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contents
FAMILY ADVENTURE SEATTLE + NORTHWEST
7
Cabin Fever Cures
12
Snow Towns
19
24
Family Fat Biking
Best of San Diego
WINTER 2019–20
GUIDE
35
Winter Craft Walks
What’s snow fun? A PNW winter! I was born and raised in one of the prettiest ski towns in the world, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, so I like to think I know a thing or two about winter adventuring. My remembrances of winter growing up in that champagne-powder paradise include epic snowball fights, sledding for hours, skiing, skating, snowshoeing, SoUSes (Snowmen of Unusual Size), lots of snow ice cream and constantly chapped lips. When it came time for me to choose a place to chart my future as an adult, postcollege, I knew that I needed to follow a compass bearing that would take me to a place where career options were as plentiful as outdoor adventures. What I quickly learned after moving to Seattle is that, from sea to snowy summits, Washington never disappoints in winter.
this growing and “fatastic” four-season sport, and Snow Towns (p. 12) provides powder-perfect itineraries for three of the most family-friendly alpine villages in the Northwest.
Down below the snowline, we’ve gathered up surefire city outings to cure cabin fever (p. 7) and five ways to get crafty after a nature walk (p. 35). Our guide to family fat biking (p. 19) introduces beginners to
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FAMILY ADVENTURE GUIDE WINTER 2019–20 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Alayne Sulkin EDITORIAL INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Vicky McDonald DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Nicole Persun OUT + ABOUT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Devon Hammer
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Diana Cherry, ParentMap’s trending editor, is a native of San Diego; if you need to make like a bird and head south this winter, you can’t go wrong following her insider’s guide to family fun in “America’s Finest City” (p. 24). Happy adventuring! — Patty Lindley, Interim Managing Editor
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cabin fever
Westlake Park carousel
Your family’s Seattle-area winter bucket list By JiaYing Grygiel
I
s being cooped up inside making you climb the walls? Grab the kids, pack some snacks and head out for these cool seasonal adventures for families. Bonus: Most are free or low-cost. And don’t forget to pick up the 99-cent chocolate Advent calendar at Trader Joe’s!
1. Pack in downtown Seattle sights in a day Downtown Seattle’s annual holiday special events are clustered together, which means you can hit them all in one fun and super cheap day. Most are free, and you can catch them in any order: the Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (fairmont.com/seattle), the Gingerbread Village (gingerbreadvillage.org) at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, Macy’s display windows and the Westlake Park carousel ($4 suggested donation).
Seattle Monorail
Next, head to the top level of Westlake Center and take the Monorail to Seattle Center ($2.50 adults, $1.25 kids ages 5–12). The ride alone is thrilling, especially the part where you cut through MoPOP (mopop.org). When you arrive at the Seattle Center Armory (seattlecenter.com), check out the Winter Train & Village model train setup. You might even catch one of the frequent live musical performances during Winterfest.
2. Twirl on ice Bring on your triple axels and double toe loop jumps … or cling for dear life to the rink side boards and shuffle along. Whatever your skill level, the abundance of pop-up skating rinks in November and December makes it easy to test your ice legs. Tacoma’s Point Ruston, Bellevue parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 7
JIAYING GRYGIEL
9 Absolute Coolest Ways to Cure Cabin Fever
cabin fever
Enchant Christmas Seattle JIAYING GRYGIEL
Cure Cabin Fever continued from page 7 Downtown Park, Seattle Center and Redmond Town Center all put up temporary ice rinks for the season. The rinks tend to be small and the ice somewhat bumpy, so they aren’t suitable for the serious pro skater. (I literally saw a guy scraping the ice with a snow shovel in lieu of a Zamboni at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion rink.) You can rent skates and walkers; some places offer a slight discount for bringing your own skates. (See ParentMap’s full guide to local seasonal ice rinks at parentmap.com/skating.)
3. Trip the lights fantastic The only silver lining to it getting dark by 4 p.m. is that there’s more time to take in the holiday lights. Every year, the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Woodland Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium transform their grounds into a lit-up fantasy world after dark. We especially love Garden d’Lights (bellevuebotanical.org) at Bellevue Botanical Garden. It’s
8 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
an affordable $5 entry fee for adults (children 10 and younger are free), and the flower-inspired light displays are truly incredible. Enchant Christmas Seattle (enchantchristmas.com) will be back this year with a light maze that covers the entire T-Mobile Park field. Tickets are an investment, though — last year’s prices were $33 per adult, plus extra for ice skates and parking. For holiday magic on a budget, check out the inspired freelance (and free!) Candy Cane Lane in the Ravenna neighborhood. The 23 neighbors on Northeast Park Rd. deck out their homes with lights and
blow-up decorations. Olympic Manor is another great neighborhood in North Seattle to see residential light displays. Or catch a free, floating light show, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (argosycruises.com), as it sails up and down Puget Sound. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy the impressive and beautiful displays that involved no work by you. (For a complete guide to holiday light displays around the Sound, see parentmap.com/lights.)
WINTER AT BLOEDEL RESERVE
4. Make a free wooden toy at Home Depot
JIAYING GRYGIEL
Home Depot’s kids workshops (homedepot.com/workshops) are the best bargain in town. The store provides all the materials and tools; kids take home a completed project. On Nov. 30 this year, kids can make a reindeer picture frame (aka the easiest grandparent gift ever) and on Dec. 7, they can build their own Christmas countdown calendar. The workshops are free and take place at every Home Depot from 9 a.m. to noon. Just listen for the sound of pounding hammers and you’ll know where to go.
5. Check out free holiday displays We love visiting plant nurseries during the holiday season, all decked out in poinsettias and smelling like pine needles. Hello, photo ops! Molbak’s Garden + Home (molbaks.com) in Woodinville and Swansons Nursery (swansonsnursery.com) in Ballard are annual favorites for my family. Tip: Swansons’ resident Santa is known for being extra easy to work with, and you can book a photo session to skip wait times. Bellevue Square puts on a free holiday show every evening at 7 p.m., from the end of November through Christmas Eve. Bellevue Way is closed off between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square for dancers and performers to take over. Toy soldiers, snow princesses, drummer boys and the old guy in the red suit make their appearance under gobo snowflake lights and faux snow bubbles. The show lasts 15–20 minutes. Be warned that car and foot traffic in the area will be heavily congested and spectators behave badly competing for a primo viewing spot along Snowflake Lane (snowflakelane.com).
