PNW INSIDE + OUT
Family
Adventure Train Trips, Sleigh Rides and Dogsled Adventures — Oh My! 5 Ways to Crush Cabin Fever Mammoth Destination Parks Offer Big Backyard Adventures Rock Out! Seattle’s Giant ‘Wandering’ Rocks Great Escapes: 3 Sunny Getaways for PNW Fams New Kraken Community Iceplex Welcomes Families
W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 | P A R E N T M A P. C O M / A D V E N T U R E
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C O NTENTS
Family Adventure
Winter 2021
We Like Big Parks 6 Active play-tineraries in Puget Sound’s mammoth destination parks New Kraken Community Iceplex Welcomes Families 17 Release the kids at this new ice rink and hockey center 5 Ways to Crush Cabin Fever Bust boredom with these nifty weather-indifferent activities
Ready to head for the hills? We’ve got play-packed itineraries for four of the area’s biggest destination parks — rain or shine.
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Photo by Natasha Dillinger
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Great Escapes: 3 Sunny Getaways for PNW Fams 31 Flee from the cold and gray to family-friendly desert climes
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Rock Out! 37 Giant ‘wandering’ rocks deposited by glaciers are fascinating — and fun to climb on Train Trips, Sleigh Rides and Dogsled Adventures — Oh My! 43 Unique winter and holiday excursions for Northwest families
Photo courtesy Three Peaks Outfitters
PARENTMAP.COM
Shake off your winter blahs and surprise your kids with these budget-friendly activities for no-prep weekend fun.
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EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley
FAMILY ADVENTURE WINTER 2021
PUBLISHER
Alayne Sulkin
CONTRIBUTORS Annie Fanning, Natasha Dillinger, Catherine Ryan Gregory, Kate Missine
OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney
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We Like Big 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
Find adventures for everyone in our big backyard Story and photos by Natasha Dillinger
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but could someone please explain that to my kids when we have to drive two hours to a trailhead? To help keep the backseat peace, we often opt for a shorter commute to one of the Puget Sound area’s megaparks. These behemoths offer something for everyone: Playgrounds, trails and bike paths are surrounded by plenty of open space, making it easy to physically distance from others, yet they’re close enough to home that we can make it back by naptime. Before you head off to the closest big park, check out these tips to make the most of your visit.
Parks
1. Most of the parks offer paved or gravel trails that are wheel-friendly (Discovery Park has more traditional hiking trails.) Consider a jogging stroller or carrier if you’re planning to tour the whole park and have young kids in tow. We often walk 2–5 miles on a visit, and such an item helps to give little legs a break. 2. Strategize for your “ins and outs.” Unlike your favorite neighborhood park, these urban oases aren’t within walking distance of a café, and their restroom facilities are basic and spread out. Pack a picnic and use bathrooms when you have the opportunity. 3. Save the best for last. I like to take my young kids for a walk first before revealing that we’ve magically parked just out of sight of the the play area — sure to result in an instant energy boost! Ready to head for the hills? Here are my family’s top things to do at four of Puget Sound’s biggest destination parks. ► Go on a scavenger hunt for Marymoor Park’s Dutch-style windmill, built by prior owners of the land. FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 7
BIG PARKS
Get some sand in your shoes Puget Sound beaches are known for their rocky surfaces, so we make our way from the south parking lot to the viewpoint at Magnolia Bluff for some honest-to-goodness sand. With a few toys packed from home and a good bit of distance from the cliff, my kids can play happily while we watch for boats and seals. (Orcas have also been known to make their way past the park.) Weather tip: There is no real tree cover on the exposed bluff. While a little rain never hurt anyone, we head to another area on windy days to avoid getting sand blown in our faces.
Enjoying the sand at Discovery Park’s Magnolia Bluff continued from page 7
Discovery Park
Find it: Discovery Park is located at 3801 Discovery Park Blvd. in Seattle (Magnolia neighborhood). At 534 acres, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park, and visiting it feels like you’ve magically been teleported out of the city. Build a fort at the playground Renovated in 2017, Discovery Park’s playground provides lots of opportunities for nature-inspired play. A multilevel climbing structure gives kids the sense that they’re in the tree canopy, while tunnel-like archways below offer spaces to crawl over and through.
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After a dozen flights on the zipline, my kids often migrate to the trees. While I can never guarantee it, previous playground visitors often leave behind epic forts constructed from fallen branches.
Hit the trails Of the parks featured in this guide, Discovery Park offers the most opportunities for traditional dirt trails (although there are paved roads through the park that suit bikes). With independent little legs, we head for Wolf Tree Nature Trail. The quarter-mile loop has cute boardwalks and plenty of stops to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Notes on access: Normally, families can park near the Environmental Learning & Visitor Center to easily access its facilities, educational center and parking lot. However, the center has remained closed during the pandemic (including its restrooms), and construction for ADA improvements this fall will also close the parking area until next spring. In the meantime, head over from the south parking lot to sneak in a short hike. (There are portable potties in that lot, if needed.)
Discovery Park’s Wolf Tree Nature Trail is the perfect spot for little legs to hike.
If we’re feeling more ambitious, we cobble together some combination of the Loop Trail and North Beach Trail. If you take this approach, make sure you have a map; download one from the Friends of Discovery Park website (fodp.org/maps) or use an app like AllTrails (alltrails.com). A round-trip hike of about 4 miles takes us by the West Point Lighthouse and the beach, which is currently only accessible on foot or with an ADA placard — hopefully, permits for families of young children will be available again once the visitor center reopens. Search for wildflowers I’m a sucker for a good field of wildflowers. Springtime blooms seem to peak in late May and early June, and I can usually con my toddler into a floral scavenger hunt if I promise him some beach time. In my experience, the North Beach and Hidden Valley trails offer the most variety — we’ve seen wild roses, salmonberries, giant daisies and large patches of purple lupines. Remember that we share this big backyard with others. Please admire flowers from the path and don’t pick them (I know, it’s tempting); that way, everyone gets a chance to enjoy them. For more Discovery Park fun, including educational opportunities, check out our insider’s guide to Discovery Park at parentmap.com/discovery-park.
Magnuson Park
Find it: Magnuson Park is located at 7400 Sand Point Way N.E. in Seattle (Sand Point neighborhood). Formerly a naval air station, this 350-acre space is Seattle’s second-largest park. It’s popular with local athletes for the bevy of sports fields and courts spread throughout the park, but families will find lots to do here as well. Duck and cover at the Air, Land and Sea playground Donated by the Junior League of Seattle, the playground is located at the site of the naval base’s control tower. Its history is commemorated through fun touches, such as a sidewalk oriented in the same direction as the former runway (with realistic markings!) and a mosaic depicting nautical themes. ►
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Take a walk in the woods How many fanciful snow people and deer can you spot on the trail? They are all handcrafted and decorated by the Bloedel crew. Make a wish for the New Year Write your hopes and dreams on an ornament and hang it on the community Wishing Tree. Book your visit at bloedelreserve.org/tickets Winter in the Woods is free with your regular admission to the Reserve. Entry to the Reserve is by timed ticket only. No walk-ups, please. Give the gift of nature Bloedel Reserve memberships make great holiday gifts. And be sure to visit the Bloedel Shop (onsite or online) for unique, nature-inspired jewelry, toys, books, and more.
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BIG PARKS Enhance your visit by downloading a free Discovery Card and nature activities that highlight some of these features. The card is available in multiple languages, including Lushootseed, the Coast Salish language spoken by the park’s past and present native stewards, the Duwamish Tribe.
