oh, the places we’ll roll! — Patty Lindley, managing editor 4 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022/2023
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Insider Picks From the ParentMap Team ParentMap staff and contributors are PNW natives and durable transplants who have lived and parented in Washington state for collective centuries. Here are some of our favorite experiences and happy places for families. Skagit Valley is the perfect destination for a day trip at any time of the year. We love exploring all of the quiet and scenic nature walks and hikes around the area. We often stop at La Conner, a quaint little town with great places to eat. — Vicky McDonald, Digital Content Editor I love Seabrook. It’s just so great for the kids to have the freedom to go biking, head to the park or walk to get ice cream together. Love the beach! — Ida Wicklund, Senior Advertising Sales Manager
We can’t stay away from Yesler Terrace Park with its views of Mount Rainier and construction vehicles, spectacular playground and splash park, and proximity to the world’s best coffee shop (Tougo Coffee) and the International District’s amazing food just down the hill. — Natasha Dillinger (p. 16)
Our family only discovered exactly how awesome the west Green Lake beach swimming area is last summer. There are diving boards, docks to leap off and — best of all — lifeguards to keep everyone safe. I take a car full of kids there at least once a week during the summer and hang out in my sunshade tent while they have an incredible time playing outside. — Kari Hanson, Digital Content Production Coordinator
From the sprayground and lineup of awesome music and events to the historic conservatory, Wright Park in Tacoma has something new to experience all season long. — Nikki McCoy (p. 24) Before I lived in Washington, the place that really sold me on the area was Snoqualmie Falls. I admit I’m a “Twin Peaks” nerd (have been since 2009), so visiting the “Great Northern Hotel” was extra special. Seeing the falls up close encapsulates for me the powerful beauty of the Pacific Northwest. — Gina Ryan, Digital Marketing Manager
I never tire of standing on the bluff at Discovery Park and looking out at the sound and Olympic Mountains. That’s no kind of “hidden gem,” but it’s what pops into my mind. — Nancy Chaney, Out + About Editor
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I was reminded when reading Tiffany Pitts’ terrific Olympic Peninsula article (p. 8) about a one-of-a-kind feature of the Hoh Rain Forest that families can reach by way of a literal walk in the park: the so-called “One Square Inch of Silence” (onesquareinch.org). Marked by a tiny red pebble placed on a mossy nurse log in the heart of Olympic National Park, this cracker-size spot was designated after years of painstaking ecological acoustic measurements were undertaken to identify it as the quietest place in the United States — that is, the freest of human-made noise pollution. Venture to this verdant rainforest sanctuary in silent reverence with your posse of little noise polluters to experience a pristine natural soundscape that will soothe your souls. — Patty Lindley, Managing Editor
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Unplugged Adventures
Beach at Kalaloch
Go West, Young Fams Unplug from tech and reconnect with the fam on the epic Olympic Peninsula By Tiffany Pitts
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Why is it that every time I ask my kids to unplug themselves from a screen, they turn into a pack of wolves? It’s as if they don’t know how to be human without some sort of device shining in their eyes. If the thought of enduring another day filled with the beeps and boops of your kids’ games and videos makes you cringe, fear not! For there is a magical place where electronic gadgets will be forgotten, a place where your wolves can howl at the moon. It’s the Olympic Peninsula (olympicpeninsula.org), and it’s amazing.
Camping, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, swimming, crabbing, rockhounding, digging huge holes in the sand — you can do all of these activities and more on the peninsula. The one thing you might not be able to do is update your social media every two minutes. Wi-Fi is close to nonexistent when you’re deep in the woods, and life moves at a different speed. There simply isn’t enough time in the day to enjoy everything and be glued to a screen. Tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, the Olympic Peninsula is often reached by ferry. And the ferry ride serves as a great mental thresh-
Where to eat on the Olympic Peninsula You won’t find big-city dining, but these homey spots will fuel all of your peninsula adventures. Halfway House, Brinnon: Welcoming service and diner favorites will make this spot a new family favorite. Save room for the delicious pies and cobblers. Geoduck Restaurant & Lounge, Brinnon: Burgers and beer star at this friendly spot, which is technically a “biker bar,” but children are allowed in the restaurant and on the deck overlooking Hood Canal. Gearhead Deli, Quilcene: Fill up on freshly made sandwiches and other tasty eats at this spot in Quilcene; there’s a small park across the street where children can get their wiggles out.
Dosewallips State Park
old, because once you’re on the other side, you are truly on vacation.
U.S. Highway 101 — the famous Olympic Peninsula Loop.
Read on to discover three areas of the peninsula to explore on your next unplugged family getaway.
Heading south on Highway 101, you’ll weave in and out of national forestland. Several Olympic National Forest campgrounds along this stretch can serve as a home base for a weekend full of nature adventures. (Campsites are first come, first served; you can’t reserve sites.) Try Collins Campground, located in the Olympic National Forest on the shores of the Duckabush River, or Seal Rock Campground, situated right on Hood Canal. (Falls View Campground, with a loop trail to the cascading waterfall on the Big Quilcene River, remains closed for public safety, due to the hazard posed by diseased trees.)
Nearby Olympic Peninsula: Hood Canal For a weekend adventure, the west side of Hood Canal (explorehoodcanal.com) is easy to access. Technically a fjord, Hood Canal is the body of water that separates the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. With calmer waters and millions of tiny inlets, it’s also a mecca for breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife. You can reach Hood Canal in several ways. My family usually takes the Edmonds-Kingston ferry to the Kitsap Peninsula (visitkitsap.com), heading west on State Route 104. This will take you across the Hood Canal Bridge, and from there, you can connect to
If you’re looking to reserve a site before you go, try Dosewallips State Park, where you can rent cabins as well as camp right alongside the river. The
Adagio Bean & Leaf, Sequim: Find premade sandwiches, A+ coffee and ice cream in a space that looks like Hogwarts. Alder Wood Bistro, Sequim: You’re in for a treat at this wonderful restaurant, which serves wood-fired pizzas, delicious seafood entrées and more — all featuring locally sourced and organic ingredients. Hard Rain Cafe & Campground, Forks: This quirky gift shop café at the entrance to the Hoh Rain Forest serves terrific salmon burgers.
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day-use area of this park has a wide, flat beach along the Dosewallips River, perfect for skipping rocks or playing in the sand. Pro tip: Bring a towel and some sandwiches, because a short trip down to the beach is never short, or clean. (Nothing says “vacationing with the kids” quite like 37 pounds of sand deposited on the floor of the car.) Up for more adventure? Go kayaking! Just off Highway 101 in Brinnon, find Hood Canal Adventures (kayakbrinnon.com). Rent by the hour or go on a guided educational wildlife tour; either way, prepare to be blown away by sights of bald eagles, rock crabs in tidal inlets and fish of all sorts — your kids will be talking about it for days.
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Your Medical Home Fun in the rain shadow in scenic Sequim Want to get farther out? Head northwest on Highway 101; about 45 miles from Dosewallips you’ll arrive in Sequim (sequimwa.gov). (Tip: It’s pronounced “skwim.”) Located in what is known as the Olympic rain shadow, Sequim enjoys a drier, brighter climate than the rest of the peninsula. Lavender fields and U-pick berry farms are plentiful out here and offer a great way to spend a lazy day. For camping, we love Sequim Bay State Park. It’s a prime spot to hop on the Olympic Discovery Trail, a 130-mile bike path stretching from Port Townsend all the way to the Pacific Ocean. A great starter ride is to cycle 5.9 miles on a section of the trail from Sequim Bay to Railroad Bridge Park on the Dungeness River, where you can skip rocks all afternoon. A few miles north of Sequim, the Dungeness Recreation Area is a 216-acre county park on Puget Sound with a popular campground. Spend a day hiking the world-famous Dungeness Spit, a 5.5-mile stretch of driftwood-strewn beach that “spits” out from the mainland. If you make it all the way to the end and back — an 11-mile commitment — you’ll be rewarded with a free lighthouse tour and very tired children.
