Family Adventure Guide Winter 2018

’cause parenting is a trip!

EAT • PLAY • GO with kids

FAMILY ADVENTURE

SEATTLE + NORTHWEST

WINTER 2018-19

GUIDE

• Get Outside This Winter • Let’s Do Museums • Scavenger Hunt!

• Never Miss a Camping Reservation • Need Sun?

E! NOW AVAILABL

parentmap.com/adventure

FINDS A CLAM. TRIES ONE AT DINNER. PROGRESS. MILESTONES, JUST A FEW MILES AWAY.

Only two hours from Seattle, Semiahmoo is the perfect place to experience the moments with your kids that you live for. And with a golf simulator, art classes and pickleball, you can try something new, too.

Visit Semiahmoo.com or call 360.318.2000.

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December 7-9, 2018 at The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington

• • • • •

Indoor activities Outdoor activities Super Heroes Frozen Princesses Bouncy Houses, Mini Golf & more

• Climbing Wall • Snow from Mount Baker Ski Area • Reindeer ! ays • Wagon Rides all 3 d • Face Painting

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The Children’s Museum will remain open at the Cascade Mall until construction of the new space at The Outlet Shoppes is completed.

Located in Burlington, WA :: Tel: 360.757.8888 To learn more about the Museum, programs & our 2019 relocation

www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net VisitBurlingtonWA.com

VisitSkagitValley.com

contents

FAMILY ADVENTURE SEATTLE + NORTHWEST

7

Get Outside

11

Children’s Museums

15

WINTER 2018-19

GUIDE

19

Art Scavenger Hunt

27

Camping Planner

Need Sun?

Get Out There As a born and bred Northwestern, you’d think I’d be more outdoorsy. I did my time in the Girl Scouts, know my way around a yurt and could pitch a tent if forced but you’ll rarely find me hitting the trails on a Saturday morning — which is one of the many reasons why I’m perpetually impressed with our Out + About stories.

For those unfamiliar with the term, “Out + About” refers to ParentMap’s most popular type of content. Think of those stories that got you and your cranky toddler out of the house on a rainy November day, or that time you used the ParentMap calendar to score a sweet spot at some local event. That’s Out + About.

It’s a mainstay at ParentMap. It’s what you’ll read about in this annual issue, devoted to adventures that’ll get you out and about this winter. Out + About also takes center stage in a new book from ParentMap, “52 Seattle Adventures With Kids” (out Nov. 1, parentmap.com/52-seattle-adventures-with-kids).

From adventures with a roof (“7 Museums Where Play Is the Thing,” p. 11) to those in the great outdoors (“5 Ways to Get Outside This Winter, p. 7), these

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stories are meant to fuel your family during the rainy months ahead.

We threw a little sun in there, too (“Need Sun? Three L.A. Adventures, p. 27) and some tips to make next summer one of your most adventurous (“Become a Camp Planning Pro, p. 19).

Whatever’s ahead for your winter, thanks for More inviting us along! Now, get out there. travel and — Elisabeth Kramer, Managing editor ParentMap is a multimedia company (parentmap. com) providing trusted, innovative and awardwinning content that supports and inspires families.

Sign up for newsletters with the week’s top family activities and news at parentmap.com/enews.

winter-fun ideas at parentmap.com /adventure

Important note: Prices, especially for lodging, are variable; please check ahead.

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OPERATIONS MANAGER Carolyn Brendel

FAMILY ADVENTURE GUIDE WINTER 2018-19

AD OPERATIONS MANAGER Elisa Taylor

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT + DISTRIBUTION Angela Goodwin

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MORE THAN A BEACH! 7,34 (-2) 40%= 78%= *%1-0= *92 VISITOCEANSHORESWA.COM

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get outside this winter

5 Ways

to Get Outside This Winter

Beat cabin fever and wintertime boredom

By Sarah Bradley

W

hen middle-of-winter cabin fever strikes, it’s tough to find activities that will keep everyone happy. You don’t want to spend another day stuck inside the house, but it’s way too cold to go outside and explore… right?

Think again: Winter hikes with your kids can be just as fun as warmweather ones. All it takes is a little creativity and a lot of warm layers (and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa, too!). So, don’t hang up your hiking boots when the first snowflakes fall — take your family on one of these snowtastic adventures instead.

1

Look for animal tracks

You don’t have to be a zoologist (or a detective!) to figure out which animals are leaving their tracks behind in the snow. With a pocket ruler and a basic field guide, your family can observe, measure and identify many of the bird and mammal footprints you might come across on a winter hike. Be sure to check places where animals like to eat, drink and sleep, like icy

streams, snow tunnels and tree hollows.

TIP: You can purchase a field guide online or at most outdoor recreation stores, or download a handy set of printable track identification cards from explorationamerica.com.

2

Blow frozen bubbles

Bubbles may be synonymous with summertime, but they’re even more interesting in winter when the air gets extra cold (i.e., below freezing). Take any basic bubble solution and wand outside, then blow bubbles along a cold surface. Once frozen, the bubbles will display a beautiful frost pattern that is sure to fascinate kids. Bubbles blown into the air will freeze, too — but they might shatter when they hit the ground. If you don’t have any bubble solution left over from summer, you can make your own by mixing dish soap with distilled water and a little corn syrup or glycerin. >> parentmap.com •• Family Family Adventure Adventure Guide • 7 parentmap.com

get outside this winter continued from page 7

3

Make bannock over a fire

If you’re a family with some camping experience, you probably know how to safely start and contain a fire, but have you ever made the super simple bread called “bannock” over an open flame?