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My family loves this spot on a drizzly day. While the playground is not covered, the play structures are spread out with lots of hidey-holes where you can seek shelter from the sprinkles. Sometimes we just embrace the rain and spend our time digging in wet sand. (It makes better sandcastles, anyway!) A whale of a time at the Children’s Garden Located just a hop, skip and a jump away from the playground, the Magnuson Children’s Garden (magnusonchildrensgarden.org) offers some nature-focused fun. Local children and volunteers dreamed up imaginative features such as a mosaic whale’s tail, a stream of ceramic salmon
Enjoy the sensory experience of a mosaic whale’s tail at the Magnuson Children’s Garden.
and a lookout point surrounded by painted flags.
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Soar over sculptural orca fins at Kite Hill Families can send kites soaring from a 35-foot hilltop affording spectacular views — Mount Rainier peeks out from clouds in the distance, while the Fin Project art installation rests at the base of the hill. John T. Young’s monument to peace uses decommissioned submarine fins to resemble the dorsal fins of a pod of
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Stomp on tart crab apples near an orca fin sculpture at the base of Magnuson Park’s Kite Hill.
orcas. My 2-year-old loved chasing me around the giant structures before sampling a taste of the tart crab apples that grow along the waterfront pathway.
launches and two for retrieval — and plenty of open space in the parking lot to take down sailboat masts without blocking traffic.
Come sail away with me The beach at Magnuson is a beautiful spot for some water play in the summer; there’s even an extension of the off-leash dog area that offers Fido a chance to splash. While lifeguards aren’t on duty the other nine months of the year, it’s peaceful to look out at Mount Rainier while the kids watch the ducks and throw rocks in the water (not in the vicinity of the ducks, naturally!).
Marymoor Park
The Magnuson boat launch is one of the best (and most popular) in Seattle. It features four lanes — two for boat
Find it: Marymoor Park is located at 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E. in Redmond. King County’s oldest and largest park has attracted visitors for millennia. Native Americans, likely from eastern Washington, fished and hunted along the Sammamish River 6,000 years ago, and members of the Duwamish Tribe camped on the riverbanks before a series of settlers built homesteads on the land. With 640 acres to explore, Marymoor
FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 1 1
BIG PARKS
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simple train for nearly an hour on a recent visit — talk about a little engine that could!
Tip: Be sure to bring quarters or small bills for the parking machines ($1 per day), or stop by the kiosk in Lot K, which offers an option for credit cards.
A river runs through it (and so does my toddler) The Sammamish River flows along the western border of the park, providing a home for many animals and a scenic walk for dogs and families.
Park offers some truly unique recreational opportunities.
Three play areas for your playgroundloving kids You could practically hold a playground scavenger hunt at this park (or at least that’s how I frame it for my 2-year-old). The newest play area near the concert venue features a fun zipline swing and balance-focused obstacle course. Head over to Lot K for the largest play space (and family restrooms with a changing table).
Take your little engineer to the train-themed playground at Marymoor Park (and maybe climb a few walls while they play).
Our surprising “people’s choice”? The wooden train structure near the giant climbing wall! My son played on the
Little legs will appreciate the Audubon BirdLoop (eastsideaudubon.org/ marymoor-park), which winds under tree canopies and along the river’s edge. My son loved running along the flat boardwalk before hopping back into our jogging stroller when the trail intersected with the off-leash dog park.
Photo Phot o by Ken E Eml mly
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mill. After a particularly memorable visit to the Netherlands, the former owner of the Marymoor property built the (decorative but operable) windmill. One of the best views is from the bridge over Northeast Marymoor Way, where you may also spot salmon returning to spawn in the fall.
Look out at the Sammamish River along Marymoor Park’s Audobon BirdLoop.
On our most recent visit to the park, we took a detour to the larger-than-life community garden before continuing along the river toward the Clise family’s passion project: a Dutch-style wind-
Watch radio-controlled aircraft take flight The Marymoor Radio Control Club (MAR/C; mar-c.org) manages the RC airfield in Marymoor Park. Its 300 members can fly aircraft from 8 a.m. to dusk, so your chances of spotting a plane close-up are pretty good, especially in the summer. A special license and training are required to fly, but interested families
can visit on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to sunset (roughly May through August) to see if they feel inspired to learn (or just watch). The minimum age for flying RC aircraft varies by kid, but the club says it’s typically around 10 years old. I hear complaints all the time from friends with preteens about how there isn’t much to do at parks for kids who have outgrown playgrounds and are feeling too surly to walk. Practicing STEM skills with a controller that’s not plugged into a video game seems like a pretty good option to me! Take a victory lap at the velodrome Cycling enthusiasts will love watching a track race at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome (velodrome.org); the season runs from May through August. ►
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BIG PAR KS
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Cyclists of all ages can use the facility when there are no events on the velodrome’s calendar, but track bikes (which have no brakes — watch out!) have priority. Kids ages 9–16 who already know how to ride a bike can participate in a week of Camp Velo. This summer program teaches students how to safely ride and race track bikes.
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Younger kids can head to the track for the “Kiddie Kilo.” Held on first and third Fridays during the summertime Friday Night Races series, kids as young as 2 take a lap around the track with their own helmet and wheels. The best part? The event ends by 8 p.m., so you won’t have to postpone bedtime for too long.
Chambers Creek Regional Park
Find it: Chambers Creek Regional Park is located at 6320 Grandview Dr. W. in University Place. Locals commonly refer to this park as Chambers Bay, after the golf course that hosted the 2015 U.S. Open, but its 930 acres offer so much more than 18 holes.
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Cross a kid-size Galloping Gertie Enjoy the water views and local flair decorating the wooden Playground by the Sound on the northern end of the park. Orcas leap through the toddler area near a lighthouse and crab shack. Big kids can cross a bridge bearing the nickname for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge before descending through an obstacle course watched over by an octopus named Stanley. The playground is surrounded by a wooden fence, so you don’t have to worry about runners, but keep in mind that strollers and pets aren’t permitted inside the play area. I like to park near the playground before taking the Soundview Trail down to the Central Meadow area to extend our play. It’s 2 miles each way and a bit steep, but the paved path is stroller-friendly. Fly a kite Catch a sea breeze with your kite in the open skies surrounding Chambers Creek’s Central Meadow. Look for kite-flying days on the Pierce County Parks website (piercecountywa.gov). On those days, held monthly from
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Climb aboard a boat, tour a lighthouse or shelter under the crab shack at Playground by the Sound in Chambers Creek Regional Park.
April to October, you’ll draw inspiration from more experienced fliers. There’s even access to food trucks as well as special activities for kids on select dates. Cross that bridge when you come to it The beautiful pedestrian bridge provides an excellent viewpoint for your little engineer to watch trains as you walk over to the beach. Herons and seals frequent the area, which was once a fishing village for the Steilacoom Tribe, and the rocky coastline is the perfect place for spotting wildlife. As you head back to the meadow, admire the padlocks placed on the bridge’s rails by couples commemorating their everlasting love. I found it comforting to notice many locks placed over the summer of 2021 — people still managed to find love during a seemingly never-ending pandemic! Climb not-so-ancient ruins Gravel mined from the park once supported the building of Fort Worden, Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, and mining operations didn’t cease until 2003. Remnants of the former mining facilities provide a striking architectural element, but my kids think they’re best used for games of hide-and-seek.
