Summer is almost officially upon us, with many Puget Sound kiddos wrapping up the school year this week.
Although I’m sure you’ve already filled out most of your child’s day planner, we put together this starter list to showcase the Rainier-sized mountain of fun awaits us throughout the Puget Sound!
Kids Under 5:
Wiggle Works Bellevue at the Crossroads Mall:
If (shocker) the weather goes south, and you can get to the east-side, check out Wiggle Works indoor play zone. With a 48″ height limit, this place specializes in providing a fun place for younger kids to play without the worry of being bowled over by older kids.
Admission is good all day, so mix things up with a snack from the food court or take a 25-cent spin on one of the numerous coin-op rides along the mall’s thoroughfare.
If/when the weather rights itself, you can even head to the nearby, well-appointed and aptly named, Crossroads Park (profiled below).
Another amazing gem, is Everett’s Imagine Children’s Museum. Worth the drive from most parts of the Puget Sound, Imagine engages kids through a multitude of hands-on experiences.
Fill their day with dress up, sensory exploration, art, music and science. Throw in the 9,149 square foot outdoor “Tall Timbers Rooftop Adventure” play area (featuring a giant play structure, dino-dig, and massive musical instruments) and you’ll have a mind-blowing experience at this one-of-a-kind mix of mental stimulation and physical activity.
Elementary School Kids:
Free Bowling!
Get the ball rolling on summer by heading to www.kidsbowlfree.com! Children ages 2-12 years old can register for two free games of bowling EVERY DAY at participating lanes.
Additional bonus, you can add up to 4 adults, or older kids into the mix with a family pass for $29.95. Please note the shoe rental situation (free vs. pay) varies from location to location and is spelled out on the right-hand side of the location registration page.
Parks & Recreation:
There are many super rad parks in our region to suit any taste, but when kids are involved we keep coming back to these three stellar parks:
Crossroads Park:
16140 NE 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98008
a. Covered eating areas
b. Large lawns
c. Water spray playground
d. Standard dryland playground (for bigs and littles)
e. Restrooms
f. Park is near the Crossroads Mall
Covington Community Park:
17649 SE 240th Street
Covington, WA 98042
a. Covered eating area
b. Large grass area
c. 2 Ziplines (big kid AND little kid options)
d. Climbing rock
e. Standard dryland playground (for bigs & littles)
f. Restrooms
g. Exercise area
h. Outdoor stage
Lake Sammamish State Park:
2000 NW Sammamish Road
Issaquah, WA 98027
(Requires Parks Pass on most days)
a. Covered and uncovered picnic areas
b. Two playgrounds, one for bigger kids and one for all ages
c. Beach
d. Sandbox play area
e. Concessions
f. Restrooms
g. Changing rooms & showers
h. Plenty of lawn
Creative Outlets for Teens:
Teen Ink
For budding writers and artists ages 13-19, Teen Ink® is always open to submissions. The by-teen-for-teen magazine, book series, and website is devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums.
For over 25 years, Teen Ink has offered teens the opportunity to publish their creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives – everything from love and family to school, current events, and self-esteem.
Teens can submit their latest masterpiece here.
Teen Tix
Teens ages 13 to 19-yearsold have the opportunity to buy day-of tickets to films, art-shows, museums, theatrical productions and more for just $5! This is great for art lovers and theatrical enthusiasts! It’s easy & free to sign-up and opens a world of artistic viewing possibilities.
An additional bonus: Teen Tix occasionally offers a special called “2 for $10 days”, where registered teens can bring along a non-teen for the same sweet $5 deal!
Fun for the Whole Family!
Public Libraries:
Hopefully your kids loooooooove the library and can’t wait to (quietly?) roam the stacks looking for their next read. For those who equate books with homework, your local library offers summer programs that can convince the begrudging that reading IS FUNdamental!
King County:
– The 2019 Summer program delivers free prizes for reading!
– Get free museum passes with your library card!
– Free lunches for kids up to age 18 at 12 locations!
Pierce County:
– Summer Reading Program & Events
Snohomish & Island Counties:
– Summer Reading Program & Events