ROMP

Right under your nose!

Seattle Pinball Museum

One of the best ways to play vintage pinball in Seattle isn’t at an arcade or a bar, but at a museum. (Yes, this is certainly a louder variety of museum.) And it’s back and open once again: Players 7 and older can come by and flipper to their hearts’ content on 50 machines. Adults: $20. Kids (7-12) and seniors: $17. — Jillian O’Connor

508 Maynard Ave S., Seattle, seattlepinballmuseum.com

»Romp Things to do with kids

Serenity and Ryan Ulsberger with Elliott, 4, and Eva, 2, enjoy the Family Nature Experience at Tacoma Nature Center, led by a preschool teacher naturalist.

Wintry adventures

With guided activities, kids can make maple syrup, try out snowshoes, and learn a lot about nature

by NATASHA DILLINGER / photos by JOSHUA HUSTON

Let’s face it. Getting out of the house in the middle of winter is a little more challenging. It’s chilly, it’s dark and someone always seems to be missing a mitten.

If your family has had one too many cozy days on the couch this season, you can capture some motivation from the experienced hosts of local guided activities and opt for an outdoor adventure.

Tacoma Nature Center Family Nature Experience

You don’t have to drive for hours to have guided outdoor fun. Enjoy a private winter family walk and learn all about plant and animal adaptations to the seasons. (An optional indoor Turtle Time add-on is available). When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Select Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

5 things to do Cures for the winter blahs

Rainy, cold and wet weather can have families staying in with kids, clamoring for some active fun. Keep everyone busy with these five ideas to help beat winter boredom.

1

Camp inside!

Pull out sheets and pillows, make a fort and set up camp in the living room. Get flashlights and grab a mattress from your kid’s bedroom. Sleep in front of the imaginary campfire! Tell stories. Bake up s’mores as a special camping treat.

2

Turn on your favorite tunes!

A dance party will get all the wiggles out. Teach your child to do classic moves like the monkey or the sprinkler.

3

Slip on your socks and slide around!

On bare wood floors, pretend to be ice skaters or (safely) chase each other around the house. Bonus: Your floors will be squeaky-clean.

4

Bundle up and head outside

Yes, especially when it’s raining! Examine fallen leaves, jump in puddles, stick your tongue out and catch a raindrop. Bring along hot chocolate and a snack.

5

Make a sensory bin!

Fill an empty bin with rice or beans. Add toy cars, trucks, scoops and bowls. Pour, sift and sort the materials for hours of tactile play.

«Romp CONTINUED

Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma. Cost: $35 per family up to 6 people ($30 for members). Must be from the same household or pod. Age guidelines: Little ones welcome. Adaptable for most developmental stages. Register: Request a time at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance by emailing tnc@tacomaparks.com or calling (253) 404-3930.

Mount Rainier Institute

This partnership between the University of Washington and Mount Rainier National Park offers year-round family programming, but the sweetest option is their Big Leaf Maple Syrup Program. Families have hands-on opportunities to learn about these special trees and the process of syrup making, plus a chance to taste-test! When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select dates between Jan. 21 and Feb. 13. Where: Pack Forest at 9010 453rd St. E. in Eatonville. Cost: $45 per family of 2, $60 per family of 3, $70 per family of 4, $80 per family of 5. Children 2 and under are free. Age guidelines: Designed for kids 8 and up, but my toddler and kindergartner have participated and loved this program. Register: Go to rainierinstitute.org.

Wenatchee River Institute

Take in the scenic views on a twohour guided snowshoe stroll. You’ll learn about the P’squosa (Wenatchi) people and the local plants and animals they’ve stewarded since time immemorial. Snowshoes are provided for participants age 6 and up. (Bonus: Poles and gaiters are provided at the fish hatchery.) When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in January and February (starting Jan. 6). Various midday times. Where: Choose between two Leavenworth locations: the Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) at 347 Division St. or the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery at 12790 Fish Hatchery Road. Cost: $5 per person at the WRI, $15 per adult or $10 per youth (6 to 14) at the fish hatchery. Children 5 and under are free. Age guidelines: All ages are welcome, but there are no snowshoes small enough for kids under 6. Register: Online at wenatcheeriverinstitute.org

Bellevue Parks Guided Hikes

Outdoor programming has resumed in Bellevue and families

Elliott gets close-up Turtle Time at Tacoma Nature Center. can choose from three locations: Lake Hills Greenbelt, Lewis Creek Park and the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. Programs generally include a mild walk of a mile or less as participants examine flora and fauna. Special programming (like a night hike) is occasionally available. When: Various start times, but typically Saturday mornings at Lewis Creek and afternoons at Lake Hills and Mercer Slough. Where: Lake Hills: 15416 SE 16th St. Lewis Creek Park: 5808 Lakemont Blvd. SE. Mercer Slough: 1625 118th Ave. SE. (All in Bellevue.) Cost: Free Age guidelines: Geared toward kids age 5 and up; all ages are welcome Register: Online at register. bellevuewa.gov. Groups are limited to 15 to 20 participants.

Outdoors for All

This local organization focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities in outdoor sports and offers lessons in downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. When: Saturday and Sunday half-day sessions starting in January. Where: Summit at Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass. Cost: Starts at $500 for a seven-week session with scholarships available. Gear rental and lift tickets are extra. Age guidelines: Age 7 and up. Register: Online at outdoorsforall.org.

It’s so much more than a gift

Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate

A portion of the proceeds from each birth certificate helps children grow, thrive and learn in safe and loving environments.

This official birth certificate is personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar.

Certificate is 8 1/2 x 11 and includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the name and birthplace of the parent(s).

Framable keepsake

For each $40 purchase of an Heirloom Birth

Certificate, $25 is tax deductible.

To find out more information on Children’s Trust and child abuse prevention in Washington State visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/ government-community/communityengagement or visit Department of Health to order your own Heirloom Birth Certificate.

Escape from Seattle! A trip that will make your head bobble

In Everett, there’s a museum-like shop that warrants its own field trip. Enter this brightly colored, interactive toy store and be amazed by all the huge plastic Funko Pop! characters. This is the 17,000-square-foot flagship store for Funko, which sells every pop-culture icon figurine from Batman to Jimi Hendrix. See colossal Pop! figures in rooms dedicated to Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars and more. Get ready for pictures in the Batmobile — or to create your own

Pop! figure! — Jasmin Thankachen 2802 Wetmore Ave., Everett, funko.com