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Natasha Dillinger is a Seattle mom who paused a career in accounting and finance to focus on showing her two young children around the Pacific Northwest. Follow their adventures near and far at suitcasesinseattle.wordpress.com. FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 1 5
Making Memories Since 1913
While on our trails and eating s’mores by the waterfront, family adventures await from woodland to waterfront. Begin Your NW Family Tradition!
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New Kraken Community Iceplex Welcomes Families
Release the kids on this new community ice rink and hockey center By Natasha Dillinger
All hands on deck! The Kraken Community Iceplex (krakencommunityiceplex.com), the shiny new training space for Seattle’s long-awaited NHL team, opened to an eager public this past September. My family lives right up the hill from the 167,000-square-foot facility, and we were excited to score a public skating slot during the festivities on opening weekend.
Break in those skates Renovations to the Northgate Mall site cost $80 million — and it shows. A
modern design greeted us on arrival, warm wooden benches proved much more comfortable than the standard aluminum variety, and multiple rinks are available to host team and community practices as well as public skating. The crowd was lively (and well-masked!) as we walked into the lobby. Everyone’s excitement was palpable, from the little kids playing with their foam hockey sticks purchased at the team store to the players on a girls’ hockey team arriving for practice with their giant bags of gear. ► FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 17
KRAKEN C O M MUN I T Y IC EP L E X
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Getting on the ice
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We picked up our rental skates (four of some 700 hockey-style pairs) and headed for Rink 1, where the evening’s public skating session was about to begin. The kids’ skates were so new that we dumped out the silica gel packets and threaded the laces for the first time. Observers had tons of bleacher space in which to spread out, but we did have to get a little close to other families on the bottom level to sit and put on our skates. Once on the ice, my 5-year-old grabbed her dad’s hand, and they were off, making their way along the wall. This was only her second time on skates, but she gradually picked up the seesaw movements needed to move on her own. Experienced skaters politely stuck to the middle of the rink, allowing newbies plenty of space near the wall to fall and try again.
Tot skaters My 2-year-old, along with many of the other kids on the ice, had a tougher time with independence. Skate aids — devices that can be ridden or pushed to keep young kids upright on their skates — weren’t yet available during our visit. (About a dozen sealshaped skate aids are now available to rent for $5 each, on a first come, first served basis.) So, my son had to hold my hands pretty tightly to remain standing. We eventually got into a groove and glided together around the rink, stopping occasionally to watch the more experienced figure skaters practice their spins. Learn from my mistake and check out some tips for helping kids learn to ice-skate (parentmap.com/ teach-to-skate). In our excitement about trying a new sport and assuming skate aids would be available, I forgot to research in advance and missed an opportunity to start good independent skating habits — such as stomping like a dinosaur.
My son adored the first 30 minutes of skating, jumping and shaking his hips to the pop music blaring over the speakers, but after he fell hard on his hands, he was done. A kind rink employee helped clear a path through the other wall-clinging kids so we could exit the ice.
Have some off-ice fun and watch the pros With our street shoes back on, we headed out to the lobby to explore more of the facility. During the opening weekend, a temporary family fun zone offered Kraken-themed Photo by games. Kids played Natasha Dillinger cornhole and miniature floor hockey in this area, practicing shooting goals. This fun zone was set up on removable flooring that covered one of the ice rinks, giving the facility flexibility in its offerings. We’ll be watching for more off-ice kid-friendly fun.
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My daughter joined us just in time to spot a trio of tween girls who we had seen demonstrating their graceful spirals out on the ice. It felt a bit like a local celebrity sighting! We found out they started their skating careers right around my daughter’s age, which prompted a family discussion about the years of practice it takes to nail a perfect sit spin. We headed upstairs to ogle the merchandise at the team store. A large bar-style seating area provided a perfect spot for us to observe more hardworking young women: A girls’ hockey team was practicing on the rink just below us. We joined a couple of other families with young children to watch at a distance as the athletes dropped quickly to the ice to block passes, seemingly unencumbered by the mountain of pads strapped to their bodies. I loved that my children could see a wide range of experience levels enjoying the iceplex, from rookies like us, gingerly stepping onto the ice, to confident older kids who have persevered to master their ice sports. ►
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Seattle Kraken fans will eventually be able to purchase tickets to watch team practices, a big relief to the “cheapskaters” among us, as game tickets will cost upwards of $200 each.
Photo by Natasha Dillinger
Community connection
Launching a new team has given Kraken leadership a unique opportunity to set a precedent of intentional community inclusion. Leaders reached out to engage with local Coast Salish tribes and acknowledged the
team’s presence on native homelands. An art piece by Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, a master carver of the Squaxin Island Tribe, will welcome iceplex visitors. As part of the community store on-site, Starbucks commissioned Paige Pettibon, a Salish, Black and white artist, to create stunning murals highlighting the connection to the sea and its native stewards. Recognizing the need to focus on multifaceted diversity — including race, gender and disability — the team has hired an intersectionality consultant and formed committees to help envision better ways of making hockey culture more inclusive. Part of this commitment includes a wheelchair-accessible rink set up for sled hockey.
Youth programs Perhaps most important to families, the iceplex is designed to bring ice-skating and hockey opportunities to Seattle-area youths. Kids as young as 3 can sign up for the Kraken Skating continued on page 22
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Academy’s seven-week Learn to Skate program. Lessons give kids foundational skating skills for hockey or figure skating, or just skating for fun. Adults can take lessons, too. Learn to Play programs teach hockey skills to kids and adults. There are also more advanced figure-skating training opportunities available. As part of the Kraken’s commitment to reducing barriers to participation, financial assistance for youth programs is available via the team’s One Roof Foundation (onerooffoundation.org). Families that are curious about whether hockey is right for them can also watch for periodic
Try Hockey for Free events (tryhockeyforfree.com). The most surprising skating fan was my husband, who went back on the ice by himself for a bit after the rest of us had finished. With an easily accessible location (the new Link light rail Northgate station opened in October), we are all looking forward to popping over for more family skate sessions and maybe even a kidfree date night! Photo by Natasha Dillinger
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If you go … Find it: The Kraken Community Iceplex is located at 10601 Fifth Ave. N.E. in Seattle’s Northgate area. Future visitors will get to stroll around the updated Northgate Mall once renovations are complete. Hours: Times vary, but public skating sessions are generally available on weekday mornings, Friday evenings and throughout the day on weekends. Time slots are 90 minutes long. Check the schedule and make a reservation (recommended, but not required) through an online platform called Dash on the iceplex website (krakencommunityiceplex.com). Cost: $15 per session, with 10-punch passes available for a discount. Kids younger than 4 skate for free and do not require a reservation. Skate and skate-aid rentals each cost $5. A series of ice skating or hockey lessons starts in the $200 range. Dress: For a public skating session, I recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt or sweater, pants with durable knees and mittens. Consider packing an extra layer or two in case zipping across the ice doesn’t get your blood pumping. Parking: Parking is currently free, and vehicles can enter the designated parking area at 106th Street. Skaters can also ride public transit to the rinks (soundtransit.org). Facilities: Gender-specific restrooms are available in addition to a gender-neutral family option (although changing tables are in the multi-stall restrooms). Filling stations for reusable water bottles are available in the hallway. Parties: Birthday party sessions cost $400 for as many as 10 kids and include pizza, soft drinks and a skate session. Hockey is for everyone: Find a list of local organizations working to make hockey a more inclusive sport at nhl.com/kraken.
