ML Interest Tag: salmon-hatchery

One Fish, Two Fish: 11 Places to Catch This Year’s Salmon Run

by Abbey McGee

‘Tis the season for Pacific salmon to return to local rivers and creeks to spawn. After last year’s hiatus at some of Seattle’s best salmon viewing spots, families can once again hit their re-opened favorites—here’s looking at you, Ballard Locks—plus nearby rivers and streams to catch this show live. So grab the kids and head to one of these exceptional vantage points to witness nature in action.

Ballard Locks - Ballard

Marie B. via yelp

From up above, your little fish finders will love watching boats of all shapes and sizes travel through the narrow isthmus of the Ballard Locks, which connects the Puget Sound to Lake Washington, via the Ship Canal. Also keep your eyes peeled for seals and sea lions hoping to catch their lunch. But hidden beneath the surface is where the water comes alive. Throughout the summer and fall, you can spot Pacific salmon bypassing the locks by migrating up a 21-step fish ladder located adjacent to the boat passageway. Kids love peering through the set of subaquatic viewing windows as they watch the sockeye, chinook and coho use their keen sense of smell to navigate back to the rivers from where they were hatched.

Bonus: After hanging out with the fishes, be sure to stop by the visitor’s center where you’ll find information about the locks and a gift shop. Burn some energy by taking a stroll through the Carl S. English Botanical Gardens.

Dates & Times: Daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

3015 N.W. 54th St.
Seattle
Online: ballardlocks.org

Cedar River - Renton & Maple Valley

When the salmon complete an epic journey by traveling through the Ballard Locks and swimming through Lake Washington, they make their way to the Cedar River in Renton and Maple Valley to spawn. That makes this a salmon hot spot for sure. And this year, families can one again meet up with naturalists from the Seattle Aquarium, eager to share their wisdom and knowledge. Volunteers will be stationed at five locations along the river, including the Cedar River Park, Riverview Park, Belmond Reach and Landsburg Park and Dam (no tours at the last location) on weekends in October, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Bonus: When you've had your fill of salmon spotting, a trip to the playground is in order.

Cedar River Park
1717 S.E. Maple Valley Hwy.
Renton, WA

Riverview Park
3201 Maple Valley Highway
Renton, WA

Belmondo Reach Natural Area
16214-16248 S.E. Cedar Mountain Pl.
Renton, WA

Landsburg Park and Dam
S.E. 252nd Pl. & Landsburg Rd. S.E.
Renton, WA

Piper's Creek - North Seattle

photo library

You won’t want to miss watching as salmon return from their ocean adventures to Piper’s Creek at Seattle’s Carkeek Park this fall. Every October, hundreds of chum and coho salmon head up the creek to spawn through early December. Take a seat and cheer them on at this nearby city park. While you're there, see if you can find Piper's Orchard, the oldest orchard in the city, or wander the many trails that wind their way through this 220-acre park.

950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd.
Seattle
Online: govlink.org

Longfellow Creek - West Seattle

Cock-Robin via pixabay

This spot in West Seattle is a perfect place for the adventurer with a keen eye. Walk the four-mile pedestrian path along Longfellow Creek (starting from Dragonfly Pavilion) and see coho and chum migrating from October to December. Psst... look under the bridges where fish often hide if you need a little help. Be sure to stop at the nearby Delridge Skate Park to scooter or shred before you head home with the kids.

28th Ave. S.W. & S.W. Dakota St.
Seattle
Online: govlink.org

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

Welcome the autumn season by making the trek to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, the most visited hatchery in the state. The Hatchery grounds opened to the public in September, although guided tours have concluded for this year. But that doesn't mean you can't stop by to gaze through viewing windows and notice the physical changes salmon have undergone during spawning, as most males and some females developed hooked snouts, strong teeth, color changes, and are showing new markings on their skin. Most of the fish return beginning in mid-September through early November.