HERE’S HOW: At home, mix 1 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of powdered milk in a zip-close bag (add a few dashes of cinnamon and sugar to make this a sweet treat).

Once you’re out in the woods, find some medium-width sticks or branches; then add 1 tablespoon of oil or water to your dry ingredients and knead it all together until the dough is smooth and not sticky. Roll the dough into a rope, wrap it around the end of your stick in a spiral shape, smooth and compress the dough down into a 1/2-inch-thick breadstick and then roast it over the fire for about 10 minutes.

4

Build a snow cave

When the snow has been falling — and accumulating — on the ground for weeks, take advantage of those sky-high snowbanks by building a

snow cave. Look for a drift that’s at least 5 feet high and made of snow that’s not too light or powdery.

Use a small shovel to dig a tunnel into the drift, then work to hollow out a dome at the top and pack the snow tightly along the roof and entrance. The cave makes a perfect spot for a warm drink and yummy snack, but remember that children should not be left unsupervised inside (for safety reasons).

5

Study snow science

Tuck a few magnifying glasses into your gear pack so you can get up close and personal with all the frozen precipitation on your trek.

Both snowflakes and icicles look especially cool when studied under a magnifying glass; ask your child to find bubbles, cracks and patterns in the ice, and to identify shapes or count crystal points in the flakes.

TIP: Bring along pieces of black construction paper to make viewing easier. Keep the paper cold so the snowflakes won’t melt right away.

Whatever your wintertime adventure, remember that before you head out on any of these winter-weather treks, prepare for the elements.

FIND WONDER Holiday Village | Dec 15- Jan 6 Solstice Walks | Dec 20-23 Make us part of your holiday tradition. Escape the busy season and come explore our 150-acres on Bainbridge Island.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND | OPEN TUES- SUN 10 AM-4 PM | bloedelreserve.org 8 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

to a winter wonderland Bring plenty of warm drinks, as well as snacks high in carbohydrates and protein; pay close attention to the weather forecast and how many hours of daylight you’ll haves; know your planned route or trail well and bring a map; and dress appropriately for the cold weather. ■ Sarah Bradley is a freelance writer and creative writing teacher from Connecticut, where she lives with her husband and three young sons.

Dressing Warm for Winter Play You spend a half-hour getting your child ready to play in the snow, and 10 minutes later, they’re complaining about cold fingers and wet socks a nd begging tos go back inside.

How can you keep your child warm and comfortable outside when temperatures drop below freezing? The secret is layering.

Start with a smart base layer, one that fits snugly against the skin, not too warm and made of a material that wicks away sweat.

Cotton absorbs moisture, so avoid waffle-knit or thermal underwear and stick with a pair of long johns that are 100 percent polyester.

Add an insulating middle layer of polar or performance fleece, which will trap heat against the body. A quarter-zip fleece top and separate pants go on easily, but make sure both items are 100 percent polyester fleece (not cotton lined with fleece, like many sweatpants and sweatshirts are).

Top off with a waterproof outer layer, either an all-in-one snowsuit or one composed of individual items (like a syntheticfill ski jacket or lined windbreaker paired with snow pants or a snow bib). Whatever you choose, the pieces must be waterproof, not water-resistant; waterproof materials will prevent wet snow from soaking through to the base and middle layers, but waterresistant items won’t do the job quite as well.

Come play in the breathtaking beauty of Washington’s Cascade Mountains. Savor gourmet meals crafted with superb local ingredients, a luxurious spa and accommodations in harmony with nature.

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Finally, don’t forget about your child’s hands, feet and head!

Wool socks and waterproof boots will keep toes dry and toasty; waterproof mittens with extra-long cuffs will keep wet snow out of sleeves; and a fleece or wool hat that covers your child’s ears will lock in body heat.

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children’s museums

7 Museums Where Play Is the Thing Use a children’s museum to anchor a day of fun around the Sound

By Elisa Murray

C

onfession: I didn’t get children’s museums for a while. My 2-year-old would happily play with Tupperware at home, so why would I pay admission to a kids’ museum just so he could play with fancier toys?

It wasn’t until friends invited us to Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett that my light-bulb moment happened. As my son moved from tossing handkerchiefs up the air maze to quietly making beaded bracelets in the art studio, I became a convert to the variety of hands-on play experiences that children’s museums offer. Kids’ museums became an essential part of our

play menu, especially during the sun-don’t-shine months.

Now that my kid is 8, we only visit them from time to time, but he still plays with almost every exhibit, and I get a bit misty-eyed watching him climb into the same semitruck cab that enthralled him when he was 3.

This isn’t accidental, of course. According to the Association of Children’s Museums, early children’s museums (the first opened in 1899 in Brooklyn) were part of a progressive education movement that promoted the then-revolutionary concept of child-centered environments and learning experiences. In our increasingly plugged-in world, kids’ museums offer a time-tested, real-world antidote to the attraction of screen time. >> parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 11

H a n ds-on ed u c a ti o na l e xhi bi ts , cl asses, a nd m o re !