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Another popular spot in Sequim is the Olympic Game Farm (olygamefarm.com). A little like a zoo,
Olympic Game Farm
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a little like Disneyland’s Autopia, this game farm is basically a driving tour of animals. Pay your admission and drive (slowly) to see llamas, elk, deer, bison, yaks, zebras, Kodiak bears and other intimidatingly fragrant animals. You may have to wash bison slobber off the car, but this is one adventure your kids will never forget. (Read a bit more about the farm at parentmap.com/game-farm to decide if a visit is right for your family.) Four miles west of the Olympic Game Farm, you’ll find the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov), a haven for wild seabirds and waterfowl as well as a place for ample exploration of the remarkable geological feature that is the spit.
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Into the wild: Coast and rain forest For an even more unplugged vacation, keep heading west on Highway 101,
circling Olympic National Park and visiting its amazing coast and rain forest. Eventually, you will end up in Forks.
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Yes, the Forks made famous in the “Twilight” series. More than the fictional home of vampires and Native American werewolves, Forks is a great place to outfit your family for a few days of hiking, fishing, watching for whales, beachcombing or just hanging out in nature. Low-tech lodging is plentiful. Bogachiel State Park, 5 miles south of Forks, is a riverside campground located at the tip of the Hoh Rain Forest. Fifteen miles northwest of Forks, in the La Push area, Olympic National Park’s Mora Campground is close to stunning Rialto Beach, where you’ll see pelicans swooping and diving over the water. Nearby attractions include Ruby Beach, with its millions of stacking stones (parking and access to the beach are closed through mid-September for a construction project); First Beach, abutting the town of La Push; and our
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Hoh Rain Forest
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FULL YEAR & SUMMER SCHOOL FOUNDATION GRADES 2-8 MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 6-9
Hall of Mosses continued from page 13
favorite, Second Beach. The trailhead for Second Beach can be found off La Push Road, on the Quileute Tribe’s land (quileutenation.org). It’s about a mile long, well maintained and utterly enchanting.
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South of Forks, also within Olympic National Park, the historic Kalaloch Lodge (thekalalochlodge.com) has cabins for rent (with no TV or Wi-Fi), so you can stay on the bluff and wander the stunning beach below (watch out for logs and riptides). There is also an adjacent national park campground. It’s difficult to imagine anything living up to the beauty of the Washington coast, but that’s because you’re not in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rain Forest yet. Twenty miles south of Forks on Highway 101, turn down the Upper Hoh Road and start driving back in time — to prehistory. Stop at the national park entrance to pay your fee. If you have a fourth-grader, use your Every Kid Outdoors Pass (everykidoutdoors.gov) to enter for free, and then head to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center (nps.gov).
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Start your exploration in the Hall of Mosses, a short loop trail that introduces you to mammoth spruce trees, sheets of lichen and ferns so large that it’s almost a letdown not to see dinosaurs crashing around. A small detour from the trail will bring you to the banks of the Hoh River, a perfect stop for lunch and more mucking about.
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Second Beach
Whether it’s for a night or for a week, exploring the Olympic Peninsula is guaranteed to make memories that will last forever— no charging cable required.
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Editor’s note: This article was first published on ParentMap.com. Doublecheck operating status before heading out to a particular destination.
Tiffany Pitts is a speculative fiction author and a native of the Pacific Northwest. You can find her online at tiffanypitts.com.
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Daycations Day Tripping to Family-Friendly Edmonds Come for the beachside location, stay for the parks, foodie props and local arts By Natasha Dillinger Downtown Edmonds
The vibe
You know a city has to be great when local travel legend Rick Steves, who has circumnavigated the globe, still chooses to make Edmonds his home. Come for the beachside location and stay for the parks, foodie props, and the local arts and music scene (which includes kids!). Don’t forget that Edmonds connects with Kingston via ferry, so whether you walk or drive on, you’re just 30 minutes away from the Olympic Peninsula. (See Unplugged Adventures, p. 8)
Only the locals know …
Picnic Point Park
Have you gotten wind of Edmond’s founding story? Legend has it that in the 1870s, while logger George Brackett was searching the Puget Sound shoreline for harvestable timber, stormy winds drove him to beach his canoe just north of where the town’s modern-day ferry dock is located. You might say he was blown away (see what I did there?) by the area’s forests, because while he spent time logging in what is present-day Ballard, Brackett later purchased the claim of another settler, incorporated the town of Edmonds in 1890 and became its first mayor.
Take a cultural trip
Get your play on Make the most of the seaside location by hitting the beach. The dog-friendly Marina Beach Park (edmondswa.gov) has a lovely playground. (It’s also adjacent to Puget Sound Express, which offers fabulous whale watching tours; pugetsoundexpress.com.) There are also Brackett’s Landing and Picnic Point Park, both of which offer plenty of sand, tide pools full of sea creatures, and train-spotting opportunities. Edmonds City Park features a playground that’s big enough for everyone and also offers plenty of gorgeous seasonal attractions: cherry blossoms in spring, a splash park in the summer and golden leaves in the fall. Head a bit farther north for a visit to the inclusive playground at Seaview Park. Yost Memorial Park features tennis courts and an outdoor Puget Sound Express. Photo by Bart Rulon 1 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
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pool, but hiking families will especially appreciate the park’s trails. The Sword Fern Trail even has boardwalks that are perfect for little legs. Watch for owls here and at nearby Pine Ridge Park, where you might also spot a fairy house at the base of an evergreen. Year-round family fun Festivals and kid-friendly opportunities to enjoy the arts abound in Edmonds (which is home to Washington state’s first official Creative District). In May, the Rotary Club hosts a Jazz Connection event (jazzconnection.org), which supports local school bands. Summer is the busiest time of year: Don’t miss the free concerts at City Park and Hazel Miller Plaza; the Edmonds Art Festival in June (edmondsartsfestival.com); and the Taste Edmonds festival (tasteedmonds.com) in August, which features food and wine as well as plenty of kids’ activities and classic cars. Halloween gets competitive around here — look for contests for the best costume and themed decoration installations in front of local businesses. December holidays shine, too, with a holiday trolley that carts families around town, festive scavenger hunts, a holiday market and a North Pole mailbox.
Shop stops
Many of the best shops for families are located on the same block of downtown Edmonds’ Main Street. Parents love the soft basics and neutral tones of Little Bipsy’s infant and toddler clothing (littlebipsy.com). Right around the corner, you’ll find beloved Teri’s Toybox, which is crammed full of colorful toys and puzzles. Artistic kids will want to spend their whole allowance on supplies from Artspot Edmonds (artspotedmonds.com), and the creative window displays at Edmonds Bookshop (edmondsbookshop.indielite.org) always inspire a book purchase or two.
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Eats + treats
Edmonds is chock-full of tasty treats. Get caffeinated at Walnut Street Coffee (walnutstreetcoffee.com) or Waterfront Coffee Company (perfect stops prior to a walk-on ferry ride or beach visit) before indulging in a weekend waffle feast at Rusty Pelican Cafe (rustypelicancafe.com). If you’re planning a beach picnic, head to Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke (eatonopoke.com) for its daily poke specials, or drop in at Market Edmonds (marketfreshfish.com) to catch an East Coast–style lobster roll. Anthony’s Beach Cafe (anthonys.com) brings the beach to you with a sandbox located out back for lunchtime kid entertainment. Find your frozen sweet treat of choice at Revelations Yogurt (revelationsyogurt.com) or Canarino Gelato (canarinogelato.com). On Saturdays between May and October, head downtown for the Edmonds Museum Summer Market (historicedmonds.org) to pick up fruit and veggies for the week.
According to the residents …
Locals are as enthusiastic about Edmonds’ cultural riches as visitors are. Christy Olsen Field and her husband, Carl, think Edmonds is the perfect place to raise their two sons. She says, “One of the best parts about living here is the in-
credible diversity of restaurants and shops along Highway 99 — it’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Asian restaurants, in particular! We are big fans of Yifang Taiwanese Fruit Tea and Pho 84.” The natural beauty is a huge perk, too. She adds, “I was at the beach last week for a low-tide field trip with my son’s co-op preschool class, and I remarked to my friend who grew up here, ‘I cannot believe that our kids get to call this place home.’ Edmonds is such a special place to be, as a visitor or a resident.”