125 W. Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 
Online: issaquahfish.org

Kelsey Creek Farm - Bellevue

Rachel Brandon

With plenty of run-around room, Kelsey Creek Farm Park makes a perfect destination to take your mini for some salmon spotting. See fish swimming near the west tributary, located by the parking lot, and along the stream heading toward Pioneer cabin. See fishes swimming near the west tributary, located by the parking lot, and along the stream heading toward Pioneer cabin. Afterwards, spend some time visiting the sheep, horses, bunnies and goats (daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.) or burn off some energy at the playground.

410 130th Pl. S.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: bellevuewa.gov

Duwamish River - Tukwila

Michael C. via yelp

Make your way along the Green River Trail at North Wind’s Weir (psst… it’s right next to Boeing in Tukwila), or gaze from the footbridge above and spy salmon swimming up the Duwamish River. Be sure to keep a lookout for bald eagles, blue heron and osprey scouting for their next meal too. If you see 'em, it's a good sign. Also on the Duwamish River, Codiga Park was once a dairy farm and now is a terrific place for spotting salmon. Walk the short path from the parking lot down to the river’s edge where you’ll see chinook and coho during the months of August and September and chum from October through November. Put Duwamish Gardens on your list to see too. It's a park specifically designed to provide critical shallow water habitat essential to survival of juvenile salmon. 

North Wind’s Weir
2914 S. 112th St.
Tukwila, WA

Codiga Park
12585 50th Pl. S.
Tukwila, WA

Duwamish Gardens Park
11269 E. Marginal Way S.
Tukwila, WA

North Creek Trail - Bothell

William B. via yelp

For three solid months in the fall, visit Bothell’s North Creek and see the majestic return of chinook, sockeye and coho. Start at North Creek Trail Park (120th Ave. N.E. & North Creek Pkwy. N.) and walk the paved tails south along the creek. Beginning in September, the fish are plentiful in the creek and continue throughout the fall. If the salmon are hard to spot, check under bridges were they often like to hide. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Good to know: The park and trailhead are tucked away amidst the North Creek Business Park.

Tumwater Falls - Tumwater

Katy B. via yelp

One of the most scenic spots to spy salmon is along Tumwater Falls. Walk the half-mile Deschutes River Loop Trail that's perfect for kids of any age to experience gorgeous views of cascading waterfalls and changing leaves that surround the river. The salmon make their way up three fish ladders during late September through mid October. And the best place to catch them is at the end of the loop. 

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-30 minutes before sunset

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
110 Deschutes Pkwy. S.W.
Tumwater, WA
Online: olytumfoundation.org

Fennel Creek - Bonney Lake

Bonney Lake’s Fennel Creek, a large tributary that feeds into the Puyallup River, is one of the best destinations to view the salmon run in the South Sound. It's a little tricky to find, as it's somewhat hidden and surrounded by housing developments. But what it lacks in forest-y atmosphere it makes up for in fish. From September through November, an estimated 15,000 salmon swim up Fennel Creek each year. 

11110 185th Ave. E.
Bonney Lake, WA

Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail - Shelton

salmon running upstream in Seattle
Drew Farwell via unsplash

Just off Highway 101, between Shelton and Olympia, you’ll find one of our region’s most popular places to watch salmon spawning. During November, you can trek the half-mile Kennedy Creek Trail to visit over 40,000 chum as they swim back to their native waters. The large number of swimming salmon in the creek provides extraordinary viewing opportunities. Along the path you’ll find bridges and platforms your little ones can walk upon to get a better look, plus interpretive signs and volunteers from The South Puget Sound Enhancement Group to answer all your curious kiddo’s mind boggling questions. The free trail is open weekends in Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Psst… dogs are not allowed on the trail, so be sure to leave Fido at home. Get helpful driving directions here.

1530 S.E. Old Olympic Hwy.
Shelton, WA
Online: spsseg.org

Salmon Watching Tips:
1. Spawning marks the end of the line for the Pacific salmon and there’s a chance you and your brood might come across fish carcasses while visiting the rivers. Be sure to keep curious kiddos from disturbing their bodies, as they serve a valuable purpose for our environment.