KidsQuest

Children’s Museum

children’s museums continued from page 11 Here’s your map to combining a museum mini adventure with other attractions in hot spots such as downtown Tacoma, Bainbridge Island, Seattle Center and Bellevue.

1. KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Bellevue KidsQuest Children’s Museum’s spacious home in downtown Bellevue stars huge windows, beautifully designed exhibits and an adventurous, two-story ropes-and-ladders climber in the atrium. Kids of all ages will love cranking boxes up and down conveyor belts in the On the Go gallery; building with real tools next door in the Recycle Rebuild room; or conducting physics experiments in the Water lab. Other highlights include lots of seating for grown-ups and an outdoor area with “loose parts” for kids to build with.

GOOD TO KNOW: Parking is tough (the museum has a small lot), so try to target your visit during a less crowded time, such as a weekday morning, or Friday evening, when it’s open until 8 p.m. Combine your trip with a visit to the Bellevue downtown library next door (but don’t park there!) or Bellevue Downtown Park.

INFO: Open Tuesday–Sunday; open late on Friday. $11.50–$12.50, younger than 12 months free. kidsquestmuseum.org

2. Children’s Museum of Skagit County, Mount Vernon

If you’re heading to the Mount Vernon/Skagit County area, this recently expanded museum in Burlington’s Cascade Mall, just off Interstate 5, is a solid get-the-wiggles-out stop for families with younger kids. At 11,000 square feet, the colorful space packs in hands-on exhibits that tie into local culture and industry, such as a tugboat and tides exhibit, and a new 5,000-square-foot space where kids can rock climb, build with Imagination Playground blocks and “drive” a model train that whirs above.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Children’s Museum of Skagit County has regular movie nights; Kaleidoscope Play and Learn events; and “Make It and Take It!” on Thursdays at 4 p.m.

INFO: Open daily. $6.25, 12 months and younger free; every second Tuesday of the month is a Community Free Day. skagitchildrensmuseum.net

EXPLORE, PLAY Children’s Museum & LEARN

KidsQuest

Located in downtown Bellevue kidsquestmuseum.org • 425.637.8100 12 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

3. Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett Snohomish County residents would love you to not know about their beloved, three-story museum in downtown Everett, which includes the 9,000-square-foot “Tall Timber” outdoor space on its rooftop. Kids can act on a stage, drive trains on the Monte Cristo mining railway, study X-rays in the vet clinic, build in the construction zone and even dig for dino bones outdoors.

GOOD TO KNOW: Every third Sunday, Imagine Children’s Museum

BE CURIOUS. offers a free-admission “Sensory Time” program from 9 to 11 a.m.

INFO: Open daily except Monday. $12, younger than 12 months free; half-price every Thursday, 3–5 p.m.; free admission every third Friday, 5:30–9 p.m. imaginecm.org

ZOOM IN.

Curiosity emerges at PacSci’s Tropical Butterfly House.

New butterflies taking flight every week.

4. Kids Discovery Museum, Bainbridge Island Location, location. Just a short walk from the Winslow Ferry Terminal on Bainbridge Island, the small but awesome Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) works well as part of a day trip to the island. Kids always love the pirate tree house, the huge light wall and the electric car. Older kids will be drawn to the second floor’s “Motion Madness” exhibit.

pacsci.org/butterflies

NEARBY BONUS: Bainbridge brims with nature and cultural fun, from the always-free Bainbridge Island Art Museum (next door to KiDiMu) to the lovely, wild Bloedel Reserve.

INFO: Open Tuesday–Sunday. $7–$8, younger than 12 months free; free every first Thursday. kidimu.org

5. Children’s Museum of Tacoma The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a small museum with a big draw: It offers pay-what-you-wish admission, which means that you can stop by for an hour without worrying about whether you’ve gotten your money’s worth. The museum is built around four playscapes (Woods, Water, Invention and Voyager), and favorite activities include the wood-cabin tunnel, water table, marine vessel with tower, air pipes, lit Lego table and art studio (called Becka’s Studio).

NEARBY BONUS: The Children’s Museum of Tacoma partners with Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) on a program in which families can create an art project and then visit TAM for free.

INFO: Open daily, except Monday, when only members are admitted.

Admission is pay what you wish. playtacoma.org

Set Sail for High Adventure

6. Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia My son’s eyes still light up whenever I mention “that museum in Olympia.”

At 28,000 square feet, it really does seem to have it all: an “emergency” area with fire truck, helicopter and cop car; a tugboat; a climber/slide to the third floor; a scream room, where kids can measure their decibels; and a maker space. Step outside and you’ll find another half-acre of creative fun, including a driftwood building area and a trike track.

GOOD TO KNOW: Hands On has a small but good café on site. The free-admission WET Science Center (designed for older kids) is across the street.

INFO: Open daily. $11.95–$13.95, ages younger than 2 free (ticket still required); free every first Friday, 5–9 p.m. Hands On Children’s parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 13

children’s museums continued from page 13 Museum, 414 Jefferson St. N.E., Olympia. 360-956-0818. hocm.org

7. Seattle Children’s Museum, Seattle Center If you haven’t stopped by this venerable institution, located in the lower level of the Seattle Center Armory, recently, it’s time for another look. Seattle Children’s Museum has been busy updating exhibits and adding cultural programming, from a renovated theater to new building equipment for the Dunn Lumber exhibit. The Global Village exhibit is being revamped, and there are regular pop-up cultural events.