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Natasha Dillinger is a Seattle mom who paused a career in accounting and finance to focus on showing her two young children around the Pacific Northwest.
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This welcoming community is the perfect gateway to allseasons escapes By Natasha Dillinger
The vibe
While best known for its seasonal activities (think pumpkin patches, farm animal encounters and sunflower fields), Snohomish is much more than a pastoral paradise. This small town, situated on the Snohomish River, offers a welcoming community feel and ample opportunities to get outside with the whole family. U.S. Route 2 hugs the town borders before continuing eastward into the Cascade Mountains, making Snohomish the perfect gateway to a Leavenworth or Wenatchee getaway.
www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net
Only the locals know … Hands-On Exhibits Special Events
Memberships Parties & Field Trips
Museum Store Camps & Classes
Check website for current operations, hours, ticketing information and more. Closed some holidays
Located in Burlington, WA I-5 Exit 229 Tel: 360.757.8888
VisitBurlingtonWA.com VisitSkagitValley.com Photos courtesy HKP Architects & Mike Penney Photographer
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To help cope with the isolation of frontier life, early Snohomish settlers pooled their book collections in 1873 to start the Atheneum, the county’s first library. A handwritten newspaper soon followed. Local women later took over editing the paper and used it as a vehicle to advocate for
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women’s rights. The library was later turned into a saloon, which was eventually torn down for scrap, but see if you can still feel the literary vibes on the corner of Avenue D and First Street.
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Take a cultural trip
Get your play on Peek at the historic buildings as you stroll through downtown, and be sure to stop in at City Hall (116 Union Ave.) to pick up a copy of the historic tree scavenger hunt. Hot-air balloons take off near Harvey Airfield — see if you can spot any of them floating through the air as you take a family bike or scooter ride along the paved Centennial Trail, which runs north toward Skagit County (no need to do all 30 miles at once). Ready to strap on your hiking boots? Lord Hill Regional Park and Paradise Valley Conservation Area offer a winding network of bike- and hiker-friendly paths. Bring a gnome offering for the stump located near Lord Hill’s Hidden Lake (or just check out previous donations).
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Find the area’s only FlowRider surf simulator (in addition to water slides, a lazy river and a splash area) at the Snohomish Aquatic Center, or cool off on a hot day at Willis D. Tucker Community Park’s fabulous playground and splash park. If boating and fishing are more your speed, Lost Lake and Echo Lake are stocked with fish and have public launch points.
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Two photos on left, Bailey Family Farm
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Bring your little farmers to Bailey Family Farm (baileyveg.com) or Mountainview Blueberry Farm (mountainviewblueberryfarm.com) for a chance to harvest a variety of veggies or blueberries, respectively. (Fact: Vegetables are more acceptable when chubby little fingers pick their own.)
Year-round family fun
Mountainview Blueberry Farm
packed farms, enough to visit a new one every fall weekend. You can choose from (listed from north to south) Swans Trail Farms (swanstrailfarms.com), Stocker Farms (stockerfarms.com), Thomas Family Farm (thomasfamilyfarm.com), Craven Farm (cravenfarm.com) and Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm (bobscorn.com) — or revisit Bailey Farm! — to get your fill of pumpkins, apples, corn mazes and more.
Don’t forget seasonal fun! There are plenty of activity-
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Juniper and Lu
Shop stops
Peruse two levels of books while enjoying the cozy log cabin vibe of Uppercase Bookshop (uppercasebookshop.com). Outfit the kids with clothes (including consignment finds) and toys from Oopsie Daisy Boutique (oopsiedaisyboutique.com). Clean up after all your outdoor adventures with a haul of Sweet Bee Home’s bath bombs and uniquely scented laundry soaps (sweetbeehome.com).
Eats + treats
Start the day off with a latte from Looking Glass Coffee (lookingglasscoffee.com) and a pastry from Snohomish Bakery at First & Union (snobake.com) or Grain Artisan Bakery (grainartisanbakery.com). Pack lunch for your bike ride with a sandwich from Grilla Bites (grillabites.com). When it’s time for dinner, head over to Trails End Taphouse & Restaurant (trailsendtaphouse.com) or enjoy riverfront views
while you nosh on fish and chips at Andy’s Fish House (andysfishhouse.com). Whatever you do, don’t miss out on a sweet treat from Juniper and Lu (juniperandlu.com) — scoops of this smallbatch ice cream, in luscious flavors, make the perfect end to any meal.
According to the residents …
“I love that there is a small-town feel with the amenities of a big city within close walking or biking distance,” says Kelly Marin, a local mom of four who lives near downtown Snohomish. She adds, “The [Thursday-afternoon Snohomish] Farmers Market is a weekly tradition in our family from May through September. It’s right in town, so it’s easy to walk to.”
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— Natasha Dillinger
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South Sound Bound Tacoma’s Proctor District Has Something for Everyone Grit City shines in this bustling enclave full of super shops and great grub By Nikki McCoy
North Tacoma has one of the best neighborhoods in the South Puget Sound region: the Proctor District. Rows of historic homes run along the outer rim of the district, and a bustling business center is its beating heart. Grit City has some shine when it comes to Proctor, not only in its assortment of upscale shopping and dining options, but also in the friendly faces of visitors and residents alike.
destinations here, such as Lapis (lapistacoma.com), where you can shop for fine jewelry and accessories. I actually became emotional trying on a vintage-inspired ring there once, it was so beautiful. For more of a family-friendly experience, visit its sister store, Compass Rose (compassroseshop.com), which has been in business for more than 20 years and stocks a gift for just about every style and individual, each with a distinct nod to the Pacific Northwest. Emily Hennig manages Lapis and loves working, shopping and dining in the Proctor District. “The sense of community and walkability are incomparable; it truly is a one-stop shopping destination,” says Hennig. “The district is full of local businesses. What makes it even more special is that by shopping and dining here, you are directly supporting family after family.”
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not all highbrow hot spots and flashy duds. Proctor is secure in its Tacoma roots. Neighborhood charm abounds. The state’s longest-operating bowling alley, Chalet Bowl (chaletbowl.com), is located in Proctor, as is The Blue Mouse Theatre (bluemousetheatre.com), which opened its doors in 1923. But you will find premier shopping
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Just walking the streets is an experience in itself. I love the lampposts and buildings, the storefronts and historic homes. The whole district exudes character and charm. It’s impossible to list all of the local businesses that make Proctor so special, but a few staples do stand out. There’s the Farmers’ Market (proctorfarmersmarket.com) on
Shopping in Proctor
Saturdays, which offers local fare, buskers, balloon artists, handmade crafts and more. The market fosters a community of culture, highlighting the diversity in the area. For instance, to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the market highlighted Asian American and Pacific Islander vendors, such as Filipino American, Korean American and Indian American food makers and farmers, as well as Hmong American and Thai American flower growers. My tummy is growling just thinking about all the awesome food at the market, let alone the local eateries! Toast Mi is a great spot to grab banh mi and boba tea, and Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. (olympiacoffee.com) serves the best pastries and espresso. If you happen to be perambulating sans enfants, you have to check out Peaks & Pints (peaksandpints.com) for
arts appreciation. Free to the public, it attracts more than 10,000 visitors and 160 arts and crafts vendors each year. What would a street fair be without live music? The Proctor Arts Fest hosts three stages, including one stage that is designated “The Family Stage.” A nearby kids’ area is a fun place for the littles to explore a bit more freely, with participation from the Metropolitan Park District.
Toast Mi
its sandwich and beer pairings. If it’s a family outing, however, don’t miss the Waffle Stop (eatwafflestop.com) for a unique twist on your classic diner experience. Made-from-scratch waffles and creative toppings are the biggest draws. My teen loves the Nashville hot chicken and waffle: two spicy buttermilk-dipped fried tenders served over a pearl-sugar waffle, finished with a hot honey drizzle. Younger kids can order classics such as smaller waffles, grilled cheese and chicken tenders. Winner, winner, chicken dinners.