6. Play in the snow Maybe we’ll get snow this year, maybe we won’t. The good thing is if the white stuff doesn’t make it to the city, we can always drive up to the
HOLIDAY VILLAGE DISPLAY DEC 15–JAN 5 AT THE RESIDENCE Free with Bloedel Reserve admission Tiny houses are festively decorated and a miniature railroad chugs around this hand-crafted village—a holiday tradition at Bloedel Reserve. Enjoy the snap in the air as you stroll around the grounds. Then head to Residence for hot cider and bit of nostalgia designed to the delight the young and the young-at-heart.
SOLSTICE WALKS FRI & SAT, DEC 20 & 21 Family Friendly Walk 4 PM; Silent Walk, 6 PM $17 Adults; $5 Children and Students, ages 6-16; Free for children 5 & under On the longest night of the year, people the world over celebrate Winter Solstice. Take a guided walk on the trails of Bloedel Reserve lit only by fairy lights and enjoy the stillness of the forest at dusk. We host two guided walks each night. The 4 PM walk is geared for families and children. Talking is permitted. The 6 PM walk is a silent walk. We ask that all participants refrain from talking during this stroll through the woods.
For tickets & information: bloedelreserve.org OPEN YEAR-ROUND, TUES-SUN. RAIN OR SHINE. | 206-842-7631 parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 9
cabin fever
Cure Cabin Fever continued from page 9 mountains to find some. The closest options are Hyak Sno-Park (parks.state.wa.us) and the Summit at Snoqualmie (summitatsnoqualmie.com), both about a 90-minute drive from Seattle and just off I-90. We like that both have heated, nicely maintained restrooms — this is key for a successful winter mountain adventure with kids. Hyak Sno-Park is a great snow play area just east of the Summit. It’s well organized, with one side for sledding; another side for building forts and snowmen and throwing snowballs; and a trail for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. You’ll need to buy a Discover Pass (discoverpass.wa.gov; $35 for an annual pass, $11.50 for a day pass) and a winter Sno-Park permit (available at the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center; $40 for an annual pass, $20 for a day pass). Make sure to get there early, especially on weekends. The parking lot will fill up and you don’t want to drive all the way there just
to turn around and head home with disappointed kiddos. Thrill-seekers should try out the Summit at Snoqualmie’s tubing center. After a wild ride down, you can even ride your tube back up the hill. There’s no minimum age requirement, but it’s recommended for kids ages 3 and older. Book your tickets online before you go ($8–$30 for a 2-hour session).
7. Take a road trip to Leavenworth Winter is the most enchanting time of year to visit Leavenworth, a Bavarian-Alpine-style village in the Cascade Mountains. In about 2 hours, you can get from Seattle to a magical winter wonderland decked out in half a million lights. Most people come for the annual Christmas tree lighting,
WORLD PREMIERE
Open now
Tickets at MoPOP.org 10 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
when there’s lots of other holiday cheer in town: handbell choirs, carolers, sleigh rides and costumed characters. Don’t forget your sleds and tubes to make the most of the snow. Plan on using the baby carrier instead of a stroller, which can be tricky to maneuver inside the small shops. Don’t feel like driving in the snow? Various companies offer a daytrip shuttle to Leavenworth. (See Snow Towns, p. 12, for more tourist tips for visiting Leavenworth.)
8. Visit the best Santa It isn’t over until the big guy knows whether you’ve been naughty or nice. The gold standard for Insta-perfect photos is the Nordstrom Santa. Looking for someone special? Visit the Asian American Santa at the Wing Luke Museum (wingluke.org) or Black Santa at the Northwest African American Museum (naamnw.org). (ParentMap readers share more of their favorite Santas at parentmap.com/santa.)
Discover the History and Culture of the Tulalip Tribes The mission of the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve is to revive, restore, protect, interpret, collect and enhance the history, traditional cultural en
9. Make your own salt
values and spiritual beliefs of the
dough ornaments
Tulalip Tribes. T
JIAYING GRYGIEL
If we learned anything from Snowmageddon earlier this year, it’s that we always need to have a backup plan. When it’s too yucky out or if kids are under the weather, make the most of your time at home with this super simple salt dough ornament recipe: Mix 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt and about 2 cups of hot water (keep adding water until the mixture gets to dough consistency). After the kiddos shape and decorate their ornaments, pop them in the oven at 325 degrees for 45 minutes to dry and harden. This is a fun and easy way to keep the kids busy for hours! n JiaYing Grygiel is a mama of two boys, 8 and 4, and a freelance photographer and writer. She blogs at photoj.net.
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snow towns
SNOW TOWNS Leavenworth, Washington
3 wintry villages offer mountains of fun By Lauren Braden
I
n the depths of winter, when Puget Sound is socked in with drizzle and fog, remember what sits up there above the marine layer: Nestled among the glacier-capped peaks of the Cascades and Rockies are a dozen or so fantastic snow towns. On any winter weekend, you can load up the car with kids, down jackets and skis, and in just a few hours be checking into a cozy lodge suite, where the wood fire is already stoked and the cocoa mugs prewarmed. Even if skiing isn’t on the family-fun list, you can sled, skate and wage snowball fights to your heart’s content. What’s the foolproof recipe for finding your family’s favorite snow town? Look for these ingredients: 1) a charming Main Street that’ll have you feeling as if you’ve strolled onto a holiday postcard; 2) proximity to winter adventures for all ages; 3) a family-friendly après-ski scene, even if it’s just sipping hot drinks and playing games beside a roaring fire; and, of course, 4) reliable snowfall throughout the winter months. Here’s our guide to three of the most family-friendly powder-coated alpine villages in the Northwest, with insider tips for making the most of your visit this winter. 12 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
1 Whitefish, Montana: An undiscovered powder town Known as “Stumptown” to locals (it’s the town’s original name), Whitefish, Montana, is an unpretentious town where resident skiers take full advantage of easy access to the semidry powder, numerous groomed runs and open forest glades. A gateway to the west side of Glacier National Park, this über-pretty Rocky Mountain village also hosts hordes of hikers and mountain bikers in summer months. But in winter, when the town is cocooned in snow in its location at the base of a terrific ski resort, tourism is light compared with other well-known Western ski towns such as Sun Valley or Vail. The rewards are yours: short lift lines, nicely priced lodge rooms, dozens of terrific eateries and stunning scenery. Best for: Laid-back skiers, powder hounds, adventurous families The scene: It’s less of a ski resort and more of a real mountain town, where small restaurants, cozy cafés and the mountain’s ski glades host as many locals as tourists. Kids will love: Taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow at Bar W Guest Ranch (thebarw.com), just west of town. Four-person