NEARBY BONUS: Upstairs in the Armory, find free Festál cultural festivals almost every weekend.

Save on hands-on play • You can reserve passes to some museums through the museum pass programs at the King County Library System or Seattle Public Library.

• Most museums offer free admission or very reduced admission for low-income families.

• Most museums have a free or discounted day each month (or week).

• Through the Association of Children’s Museums, membership to many of these museums allows you to enjoy reciprocal benefits with other children’s museums.

INFO: Open daily. $10.50–$11.50, younger than 12 months free; the last hour of the day (4–5 p.m.) has discounted admission. thechildrensmuseum.org ■

• If you have a membership to a museum that’s part of the Northwest Association of Youth Museums (most museums on this list), you can use a buy-one, get-onefree coupon for admission to other member museums.

Elisa Murray is a Seattle-based writer and editor of the ParentMap book “52 Seattle Adventures With Kids,” out now.

• Many museums also offer sensory hours for families with special needs.

Celebrate the Holidays at Hands On Children’s Museum!

Come play with us!

• NEW! Ice Adventures 3-Day Event • Holiday Performers • Hand-Crafted Gift Making • Nature Wreath Making • Silkscreen a Special Gift • Tinkering in the MakeSpace • “Noon Years” Eve Party & Countdown

Plan Your Holiday Visit at hocm.org INSPIRED LEARNING

14 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

OPEN 7 DAYS aw eek!

Hands On

Children’s Museum

$5 OFF ADMISSION

NOV. 1, 2018 - JUNE 30, 2019 Limit one coupon per customer.

For general admission only. PLU 450

*450* 414 Jefferson St. NE Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 956-0818

hocm.org

Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt

Scout the city using these fun ideas

By Gemma Alexander

A

rt museums are a lot more welcoming to children than they used to be, but for lots of kids (and parents, too) exploring a museum is not quite as much fun as exploring the outdoors. Fortunately, art doesn’t always live inside, especially in Seattle. Take the kids on an urban art hunt that’ll have them discovering, climbing and snapping photos in hidden corners all around the city.

Rainier Valley Art Interruptions In this series of temporary installations, seven artists celebrate the Rainier Valley. Between now and July 2019, find painted poles, decorated fences, portraits of community gardeners,

MINH CARRICO

BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER

art scavenger hunt

multilingual sidewalk art and more distributed along the zigzagging length of 46th Avenue S. between Othello and Henderson streets.

Tunnel Portals Take a family bike ride on the Lake Washington Loop for a closer look than a glimpse from the freeway can give you of the bas-relief panels at the east portals of the Mount Baker Tunnel on Interstate 90. The portals, capturing Northwest Coast Native American motifs, were designed in 1940 by Seattle-born James Herbert Fitzgerald, considered the preeminent Northwest artist of his time.

‘Short Cut’ You can’t miss Rachel the Pig at Pike Place Market, but kids will need parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 15

art scavenger hunt continued from page 15 sharp eyes to spot Dan Webb’s “Short Cut,” a series of seven light-bulbholding human figures scattered along The Hill-climb to Western Avenue.

Pike Place Market is crawling with public art; use the Pike Place Pocket Guide to find more art while you make your way through the Market.

Olympic Sculpture Park Don’t forget the cornucopia of public art at the Olympic Sculpture Park, the free outdoor branch of Seattle Art Museum. Winding from the intersection of Broad Street and Western Avenue down to the waterfront, the sculpture park’s art ranges from the quixotic to the monumental.

Mother Nature contributes as well with priceless views of Elliott Bay.

Murals galore Despite their size, murals on private property can be ephemeral things.

Many famous paintings have been lost to development (such as Robert Wyland’s three whale murals that were once downtown). More recently, local artist Henry has generated his own scavenger hunt’s worth of quirky designs across the city. The newest addition to the city’s public/private mural collection is on a Metropolitan Market parking garage wall at tFirst Avenue and Roy Street on Lower Queen Anne. The mural, by John Osgood

16 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

and Zach Bohnenkamp, features the Space Needle, the Washington state bird and flower, Mount Rainier and Puget Sound sea life.

Dancer’s Steps There’s so much to see on Capitol Hill that it’s tempting to gawk as you walk down Broadway, but don’t forget to look down. You’ll find art literally embedded at your feet, thanks to artist Jack Mackie. In 1979, Mackie installed bronze footsteps in the sidewalk between Pine and Roy streets that diagram eight dances (including a couple you’ve never heard of).

‘Black Sun’ Artist Isamu Noguchi may be known for paper lamps, but there is nothing fragile about “Black Sun,” the 30-ton granite sculpture in Volunteer Park framing a view of the Space Needle. Kids may not care if it inspired local band Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” but they can’t resist climbing up to peek through the opening. Nearby, the beloved camels at the Seattle Asian Art Museum are off-limits while the museum is closed for renovation until next year. However, kids can still climb around on the playground north of the museum.