For more than 55 years (apart from a 2019–2022 COVID-19 hiatus), the Junior Daffodil Parade (thedaffodilfestival.org) has been delighting Proctor families and visitors with the state’s largest children’s parade. Typically held in April, this event invites young people to dress up, make music, show off their sports and dance moves, and more. Pets and nonmotorized vehicles are welcome, and of course, spectating is a given. It’s a great people-watching opportunity and a wonderful celebration of the creativity of kids! Proctor has too much good stuff to fit into one neighborhood guide. But I’m certain of one thing: If you take your family there to explore it, you’ll come
home with more than full bellies and fun keepsakes — you’ll have a lifetime worth of memories. North Tacoma’s Proctor District is truly a Washington state gem. Three more for the road • Each Halloween, local Proctor businesses hold a candy competition to see which biz gives out the best candy and the most candy.
• For kids of all ages, check out
Teaching Toys and Books (teachingtoysandbooks.com) for puzzles, games and, of course, books. (There is a second location, Teaching Toys, Too, in Gig Harbor.)
• Stop in at The Fernseed
(thefernseed.com), a must to get your plant fix. This pleasant shop features pottery and locally grown plants for your home and gift-giving needs.
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When Nikki McCoy is not writing, she’s keeping up with her two teenage sons, having pun wars with her hubby or channeling her inner Ciscoe Morris in the garden.
To wake you from your food coma, get some fresh air at a local park. Puget Park (metroparkstacoma.org) has plenty of playground on which to climb, swing and slide. While the playground equipment isn’t the best I’ve seen, you can’t beat the trail connections with Puget Gulch and the Ruston Way waterfront. For another outdoor option, make your way down Adams Street to Washington Elementary School, a cool historic building built in 1906 that features a covered play area, playground and turf playfield. In August, check out the Proctor Arts Fest (theproctordistrict.com), a street fair on North 26th and Proctor streets. A staple since 1986, this event encourages community building and ample
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EXPERIENCE ACTIVE, JOYFUL LEARNING
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Phenomenal Olympia Nabe Offers Capital Fun Take a walk through time in the historic South Capitol District By Nikki McCoy Historic homes, many dating back to the early 1900s, dot the South Capitol neighborhood’s treelined streets. On any given day, families, bicyclists and dog walkers make their way through this Olympia nabe, located — you guessed it — just south of Washington state’s Capitol Campus. One of the more coveted enclaves for homeowners in Olympia, this charming neighborhood is an ideal day-trip destination for visitors, too.
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While South Capitol hosts season-specific attractions to explore, taking a walking tour of the neighborhood is something that can be enjoyed year around. The neighborhood association offers a mobilefriendly walking tour (southcapitolneighborhood.org) of 40 historic homes that is worth checking out. “I enjoy the old houses with varied landscapes and creative gardens. You just don’t know what jewel you will find from block to block,” says 18year resident and mom Jen Hopps, whose own home is believed to have been built in 1936.
Frontier Park in Graham, WA
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Located on the ancestral lands of the Steh-chass band of the Squaxin Island Tribe, South Capitol is rich with history. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the majority of the homes in the neighborhood feature the modest yet remarkable architecture of the turn of the last century. According to the South Capitol Neighborhood Association website, “More than 70 percent of the properties are classified as contributing to the historic character of the district.”
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Hopps says she also loves the easy walk to The Lucky Lunchbox (theluckylunchbox.com), Vic’s Pizzeria (vicspizzaoly.com), Spud’s Produce Market (spudsproduce.com) and Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. (olympiacoffee.com), which are all nestled together in the historic Wildwood Building. Vic’s is the largest of the eateries, offering gelato, wine and beer selections as well as outdoor
seating. The Lucky Lunchbox offers what its name implies — premade food to go, including yummy and affordable gourmet sandwiches, salads and soups. For the younger diners, $5.50 kids’ meals offer no-fail classics such as PB&J and grilled cheese sammies. Hopps is not the only one who loves those destinations for a delicious meal. Another neighborhood mom, six-year resident Katie Knight Pruit, also recommends the local mini-mart for its excellent snack offerings and friendly service. “I’d be remiss to skip the Frog Pond, a neighborhood institution selling on-the-go items like Popsicles, ice cream and wine for the big kids,” she says. While the Frog Pond doesn’t have a Facebook page or website, you can’t miss the bright, frog-green exterior of the storefront, located on the corner of Capitol Way and 21st Avenue. Across the street you’ll find Olympia Baking Company, a gluten-free bakery and bistro specializing in savory biscuits, soups and a variety of scones. Just down the road from the Frog Pond is the neighborhood elementary school — a nice place to spread out a blanket for a picnic, let the kids tear around the field or get some wiggles out on the slide and swings. While there are plenty of places to grab a bite and stretch your legs, the South Capitol neighborhood doesn’t have
Heritage Park at Capitol Lake
much in the way of shopping. But what it lacks in storefronts, it makes up for in proximity to all the fun shopping in downtown Olympia, less than 2 miles away. Bus stops along Capitol Way, including the free Dash stop at the Capitol, will have you downtown in minutes. While you’re there, be sure to browse Archibald Sisters (archibaldsisters.com) for quirky gifts, Captain Little (captainlittle.com) for unique kids’ toys and games, and Rainy Day Record Co. (rainydayolympia.net) for vintage and new vinyl.
visit while enjoying the South Capitol neighborhood; the campus itself is beautiful, featuring interesting focal points, statues and botanical plantings. You can also take a free guided tour through the building, where you can marvel at the Tiffany chandeliers and marbled interior imported from five countries. Docent tours are available weekdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., on the hour; and weekends on the half hour, 11:30 a.m. –2:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Parking is free, and there’s an adorable gift shop filled with local wares and goodies.
The Washington State Capitol Building and Campus is a wonderful place to
When the weather permits, exploring the Capitol Campus is a favorite local
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pastime. “The campus is like a state park with car-free space to learn how to ride a bike, climb around or walk with a friend,” says Knight Pruit. And for adventurous families, check out the Hillside Trail, a series of gentle switchbacks starting from the Capitol Campus, which connects to Heritage Park at Capitol Lake. The lake features a walking trail with historical markers and a view of the salmon run during spawning season, in late summer/early fall. Speaking of fall, South Capitol is a great place to catch the changing of the seasons, specifically Maple Park, another local favorite. While the park is more like a roadway, the maple leaves create
a stunning display of color. Fun fact: For a short time in 1899, Maple Park was the location of Olympia’s first golf course. Another attraction of fall in Olympia is the famous Pumpkin House, which displays more than 100 beautifully carved pumpkins each year; it is the pinnacle of spooktacular attractions in the South Capitol neighborhood, which is obsessed with Halloween decorations. The Pumpkin House is located at 219 18th Ave. S.W., and its owners/artists typically collect canned food donations from the stream of gawkers who visit each year. Other notable events offered in the South Capitol neighborhood include the Capital City Marathon (capitalcitymarathon.org) each May and the annual Lakefair Grand Parade (lakefair.org), one of the largest parades in the region. Always held on the third Saturday in July, the parade begins on Capitol Way at 20th Avenue.
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Rain-or-Shine Adventure Awaits in Gig Harbor Head south to the city where ‘postcard-perfect views meet small-town charm’ By Kari Hanson Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The vibe
Just across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge lies one of the Kitsap Peninsula’s hidden gems, Gig Harbor. A city where “postcard-perfect views meet smalltown charm,” Gig Harbor has dozens of parks, fabulous restaurants, quaint shops and as many events throughout the year as a town twice its size. In short, this charming day-trip destination has something for everyone. Keep reading for some of our favorite places to eat, shop and play in what one local describes as “the Dawson’s Creek of Washington.”
Getting there
Getting to this coastal town of just over 10,000 people takes about an
hour from Seattle, and only about 20 minutes from Tacoma. If you approach from Interstate 5 and Tacoma, be sure to tell the kids the tale of Gallopin’ Gertie as you drive over the stunning, and much safer, Tacoma Narrows Bridge. If you’re coming from the north, hop on the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and drive south to enjoy a very scenic route.