minimum; cozy blankets and hot beverages provided. Snow fun: Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain (skiwhitefish.com), just 6 miles north of town, where 3,000 skiable acres include 105 marked trails (some beginner runs), a vast powder bowl, glades for tree skiing and four terrain parks. The resort’s Ski & Ride School will get your beginner kids of all ages comfortable on the slopes, with the option of private lessons. The Kids Center offers on-site child care. The fully stocked ski rental shop includes adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. (One-day lift tickets $42–$83; kids 6 and younger ski free.) Nonskiers will love the 2-hour ranger-led snowshoe walks departing from the Glacier National Park Apgar Visitor Center (nps.gov/glac; ages 6 and older; participants must use their own snowshoes or rent them at the Visitor Center Bookstore for $2/pair). Breakfast like a local: Debate powder versus crud with locals over huevos rancheros or a stack of buttermilk pancakes at The Buffalo Cafe (buffalocafewhitefish.com). Brew with a view: Head upstairs at Great Northern Brewing Company (greatnorthernbrewing.com) — that’s where the tables with great views are — and order the flagship craft lager, made with local hops and handpicked Montana huckleberries, gourmet sandwich baskets and kettle chips. Post-slope shopping: Browse the Western-style downtown and end up at Stumptown Marketplace (stumptownmarket.com), a rustic indoor mall where you can sample artisan cheese, share a gooey cinnamon roll, stock up on fine teas and buy in bulk at a candy store. Time your trip: For more than 50 years, the Whitefish Winter Carnival (whitefishwintercarnival.com) has celebrated the snowy season with parades, a kids’ carnival, fireworks and frivolity (Feb. 7–9, 2020). Stay: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake (lodgeatwhitefishlake.com) boasts an indoor pool framed by a rock waterfall and a grand Northwest-style communal lobby for playing Scrabble beside a roaring fire. The spacious lodge rooms feature a gas fireplace, TV and Wi-Fi; suites and condos are also available. Get there: Whitefish is a 9-hour drive from Seattle (mostly on I-90 east), but Alaska Airlines flies directly from Seattle to Glacier Park International Airport daily. Or, for the quintessential winter adventure, ride the rails from Seattle to Whitefish, soaking in the scenery on Amtrak’s Empire Builder Train (amtrak.com).
2 Sisters, Oregon: Into the Wild West At its elevation of nearly 3,200 feet, this Wild West-themed mountain town enjoys regular fresh blankets of snow in winter, so if you’re dressing like the locals, you’ll want to make sure your cowboy hats and boots are waterproofed. While the downtown wooden boardwalks and Old West storefront facades are mostly for the benefit of city slickers like us, Sisters’ 19th-century vibe isn’t a total gimmick — the town was established way back in 1888 as a stagecoach stop. Today, it’s a gateway to backcountry and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and fly-fishing adventures. Sisters, about a 6-hour drive from Seattle, is 22 miles northwest of Bend, and straddles the high desert to its east and Cascade alpine country to its west. Its name hails from the trio of skyscraping, snowcapped volcanic peaks (known collectively as Three Sisters) that provide a stunning backdrop to your visit. Best for: New skiers, wannabe cowboys, crowd-averse travelers The scene: An Old West aesthetic permeates every shop and saloon in this throwback town. Snow fun: A resort that’s under the radar but should be high on any Northwest family’s winter bucket list, Hoodoo Ski Area (skihoodoo.com; 34 runs, five lifts, open early December–April), is about a 30-minute drive from Sisters. Comprising 800 acres of ski terrain, Hoodoo is known as one of the most family-friendly ski areas in the Northwest, with several easy, beginnerfriendly runs, lessons for all ages and an epic tubing center (10 runs for $17–$34 last season). Powder hounds will find fun here, too, especially on the less developed backside. (Lift tickets run $23–$66, kids 7 and younger are free.) Kids will love: Hoodoo’s great beginner terrain and rustic day lodge, which features board games, foosball, pool tables, snacks, hot cocoa and comfy, overstuffed couches for lounging. Post-slope shopping: Stroll the wooden sidewalks of Sisters to pop into art galleries, specialty shops and the always bustling mercantile. Like a local: Order a latte and croissant at Sisters Coffee Company (sisterscoffee.com) and take a seat on the leather sofa beside the huge river-rock fireplace. After admiring the vast taxidermy collection on the wall, vintage sleds and wagon-wheel chandeliers, catch up on your reading or just listen in on the local gossip. Nachos and craft beer: Central Oregon deserves its reputation as the craft beer capital of the Pacific Northwest, especially renowned for hoppy pale ales, and Three Creeks Brewing Co. (threecreeksbrewing.com) parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 13
snow towns
Leavenworth, Washington BRIAN MUNOZ
NW Winter Wonderlands continued from page 13 rules that roost in Sisters. This family-friendly brewpub slings great burgers and appetizers, and it steps out of the brewpub box with items such as Thai spring rolls and gluten-free pasta alfredo. Stay: Stroll to restaurants and galleries from your vintage-vibe suite at Sisters Motor Lodge (sistersmotorlodge.com), a locally owned and operated motel downtown. The décor features plenty of quilts and throw pillows, but is tastefully cozy, not frilly or cluttered. And you can bring your dog. Get there: Sisters is about a 6-hour drive from Seattle or catch a 1-hour flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to nearby Redmond, Oregon.
3 Leavenworth, Washington: Go kitsch Leavenworth, that faux Bavarian confection set in a scenic corner of the craggy Cascade foothills, might feel almost too familiar to Seattle-area families. But at just a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from the Emerald City, the winter fun per mile driven can’t be beat. With a nearby ski area, a sledding hill (and unofficial sledding in town), family-friendly hotels and restaurants, it offers snow end of fun for all ages. While this mountain
14 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
town really turns the storybook charm to full throttle for the snow-laden holidays, it’s just as great during the rest of winter, too. Best for: Alpine scenery lovers, cross-country skiers, multigenerational families The scene: Deck the halls with boughs so kitschy! This Bavarianthemed village’s streets transform for the winter holidays, starting with its annual Christmas Lighting Festival in December, when half a million twinkling white lights are strung up along the steep roofs of its halftimbered buildings and festive tunes such as “O Tannenbaum” ring out. (The Lighting Festival takes place on weekends throughout December and lights are on display from Thanksgiving through mid-February.)