The Troll The funky Fremont neighborhood is home to so much public art that the neighborhood has put out a walking guide; for kids, the troll under the Aurora Bridge is sure to be the favorite. Inspired by the “Three Billy Goats Gruff ” fairy tale, artist Steve Badanes used rebar, wire, concrete and a Volkswagen Beetle to re-create the story. See another fairy-tale character, Rapunzel, letting down her long neon hair at the Fremont Bridge as you walk from the billy goats’ troll to the Fainting Goat for gelato.

Sasquatch Pushing Over a House You may never see Sasquatch hiking in the woods, but at the University Playground (4745 Ninth Ave. N.E.), Rich Beyer’s Sisyphean aluminum creature has been trying to knock over a house frame since the early 1980s. Bonus: The sculpture is on the playground and almost with-in sight of the University District Farmers Market, held on Sundays.

Meet, Greet, & Eat Please Join us at Lincoln South Food Hall for an Unforgettable Experience for the Whole Family with Characters from Snowflake Lane!

‘A Sound Garden’ “A Sound Garden” is the most iconic public artwork on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) local campus. Douglas Hollis’ organ-like pipes make sounds in the wind that inspired the band Soundgarden’s name. Get a pass from the security guard (photo ID required) at the Sand Point Way entry on weekdays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., or enter through Magnuson Park’s off-leash area between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays.

Once inside, you can find several other public artworks on the campus. (Note that “Berth Haven” is no longer accessible due to decay.) ■ Gemma Alexander is a Seattle-based freelance writer. She blogs about the arts and spends too much time on Twitter (@gemmadeetweet).

Want more?

Since 1973, Seattle’s 1 Percent for Art program has ensured that 1 percent of the cost of municipal capital improvement projects be applied to public art. There are now 400 permanent public art installations (and more than 3,000 temporary and portable ones) throughout the city. Down-load the free STQRY (pronounced “story”) app to find more public art near you.

Meet the Snowflake Lane characters at the Lincoln South Food Hall every Monday–Thursday from 5:30– 6:30 pm during Snowflake Lane: November 23–December 24, 2018.

Food + drink specials + fun activities For more information about this one-of-a kind experience, visit lincolnsfh.com/events or find us on social @lincolnsfh. For more information about Snowflake Lane visit snowflakelane.com. parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 17

18 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

camping planner

Become a Camping Planner Pro Skip the last-minute chaos next summer

By Lauren Braden

I

t’s winter, and camping is probably the last thing on your mind. That is, unless you’re a true camping planner pro, in which case you’ve written “Book Kalaloch campsite!” in red pen on your calendar for some time in January — exactly six months to the day before you want to pitch your family’s tent on that uber-scenic stretch of the Olympic coast. You may even have an alarm set for midnight so you’ll call dibs on the choicest, most spacious campsite in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular campgrounds.

If this sounds nutty, I have news for you. There are a lot of nutty people out there, and they get all the great campsites. >>

Ohanapecosh

parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 19

camping planner continued from page 19

“Just a little effort now pays off when summer camping season comes around,” explains Elisa Taylor, a Seattle mom who reserves all her camping adventures, including a long weekend at Mount Rainier’s Ohanapecosh Campground with her kids every summer.

“If your vacation time is limited and you’re not able to head out on a camping trip early in the week, it’s pretty much necessary to have a reservation.”

Improving Lives Around the World

Advanced campground reservations are possible in a majority of campgrounds on public lands throughout the Pacific Northwest. State park campgrounds in both Washington and Oregon generally accept advanced reservations for some or all of their campsites. Some national forest campgrounds also accept reservations. Most national park campgrounds do not accept reservations, though there are a few, very popular exceptions.

Nearly all campground reservations may be easily made online, and in most cases, you may view a photo of each campsite before selecting the one you want. Campground reservations can almost always be canceled for a full or partial refund (though your reservation fee will not be returned, and you may be charged an additional service fee).

However, to receive a refund, the reservation usually must be canceled within a specified number of days before the reservation date.

So, here’s how to make those campground reservations now and become a true pro at planning future camping trips.

ON VIEW NOW Always Free | #DesignWithThe90 Explore Human-Centered Design For All Ages Near Seattle Center at 5th Ave N & Republican

DiscoverGates.org Organized by

Image: Floating Community Lifeboats, Abir Abdullah © Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha

20 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

How to reserve campsites at state park campgrounds State park campgrounds are tailor-made for families. They feature amenities such as easy, well-maintained hiking trails, bathrooms with flush toilets and running water, and coin-operated showers. Most offer both tent sites and utility hookups for camping trailers and RVs. You won’t need a day-use pass to enter a state park in Oregon or Washington when you have campground reservations.

How to reserve campsites in Washington: Washington has 70 state park campgrounds that accept reservations. To reserve online, go to washington.goingtocamp.com. On that website, you’ll find a list or map of reservable campgrounds. You can then reserve the campsite you want by using a credit card (an $8 nonrefundable reservation fee is added to the total cost of your stay) or by calling 1-888-CAMPOUT (a $10 reservation fee is added).

Camping fees range from $12 for pretty basic campsites to $40 for sites with partial utility hookups. Standard tent sites are $25–$35.

is well loved for its scenery and hiking trails, so reservations in summer are a must.