Take a cultural trip
Get your play on Start your day with a delectable mochi doughnut from Milkvue Handcrafted Donuts + Coffee — local-fave flavors include black sesame, blueberry pie and teriyaki ramen. If you need a little more fuel in the tank, head to Devoted Kiss Café (devotedkisscafe.com). (Only
So, come along with me and I will show you A place where all of nature is in tune A cozy little town where love is all around Under a Gig Harbor moon “Under a Gig Harbor Moon,” the official song of Gig Harbor
open 7 a.m.–2 p.m., the café tends to be quite busy, so we recommend skipping peak mealtimes.) Enjoy a quick five-minute stroll down North Harborview Drive and you’ll arrive at the Harbor History Museum (harborhistorymuseum.org). Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., the museum’s 7,000 square feet of galleries showcase the rich maritime history of Gig Harbor. The museum is also home to the 1925 65-foot purse seiner Shenandoah, which is currently being restored. The best part? Admission to the museum is free — can’t beat that! Keep heading south on Harborview Drive and you’ll arrive at the Skansie Visitor & Interpretive Center. Inside you’ll find the Harbor WildWatch exhibit (harborwildwatch.org), which includes a 100-gallon marine touch tank, augmented-reality sandbox, marine mammal skull displays and more. Spend a few minutes or an hour at this all-ages experience. Be sure to check this environmental education organization’s website to learn where and when other public programs
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• Bogue Viewing Platform — If you are
(including guided walking tours, Pier Into the Night and Community Science) are being offered.
looking for a cozier park and want to stay in town, check out this waterfront minipark. A few picnic tables scattered around this urban plaza draw people to sit a spell and take in the spectacular view of Mount Rainier on a clear day.
If you are looking for a unique way to explore Gig Harbor, why not head out to sea? Stop by the Gig Harbor Boat Shop (making a reservation ahead of time online is recommended; gigharborboatshop.org) and rent a classic electric launch or rowboat to explore the harbor. No previous experience is needed!
When the weather cooperates and you are ready to get outside and get moving, Gig Harbor has boundless options. With 21 parks within the city limits, there are plenty of places for kids to run off all that doughnut-fueled energy.
• Gateway Park — This 39-acre park has it all: a playground, off-leash dog park, large playfield, a splash pad, picnic areas and more. You’ll also find the trailhead to 360 Trails at the opposite end of the park from the playground. Located at the north end of Key Peninsula, this 360-acre property is ringed by a large loop trail that takes about an hour to traverse.
• Skansie Brothers Park — Though smaller in size at 2.59 acres, this park, located in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor is, quite frankly, the place to be. Named for the Skansie brothers who founded the Skansie Shipbuilding Company in the late 1880s, this park hosts many events throughout the year, including the popular Maritime Gig Festival, holiday tree lighting, an annual summer concert series and more. A splash pad and farmers market make this a very popular destination for families during the summer.
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• Key Central Forest — Up for a hike? When you want to get away from the downtown area and enjoy nature, check out this 480-acre park. Sturdy shoes are encouraged, and the distance from the road to the first Y in the trail is half a mile.
• McCormick Forest Park — Here’s another great hiking option with nearly 4 miles of trails; you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty as you wander through old-growth forest and gaze down into the McCormick Creek canyon.
• Bella Bella Beach — Gig Harbor is the “Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula,” so a visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach! Bella Bella Beach (officially named the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit, which just doesn’t have the same ring to it) offers an expanse of sandy beaches, perfect for starfish peeping. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the roundest ock you can find and enter the Round Rock Competition (harborhistorymuseum.org/round-rock), which has been held each summer since 1951.
Shop talk
If you happen to visit Gig Harbor on a day when the weather is less than ideal, no need to worry. There are plenty of fun and unique shops to explore.
• Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter (loststargaming.com) — Looking for that next great game to play as a family? Have a Dungeons & Dragons fan in your life? Then you are going to want to stop in and check out this store and its amazing selection of games, comics and so much more.
• For the Love of Spice (loveofspice.com) — Take a deep breath when you walk into this lovely shop, where custom spice blends, olive oils and balsamic vinegars line the shelves. You’re sure to find a gift for the foodie in your life, and maybe even a little something for yourself.
• Hey, Darlin’ (heydarlinshop.com) — This sweet boutique stocks all kinds of fun items, from plants and pots to jewelry, books and apparel. While the store is only open for a few hours on Fridays, you can shop its inventory online anytime.
• Java & Clay Cafe (javaclaycafe.com) — When you want to sit down and stay put for a bit, but still want an activity to keep your kids engaged, look no further. You can enjoy a coffee and some pastries while you get in touch with your creative side by painting a piece of pottery. Staff will ship your fired pieces to you, but if you are looking for a good excuse to come back, this will do the trick nicely.
Iscreamery scoops up delicious, locally made ice cream with unique flavors, such as grilled lime and mango, strawberry and black pepper, and mint chocolate bark.
• The Waterfront Farmers Market (waterfrontfarmersmarket.org) — If you are looking for something that isn’t fried or is less sugar-filled, you’ll find scads of fresh options at the farmers market. Located at Skansie Brothers Park, the market is open during the summer on Thursdays (through Aug. 25 this year), 1–7 p.m., and on Sept. 1 and 8, 1–6 p.m.
• Brix 25° (harborbrix.com) — This upscale eatery’s to-go Date Night Dinner Package for two ($140) includes an appetizer, two salads, two entrées, two desserts and a bottle of sparkling wine. Pick up this beautiful dinner to enjoy with your partner after the kids are tucked into bed.
Eats + treats
If all this fun is making you hungry, check out one of these local spots to refuel for your next adventure:
• Susanne’s Bakery (susannesbakery.net) — There are many options to choose from when you pop in here for lunch or a snack. Sandwiches are served on freshly baked bread, and you can pick up a bag of house-made granola (so yum) to take home.
• The Gourmet Burger Shop — The Tacoma News Tribune says this burger joint serves the best cheeseburger in Pierce County. Serious bragging rights! Also known for its craveable milkshakes (including such nontraditional flavors as avocado, salted caramel and Nutella), this place is worth a stop.
• Iscreamery (iscreamerypnw.com) — A trip to an ice cream shop always makes a day feel extra special. Located in the backroom of Brimstone PNW Smokehouse (bbqbrimstone.com),
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Seasonal family fun
One thing is certain, no matter what time of year you venture to Gig Harbor, there will be something fun going on. In July, time your visit to partake in the Summer Family Fun Fest (early July; keypenparks.com) or the Summer Art Festival (visitgigharborwa.com). In the fall, check out the Autumn Gig Harbor Sip n’ Stroll or visit Pattersons Farm Market to pick a peck of pumpkins and get your fill of fun harvest and Halloween activities.
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Be sure to check the city’s excellent events calendar (visitgigharborwa.com) to see what’s happening every month of the year. Next time you and your kids are feeling the need for a change of scenery, head to Gig Harbor for a day of fun, good food and adventure in any season.
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Kari Hanson is a mom of two and ParentMap’s digital content production coordinator.
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Awesome Urban Nature Destinations for Puget Sound–Area Families
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Get out into the urban wild at nature centers and nearby wildland habitats, rain or shine By Jennifer Johnson
Want a great spot to go exploring with kids, no matter the weather conditions? Here to help are environmental learning destinations and gardens that dot our region’s urban wildlands. Treasures such as Mercer Slough Nature Park (bellevuewa.gov) and Tacoma Nature Center (metroparkstacoma.org) offer quiet trails to explore on your own time as well as kid-friendly activi-
ties that can spur families to learn about the nature around them, from frog-finding walks and owl prowls to glorious gardens, wildlife watching and more. After long pandemic closures, visitor centers and education centers are back open, and all of these fantastic nature spots are well worth a visit.