Photo by Natasha Dillinger
A more affordable skating option: Skating at the new Kraken Iceplex can cost $80 for a family of four, including the cost of skate rentals. Up the road at the Highland Ice Arena (highlandice.com), families can book a 90-minute public skate session, including skates, for about $33. Highland is not as fancy as the Kraken facility, but it’s worth knowing about for families on a budget. Nearby the iceplex: A new Starbucks community store and the 32 Bar & Grill (named for the 32,000 advance season-ticket reservations and the freezing point of ice) opens this fall. In the nearby Thornton Place shopping center, my family and I love getting coffee at the Jewel Box Cafe (jewelboxcafe.com) or picking up steaming ramen from Kizuki (perfect after a session on the ice; kizuki.com). The Watershed Pub & Kitchen (watershedpub.com) features an outdoor patio and plenty of vegetarian options in addition to standard comfort foods.
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— Natasha Dillinger
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Questing for
WINTER FUN? Join us for science experiments, arts and more!
Gingerbread Events nts Visit the Hyatt Regency Bellevue evue for KidsQuest’s Candy Shoppe. Stay and oom or grab decorate in our festive ballroom and go to build memories att home!
Candytopia This December, visit the museum’s seum’s candy candyythemed exhibits and programs ams all month long. Ship boxes of peppermint, mint, see how candy is made, and so much ch more.
New Year’s Eve Countdown ountdown Join us for an all-day New Year’s Celebration at KidsQuest! Activities happening pening every hour our including a special New Year’s ar’s Eve Storytime, e, Bubble Wrap Stomp, and Face ace Painting.
Find out more at kidsquestmuseum.org
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5 Ways to Crush Cabin Fever Bust boredom with these nifty weatherindifferent activities By Catherine Ryan Gregory
By this time in the -ember months, I begin to feel a little like Jack Nicholson’s character in “The Shining” (but without the axe, of course) — and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. The Pacific Northwest’s dreary weather, when combined with the limitations of socially distanced activities, is a setup for a serious case of cabin fever. Instead of waiting out the winter, embrace it with these nifty weatherindifferent activities. I’ve adapted a few of my family’s favorites from my latest
book, “50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids,” to help shake up your weekend and winter-break routines. Your kids will start to look forward to your offbeat excuses to get out of the house! Get lost My kids love it when the map app leads us astray. “Siri, you’re fired!” they gleefully yell while my phone tries to reroute. In this get-out-of-the-house adventure, you’ll get lost on purpose. Start by ensuring your gas tank is FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 2 5
S E A T T L E
M A R I N E R S
T-MOBILE PARK TOURS
C RU S H CABI N F EVER
Take your experience to the next level.
BALLPARK TOURS Year-round tours are available at T-Mobile Park, the spectacular home of the Seattle Mariners. The 19.59 acre outdoor ballpark features real grass, a retractable roof and state-of-the-art amenities. Bring your camera and take a “behind the seams” tour including areas normally restricted to the public such as the Press Box, Owners Suite, Field, Dugouts, Visitors Clubhouse, All-Star Club, and more. (All areas of the ballpark are subject to availability based on ballpark activities.)
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full and your phone is charged. Then pack the kids in the car and head out. Your kids will take turns giving you directions. (Fair warning: Those may include such directives as “Stop at that doughnut shop ahead.”) You’ll probably find yourself in a neighborhood you’ve never explored before. Treat the trip like a vacation: Pop into a library branch, pause for a photo in front of a cool mural or grab a bite at a local café. You’ll discover you definitely don’t have to travel far to explore someplace new. Become a published author Kids are natural storytellers. (Just ask my 6-year-old, Maxine, who routinely spins tales, like the one in which a ferret pretends to be a rattlesnake to save a lost baby dragon. Where does she come up with this stuff?) This out-of-the-box activity channels and encourages your kids’ troubadour talent.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES Parents should enjoy their child’s birthday party as much as the kids...and you can... when you host it at T-Mobile Park! The lineup includes a ballpark tour with stops on the field and in the Press Box, food and festivities post tour, and a final surprise for your child as a birthday gift from the team. For extra fun, add a Mariner Moose appearance or test your skills in the batting cage. The only thing to worry about with this party is how you will top it next year.
Mariners.com/Tours 2 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
While you’re at home, brainstorm a story together. Your kids could be characters, or they might cast their favorite toy or stuffie. Remind your kids that a good story features some sort of conflict, such as learning how to control new magical powers or battling a bad guy. Agree on a rough outline for the plot. Consider if characters will need costumes or props. Then head out to create photos for your story. Think about what setting makes sense for the story. Together with your kids, pose yourselves or toys to illustrate the
narrative. Take pictures with your smartphone. When you get home, upload pictures to a photo-book site or an app on your phone. Together, write the story by typing in the layout’s caption fields. Don’t forget to credit everyone as the authors. Once you order the book, your kids will be thrilled to see their names and pictures in print! Battle “Iron Chef” style The secret ingredient is … you have no idea! Go to a farmers market or ethnic grocery store with your kids to pick out one (or several) foods you’ve never cooked with. Once you get home, either look up a recipe that features the ingredient or follow Cat Cora’s example and make a meal on the fly. If that feels too adventurous for your dino-nugget-arian, buy an ingredient that’s close to something your kids typically eat. Look for premade empanada shells, pita or spring roll wrappers. Taste your meal together. You and your littles may discover how much you love Japanese eggplant or tomatillos. Or — if your “Iron Chef” skills leave something to be desired — order takeout. Take a personal history tour Chances are that when you show visitors around town, you hit the usual landmarks: the Space Needle, the Fremont Troll, Pike Place Market. With this staycation activity, your family will tour places that are personally significant. ►
FAMILY ZONE BIRTHDAY PARTIES FAMILY ZONE FAMILY STEAM DAYS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FAMILY ZONE FAMILY ZONE SPEED ZONE FAMILY STEAM DAYS BIRTHDAY PARTIES BIRTHDAY PARTIES SPEED ZONE FAMILY STEAM DAYS FAMILY STEAM DAYS SPEED SPEED ZONE ZONE Tacoma, WA | Open Thursday – Monday | 10am-5pm Tacoma, WA | Open Thursday – Monday | 10am-5pm FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 2 7
Tacoma, Tacoma, WA WA || Open Open Thursday Thursday – – Monday Monday || 10am-5pm 10am-5pm
C RU SH CABIN F EVER
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Before you go, brainstorm nearby locations that have played a part in your life. You might jot down the café where you studied for college exams, the park where you and your partner first kissed or the apartment where you lived when your kids were born. As you visit each spot, act like those guides on the hop-on, hop-off buses in touristy cities. Narrate why each location is important to your family history. Your kids may be inspired to lead a personal history tour of their own! Stage your own fancy photo shoot Your kids’ annual school photos have nothing on this budget-friendly activity.
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You’ll organize a family photo shoot (but without the price tag of a pro session). Let your kids direct you for a change. They can pick outfits or a theme — maybe you’ll dress up in evening wear or old Halloween costumes! The point is to say yes to whatever wacky ideas they come up with. Grab your props, a tripod and your phone or a camera. Try to pick a photo shoot location (an underused park, the steps of a government building on a weekend) that isn’t too busy, so strangers don’t constantly photobomb your portraits. Encourage your kids to go full-on art director by positioning everyone in the shot or even delivering
Snag a copy of the author’s latest family travel title for more fresh ideas, activities and experiences for no-prep weekend fun. inspiration (“Now look like you just invented a time traveling machine!”). Use your camera’s or phone’s timer setting, or connect a Bluetooth remote, to snap the photos. Don’t forget to order prints when you’re done!