How to reserve campsites in Oregon: Oregon has 62 reservable state park and recreation site campgrounds. To reserve online, go to oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Then, enter your arrival date in the search box to view a list or map of reservable campgrounds.

Reserve the campsite you want by using a credit card or by calling 1-800-452-5687. (An $8 nonrefundable reservation fee is added to the total cost of your stay when you reserve online or by phone.) Camping fees range from $12 to $21 for standard tent sites to about $30 for sites with partial utility hookups.

Deception Pass

Campsites can be reserved up to nine months in advance of your arrival date.

Top “must reserve” campground: Deception Pass State Park, perched atop a dramatic headland on the north end of Whidbey Island,

Campsites can be reserved up to nine months in advance of your arrival date.

Top “must-reserve” campground: Fort Stevens State Park, on the Oregon coast just south of Astoria, where miles of sandy beaches and a historic military artillery installation attract throngs of families. >>

Come Out or in and Play!

• Birthday Parties • Parents Night Out

• Indoor Toddler Play • Craft Series • Cooking Classes

redmond.gov/CommunityCenter parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 21

Prep that Gear Before Next Summer Camping seems like a giant pain when you leave all this to the last minute. A little organizing and gear TLC in the off-season will make packing easier than ever.

• Clean and thoroughly dry all gear before storing it for winter to avoid mildew. You can use a non-detergent soap to wash your sleeping pads and tent by hand, then rinse and hang-dry.

Check the tags on sleeping bags for laundering instructions, and use a vacuum cleaner to remove grit from zippers.

• Store tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads loosely in fabric bags or breathable bins in a cool, dry place. Don’t compress them for extended periods while they’re tightly packed in their sacks.

• Re-waterproof any gear that needs it, such as tent rain-fly seams, rain jackets and hiking boots. Durable water repellent (DWR) coating needs to be washed regularly to stay repellent, and a spin in the dryer can help reactivate the repellence. Gear should be clean and dry before applying a fresh waterproof treatment, such as spray-on Nikwax.

• Repair rips or holes in the fabric of camping gear. You can DIY this or take it in to Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.

• Organize camping gear into transparent, stackable bins.

Stick a label on the outside of each and write down the contents with a Sharpie marker. Store all camping gear together so it’s easy to find, grab and pack for weekend trips.

• Assemble a list of easy camping-meal recipes well ahead of summer to reduce the pre-trip meal-planning panic.

Keep it tasty but simple, like one-pot meals with shelf-stable ingredients. Then assemble a bin for your camp kitchen with all the tools and accessories you need. (This will mean purchasing duplicates of some household items so that you have a roll of aluminum foil, can opener, cutting board, etc. that you only use when camping.

22 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

camping planner continued from page 21

How to reserve campsites at national park campgrounds National park campgrounds are well-maintained and get you close to the major scenery and best hiking trails. Some offer family nature programming and ranger talks.

Planners, however, find these campgrounds less attractive because, currently, only a few national park campgrounds accept reservations.

Until a few years ago, only Mount Rainier offered reservable campsites (at Ohanapecosh and Cougar Rock); now, both Olympic and North Cascades national parks have a few options as well.

How to reserve: National park campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your arrival date at recreation. gov (or call 1-877-444-6777). From the home page, search for a national park, and campgrounds with reservable sites will be displayed.

Camping fees are $16–$22 per night.

Note: Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park books reservations for

Kalaloch

Mazama Campground via a different system. Go to nps.gov/crla to reserve.

Top “must-reserve” campground: Kalaloch is one of the most scenic spots to pitch a tent on the Olympic coast, and is the only national park campground on the west side of the Olympics that accepts reservations. Book it if you want a guaranteed spot to pitch your tent on your next coastal rain forest vacation. >>

PHONES DOWN, SKIS UP. With better snow and more skiable acres than any other resort in Washington or Idaho, there’s no better place for your family to reconnect than Schweitzer. Book your next resort vacation at Schweitzer.com/MorePowderLessFluff, and give your whole family an experience they won’t just “Like,” but love.

More powder. Less fluff.

parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 23

camping planner continued from page 23

How to reserve at national forest campgrounds National forest campgrounds are the most numerous of campgrounds available in Washington, and are the least likely to require reservations far in advance.

These campgrounds vary greatly in advanced reservation policies, the costs of campsites per night and the amenities offered — some are quite basic.

Denny Creek

National forests with campgrounds that accept reservations include Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and some areas of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

How to reserve: Visit recreation.gov and search for the national forest that interests you. The search will yield a list of the campgrounds in that forest that have reservable sites.

Top “must-reserve” campground: Denny Creek Campground is popular in the summer months because of its proximity to Seattle and the trail to a cool natural “waterslide” that bears its name, so advanced booking is a good idea. ■

Lauren Braden is a local travel and recreation writer based in Seattle.

Read her work at Northwest TripFinder (nwtripfinder.com).

24 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

Solve Fun Outdoor Challenges

TacomaNatureCenter.org • (253) 404-3930

W18_tacoma_nature_center_1-4.indd 1

11,000 Sq. Feet

Program

Hands-on Exhibits

Special Events

Scholarships

Art Studio

Parties

... and more!