Kids will love: Pop in at The Gingerbread Factory (gingerbreadfactory.com) for just-out-of-the-oven gingersnaps and snickerdoodles, and then marvel at the intricately decorated holiday gingerbread houses (available for sale). Snow fun: A little more than a mile north of downtown is Ski Hill (skileavenworth.com), a unique hub of various snow activities just right for the pint-sized set. It includes snowshoe trails, two alpine runs (day passes from $17; ages 5 and younger free) and a fun tubing hill (tubes provided; $20), both serviced by rope tows. A small lodge serves hot cocoa and other steaming beverages. On the west end of Leavenworth is the region’s most
4 more snow towns to try McCall, Idaho (mccall.id.us): The slopes of Sun Valley may draw the celebs, but no-glitz McCall and its two ski resorts (downhill and cross-country) draw powder hounds who prefer wide-open slopes and no lift lines. McCall’s epic Winter Carnival (Jan. 24–Feb. 2, 2020) hosts 10 days of intricate snow sculptures, dog sledding, snow bike races and parades.
Winthrop, Washington (winthropwashington.com): A great choice for families that love cross-country skiing, the Methow Valley boasts more than 120 miles of Nordic trails (some groomed, from easy to challenging). When you’re ready for a change of scenery, kids will love Winthrop’s open-air ice skating rink, and parents appreciate the delicious coffee at Rocking Horse Bakery (rockinghorsebakery.com).
Welcome to Winthrop – an old western town with antique boardwalks, great shops, restaurants, lodging and every outdoor recreational pursuit you could ask for! Winthrop is a year-round wonderland and is acclaimed for the nation’s largest network of groomed cross-country ski trails.
Baker City, Oregon (bakercity.com): It’s the nearest town to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort (anthonylakes.com), blanketed in powdery, fluffy snow that’s a rare treat for Northwest skiers. The historic Geiser Grand Hotel (geisergrand.com) in downtown Baker City is the place to stay; its huge rooms with soaring ceilings have been restored to their original 19th-century glory. Draft horses lead sleigh rides, allowing passengers to peep cheery holiday light displays.
Nelson, British Columbia (hellobc.com): If your kids already consider themselves to be powder heads or shredders, take them to Nelson, a truly authentic mountain town that retains a throwback skibum vibe hard to find these days. Set along B.C.’s “Powder Highway” through the Kootenay Rockies, Nelson is home to the little-known but much-beloved Whitewater Ski Resort (skiwhitewater.com).
winthropwashington.com parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 15
snow towns
NW Winter Wonderlands continued from page 15 popular and kid-friendly groomed Nordic ski area, the easy, scenic Icicle River Trail system (day passes from $15; ages 5 and younger free). For a big resort experience, drive just 40 minutes on Highway 2 to Stevens Pass (stevenspass.com), which offers great deals for families (kids 6 and younger ski free) and an extensive network of runs. For nonski thrills, bring your plastic sled to slide down the short but sweet sledding hill at Front Street Park; or book a ride along the Icicle River on a horse-drawn sleigh operated by Icicle Outfitters & Guides (icicleoutfitters.com). Worth the line: Don’t shed your down coats just yet — part of the fun of noshing at München Haus (munchenhaus.com) in winter is enjoying your hot bratwurst with a side of apple cider kraut on the outdoor patio (don’t worry: toasty wood fires and heaters take the chill off). Save room for a warm Bavarian pretzel you top yourself at the incredible mustard bar. Hand-tossed: If your idea of family dinner is sharing a giant pizza pie, head to Leavenworth Pizza Company. Its house-made pizza sauce recipe is so good, it’s kept a well-guarded secret. Post-sledding activity: Tucked in among the cute shops that peddle
16 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
music boxes and Swiss chocolates in downtown Leavenworth is the mustvisit Nutcracker Museum (nutcrackermuseum.com), where more than 5,000 nutcrackers on shelves and in glass cases beckon the curious for a closer look. Time your trip: For maximum holiday cheer, aim for one of the first three full weekends in December, when the Lighting Festival is in full swing, featuring costumed holiday characters, handbell choirs, strolling carolers, roasted chestnuts, sledding, a cookie crawl for the kids and a Glühwein (hot spiced wine) tent for the grown-ups. Or head to the Bavarian Icefest (Jan. 18, 2020) for icy games, sculptures, sledding and more. Stay: In town, the Bavarian Lodge (bavarianlodge.com) is one of the best choices for families. The rooms are a good value, and there’s a complimentary breakfast buffet, a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Get there: Leavenworth is about 2 and a half hours east of Seattle by car via either I-90 or Highway 2. n Lauren Braden is a Pacific Northwest writer who focuses on recreation and local travel. She blogs at nwtripfinder.com. This popular story, originally published in 2018, has been updated and reprinted for 2019.
IT’S SO LEAVENWORTH IT
From the Bavarian-inspired culture, charm, and experiences, to the alpine adventures here in the heart of the Cascades. Don’t just escape the everyday. Leavenworth it. LEAVENWORTH.ORG
parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 17
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, wine tastings, and pickleball, you can try something new, too.
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18 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
winter biking METHOW TRAILS
Family Fat Biking 101 Where and how to try this ‘fatastic’ sport this winter By Samantha Larson
B
iking has officially become a four-season sport. Equipped with oversized tires that are kept at low pressure, so-called fat bikes are trail-ready almost anytime, anywhere — including on soft or slippery surfaces such as sand, mud and even snow. This terrain versatility makes fat biking one of cycling’s fastest-growing trends and a perfect fit for cold-weather family adventures. Fat biking is a great way to explore Washington’s winter landscapes, one that is easy to combine with other snow-time fun — say, a stop to build a snowman or have an impromptu snowball fight. When the next Snowpocalypse hits the Seattle area, biking through the snow will make a simple cruise through town to get a cup of hot cocoa all the more exciting. And planning a trip to a more extensive trail network makes for an active family getaway that is more affordable than resort skiing. A bike carrier outfitted with ski attachments makes it easy to take the little ones along for the ride, and fat bikes have more recently become available in smaller sizes, making it possible for older kids to ride alongside. The best part? Chances are good that you already know how to do it, even if you’ve never actually biked on snow before. “Pretty much everyone knows how to ride a bike, so all you need to do is get up and go,” says Erika Halm, outreach and access manager at Methow Trails (methowtrails.org) in Eastern Washington. “It’s just like riding a normal bike, but you’re magically floating on top of the snow.”