2. Everyone knows that kids attract mud, water and dirt, so plan ahead and bring extra clothes. Make sure the minis also wear boots or shoes that can be easily cleaned.

3. Get up close and personal! Bring binoculars if you have them.

4. Remember that the salmon run through November, so you’ve got plenty of weekends to see if you can spot ’em.

Looking for more spots?
Check out the Salmon SEEson website where families can find even more viewing opportunities around King County.

— Abbey McGee & Rachael Brandon

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A Holland America Alaska Cruise Should Be on Your Family’s Bucket List

by Kate Loweth

Alaska is full of gorgeous hikes, too many bald eagles to count, and welcoming people

If you’re looking for pretty much the easiest way to see the gorgeous state of Alaska, you’ll definitely want to put a cruise with Holland America Lines (HAL) on your family travel list. We tagged along on the MS Westerdam that made a round-trip journey to Alaska from Seattle and we think it appeals to families who love outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and vacations that are pretty much planned for them. Here’s why.

teen looking through binoculars on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

Holland America Line Cruises are set up for families

If you’ve planned a family vacation from start to finish on your own, you know all the work that goes into finding lodging, booking activities, setting up meals, and finding things to keep the kids entertained. HAL cruises do all the work for you. Their smaller-sized ships (typically between 1,432 and 2,668 guests) mean that you’ll feel better letting your older kids explore once they get the lay of the land.

We especially like HAL for families who are interested in learning about the area they are visiting. On the Alaska-bound cruises, you can expect to find presentations about the Iditarod, the history of the port towns, important women in Alaska history, and more. These help to give kids and adults some idea of what they are going to do and see while in port and how this land has changed over the years.

Related: Everything to Know About Disney Cruise Line’s New ‘Disney Wish’ Ship

Club HAL Kids Club

Holland America Line

If you are looking for some time in the spa or a special dinner at the steakhouse while on your cruise, you’ll be happy to know that Club HAL is there for your childcare needs (and it’s included in the cruise price). Kids from age 3 and up can spend time at Club HAL enjoying crafts, games, and even theme nights. Teens can head to the Teen Lounge for some video game competitions or Scattergories tournaments.

Other shipboard activities kids will love: Kids will also enjoy checking out the pools, whale watching from the Observation Deck, and participating in activities like origami lessons. They can even join in the secret game of looking for rubber ducks that were hidden by other passengers. There’s a Facebook group that explains all the fun!

Related: The Best Resorts with Kids Clubs (According to Experts)

It’s all about the shore excursions

ketchikan fishing on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

What makes an Alaska cruise so special is the excursions that are available to you on port days. For this Alaska cruise, port days happened in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. These were the excursions we checked out:

  • In Juneau, we took the small group excursion to hike to the Mendenhall Glacier. This excursion also took us out on a small boat to go whale watching. This was a great opportunity to see the beauty of Alaska up close, both on land and on the water.
  • In Sitka, we went for a more educational day and visited the bald eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center and learned about the coastal brown bear population at Fortress of the Bear. Last stop was at the Sitka Marine Science Center where there were touch pools and a salmon hatchery. This excursion would be perfect for multi-generational families traveling together because there was a lot to learn but the activity level was moderate.
  • The final Alaskan port was in Ketchikan and we were able to book a day of salmon fishing. This was a trip highlight for the teen in our group and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day out on the water (and a successful catch for all participants). We even saw sea lions and whales while we were out!
bear rescue sitka alaska
Kate Loweth

Many people wonder if they should book excursions through HAL or if off-ship gives them more options. We definitely recommend booking your excursions through Holland America because if you are late returning to the ship and you are on a HAL-sponsored excursion, the ship will wait for you. If you book an excursion off-ship and you miss the embarkation time, you are on your own to catch the ship at the next port town or make your way home. HAL also has a price match guarantee so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re getting a better deal.

