There is nothing quite like cracking open a brand new book; the feel of the pages, the smell of the paper, and of course, the captivating characters and spellbinding storylines. A visit to your local bookstore can open your child’s eyes to the wonderful world of books and help instill a lifelong love of reading. Click through the gallery to see our favorite local bookstores that love kids and put a premium on pint-sized readers.

Third Place Books

Third Place Books is more than a bookstore; it’s a community gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors can connect over a love of books. With three Seattle-area locations, you can find one close by that has just what you’re looking for. The flagship store in Lake Forest Park offers a large public commons, three restaurants (including the can’t-miss Honey Bear Bakery), free WiFi and a jam-packed events calendar. Founded in 1998, the bookstore is home to over 200,000 new, used and bargain books with something for everyone.

Third Place Books is known for bringing big name authors in for special events, readings and book signings. They host weekly story times for tots and a teen book club for more mature readers. Wander through the aisles of bookshelves and don’t forget to pick up a homemade pastry to pair with your selection. The Ravenna and Seward park locations also serve up delicious food and drink with their extensive book collections. At the Ravenna location, check out the books and enjoy Vios Café, a full-service Mediterranean restaurant (complete with a full kid's menu). At all locations, Third Place Books encourages its patrons to read, relax, eat, play and most importantly, have fun.

Good to know: Save the Seward Park location for date night – grab a coffee at the café, dinner at Raconteur, a restaurant highlighting New American cuisine, or head downstairs to the bar where you can have a cocktail while watching the Hawks game or attending trivia night. What could be better than books and a bar under one roof?!

Lake Forest Park
17171 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, Wa 98155
206-366-3333
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Ravenna
6504 20th Ave N.E.
Seattle, Wa 98115
206-525-2347
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Seward Park
5041 Wilson Ave S.
Seattle, Wa 98118
206-474-2200
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Online: thirdplacebooks.com

photo: Third Place Books Lake Forest Park Facebook page

Does your little bookworm have a favorite bookstore? Tell us what makes it so special in the comments below.

— Abbey McGee

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