WHERE TO GO Methow Valley
Methow Trails offers the largest cross-country ski system in North America and is a pioneer of fat biking in the lower 48 states. “When we first offered fat biking, we thought we were on the leading edge — but now everyone is doing it,” says Halm. Still, Methow Trails holds its place as the local gold standard. The organization opens about 35 kilometers of routinely groomed trails to fat bikers: some multi-use trails that are shared with skiers and snowshoers, and some trails that are reserved exclusively for cyclists. Daily grooming reports are posted on the organization’s website, so it is easy to make a plan based on current conditions (fat biking becomes more challenging the longer it has been since the trails have been groomed and also more challenging in soft, mushy snow). Some of the trails are even open to dogs, making it possible for the whole crew to tag along. For those looking for a bigger adventure, Methow Trails partners with Rendezvous Huts (rendezvoushuts.com) to groom trails to make several remote cabins accessible in winter. You can get to one of them — the Grizzly Hut — via fat bike. “I’ve taken my 2-year-old to the huts, and it’s worked out great,” says Halm. “Like anything, you have to be prepared to bring a lot of stuff, but she loves it.” ► parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 19
winter biking
STAYING LOCAL
Family Fat Biking 101 METHOW TRAILS
continued from page 19
While the best groomed trails available to fat bikers are a bit of a trek from Seattle, there are also fat biking options that are closer to home. “If you want to ride a fat bike, all you really need to do is get ahold of one,”
Outside of the Methow Trails network, Pearrygin Lake State Park, 3 miles northeast of Winthrop, opens about 33 kilometers of trails to fat bikers. Fat bike rentals are available at Methow Cycle & Sport (methowcyclesport.com), Cascades Outdoor Store (cascadesoutdoorstore.com), Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies (goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com) and North Cascades Cycle Werks (northcascadescyclewerks.com).
says Patrick Walker, senior marketing manager for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (evergreenmtb.org). If there are less than 6 inches of snow, you can ride fat bikes anywhere — for example, a good choice could be along the John Wayne Pioneer Trail in Iron Horse State Park, about an hour’s drive from Seattle. If you want to experience the challenge of deeper snow, the snowmobile trails of the Sno-Parks near Snoqualmie Pass (parks.state.wa.us) could be a good option. If you plan to ride on more than 6 inches of snow, however, you want to make sure you’re traversing a firm, packed surface. Otherwise, you’ll be spending your time pushing your bike rather than riding it. (For a guide to family mountain biking, see parentmap.com/biking.)
Central Cascades The Leavenworth Ski Hill (skileavenworth.com), operated by the
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20 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
METHOW TRAILS
Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (LWSC), is the epicenter of crosscountry snow sports in the Central Cascades, and that includes winter cycling. Fat biking is allowed on a portion of the ski hill’s groomed trails from 6–10 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. Five kilometers of these trails are lighted, with an additional two kilometers that you can ride with a bike mount or headlamp. Be sure to check for closures and trail conditions ahead of time on the LWSC website. In neighboring Wenatchee, Squilchuck State Park also offers several miles of groomed trails that are open to fat bikers. Fat bike rentals are available at Arlberg Sports (arlbergsports.com) locations in Leavenworth and Wenatchee.
White Pass The White Pass Nordic Center (skiwhitepass.com), home to 18 kilometers of groomed trails, is one of the most low-key, family-friendly crosscountry ski outfits in the Pacific Northwest. Its relatively high elevation also means it gets lots of the fluffy white stuff. The Nordic Center’s rental shop outfits fat bikes, and allows them on their trails when conditions permit (as in, when the bike tires won’t leave a rut in the snow that could interfere with cross-country skiers). Dogs are also allowed on the trails beginning at 3:30 p.m., so it’s another good option when a family wants to include Fido in the fun.
TIPS AND TRICKS Find a set of wheels
Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation if you plan to rent a fat bike or chariot. If you have difficulty finding a child-sized fat bike, Patrick Walker, senior marketing manager for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (evergreenmtb.org), suggests asking if the rental business has plus-sized mountain bikes. The tires of plus-sized bikes are 2.8 inches wide, which should be big enough to stay on top of the snow bearing the lighter weight of a child. For adult bikes, the tires need to be at least 3.75 inches wide and filled to a maximum of 6 psi. ► parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 21
winter biking
Family Fat Biking 101 continued from page 21
Layer up “Dress as you would for Nordic skiing,” Walker recommends. “Even though it’s cold out, you’re going to be active. But do wear shoes that will keep your feet warm — not your normal biking shoes.” If you are pulling children in a chariot, remember that you will be doing all the work, so bundle them up!
Conditions matter “Temperature makes a big difference in terms of when to go,” says Walker. As a general rule: the colder, the better. Cold snow will be easier to ride on because it’s firmer; pedaling will take more effort or even become impossible as things warm up and the snow softens.
Know the rules Just as on a multi-use trail in the summer, cyclists must yield to other trail users (in this case, snowshoers and cross-country skiers). Stay out of groomed classic cross-country tracks if you encounter them because the bike tires will widen the tracks, making it more difficult for skiers. Many groomed trails will close if conditions get too soft; as a general rule, if you leave a rut
that is more than an inch deep you should not be riding.
Go for a test run While riding fat bikes requires the same basic skills as normal cycling, it does have a different feel to it and can take some getting used to. Plus, “Your easiest trail is going to become more challenging when there’s snow on it,” notes Walker. Keep things fun by starting off easy; assess everyone’s abilities and then ramp up to harder trails only when everyone is ready. That being said, the fun of fat biking usually comes easily — and learning the ropes is often a part of that. “The great thing about riding in snow is if you do topple off, it’s usually just a cause for laughter,” says Halm. “It’s hard to get hurt.” n Samantha Larson writes about science, the environment and her many adventures. Tweet at her @samantson.
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san diego
15 Best Things to
24 • Family Adventure Guide • parentmap.com
Do in San Diego in the Off-Season
Top tourist spots worth visiting in winter, plus tips on lesser-known local favorites for family fun By Diana Cherry
I
Coronado Ferry Landing
t’s not just the birds that know the secret to surviving the drearier months in the Pacific Northwest: Every Puget Sound family knows it’s essential to head south to warmer climes in winter whenever you can. For most families I know, favorite havens include Hawaii and Mexico, where sunshine is guaranteed and family accommodations are plentiful. But I’m still surprised that for many Seattleites, San Diego doesn’t make the list of top destinations quite as often. I grew up in San Diego, so forgive me for my bias when I say that it comes by its nickname honestly: It really is “America’s Finest City.” San Diego’s weather is reliably good, and the city offers a plethora of affordable entertainment, local culture and learning opportunities everywhere you turn. Airbnb options abound, and you can usually find great flight deals year-round. So, forget Hawaii and Mexico! I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for family fun in my favorite city. Some are typical tourist spots worth mentioning, while others are more off the beaten path. All are sure to score you major vacay planning points with your crew. ► parentmap.com • Family Adventure Guide • 25
san diego 15 Best Things to Do in San Diego continued from page 25
Yaaas, beach!
parking (at least by beach lot standards) and the water temps and current are milder than those at other area beaches.