Pre-School

Camps & Classes

10/12/18 6:33 PM

Hours Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-5pm Toddler Tuesday 8:30am-10am

Field Trips

Community Free Days on the 2nd Tuesday of each month

The Children’s Museum will remain open at the Cascade Mall until construction of the new space at The Outlet Shoppes is completed.

Located in Burlington, WA :: Tel: 360.757.8888 To learn more about the Museum, programs & our 2019 relocation

Anacortes, on Fidalgo Island, is easy to access by bridge from the mainland.

The island is great for a winter weekend getaway with the whole family!

Join us for a Coastal Christmas Celebration, starting the first Friday in December - complete with horse drawn trolley rides, art walks, boutique shopping, holiday farmers market, parades, concerts & more.

www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net

VisitBurlingtonWA.com

VisitSkagitValley.com

parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 25

Presented by Bellevue Parks & Community Services Bellevue Youth Theatre

SELECT DATES

October 26–November 4, 2018

Discover the History and Culture of the Tulalip Tribes 3*; *<-.'.8 45*3.3, 34:*2'*7 ȴ

SELECT DATES

November 9-18, 2018

SELECT DATES

November 23-December 2, 2018

Since time-immemorial, Coast Salish people have relied on natural resources to create textiles that communicate status, wealth, and functionality.

Interwoven History: Coast Salish Wool invites visitors to learn about the fundamentals of weaving, while exploring the materials, techniques, processing and technology.

We invite you to see our textiles and how they came to life.

SELECT DATES

December 7-16, 2018 Bellevue Youth Theatre 16051 NE 10th Street, Bellevue All tickets: $15.

All seats are reserved and we do sell out. Buying your tickets early is highly recommended.

To purchase ticket sales, call the BYT Box Office, 425-452-7155.

Parks.bellevuewa.gov/BYT

Located less than a mile west of Fěă )ƻĜƋ ŏŀŀ ȰȏȦȉ ȶȴVH &ZI 3* 8YPEPMT ;& ȟȁȶȮȦ ȴȰȉ ȮȦȰ ȶȰȉȉ

HibulbCulturalCenter.org 26 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

need sun?

NEED SUN? Three LA Adventures

What this California dream has to offer families

By Anna Lane

I

f you’re looking for a winter-break getaway that’s almost guaranteed to offer sunshine instead of rain, pack your sunscreen and hop a flight to Los Angeles. Southern California is an easy two-hour flight from Seattle, and while LA may be famous for Hollywood glamour, it offers plenty of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages (and adults).

WHAT TO KNOW The city of Los Angeles is a whopping 503 square miles, and while public transportation is getting better, you’ll need to rent a car if you plan to explore different areas.

Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s, even in the dead of winter, but bring clothes that you can layer, as temperatures may vary

by 10–15 degrees, especially near the beach. Be sure to pack hats, as the sun is strong, and many a tourist has suffered a terrible sunburn due to underestimating the strength of those wintertime rays.

WHERE TO STAY If you find it easier to stay at a house rather than a hotel, book a kidfriendly vacation rental through Kid & Coe. It’s slightly pricier than what you’ll find on other sites, but all of the properties offer amenities that appeal to families, including toys, cribs and high chairs.

For a hotel close to the beach, book a stay at Loews Santa Monica Beach.

The hotel features a giant, gorgeous pool that overlooks the beach; a complimentary “Loews Loves Kids” welcome gift upon check-in; the parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 27

need sun? continued from page 27 “Kids Closet,” full of toys, books, car seats, strollers, night lights, potty seats and anything else you might need during your stay; plus, minibars stocked with child-friendly snacks.

Visitors in search of classic Hollywood glamour will find it at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Known colloquially as “The Pink Palace,” The Beverly Hills Hotel features stunning grounds, a pool and cabanas, which have served as the location for many a movie and TV show. Be sure to make time for breakfast at the iconic Fountain Coffee Room (with first-come, first-served counter service).

WHAT TO DO

1. Hollywood daze Start with a stop at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre) to see the cement hand and foot prints of classic and modern-day movie stars alike. The courtyard is always crowded, so be prepared to elbow your way in to catch a glimpse of Marilyn’s tiny heel prints. Across the street from Grauman’s is The El Capitan Theatre, a beautiful art deco movie palace that plays classic and first-run Disney movies. Check the schedule for its special sing-along events, which usually include a live-action character from the featured movie.

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In fact, please don’t waste your money on a bus tour or a movie star map. The tours are often inaccurate (and you won’t see any celebrities), and the maps are so outdated that they might list the home of at least one actor from “The Love Boat.” The places where you’re most likely to see one of your favorite stars are Whole Foods (the Brentwood location, specifically), any of the first-class airport lounges at LAX or the Hollywood Farmers’ Market on Sundays.

If you opt for the farmers’ market, you’ll be able to combine your celebrity spotting with shopping for gorgeous produce and artisanal foods. Don’t miss the shucked-to-order local oysters, yeast-free ancient grains bread or, for the kids, the local face painter.

“Keen insight into the inner world of children.”

CALM

I’m betting that at least one member of your family wants to see a famous person. The good news is that they really are everywhere in Los Angeles, so there’s no need to sign up for the TMZ Celebrity Tour.