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Catherine Ryan Gregory is a family travel expert and author of “Virtual Travel Activities for Kids,” “Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids” and “50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids.”
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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 award-winning golf, casual seaside dining, endless beach adventures, and festive holiday activities, you can try something new, too.
Visit Semiahmoo.com or call 360.318.2000.
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Building rock towers at Lost Dutchman State Park
Great Escapes: 3 Sunny Getaways for PNW Fams Flee from the cold and gray to familyfriendly desert climes Story and photos by Catherine Ryan Gregory
By this time, your summer picnics, paddleboarding and pool parties are but distant memories. Your rainboots are soggy and you haven’t seen blue sky for weeks. If you’re anything like us, you could probably use a healthy dose of vitamin D right about now. Luckily, sunny climes are just a nonstop flight away. Grab your sunglasses and visit one of these warm winter vacation spots. Send us a postcard!
Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix may be the fifth-mostpopulous city in the United States, but
it’s also mere minutes away from stunning wilderness. Get to know the desert, which is pretty much the antithesis of winter in Seattle. Lost Dutchman State Park • azstateparks.com The saguaro cactus is perhaps the most recognizable icon of Arizona, and you’ll be surrounded by it in Lost Dutchman State Park. While some of the trails within the park are decidedly not kidfriendly, Treasure Loop Trail and Jacob’s Crosscut Trail are more doable (especially if you’re not opposed to bribing reluctant hikers with M&M’s). Be sure FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 3 1
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to share some local legends with your kids; one legend has it that a prospector found an epic gold mine in the area’s Superstition Mountains. If your kids are like mine, they’ll look for that long-lost cave for the entire hike! Pro tip: To identify animal and plant species as you hike, grab a free pamphlet at the visitor center, stroll the quarter-mile native plant trail or download the PictureThis app before you visit.
• phoenixzoo.org You could easily spend an entire day exploring the Phoenix Zoo. Winter is a terrific time to visit, as animals are more active in the milder weather. With roughly 400 species calling the zoo home, chances are good your kids’ favorite animals are here. Don’t miss the
Phoenix Zoo
petting zoo, carousel and water-play areas (just remember to bring a change of clothes!). Check for family-friendly events and programs, such as the animalthemed story time and sessions when you can feed stingrays by hand. Pro tip: If you’re members of Woodland Park Zoo or Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, bring your membership card. You’ll get half off your admission! Desert Botanical Garden • dbg.org Who knew there were so many kinds of cacti? This beyond-beautiful garden grows more than 4,000 plant species (including nearly 500 that are rare or endangered). Trails and walking paths wind through different habitats and past towering saguaro cacti and agave plants. Don’t miss the butterfly enclosure, which is located conveniently next to the outdoor kids’ play area. In addition, the Desert Botanical Garden partners with artists to bring the museum experience outdoors. This winter, Chihuly glass sculptures are set up throughout the garden. Pro tip: The garden attracts plenty of wildlife. Watch for lizards, roadrunners, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, quails and more.
The author’s daughters get a height check by a saguaro cactus 3 2 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
Oasis Water Park • arizonagrandresort.com While this 7-acre water park is located within a resort, you can buy day passes to swim, slide and, of course, sun yourself. A lazy river winds through most of the park, and the Wildcat Springs area is best for the littles. For kids wanting more adventure than a lazy river can provide, waterslides turn and plummet, and a wave pool lifts tubes along 2-foothigh swells. Bonus: The water is heated.
Reaching for the sky at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada
Pro tip: Guests are allowed to bring in water but no other drinks or food, so budget for the water park’s grill and snack bar.
Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas might be one of the country’s biggest partying destinations, but it’s totally underrated for families. Check out these off-the-Strip, kid-friendly adventures. Valley of Fire • parks.nv.gov It’s practically a crime how many people visit Las Vegas and don’t realize how close they are to this superlative state park. Just an hour’s drive from the city, Valley of Fire is the perfect day trip for when your eyes need a break from neon lights. Climb boulders at The Beehives, a complex of rocky outcroppings near the western entrance of the park, then check out the petroglyphs carved into Atlatl Rock. Choose a short hike, and bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need — you’re in the desert, after all. Pro tip: You’ll need to drive between destinations within the park. Encourage your kids to watch for bighorn sheep out
Glow Theater
Lighted Art +Parade
Community Fun
Bask in the Holiday Season in Port Angeles
Hands-in fun at Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas
the window to keep them entertained in the car.
Join the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center for a weekend of celebration. Find treasures at the maker's market, enjoy live performances, lighted art, and a lantern parade through Webster's Woods Sculpture Park. Stay for the whole weekend to take in community theater or a glide on the ice at the Winter Ice Village.
LEARN MORE @ PAFAC.org
Discovery Children’s Museum • discoverykidslv.org The Strip is home to incredible collections of art you can see for free — but for some hands-on fun, your kids need to check out the Discovery Children’s Museum. This multistory museum is packed with things to do, from making music and constructing a kid-size house to upcycling in the maker’s space to climbing through a maze of tunnels and slides. My kids especially loved the waterplay area and the stage, where they dressed up and performed for their adoring fans — that is, their parents. Pro tip: Click the calendar icon on the museum’s website to see the many special attractions on the day you visit. A given day might include an art project about animal adaptation to cold weather, a coding project for pre-K kids and a lesson in map reading — plus a chance to navigate to hidden treasure! Springs Preserve • springspreserve.org Part museum, part natural area, Springs Preserve is an all family-friendly destination. The enormous complex sprawls across 180 acres, so don’t feel pressured to see it all. Instead, tailor your visit to your kids’ interests. You can check out rattlesnakes and tarantulas (behind glass, thank goodness!), clamber around on a playground, learn about the history of the city, stroll along paths lined with native
Select dates Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 8, 2022 Get your tickets online only www.TheLightsofChristmas.com FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 3 3
S UN NY G E TAWAYS
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plants and even hold very still while a butterfly perches on your nose in the butterfly garden (open seasonally). Pro tip: Membership to Springs Preserve is worth the cost, even if you don’t live in Las Vegas. That’s because the preserve has a whole slew of reciprocal agreements, so you’ll get free or discounted entry to other parks and attractions across the country. Downtown Container Park • downtowncontainerpark.com What would you get if you crossed a shipping port with a playground? The Downtown Container Park, of course! This retail hub’s centerpiece is a playground with a tree fort that is partially made out of old shipping containers. You may also see live music or performers. Check the website to see if you can time your visit with the famous nighttime “mantis show,” when flames are blasted out of an enormous metal sculpture of a praying mantis. It wouldn’t be Las Vegas if it weren’t over the top, right? Pro tip: The park does not allow outside food or drink, so eat beforehand or grab a bite at one of the park’s restaurants and cafés.