Hitting the beaches should be your first order of business when you visit San Diego. Every popular beach in the city is known for something different, and frequent visitors and locals alike all have their favorites. Here are my top picks for families: DIANA CHERRY
Silver Strand Beach For lounging, swimming and sandcastlebuilding, this is the most kid-friendly beach in town (parks.ca.gov). There’s plenty of
Belmont Park at Mission Beach For a boardwalk feel and diversions, head to Mission Beach’s Belmont Park (belmontpark.com). If you’re a thrill-seeking crew, you can get a day pass for unlimited rides and attractions such as roller-coaster rides and carnival games; but I’d skip the passes and opt to splurge on bike rentals for a ride along the nearby bike path. Glorietta Bay Park Beach on Coronado Island For a slower-paced beach excursion, head to Glorietta Bay (californiabeaches.com), a small cove just off the bay of Coronado Island affording gorgeous views of the city. You can rent boats or bikes, dine outdoors, shop, or stay and play on the beach or at the nearby playground. Certain areas of the beach have designated fire-pit areas for enjoying evening bonfires.
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San Diego Zoo One of San Diego’s most popular attractions is the San Diego Zoo (zoo.sandiegozoo.org). And for good reason: Located in historic Balboa Park, this sprawling 100-acre park is unlike any other zoo in the world. With over 700,000 species of plants in its botanical gardens and habitats, the zoo is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals. It’s best to tackle the zoo like you would an amusement park: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, patience and cash. While there, you can take a double-decker bus tour, watch a 3-D movie at the on-site theater, stop in and play at one of three playgrounds, ride the train or the exhilarating aerial tram, and get up close and personal with so many unique animal experiences. San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Safari Park (sdzsafaripark.org), a wildlife sanctuary located in nearby Escondido, California, is a satellite site of the San Diego Zoo. The 1,800-acre park is home to over 3,000 animals and offers several daily safari-like excursions, hands-on animal experiences and exhibits. Both the zoo and safari park are owned and operated by the not-forprofit organization San Diego Zoo Global. This means that joint tickets
are available for both experiences at a discounted rate, but be aware that there’s an estimated 50 minutes of driving time between the two destinations (in the most merciful of traffic). Still, both excursions are worth the splurge — maybe just plan not to tackle them on the same day.
Take them out to the ballgame I may have a lot of pride about being a native San Diegan, but let’s be real: The Padres (mlb.com/padres) are rarely a top-ranked team. And that’s actually good news for tourists traveling on a budget: You can enjoy America’s favorite pastime in one of the coolest ballparks on the West
The Magic of Giving The holiday season comes alive at the Sheraton Grand Seattle. Join us for the 27th Annual Gingerbread Village benefiting JDRF Northwest – inspired by #ElfLife. Stroll through a holiday classic, and capture 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 22 to January 1 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, please visit gingerbreadvillage.org or call 206 621 9000. SheratonGrandSeattle
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san diego Best Things to Do in San Diego continued from page 27 Coast on the cheap. If you do, you won’t just have the pleasure of taking in the game. Petco Park, built in 2004, faces due north, treating fans to optimal views of San Diego Bay, the city skyline, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, depending on the direction your seats face. The area surrounding the stadium boasts a pedestrian promenade with plenty of options for family-friendly brewpubs and restaurants. Grab a burrito or street tacos for under $5 at local favorite taco shop Lolita’s (lolitasmexicanfood.com), then stop by Padres’ Park at the Park, a kidfriendly, 2.7-acre lawn inside the gates where kids can picnic and play and parents can quaff local craft beers such as Alpine, Green Flash or Ballast Point at the nearby outdoor beer garden. Instead of driving to the game, plan to take the city’s charming metro trolley (sdmts.com). It’s accessible from most city neighborhoods and runs right into the back entrance of the stadium.
Get schooled
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. 190924 Crossroads ParentMap Movies 3.625x4 f.pdf
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DIANA CHERRY
No kid likes to feel like school’s still in session while they’re on vacation, but sneakily dropping knowledge so my kids are still learning during family trips and school breaks is kind of my specialty. Because San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California, it offers a wealth of rich history to discover. Most notably, a visit to San Diego’s Historic Old Town Park (oldtownsandiegoguide.com) exposes kids to fascinating history that’s anything but textbook. When my family of six visits San Diego, it’s one of our favorite places to go: We love exploring the dozens of preserved buildings dating from the 1820s–1870s, souvenir shops and historic (but kid-friendly) museums and restaurants — all within its 1-mile radius. The park hosts a series of live cultural events all year long. On Halloween, visitors can trick-or-treat in the park quad. On Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”), altars adorn shopfronts, and there is a variety of fun activities for families to celebrate the spirit(s!) of the holiday. During the religious novena Historic Old Town Park Las Posadas, the park is
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!
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san diego Best Things to Do in San Diego continued from page 29
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decorated for the festival, which is celebrated with live music, piñatas and s’mores roasted over campfires. Even if there’s no formal event planned during your visit, it’s not unusual to happen upon a pop-up mariachi band or a jarabe tapatío (Mexican hat dance) in the park’s tree-lined quad. Plus, if you’re looking for a place to load up on affordable souvenirs without venturing south of the border, Old Town is the place to go. Its bustling avenues are lined with shops vending brightly colored serapes, terracotta pottery, Mexican and indigenous artisan products, and homemade Mexican delicacies, including homemade hot tortillas and tamales.