After you’ve stocked up on produce, head east to Griffith Park and have lunch at The Trails Cafe. Nestled right in the park, The Trails is famous for its avocado sandwich and vegan pies, but it also has a kids’ menu that includes a “Snake Dog” (a hot dog wrapped in biscuit dough) and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

While you wait for your food, take the kids to the playground across the street, where they can play in the sand and climb on the jungle gym.

After lunch, follow one of the trails up to the Griffith Observatory. The trails are well-marked, and while parts of the hike are slightly steep, it’s a short trek of less than a mile to the front of the observatory. Time your

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afternoon right to catch a show at the planetarium after enjoying the 360-degree view of the LA cityscape.

Cap off your day in Hollywood with dinner at Desano Pizzeria.

Located in a nondescript warehouse, Desano serves classic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. It’s not fancy, but the pies are some of the best in town, the kids love to watch their pizzas being placed into the ovens, and the restaurant has a nice selection of beers on draft.

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2. Beach fun On average, downtown LA receives just 36 rainy days per year, which means that almost every day is a beach day. The Annenberg Community Beach House is located right on Santa Monica Beach.

The 5-acre parcel was formerly the site of a huge beachfront mansion and an ornate swimming pool. While the original mansion no longer stands, The Annenberg features a playground, lots of (clean) restrooms, a splash pad, volleyball nets, a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and a public swimming pool.

The pool is closed during the winter, but the beach is open yearround, and you can rent beach gear through guest services. The adjacent parking lot fills up quickly during peak hours, so plan accordingly and book your parking in advance through the City of Santa Monica.

For a beach day that’s more of an adventure, point your rental car north and head to Malibu. Westward Beach at Point Dume State Beach is quieter than the more well-known Malibu beaches, so in the winter you’re likely to have the beach almost to yourself. Pack a picnic and beach gear, because there’s nothing at Westward except some primitive public restrooms. >>

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traxxracing.com parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 29

need sun? continued from page 29 If you’ve got a hiking family, throw some boots in your bag and head up the trail to the top of the cliff for an even more exquisite view. Make a full day of it and reserve a table for dinner at The Sunset Restaurant, where the food is fine, but the view is the real star.

3. City streets Downtown LA offers so many fun things to do for families with kids.

Start your morning at Grand Central Market with a coffee milkshake from local favorite G&B Coffee. Once everyone is fed, walk across the street to the famous Angels Flight, an old funicular railway that travels up and down Bunker Hill.

Tokyo at Restaurant Oomasa. Located in the charming Japanese Village Next stop: The California Science Center for a look at the spaceship Plaza area, Oomasa is kid-friendly, reasonably priced and serves Endeavour. You’ll need to purchase tickets to see the spaceship, which incredibly fresh fish. After dinner, walk a few doors down to Honeymee is so big that it’s housed in a separate hangar built to be its permanent for soft serve ice cream that’s sweetened with honey; it’s the perfect way to home. The accompanying exhibit has lots of fascinating information finish your LA day. ■ about space travel as well as items such as space suits and dehydrated space food. Don’t miss the galleries on each floor that are just for kids and B:7.75” feature interactive crafts and exhibits (including live snakes!).

Anna Lane is a writer and editor with a focus on humor. Read more of her Close out your downtown adventure with a sushi dinner in Little

T:7.5”work at annalane.net.

The Magic of Giving The holiday season comes alive at the Sheraton Grand Seattle.

Join us for the 26th annual Gingerbread Village benefiting JDRF Northwest – Inspired by Whoville. Stroll through a holiday classic capturing whimsical scenes, discover curious characters, and immerse yourself in a timeless tale. Complete your stay with a 20% discount when you book two nights.

This larger-than-life experience runs from November 20th through January 1st in the new lobby of the Sheraton Grand Seattle. The event is free and open to the public, with donations accepted to directly benefit JDRF. For more information, visit sheratonseattle.com or call 206 621 9000

©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

30 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com

advertisers America’s Automotive Trust . . . . . . 16

,cause parenting is a trip!

Get our go-to guide for Seattle family fun!

Anacortes Chamber of Commerce . . 25 Bellevue Youth Theatre, City of Bellevue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bloedel Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Children’s Museum of Skagit County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 25 City of Redmond - Events . . . . . . . . .21 Crossroads Shopping Center . . . . . 10 Elevated Sportz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Gates Foundation Visitor Center . . 20 Gotta Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Hands On Children’s Museum . . . . 14 Hibulb Cultural Center . . . . . . . . . . .26 KiDiMu Kids Discovery Museum . . 13 KidsQuest Children’s Museum . . . .12 Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lincoln South Food Hall . . . . . . . . . .17 Living Computers: Museum + Labs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ocean Shores Marketing Co-op . . . . 6 Pacific Science Center . . . . . . . . . . . .13 PRO Sports Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Salish Sea Ballet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Schweitzer Mountain Resort . . . . . 23 Semiahmoo Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sheraton Seattle Hotel . . . . . . . . . . .30 Sleeping Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tacoma Nature Center. . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Wild Ginger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 31

Commuting.

This is...

Blue skies as far as the eye can see. Get out of the city and breathe deep in Leavenworth, where your troubles melt away.

509.548.5807 LEAVENWORTH.ORG