Palm Springs, California Palm Springs has long been a choice destination for Hollywood stars, but you don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy this sunny city. Joshua Tree National Park • nps.gov/jotr The Dr. Seussian trees of Joshua Tree National Park are unmistakable, and they make for an unforgettable outing. Choose from many short and family-friendly hikes (some of which are good for strollers), and let the kids scramble over the enormous boulders and rock formations. Don’t miss Skull Rock, which wind and weather have carved into a perfectly climbable playground; and Barker Dam, where wildlife come for a drink of water. Pro tip: If you have a fourth-grader, you get into all national parks for free. Sign up for the Every Kid Outdoors pass (parentmap.com/every-kid) before you arrive. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway • pstramway.com If you’re heading to Palm Springs, you’re probably ready 3 4 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
to soak up the desert sun. But who can resist riding an aerial tram 6,000 feet up to a winter wonderland? The 10-minute trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs to the top of the cliffs of Chino Canyon. Sip hot cocoa at one of two restaurants, visit the natural history museum or even rent snowshoes to trek around the many trails near the tram stop. Pro tip: The gift shop sells sleds, so you don’t have to bring yours all the way from Washington. Indian Canyons • indian-canyons.com Mountain springs, waterfalls and roughly 60 miles of hiking trails are features of Indian Canyons, the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians. The bodies of water and towering fan palms offer a stark contrast to the dry, rocky desert surrounding the canyons. Many of the trails are gradual, well-graded inclines, ideal for hiking families. Watch for mule deer and, if you’re lucky, endangered bighorn sheep. Pro tip: Download and print the Junior Ranger Activity Book, which includes a fun park-themed bingo game, before you fly to Palm Springs. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens • livingdesert.org Budget about three hours to explore The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where you’ll see cheetahs, a jaguar, African wild dogs and adorable fennec foxes (a crowd favorite!). Feed a giraffe
for just $8 — which is way cheaper than animal encounters at other zoos. Once kids have had their fill of animals, check out the model trains that run past replicas of the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. If you still have energy, take a short hike in the nature preserve along the Eisenhower Peak Trail (access is included with your zoo tickets). Pro tip: If your kiddo has sensory processing needs, borrow a sensory bag. It includes fidgets, noise-canceling headphones and a lanyard that signals to zoo staff that your child can move to the front of lines.
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— Catherine Ryan Gregory
Celebrate the Holidays at Hands On Children’s Museum!
Han Hand Chi Child M Mus
Photo taken pre-COVID19
INSPIRED LEARNING
• NEW! Holiday Festival & Special Guests • Bouldering on the Beach Exhibit! • Noon Years’ Eve Party & Countdown, Dec 31 • Hand-Crafted Gift Making • Tinkering in the MakeSpace • Ice Adventures 3-Day Event, MLK weekend
Visit Olympia’s Award-Winning Museum at hocm.org
OPEN 7 DAYS aw eek!
Hands H ands On
Children’s Museum
$5 OFF ADMISSION
NOV. 1, 2021 - JUNE 30, 2022 Limit one coupon per party. Enter discount code 450 at check out or call our front desk at (360) 956-0818 ext. 0 to make your reservation. For general admission only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. PLU 450.
414 Jefferson St. NE Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 956-0818
hocm.org
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Celebrate a life lived outdoors #LifeOutdoorsWA
L FE OUTDOORS
Visit wdfw.wa.gov/life-outdoors for more information 3 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
The Wedgwood Rock; photo by Dennis Bratland via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Rock Out! Giant ‘wandering’ rocks deposited by glaciers are fascinating — and fun to climb on By Annie Fanning
Like an old-growth tree, a magnificent rock has a presence about it — a spirit, if you will. You don’t have to understand geology to commune with a great rock — or scramble up it and stand victorious on top — but knowing a little about the forces that created and shaped such rocks can turn a big boulder into a reallife natural history experience.
of ice on a continental scale, scraped and sculpted the terrain with cycles of freezing and flooding.
Wandering rocks When the glaciers advanced into the Puget Sound region 2 million years ago, the major features of our Northwest landscape — the volcanoes, mountain ranges, rivers and basins — already existed. The glaciers, colossal sheets
Rocks that have been transported by glaciers are called erratics because they have landed somewhere far from their natural homes.
As the ice advanced, sheering cliffs and cutting ravines, the glaciers picked up hunks of rock and carried them along. When the ice melted, these rocks were left miles away from their place of origin.
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upon close inspection, are unlike any of the other rocks in the area. They often contain veins of minerals and other unusual surprises, such as fossils. Technically, a pebble transported a great distance by glacial activity can also be considered an erratic, but these are harder to notice. And people sometimes refer to large landscape rocks as “urban erratics,” which is fun but not really correct, as glaciers had nothing to do with their turning up in your garden. Geologists, natural historians and friends of rocks (and kids who like to climb stuff!) prize naturally placed erratics because these unusual rocks provide important clues to the geology of our region — and plenty of fun. Climbing boulders Like climbing trees, scrambling atop big rocks is one of those genuine childhood pleasures that these days, with our nature deficiency, we have to schedule into the family program.. It’s okay to encourage kids to climb rocks! And it’s cool for grown-ups to climb rocks, too. For a quick afternoon pickme-up in any season, there’s nothing like scaling a boulder to elevate energy and make you want to woot! with joy. Climbing tips: Use your best judgment. Some erratics are more scramblefriendly than others. Some are just too big to climb safely without proper climbing equipment; others are in balance with a fragile ecology, so be mindful of their lichen, moss and ferns. Some have been posted with signs prohibiting climbing. 3 8 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
Fantastic Erratic on Cougar Mountain; photo by Peter Stevens via Wikimedia Commons (CC by 2.0)
Even if you can’t climb, whenever possible, touch the rock, lean against it, smell it, measure it against your body. Take time to inspect it closely for fossils and minerals as well as interesting mosses and lichens. Introduce yourself to the rock. Make friends. Now let’s go climb some rocks!
Cougar Mountain’s Fantastic Erratic, Issaquah Wearing a gorgeous shag of licorice fern, the Fantastic Erratic watches over the Talus Open Space adjacent to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Issaquah. For a quick visit to this majestic wonder, park at the Bear Ridge trailhead off SR 900 and take the Bear Ridge Trail uphill about a mile. For a longer hike, you can come down on the Shangri La Trail.
Deposited on this hillside by a northern glacier, this erratic is metamorphic, created under the Earth’s surface by intense pressure and heat. In some of its jagged cracks you might notice orange staining, which is from iron-rich water percolating through the rock. The ferns must lust for rust because they are really digging into this erratic! Getting there: From Interstate 90, take exit 15 and drive south on 17th Avenue Northwest, which becomes RentonIssaquah Road Southeast, also called SR 900. Just past Talus Entrance Road, look for the small parking area at the Bear Ridge trailhead. Note that Bear Ridge Trail connects with King County’s Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park trail system. Follow the trail uphill for about a mile. It may seem longer, but it is not. Bring chocolate.
If you go: Drive back through Issaquah if you’ve worked up an appetite. Pick up kid-friendly Indian takeout at popular Bukhara (131 Front St. N.). For lighter fare or hot chocolate, try Issaquah Coffee Company (317 N.W. Gilman, No. 47).