Sail away, sail away, sail away San Diego is a maritime town, so expect a boatload of fun activities for the aspiring sailors (or pirates!) in your family to enjoy. The USS Midway Museum San Diego is home to one of the largest naval bases in the country. To get in the maritime spirit, you can watch naval jets soar over Coronado Beach, drive along the coast at North Island to see naval training sites in action, or visit the USS Midway Museum (midway.org), a naval aircraft carrier docked on the harbor alongside Navy Pier just outside Seaport Village. Renovated in 2004 (and again in 2018), the USS Midway Museum serves as the largest and most visited naval warship museum in the country. Tours of
DIANA CHERRY
Glorietta Bay
San Diego Pier Cafe
the vessel include virtual-reality experiences, video games, short historical films and other digital exhibits sure to wow the kids. The Coronado Ferry One fun way to travel from downtown San Diego to explore and enjoy the many attractions of Coronado Island is via the Coronado Ferry (coronadoferrylanding.com). It’s a steep $10 for a round trip (kids 3 and younger free), but it takes just 15 minutes to get across the bay. You can dine on seafood, stroll through the street market and even pet parrots all along the port on the Seaport Village (seaportvillage.com) side. Grab famous fish and chips at locally owned San Diego Pier Cafe (piercafe.com), stop in for a short ride on the historic village carousel and then cruise across the bay to Coronado for an afternoon or evening of fun at Glorietta Bay. San Diego Maritime Museum For a lesser-known excursion, step aboard the Star of India, the oldest iron-hulled merchant ship in the world. She’s permanently moored in the San Diego Harbor as the site of the San Diego Maritime Museum (sdmaritime.org). The vessel hosts outdoor movies, concerts and holiday celebrations for families throughout the year. Plus, they serve a pretty delish New England clam chowder on board.
Make a splash If you know anything about San Diego, it’s probably that one of its iconic attractions is SeaWorld (seaworld.com/san-diego). As a kid, my family visited the park often. But in recent years, SeaWorld has come under fire for its treatment of marine animals, particularly its resident orcas. Since learning more, I’ve made the decision not to go back, though the park has taken steps to add new rides and animal exhibits, as well as to promote its conservation and rescue efforts. The good news is, you don’t need Shamu to make a splash with your family. San Diego offers plenty of other ways to experience amazing coastal creatures. ►
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san diego Best Things to Do in San Diego continued from page 31
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The La Jolla Tide Pools Especially if you’re visiting during winter months, you’ll want to head to the La Jolla Tide Pools (lajolla.com). From December to March, the area’s tides are low, and a delightful array of marine life becomes viewable from exposed nooks and crannies along the cliffside. Living Coast Discovery Center One hidden-gem destination locals love is Chula Vista’s Living Coast Discovery Center (thelivingcoast.org), an environmental education center that has an impressive offering of exhibits featuring marine and land birds and animals, walking tours and trails, hands-on animal encounters, a walk-in aviary and several observatory tanks where kids can peep sea turtles, sharks and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. Iconic eats No trip to California is complete without a grub stop at In-N-Out Burger. Order an off-menu “secret” item such as its Neapolitan milkshake or “Animal Style” fries to really savor a local’s experience. Or head to La Bella’s Pizza Garden (labellas.com) for cheap, out-of-this-world pizza, Pliny the Elder IPA on tap and arcade games. The Tijuana Estuary Located along the international border between the United States and Mexico, the Tijuana Estuary (parks.ca.gov) is the largest coastal wetland in Southern California. Home to nearly 400 bird species and over 20 other sensitive and endangered species, the estuary offers 4 beautiful miles of hiking and horse trails with stunning views. Kids can observe native plants and birds, as well as visit a MexicoUnited States border monument. Stop off at the visitor center to grab a field guide to identify local species and get more information about site trails. n Diana Cherry, a native of San Diego, is ParentMap’s trending editor and social media strategist.
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winter walks LAUREN BRADEN
5 Wanderful Winter Walks Keep kids connected to the natural world all winter with these crafty nature adventures By Lauren Braden
D
o most birds fly south for the winter? How do leaves turn different colors? Why is each snowflake unique? If you know a little naturalist who wonders about such things, these adventures are for you. It’s easy to see winter as the season of nature’s dormancy, a drab stretch of months with inclement weather and scant sunlight before the burst of bright blooms and birdsong of spring. But nature in winter is very much alive and rewards curious children with its wonders. Connect with nature in its quiet season through arts, crafts and hands-on activities in the great outdoors. Bundle up your little adventurers head to toe in layers — hats, scarves, gloves (fingerless mitts are handy for doing crafts outdoors) and warm, waterproof boots are a must. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or tea for frequent warm-up breaks. Here are five ways to get crafty in nature over
the winter months, plus our picks for where to go, from sea to snow.
1 THE CRAFT: Collaborate with nature to make a land art sculpture. Search around the forest floor or a rocky beach. What do you see? An oak forest may be carpeted with acorns and leaves, while a beach may have many types of seashells. A land art sculpture is created entirely from materials found in the environment within which it is constructed, residing in harmony with the earth. After the children have collected some materials, they may choose to lay out a spiral pattern of pinecones, or a sunburst sculpture of fern fronds with rays made of lined-up snowberries. For inspiration, search for images of the cool balanced rock formations of artist Michael Grab, or the ombre lines of intensely hued leaves by Andy Goldsworthy. Remember, land art sculptures are to be left in place, where they
will eventually be dismantled by weather and wild animals. This may be challenging for kids who want to take their work of art home; take a photo instead and try to use the opportunity to teach the Zen philosophy of impermanence in nature.
THE PATHS: Kayak Point Park in Snohomish County has a wonderful pebble beach south of the point for perusing waterpolished rocks in many colors and driftwood, and the adjacent forest trail offers a bounty of leaves and pinecones. The Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle is the place in the city for finding many different hues and shapes of fallen leaves and cones, with wide open-ground spaces for assembling works of art. Kids can also practice creating land art in their back yard with whatever cones, sticks, berries and leaves they may find there, and then observe as their sculpture gets dismantled by weather and the passage of time. ►
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winter walks
YOUTH CLIMBING
AGES 3-18 WEEKLY PROGRAMS DAY CAMPS BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Wanderful Winter Walks continued from page 35
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THE PATHS: To find colorful leaves in autumn, you’ll want to choose a path lined with lots of different kinds of deciduous trees. Head to Kubota Garden in South Seattle for a variety of leaves from different species of Japanese maples. Tacoma’s Wright Park on the south end of the Stadium District features winding paths around 100 native and exotic species of trees in a 27-acre arboretum. The collection includes a red oak planted in 1903 in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. For native big leaf maple and vine maple leaves, head to the kid-friendly Twin Falls Trail at Olallie State Park near North Bend.
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THE CRAFT: Collect and press colorful fallen leaves.