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UR BAN NAT UR E
Inside Crossroads Mall
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1. Water wise: Brightwater Center, Woodinville • kingcounty.gov At Brightwater Center’s 70-acre campus in Woodinville, a wastewater treatment plant coexists with a nature preserve that has been restored to its native landscape, which includes wetlands, meadows and forest. At the center, kids and adults can learn all about our water system through interactive exhibits designed for all ages. Outside, 3 miles of trails meander through wildlife habitat. Activities: The grounds at Brightwater are free for visitors to roam and are open daily from dawn to dusk. Now reopened to the public, Brightwater Center is accessible Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Check the events calendar on the website for Brightwater happenings, education programs and treatment plant tours (programming is still somewhat limited). 2. Wetland magic: Bellevue’s Mercer Slough • parks.bellevuewa.gov At 320 acres, Mercer Slough Nature Park is one of Bellevue’s largest parks. Its 7 miles of flat trails, which include several tot-friendly short loops, lead hikers through a verdant ecosystem of canals and wetlands — there is even a blueberry farm on the west side of the park. Look for red-winged blackbirds and duck species along the waterways, or downy woodpeckers and black-capped chickadees in the woods. The Environmental Education Center, a complex of classrooms and a visitor center, perches on the edge of the slough; kids will love the tree house, which they can climb via a ladder to peer into the tree canopy.
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Activities: The slough’s education center offers a small assortment of displays and natural items to touch and see, and you can go on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Bellevue Parks offers free family nature walks here; search for keywords “Mercer Slough” on the registration page (register.bellevuewa.gov) and sign up early. 3. Stream in: Lewis Creek Park, Bellevue • parks.bellevuewa.gov Tucked away in the hills of south Bellevue near Cougar Mountain, the lovely preserve of Lewis Creek Park protects the headwaters of Lewis Creek, attracting birds and wildlife — as well as little adventurers. A 1-mile loop trail makes for a perfect short hike for families, and there are also two connected playgrounds near the park’s visitor center. Activities: Visit the spacious, light-filled Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center to thumb through nature books, look at casts of animal tracks or use a spotting scope. Bellevue Parks runs free ranger hikes here as well, including sunset programs and programs just for tots. Search for keywords “Lewis Creek” on the registration page (register.bellevuewa.gov) and sign up early.
Seward Park
4. Into the woods: Seward Park, Seattle • seattle.gov The jewel of southeast Seattle, Seward Park boasts 9 miles of trails that wind through old-growth forest (reported to be the city’s last stand — keep your eyes peeled for the two eagles’ nests), a beach on Lake Washington and a 3-mile paved walk around the peninsula. A nature-oriented playground nearby features a thrilling zip line, a multilevel climbing complex and more play features that kids will love.
• 12.5-acre campus for investigation and discovery • Blended indoor/outdoor learning • Small student-to-teacher ratio • Preschool through 5th grade in Bellevue, WA near Bridle Trails.
admissions@thelittleschool.org thelittleschool.org/admissions
Schedule a campus visit today!
INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 35
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Activities: Seward Park Audubon Center (sewardpark.audubon.org) is open on weekends, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The center offers birding programs and nature walks, including owl prowls, which fill up way in advance. Stop by the center to browse the nature shop, pick up an Explorer Pack for the park, or take a timeout at the center’s library, which offers nature titles as well as toys and puzzles for little ones. 5. Frogs and forts: Magnuson Park, Seattle • seattle.gov Seattle’s expansive Magnuson Park holds many draws for families. Definitely do not miss the wonderful Magnuson Children’s Garden (magnusonchildrensgarden.org) among them. At the garden (located at the north end of the park, near the Junior League playground), kids can learn about composting, go on a scavenger hunt or even build a fort from a small pile of logs. Take a self-guided tour of the garden or explore the wider park. There’s a popular dog park, soccer fields and a network of flat trails that are perfect for strolling or low-key bicycling. Birds are abundant; in winter months, you might see bufflehead ducks or a great blue heron in the wetlands. In spring and summer, look for frogs and spectacular dragonflies.
WELLNESS, EDUCATION, AND FUN! SINCE 1958.
SAMENA SWIM & RECREATION CLUB
Activities: Check the Magnuson Children’s Garden website for regular free activities, including stewardship sessions during which kids can help out and learn about nature-focused volunteerism. 6. Garden gem: Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, Shoreline • kruckeberg.org Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a gem of a spot located in a residential neighborhood in Shoreline. It is run by the city of Shoreline and is
SWIM LESSONS | BEFORE & AFTER CARE | PRESCHOOL FITNESS CENTER | SUMMER CAMPS | PARTIES & MORE!
PHONE : (425) 746-1160 INFO@SAMENA.COM WWW.SAMENA.COM
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@SAMENACLUB /SAMENASWIMCLUB
Kruckeberg Wood Wave. Photo by Bryony Angell
a perfect kid-sized world of native plants, trees, public art and trails. One of the play spots includes an extraordinary burl sculpture (titled “Wood Wave”) that kids can climb on, and another area has a glen that invites kids to build fairy houses from natural materials. Activities: Kruckeberg’s hours are Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The garden hosts a wide variety of educational programs and resources for youths and adults throughout the year, including community science and volunteer projects, classes and workshops, and private and self-guided tours. Admission to the garden is free, though a fee and registration are required for some programs, and donations are always welcome.
www.DramaKids.com/WA3
7. Nature in the city: Tacoma Nature Center • metroparkstacoma.org Tacoma Nature Center is an urban wetland preserve run by Metro Parks Tacoma. This terrific site offers a chance to view birds and other wildlife in all seasons along more than 2 miles of gentle trails. Don’t miss Discovery Pond, a nature-themed play area featuring innovative structures for kids to explore, such as a tree house and a pond with waterfalls. Note: Some areas of the park will have limited or no access through July 4 while the nature center is closed for building upgrades. Activities: Families can participate in an abundance of nature programming and walks, including the popular Tiptoe Through the Tidepools and Explore the Shore programs. All-age stewardship sessions take place every month, or families can try out the free Agents of Discovery app, which
For
gifted kids w ho love to learn
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| K-8 | authentic learning opportunities | strong commitment to dei
financial aid available
www.openwindowschool.org INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 37
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The Sammamish Montessori School
continued from page 37
In Redmond
allows kids to discover the great outdoors by completing “missions” teed up quarterly by the app. There’s also a nature preschool and a slate of fantastic nature-themed summer camps.
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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www.sammamishmontessori.com 425-883-3271
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• Small class sizes • Individual attention to every child • Multi age classrooms • Call or email for a personalized tour • Now enrolling for Fall!
Activities: The education center building has reopened (limited hours, noon–5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays), and it’s well worth a visit. Check its Facebook page for the most current info.
rosehillmontessoripreschool.com
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8. Discover the source: Cedar River Watershed, North Bend • seattle.gov Located on Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend, the Cedar River Watershed Education Center is a showcase of sustainable architecture. Imaginative musical water features (rain drums!) and displays are designed to help visitors understand the cycle of water use and the Cedar River Municipal Watershed’s role in supplying drinking water to the city of Seattle.
6/13/22 2:25 PM
The Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area is also open. The hiking trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region. Exercise caution when hiking with young kids and dogs on this trail as there are a number of sheer drop-offs.
9. Birder’s paradise: Padilla Bay, Skagit County • ecology.wa.gov Nestled in the Skagit Valley near Anacortes, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a birder’s paradise that affords expansive views of a breathtaking river delta landscape. Walk a short wooded loop (less than a mile in length) at the reserve or drive to Bayview nearby to walk the Padilla Bay dike trail, which runs just over 2 miles one way across flooded fields and tidal flats. Look for river otters,
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Free
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Parenting: It’s harder than it looks. Our free virtual ParentEd Talks are here to help. SEE THE 2022-2023 LINEUP:
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Located in the heart of downtown Seattle near Pike Place Market, the Holocaust Center for Humanity shares the stories of local survivors to teach lessons of the Holocaust. "Ask A Survivor" - First Sunday of each month, 11am-1pm, Holocaust survivor Peter Metzelaar will be in the museum and welcomes your questions!