The Wedgwood Rock, Seattle This incredible erratic holds court in an informal pocket park at the intersection of Northeast 72nd Street and 28th Avenue Northeast in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood. According to Maria Dolan and Kathryn True’s excellent guide “Nature in the City: Seattle,” the Wedgwood Rock was formed 163 million years ago, but deposited by the Puget lobe ice sometime between 15,500 and 17,000 years ago. And according to historian Coll Thrush in his book “Native Seattle: Histories From the Crossing-Over Place,” the Wedgwood Rock was once a meeting place for the native peoples of the region. Approximately 20 feet tall, 75 feet around and ringed with conifers, this marvel should be admired but not climbed upon, as there is a $100 city fine for those who try to scale it. Unlike some other erratics thick with ferns and moss, the Wedgwood Rock’s moss is thin and patchy. The serpentinized greenstone that makes up this rock is low in plant nutrients and high in toxic metals. (So, don’t lick this erratic!) For the most fun, park at Dahl Playfield and walk neighboring streets uphill to the erratic. In addition to parking, the Dahl Playfield has rocks aplenty to climb on in the play area, including a stony art installation by John Hoge called “Boulder Wash.” Getting there: Dahl Playfield is located at 7700 25th Ave. N.E., in Seattle. To walk to the erratic, exit the playfield at 26th Avenue Northeast and carefully cross Northeast 75th Street. Continue on 26th until you reach Northeast 72nd and follow it uphill to the erratic at 28th Avenue Northeast. ►
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If you go: Bring your wheels. Dahl Playfield has plenty of paths to scoot along, plus a skate dot. For some of the best baked goods in the city, head over the hill to Grateful Bread at 7001 35th Ave. N.E.
Martha Lake Airport Park boulder, Lynnwood Snohomish County Parks gets major props for preserving the erratic at Martha Lake Airport Park by cleaning it of graffiti and honoring it with an informational sign. Covered with spray paint, erratics can tell us very little. When we can see the stone and examine its natural color and texture, we can guess at its history. About 18 feet tall, this lovely rock is probably greenschist, a mineral-rich basalt that has been chemically changed by heat and pressure long ago under the sea floor. This type of erratic is common in lowlands of the Puget Sound area. Getting there: Drive to Martha Lake Airport Park, located at 200 146th St. S.W., Lynnwood. You’ll find the rock tucked behind the picnic shelter. If you go: Bring your wheels! This park has a skateboard ramp and scooter-worthy paths. After your rock appreciation, chow on super nachos and quesadillas at Casa Guerrero at 402 164th St. S.W., in Lynnwood.
Upper Leschi Park erratic, Seattle In the natural area on the slope above Seattle’s Leschi Park tennis courts, you will find this gorgeous trailside erratic. Laden with fossilized shells, this very 4 0 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
special erratic was made by the compression of layers of sand or silt. As a result, the ancient submarine rock is a little more brittle than most, so be gentle with your affections. Unfortunately, a few selfish rockhounds have been trying to collect fossils here. The damage they’ve made with their hammers is irreparable. Leave no trace of your visit. Take only pictures. Getting there: Leschi Park, at 201 Lakeside Ave. S., is located south of Madrona Beach on the shores of Lake Washington. You can find street parking along Lake Washington Boulevard and take the old cable car bridge to East Yesler Way. Follow the trail uphill into upper Leschi Park’s natural area. If you go: Bring a picnic or grab a delimade sandwich at the family-owned Leschi Market at 103 Lakeside Ave. Or, climb the hill to 34th Avenue in nearby Madrona and find an array of ice cream, cake and espresso opportunities, including the original Cupcake Royale (1101 34th Ave.) and Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream (1408 34th Ave).
Big Rock of Duvall Nestled between two giant redwoods in a pocket park southwest of Duvall’s Main Street Safeway lies this enormous, historically significant erratic. Already an ancient wonder of the Snoqualmie River Valley long before the town of Duvall was established in 1913, so-called “Big Rock” has a road, a park and several businesses named after it. The sequoia trees that keep it company are probably more than 100 years old themselves.
Big Rock is a gneiss (pronounced “nice”): It’s a rock sandwich made up of different rocks and minerals all smooshed together, often in visible bands or stripes. Look for bands of white quartz in Big Rock and admire its patterns of lichens and moss.
Big Rock of Duvall; photo by Dennis Bratland via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Getting there: Located between Monroe to the north and Carnation to the south, Duvall sits on State Route 203, which doubles as Duvall’s Main Street. South of historic Main Street you will find Duvall’s Safeway at 14020 Main St. The erratic is located southwest of the parking lot. If you go: Enjoy the pleasures of a small-town Main Street in Duvall and have a treat at Grateful Bread Bakery (15602 Main St. N.E.).
Two excellent erratics, big and small, in Des Moines There are two erratics to visit in Des Moines: an enormous one at Highline College and a pretty, petite one at Des Moines Beach Park. Dominating a landscaped bed of rosemary and fountain grass in front of the Higher Education Center, Highline College’s monster erratic is so heavy (more than 2 tons) that it held its ground against two Caterpillar bulldozers
during the building’s construction! Predominately salt-and-pepper granite, this easily climbable rock has been polished smooth by grit under the glacial ice. With its southern exposure, this erratic grows warm in the sun, making it a perfect spot for students to lounge and catch a few rays. Crouching like a stone lion watching the tide, the second erratic sits on the Des Moines waterfront. Only 4 feet high, this erratic looks nothing like the other rocks north of the marina at Des Moines Beach Park. Look closely: This noble glacial rock is flecked with sparkles of mica and streaked with veins of smoky quartz.
Getting there: Highline College, at 2400 S. 240th St., in Des Moines, is a few minutes from Interstate 5. The erratic is adjacent to the south parking lot, in front of the Higher Education Center. To avoid dealing with parking permits, plan to visit on a weekend or a holiday. Des Moines Beach Park, at 22030 Cliff Ave. S., is a short drive from Highline College. Park near the historic Des Moines Beach Park Event Center. You will find the erratic on the beach, north of the marina’s jetty. If you go: You’ll find some good eats on Marine View Drive. Try Des Moines Dog House (22302 Marine View Dr. S.) and Auntie Irene’s for ice cream and other treats (22504 Marine View Dr. S.).
Erratic on the Des Moines waterfront; photo by Dennis Bratland via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Editor’s note: This article was originally published a number of years ago, but the big rocks haven’t changed a bit since then.
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Annie Fanning is a mother of two brilliant daughters, a Seattle Tree Ambassador and a flower-throwing anarchist.
COMFORT & JOY
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Education | Events | Field Trips | Museum | Community Programs
Open Sundays 10am-4pm 2nd & Lenora Downtown Seattle
The Holocaust Center for Humanity is dedicated to promoting social justice and fighting hate. Each one of us has the power to make a difference.
Plan your visit and learn more at
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Bundle up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride; photo courtesy Three Peaks Outfitters
Train Trips, Sleigh Rides and Dogsled Adventures Unique winter and holiday excursions for Northwest families By Kate Missine Though the ongoing pandemic continues to put a bit of a damper on the holiday season, there is still plenty of wintry family magic to be had around the region. Festive, oldfashioned rides — made safe for the season with protective protocols — are at the top of our list. Whether you roll down the tracks aboard a storybook train, jingle all the way on a winter wonderland sleigh ride, or dash through the snow on a sled pulled by dogs, these seasonal excursions are bound to brighten your spirits. Yuletide Express and Santa Limited train rides, Snoqualmie • trainmuseum.org Downtown Snoqualmie’s historic depot and Northwest Railway Museum are favorites for train-loving families, with the
museum’s holiday ride a much-anticipated annual tradition. This year, the museum is offering two different options to join Santa and his elves. The Yuletide Express excursion aboard the train’s antique coaches — resplendent in seasonal decorations — whisks passengers away on a 25-minute round trip to picturesque Snoqualmie Falls, with a stop at the crest for a view before returning to the depot. A small gift from Santa for each kiddo is included with the ticket price, along with a cookie for each ticketholder. The fare also includes admission to the museum’s Train Shed Exhibit Hall. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time for everyone ages 2 and older, and the train runs rain or shine (or snow!). When: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 27–Dec. 19 Find it: Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 S.E. King St., Snoqualmie, WA Cost: $25 for guests ages 2 and older; kids younger than 2 ride free. Book online at trainmuseum.org. ►
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The two-hour Santa Limited excursion departs from the North Depot in North Bend, transporting passengers to the Railway History Campus, where Santa greets each child with a small gift. Kids can explore the festively decorated Train Shed Exhibit Hall and participate in a seasonal craft activity. When: Dec. 11–12, 18–19 Find it: North Bend Depot, 205 E. McClellan St., North Bend, WA Cost: $35 for guests ages 2 and older; kids younger than 2 ride free. Book online at trainmuseum.org. COVID-19 protocols: Snug-fitting face masks (no bandannas) that cover mouth and nose must be worn for the duration of the visit for all guests ages 5 and older; all visitors ages 12 and older must show proof of vaccination in order to participate.