Kids know winter is coming when the air turns chilly on the playground and the days get shorter, then shorter still. Trees know it, too, and they stop photosynthesizing. As water and green chlorophyll slowly disappear from their leaves, other colors such as deep crimson, fiery orange and mellow yellow that had been hidden become the stars of the show. Once leaves fall to the ground, these bold hues will gradually fade to brown, so snatch them up quickly. It’s fun to count how many different colors and types of leaves you can find. To press leaves, sandwich them in a single layer between two sheets of newspaper, then lay each of these parcels flat in between or within big, heavy books stacked atop one another. The more books you have, the more leaves you can press. After a week or two, check on them; your leaves should be ready to come out and be crafted or displayed. Try taping them to windows, arranging them into a seasonal centerpiece or making a collage you can frame — be creative!
THE CRAFT: Sketch and paint an animal.
Pack up some pencils, sketch pads, paintbrushes and a watercolor palette, then head to a nearby wetland or forest to spot wildlife. You may have to sit still for a while before you notice a bird, squirrel, deer or other animal to sketch. It’s a good idea to snap a digital photo of your animal in case it scurries away too soon. Using small, tentative pencil strokes instead of
LAUREN BRADEN
paint en plein air, the French term for painting in the outdoors. The Union Bay Natural Area in North Seattle has a short loop trail to the wetland-ringed shoreline of Lake Washington, with plenty of benches from which to observe and sketch the many dabbling and diving ducks who overwinter here, and the hawks and eagles perched in nearby trees.
4 unbroken lines helps create energy and gives a sense of movement and life to your animal. Bring more life to the sketch with a finish of watercolor paint for both the animal and its surrounding landscape. For inspiration and instruction, look for books by Molly Hashimoto, a Seattle artist who teaches connections with nature by observing, sketching or painting it. Her latest work is titled “Birds of the West: An Artist’s Guide.”
THE PATHS: North of Olympia, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a sure bet for spotting animals in winter, especially turtles resting on logs and birds such as great blue herons, mallards and bald eagles. Its boardwalk trail loops around the forested estuary; benches placed here and there along the path provide places to sit, sketch and
THE CRAFT: Turn a beachcombing scavenger hunt into a gorgeous memory jar.
Comb a beach at low tide for a variety of items — a unique shell, beach glass, sand dollars, a raven feather, a bit of sea fern. Lucky beachcombers may find a glass float, agate or starfish skeleton. Be sure to gather a few cups of sand into a ziplock bag as well. When you return home, assemble your beach relics into a large glass jar, lining the jar’s bottom with the sand first (if the sand is wet, dry it out on paper towels or in the oven on a low temp, with the help of a parent). Arrange the objects one at a time on top of the sand — be creative! Your reliquary sand jar will look great next to your bed or on a desk to remind you of your fun beach adventure every day.
THE PATHS: Any sandy beach at low tide will do, but some beaches attract more treasures than others. For beach glass, scour the beaches at
Join us this winter for winter fun in Downtown Olympia! November 22 - January 20 Isthmus Park 529 4th Ave W Olympia, WA 98501 General Admission + Skate Rental = $12 each Youth + Skates (ages 4-10) = $10 Toddler + Skates (ages 3 and under) = $3 Foster, Military, First Responder Families = $10 Seniors = $10 Special Event programming and Cheap Skate Nights held throughout the season. Visit our website for a full calendar of events.
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winter walks
Love of learning starts here.
Wanderful Winter Walks continued from page 37 LAUREN BRADEN
Creativity, play, and joy encouraged daily in downtown Bellevue!
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Fort Worden Historical State Park in Port Townsend. Older kids might handle the arduous hike west from the park at low tide along the beach for 3 miles to Glass Beach, which is chock-full of tide-tumbled sea glass. Some parts of the Oregon Coast boast the best beachcombing in America — Netarts Spit Trail at Cape Lookout State Park is a 5-mile stretch of beach popular for sand dollars and the occasional rare glass float lost from a Japanese fishing boat.
THE CRAFT: Observe snowflakes, then make snow ice
cream.
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If snow starts to fall, let its magic draw you outside. Bring a magnifying glass in your pocket, and wear dark-colored gloves so falling snowflakes that land on them are more visible. Snowflakes form in the clouds above 4:23from PM microscopic water droplets, which collide together, freeze and build ice crystals, the start of a snowflake that will grow more intricate and complex as it attracts more ice crystals. Use your magnifying glass to see the different patterns and shapes, which are influenced by the amount of moisture and temperature. You can sketch the different snowflake patterns you see. Is the snow fluffy or heavy? Are the flakes small or large? Try catching snowflakes on your tongue to see how they taste. Did you know you can make ice cream from snow? Just take 8 or so heaping cups of fresh, clean snow and add it to a pre-whisked mixture of ½ cup sugar, 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, dig in!
THE PATHS: Finding freshly fallen snow in winter takes a bit of watching the weather forecast and a bit of luck. When the snow level is down to 2,500 feet or so, the Trail of the Shadows at Longmire in Mount Rainier National Park is a flat, easy trail for children to hunt snowflakes. For beginning young snowshoers, you can’t beat the trail to Gold Creek Pond, located just a few miles east of Snoqualmie Pass. Even in Puget Sound lowlands we’ll get a snowfall once a year right in our front yard, so keep your warm coat, gloves and magnifying glass handy by the front door. n Lauren Braden is a Pacific Northwest writer who focuses on recreation and local travel. She blogs at nwtripfinder.com.
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Bike Works .............................................22 Bloedel Reserve ......................................9 Children’s Museum of Skagit County 2 City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department ......................37 City of Redmond Parks & Recreation, Events......................................................20 Crossroads Shopping Center ............29 Elevated Sportz .....................................40 Famous Dave’s ......................................28 Gates Foundation Visitor Center .........6 GetOutPass ............................................16 Gotta Dance ..........................................30 Hands On Children’s Museum ..........31 Hibulb Cultural Center ........................11 KiDiMu — Kids Discovery Museum 34 KidsQuest Children’s Museum.......... 38 Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce 17
Lincoln South Food Hall ......................28 Living Computers: Museum + Labs 21 Lumaze Lights .......................................33 MoPOP ...................................................10 Pacific Science Center ...........................6 PRO Club ..................................................4 Reality Break Escapes ..........................32 Redmond Town Center ......................26 Safe N Sound Swimming ....................34 Schweitzer Mountain Resort .............14 Semiahmoo Resort ..............................18 Sheraton Grand Seattle ......................27 Sleeping Lady ........................................23 Tillamook Coast/Rockaway Beach ......3 Traxx Indoor Raceway .........................33 Vertical World ........................................36 Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center..................................................... 34
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Waterland Arcade ................................38 Wing Luke Museum .............................33 Winthrop, Washington ........................15
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