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Reservations Recommended. Reserve tickets online at HolocaustCenterSeattle.org
97776 Holman Road NW Seattle, WA 98117 206-789-1498
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Bellevue • Bothell • Factoria • Issaquah Highlands Redmond • Redmond Ridge • Sammamish • Totem Lake
(425) 827-4600 AllegroPediatrics.com INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 39
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continued from page 38
northern pintail ducks and bald eagles. Activities: The reserve’s Breazeale Interpretive Center (padillabay.gov) is open Wednesday– Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and hosts excellent events for kids and families. Sign up early as these tend to fill quickly. Check the events calendar for upcoming programming. 10. All-seasons bird spotting: Edmonds Marsh • edmondswa.gov Edmonds Marsh is an easy place for families to espy birds any time of year. Stroll the interpretive walkway through this rare saltwater and freshwater marsh estuary. Nearby, the Willow Creek Salmon & Watershed Education Center (soundsalmonsolutions.org) and Edmonds Wildlife Habitat and Native Plant Demonstration Garden (pilchuckaudubon.org) offer great opportunities to learn about nature. The Willow Creek hatchery is operated by Salmon Solutions, an organization dedicated to providing salmon education programs to schools and families, and the demo garden is run by Pilchuck Audubon, an organization focused on preserving habitat for birds and wildlife. Activities: The garden hosts regular work parties on Saturdays, and also offers workshops and other events throughout the year. Check its Facebook page for future events. Pilchuck Audubon hosts birding activities; check the calendar for its upcoming events. In the meantime, why not stroll the boardwalk and spot the birds visiting Edmonds Marsh?
■
Jennifer Johnson, also known as “The Hiker Mama,” writes about her family’s adventures at thehikermama.com. This article was first published on ParentMap.com.
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SNOQUALMIE ~ RENTON ~ KIRKLAND
Learn to Skate
For all ages
Unlock Potential Experience Faith Discover Community Schedule a Tour Today! eastsidecatholic.org
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EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS AT wacharters.org
ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL STUDENTS. Charter public schools provide parents a greater variety of public-school options so you can find the best fit for your child’s interests and learning styles What is a charter school? Charter schools are unique public schools that foster a partnership between teachers and students. Teachers are given more flexibility to innovate, and students are provided with the personal attention, creativity, and passionate teaching they need to learn.
INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 41
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Local Resources The support of these family-friendly businesses enables us to deliver our high-quality parenting content to readers for free.
Allegro Pediatrics................................................................ 39 Where healthier futures begin 8 Eastside locations; 425-827-4600 allegropediatrics.com American Dance Institute .................................................. 10 Various dance classes and camps 4 Seattle-area locations; 206-783-0755 americandanceinstitute.com; adiseattle@americandanceinstitute.com
TEEN VOLUNTEERS WANTED Help kids connect with nature at summer camps. — for ages 13 and up — wildernessawareness.org/volunteer
Aspire Kinetic Arts.............................................................. 45 Excellence in dance and theatre education for all ages Seattle; 206-466-2258 aspirekineticarts.com; info@aspirekineticarts.com The Bear Creek School ....................................................... 34 Christian liberal arts education; preschool–grade 12 Redmond; 425-898-1720 tbcs.org; chazeltine@tbcs.org Bellevue Montessori School .............................................. 38 Inspiring lifelong learners; ages 1½–12 Bellevue; 425-454-7439 bellmontessori.com Boys & Girls Clubs of King County ...................................... 21 Full- and half-day camps, sports camps, teen programs 30 Greater Seattle locations; 206-436-1800 positiveplace.org Camp Sparkle ....................................................................... 31 Free day camp for children ages 5–12 affected by cancer Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and online; 206-709-1400 cancerpathways.org; michelle@cancerpathways.org Charles Wright Academy ................................................... 26 Independent, co-ed day school; preschool–grade 12 Tacoma; 253-620-8373 charleswright.org; admissions@charleswright.org Children’s Museum of Skagit County ................................ 20 Interactive exhibits, parties, field trips, camps and classes Burlington; 360-757-8888 skagitchildrensmuseum.net; info@skagitcm.org
Family music classes for children ages birth through age 8 and the grownups who love them!
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The Children’s School ........................................................ 44 Not-for-profit preschool for ages 2–6; play-based learning environment Seattle; 206-258-4900 tcsseattle.org; admin@tcsseattle.org
Childish Things .................................................................... 39 Children’s resale boutique with maternity, gifts, more Seattle; 206-789-1498 childishresale.com; info@childishthingsseattle.net Creative Dance Center ....................................................... 20 Classes for infants, children, teens and adults Seattle; 206-363-7281 creativedance.org; info@creativedance.org Creatively Yours .................................................................. 34 Ceramic painting studio offering on-site events, parties and camps Bellevue; 425-747-2280 creativelyyoursbellevue.com; creativelyyoursbellevue@outlook.com Crossroads Bellevue .......................................................... 28 Family-friendly shopping, dining, play, events Bellevue; 425-644-1111 crossroadsbellevue.com Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund ....... 27 Financial, estate planning and special-needs services Statewide; 360-725-3125 or 1-888-754-8798 ddetf.wa.gov
Logical + Imaginative + Intense + Verbal + Observant + Hands-on Gifted children exhibit these characteristics every day. Even so, many gifted students, especially children of color, remain overlooked in class. Not so at Seattle Country Day School. We offer our students an environment where they can ask questions, create, and grow intellectually and emotionally. See if SCDS is right for your child. Reach out today to admissions@seattlecountryday.org. Seattle Country Day School For gifted children, K–8 Rooted in inquiry. Dedicated to equity. seattlecountryday.org/admissions
Drama Kids of South and East King County ..................... 37 Confidence-building drama camps and classes Multiple King County locations; 425-654-0699 dramakids.com/wa3; dramakidsinternational.wa3@gmail.com Eastside Catholic School .................................................... 41 Faith-based learning; co-ed, grades 6–12 Sammamish; 425-295-3000 eastsidecatholic.org; info@eastsidecatholic.org Eastside Christian School................................................... 37 Academic excellence, commitment to Christ; pre-K–grade 8 Bellevue; 425-641-5570 ecswa.org; info@ecswa.org Eastside Pediatric Dental Group........................................ 46 Specialists in oral health for kids of all ages Issaquah; 425-392-4048 eastsidepediatricdentalgroup.com Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) ........................................ 18 Parent groups, community resources, events and racial equity consulting Greater Seattle and Eastside; 206-317-4642 focseattle.org; info@focseattle.org Flyhomes ............................................................................... 2 A simpler way to buy the home you love Greater Seattle area; 855-935-9466 flyhomes.com; hello@flyhomes.com
Where Fall Fun Rules! For over 25 years, we’ve been welcoming children from 6 months to 12 years every “new” school year at nine convenient Puget Sound locations. See what we have to offer your family! Schedule a Tour 360-668-5145 kidscountryinc.com INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 43
SUMMER DAY CAMP FOR 3-8 YEAR OLDS • Half or full-day camps for 1-6 weeks in July & August • Each week will feature a different special project, field trips and activities in addition to all the usual free-play choices so there’s always something for everyone!
continued from page 43 Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart ........................ 46 Independent, Catholic, all-girls school; grades 5–12 Bellevue; 425-641-0700 forestridge.org; admissions@forestridge.org Gage Academy of Art ......................................................... 47 Art summer camps, workshops and instruction for kids and teens Seattle; 206-323-4243 gageacademy.org; info@gageacademy.org
tcsseattle.org The Children’s School
7400 Woodlawn Ave. NE. • 206-258-4900 We’re a nonprofit, independent school focused on social-emotional learning, relationships and play!