Santa Holiday Train and The Polar Express train rides with Chehalis-Centralia Railroad • steamtrainride.com
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad operates one of only a few remaining steam-powered locomotives in Washington, and offers year-round rides on its historic retro-style train. Families can choose from one of two special holiday experiences in 2021. The Santa Holiday Train is a 30-minute trip suitable for the youngest passengers, with Santa visiting with everyone during the ride, and plenty of photo-op time before and after. No food is served on board, but snacks and beverages are available for sale at the depot. For older kiddos ready for a longer experience, climb aboard The Polar Express. Listen to the reading of the famous book and sing some carols as you trek along to the “North Pole,” where Santa will join in for the return trip and distribute presents for all! Cocoa and cookies are served, and jammies for the littles are not just okay, but encouraged (though do make sure to bundle up as the railcars have limited heating). For an extra-special time, premier seating is available in the historic 1920s business car and includes exclusive seating for your group, collector cocoa mugs and gift bags. When: Santa Holiday Train rides are scheduled to run Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27–Dec. 19; The Polar Express train rides are scheduled to run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 13–Dec. 19. Find it: Steam Train Depot, 1101 S.W. Sylvenus St., Chehalis, WA Cost: Regular coach rides on the Santa Train are $16 per person; general reserved seating for The Polar Express train ride is $39 per person. (Premier seating options for both excursions are available to book for small groups.) Ages 2 and younger ride free on an adult lap. Book online at steamtrainride.com.
Santa greets train enthusiasts for a festive seasonal ride; photo courtesy Chehalis-Centralia Railroad
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Sleigh rides with Three Peaks Outfitters, Cle Elum • 3peaksoutfitters.com Few winter activities conjure up that nostalgic fairy-tale feeling like gliding through snowy fields in an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh. For Seattle-area families, the closest spot to experience the magic is in Cle Elum, a 90-minute drive to the east. At Three Peaks Outfitters, a local family-owned business, a shiny red sleigh awaits behind a handsome duo
Here comes Santa!
Photo courtesy Three Peaks Outfitters
of horses, ready to take you on a wondrous tour through the winter-white woods and scenic trails of Cle Elum’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Bundle up and don’t forget a thermos of hot cocoa! Rides are 30 minutes long, and they book up fast. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Want to make it a staycation? Popular Suncadia Resort (suncadia.com) is minutes away, with lodging, food and activity options galore. Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December through February, weather dependent. Closed during some holiday dates; check the website for details. Find it: 3000 Bullfrog Rd., Cle Elum, WA Cost: $24 for adults and $18 for youths ages 12 and younger. Littles younger than 2 ride free on an adult lap. Book online at 3peaksoutfitters.com. Sleigh rides at Eagle Creek Ranch, Leavenworth • eaglecreek.ws Just a little farther into the Cascade Mountains, near the quaint Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, you’ll find several other options to choose from to hear sleigh bells ringing. We like historic Eagle Creek Ranch, known for some of the area’s most scenic rides. A team of
Current COVID19 safety requirements apply
Two options for Winter fun. Santa Limited
Two weekends December 11 & 12, 18 & 19
Yuletide Express
Four weekends November 27 & 28 December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19
Online ticket sales only. Visit TrainMuseum.org to reserve your spot today.
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pretty draft horses takes families through the meadows and forests of the mountain valley on a 1.8-mile tour. Families can book individual tickets or reserve the entire sleigh for a private group ride — large and small sleigh options are available with advance booking. Keep warm with hot cider served on board; seating blankets are available but can’t be sanitized between rides, so it is recommended that riders bring their own to stay warm! Face coverings are required while at the ranch. Be sure to stop by Leavenworth itself to check out the holiday lights and other seasonal fun. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. parentmap.com/leavenworth When: Near daily dates, Nov. 27 through February
Photo courtesy Eagle Creek Ranch
Find it: Eagle Creek Ranch, 7951 Eagle Creek Rd., Leavenworth, WA
Cost: Private family sleigh rides run from $90 (for two adults maximum, plus as many as two toddlers) to $180 (for as many
Eat. Drink. Play. Visit Dwn Undr for hand crafted food, drinks, and year round family fun. Indoor and outdoor space packed full of games for all ages.
dwnundr.net
625 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
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as 10 adults/teens; kids ages 3–12 count as half-size toward capacity). Public group sleigh rides for vaccinated guests are being considered ($22/adult). Book online at eaglecreek.ws or call with questions (509-548-7798). Northwest Dogsled Adventures, near Leavenworth • northwestdogsledadventuresllc.com Got a thrill-seeker in the fam? For a truly unique winter adventure straight out of a Jack London novel, give dogsledding a try. With Northwest Dogsled Adventures, the area’s only dogsledding outfitter, you can get up close and personal with a team of gorgeous huskies that will pull the flying sled at hair-raising speeds. This outing is not for the faint of heart! The 7-mile, one-hour-long tour starts at a state Sno-Park west of Leavenworth (you’ll need a Sno-Park permit to park). Bundle up, as this ride gets cold; be sure to layer up in weather-appropriate gear, including gloves, hats and
boots. Dog-loving kiddos (and adults!) can learn about the hardworking sled dogs along the way, and get the chance to be as involved as they want in caring for and watering the dogs after the ride. Don’t forget your phone (and a GoPro, if you have one) for documenting this amazing ride! Where: Fish Lake/Lake Wenatchee Trailhead Sno-Park When: Tours run from mid-December through March, 2022; use the form on the website’s contact page to submit a reservation request (and note the number of people in your party). northwestdogsledadventuresllc.com Cost: $165 per adult and $110 per child, plus a Sno-Park permit for parking. A 50 percent deposit is required to confirm a reservation.
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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.
ICE SKATING ON THE EASTSIDE
Daily sessions & group classes All ages & abilities welcome!
Register today at snokingsnoqualmie.com Questions? heatherv@snokingsnoqualmie.com 425-495-3054 FAW21_sno_king_snoqualmie_ice_1-2h.indd 1
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Treat your family to
Edmonds!
Edmonds has it all for a family day out! Enjoy a stroll on the pier and a day on the beach. Take a whale watching cruise or a ferry ride just for the fun of it. The holidays come alive in a traditional hometown scene, with an outdoor market and a free trolley ride. Come Visit Edmonds!
www.visitedmonds.com www.edmondsholidays.com