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Gotcha Arenas ..................................................................... 31 Foam dart arena (think Nerf!); parties, family/team events, walk-on play Auburn; 253-470-8096 gotcha-arenas.com; cs@gotcha-arenas.com Holocaust Center for Humanity ........................................ 39 Holocaust museum, educational programs and field trips for students Seattle; 206-582-3000 holocaustcenterseattle.org Illumination Learning Studio ............................................. 45 Preschool/Pre-K, after-school arts, camps, music lessons 2 Seattle locations; 206-466-1931 ilskids.com JDS: The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle ...... 12 Jewish independent school; early childhood–grade 8 Bellevue; 425-460-0260 jds.org; wleberman@jds.org Jewish National Fund............................................................ 7 Supporting the people and land of Israel All areas; 1-800-JNF-0099 jnf.org; jewishnationalfund@jnf.org Kid’s Country Learning Centers......................................... 43 Safe and nurturing care for infants–age 12 9 Puget Sound–area locations; 360-668-5145 kidscountryinc.com; info@kidscountry.com Kids Co. ................................................................................. 19 Full-day summer camps 10 Seattle-area locations; 206-781-8062 kidscompany.org KidsQuest Children’s Museum ............................................. 7 Arts and engineering classes, special events; ages 3–10 Bellevue, Redmond; 425-637-8100 kidsquestmuseum.org; info@kidsquestmuseum.org The Little School ................................................................. 35 Blended indoor/outdoor learning on our 12.5-acre campus Bellevue; 425-827-8708 thelittleschool.org/explore; admissions@thelittleschool.org
FOR TICKETS: FOR TICKETS:
FOR TICKETS:
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Morningside Academy.......................................................... 14 Rigorous full-year and summer programs; grades 2–9 Seattle; 206-709-9500 morningsideacademy.org; info@morningsideacademy.org North Seattle Fives Cooperative Preschool ..................... 14 Independent cooperative school promoting kindergarten readiness Seattle northseattlefives.org; registrar.northseattlefives@gmail.com
DANCE & THEATRE EDUCATION www.aspirekineticarts.com
Open Window School .......................................................... 37 For gifted kids who love to learn; grades K–8 Bellevue; 425-747-2911 openwindowschool.org; admissions@ows.org
@aspirekineticarts
Enrolling Now Fall 2022-23
Pediatrics Northwest .......................................................... 11 General and specialty care, Best of South Sound winner 4 convenient locations; 253-383-5777 pedsnw.net
www.ilskids.com
Pierce County Fair .............................................................. 26 Celebrating 75 years of fair fun, Aug. 11–14, 2022 Graham; 253-847-4754 piercecountyfair.com; info@piercecountyfair.com The Power Petite ................................................................. 13 Children’s luxury consignment of clothing, accessories and gear Greater Seattle area, online thepowerpetite.com; info@thepowerpetite.com
Serving Phinney/Greenwood/Ballard ParentMap_2-9.pdf 1 2/10/22 8:27Neighborhoods AM
PRO Club .............................................................................. 32 Camps, preschool, sports, swim lessons and parties Bellevue; 425-885-5566 proclub.com
31-Acre
Learning Lab
360
Preschool e through 8th-grade d students engaged in STEAM
Pump It Up ........................................................................ 34 Birthday parties, open jumps, summer camps and more Kirkland; 425-820-2297 pumpitupparty.com/kirkland-wa Rain City Fencing Center..................................................... 13 Classes, lessons and summer camps for ages 8 to adult Bellevue; 425-747-6300 raincityfencing.com; info@raincityfencing.com Redmond Parks and Recreation ....................................... 22 Equestrian, sports, arts, outdoor, STEM, teens Redmond; 425-556-2300 redmond.gov/register Rose Hill Montessori Preschool ......................................... 38 Half-day program in a nurturing environment for children ages 3–5 Redmond; 425-881-8710 rosehillmontessoripreschool.com; storm@rosehillmontessoripreschool.com
$1M C
M
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CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Financial Aid Awards
67%
Faculty with advanced degrees
50
Villa Viking teams
100
Students in theater arts
27%
Students of color
55
Student extended learning trips
800
Hours of professional development
INSIDERS’ GUIDE 2022 / 45
DI R ECTO RY continued from page 45 Samena Swim & Recreation Club ..................................... 36 Preschool, before- and after-school care, swim lessons Bellevue; 425-746-1160 samena.com Samis Foundation ............................................................... 48 Supporting Jewish education in Washington state Seattle; 206-622-3363 samisfoundation.org Samis Foundation ................................................................. 5 Supporting Jewish camp experiences for kids Seattle; 206-622-3363 samisfoundation.org Sammamish Montessori School ........................................ 38 Art, sports, science, more; ages 3–8 Redmond; 425-883-3271 sammamishmontessori.com; info@sammamishmontessori.com Seattle Country Day School ............................................... 43 Inquiry-based learning for gifted students, K–8 Seattle; 206-284-6220 seattlecountryday.org; admissions@seattlecountryday.org Seattle Girls Choir Summer Music Day Camp .................. 20 Choir and music day camps for girls ages 4–10 Seattle; 206-526-1900 seattlegirlschoir.org; info@seattlegirlschoir.org Seattle Humane .................................................................. 47 Pet adoptions, youth programs, vet services, resources Bellevue; 425-641-0080 seattlehumane.org See Kai Run .......................................................................... 15 Comfortable, stylish, quality children’s shoes Order online; 1-888-KAI-SHOE seekairun.com; customercare@seekairun.com
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F T RE HE SAC
Grades 5-12
Why all-girls? Because there’s no better way to build competent, confident and courageous young women.
Join us for an Open House October 22, 2022 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. To learn more or join a virtual information session, visit www.forestridge.org 4 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
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All-Girls, Independent, Catholic
Small World Montessori ...................................................... 18 Full-/half-day programs for children ages 3–5 Everett, Mill Creek; 425-338-7771 smallworldmontessori.com; info@smallworldmontessori.com
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Snapdoodle Toys ................................................................. 11 Community-focused toy stores dedicated to fun and learning Kenmore (425-408-0021), Redmond (425-869-9713), Issaquah (425-651-2838), Seattle (206-782-0098). Totem Lake/Kirkland (425-285-9366) snapdoodletoys.com Sno-King Ice Arenas ........................................................... 41 Ice skating, hockey, parties and private rentals; ages 3 and older Kirkland, Renton, Snoqualmie; 425-254-8750 snokingicearenas.com; office@snokingice.com
Stanford’s Steak ................................................................. 40 Contemporary steakhouse and lounge Tacoma; 253-352-0030 stanfordssteak.com St. John School.................................................................... 44 Catholic education for preschool–grade 8 Seattle; 206-783-0337 st-johnschool.org Stroum Jewish Community Center ................................... 36 Early childhood school, family and youth programs, camps Mercer Island, Seattle; 206-232-7115 sjcc.org
Seattle Humane is more than a shelter – we are a community resource center, providing adoption services, a pet food bank and support for pet owners, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and wellness exams, humane education for all ages and more. All made possible through the suppor t of a generous communit y.
Sunshine Music Together ................................................... 42 Early-childhood music classes; ages 0–8 4 Greater Seattle–area locations; 206-281-1111 sunshinemusictogether.com Traxx Indoor Racing............................................................. 18 Go-kart racing for kids to adults, parties, events, more Mukilteo; 425-493-8729 traxxracing.com; info@traxxracing.com UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars ......................... 23 Early entrance and enrichment for highly capable students Seattle; 206-543-4160 robinsoncenter.uw.edu; rcys@uw.edu
Visit www.seattlehumane.org to learn more!
Villa Academy ..................................................................... 45 Independent Catholic school serving preschool–grade 8 Seattle; 206-524-8885 thevilla.org; admission@thevilla.org Washington State ABLE Savings Plan ............................... 27 Planning services for people with eligible disabilities Washington state; 360-725-3125 or 1-844-600-2253 washingtonstateable.com Washington State Charter Schools Association............... 41 High-quality, innovative public-school options Statewide; 206-424-2780 wacharters.org Wilderness Awareness School............................................ 42 Fun nature explorations and adventures; ages 5–18 Multiple King County locations; 425-788-1301 wildernessawareness.org; wasnet@wildernessawareness.org Yellow Wood Academy........................................................ 44 Customized education, 1:1 and small-group classes; grades 4–12 Mercer Island; 206-236-1095 yellowwoodacademy.org; info@yellowoodacademy.org
SUMMER YOUTH ART CAMPS REGISTER NOW!
GAGEACADEMY.ORG/SUMMERCAMPS.PHP 206.323.4243 | @GAGEACADEMY I N S I D E R S ’ G U I D E 2 0 2 2 / 47
DAY SCHOOL
AFFORDA B I L I TY I N I T I AT I VE
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