Related: The Best Things to See & Do in Victoria, BC

What you want to know about the dining options and beverage packages when traveling with kids

dining on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

Dining: There are a number of options available for dining and we loved the variety. You can order room service delivered pretty much any time (the mid-afternoon delivery of warm chocolate chip cookies is pretty much every teen’s dream come true). We ate most of our meals at the buffet because it had so many different options, and we never got tired of it. The dining room offers a more upscale service with waiters and a set menu. The Dive-In offers poolside burgers, fries, and hot dogs (order through the Navigator app to avoid the line). The ship also had a steakhouse and Italian restaurant that were more upscale and available for an additional fee.

Beverage packages: Holland America offers a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages onboard. If you are considering choosing a package for yourself, know that all guests in the same cabin must choose a package if one person does. If you are traveling with kids, this means that if the adults in the cabin choose a package like the “Have It All” package, the kids will need to be on the “Quench” package that includes soda, coffee bar items, bottled water, juice, and smoothies. In the alternative, you can choose to pay for your drinks on an a la carte basis. Insider tip: Happy Hour is offered every day and beverages are half-price.

Holland America’s Navigator app

glacier viewing on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

Download the Navigator app prior to departure and you’ll be all set up with a schedule of onboard activities, bookable excursions, reservations for upscale dining, and more. You can even message others in your family through the app without having to use cell service.

Go through the schedule of events for the day and add them to your calendar. The app will notify you in advance when one of your selected activities is about to happen so you don’t miss the activities like the pea soup given out at the Hubbard Glacier (a Holland America tradition!).

One of the features of the app that we found most helpful was being able to order food from the Dive-In (kid-friendly burgers and hot dogs located next to the pool). You got a notification when your food was ready to pick up so you could avoid the line entirely.

The Navigator app is also helpful to keep tabs on your spending so that there aren’t any surprises at the end of your trip.

Related; Our Editor’s Ultimate List of Cruise Tips & Tricks for Families

Tips for your Holland America Cruise

cabin on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth
  1. Get to your departure point the day before embarkation (at least). With everything that’s going on with flights these days, you don’t want to let a flight delay or cancelation make you miss your cruise. HAL offers the option to book a pre-cruise hotel and they even provide transportation from the airport to hotel and hotel to the ship (for an additional fee). When it’s time to head to the ship on embarkation day, they take care of getting your luggage all the way from your hotel to your cabin. Easy!
  2. Book your excursions before you go. This is especially important if you have your heart set on an excursion like salmon fishing that max out at 6 people. Excursions are bookable as soon as you make your cruise reservation so if you find something you want to do, book it. Keep in mind that sometimes excursions are added while you are underway and you can consult with the shore excursions team onboard if you’d like to cancel an excursion and go on a different one instead.
  3. Get a room with a balcony. You can definitely save some money by booking an interior room but for an Alaska cruise, we recommend splurging on a room with a balcony. We found the verandah room to have plenty of storage space for luggage and we loved having the outdoor space to watch for whales or enjoy the sunset. It’s especially fun having a verandah room on the day that you visit the Hubbard Glacier because you can enjoy the sights from your own space instead of on the crowded deck.
  4. Save room in your suitcase and get the laundry service. For our one-week cruise, we were able to travel with only carry-on bags by utilizing the ship’s laundry service. We’d leave a bag of our laundry in our cabin in the morning and it would be returned to us washed and folded by the end of the day. Talk about service!
  5. Don’t forget to switch to airplane mode on your phone once you board. Cell service while at sea is not a fee anyone wants to be surprised by! We found the upgraded internet package (which covers four devices) to be more than adequate while at sea.

Related: Our Editors’ Top Tips to Make Traveling by Air a Little Easier

Kids Cruise Free on select Holland America Line cruises

Now that we’ve got you ready to book your family cruise, here’s a deal that can save you some money. For a limited time, guests 17 and under cruise free on select 2022 cruises to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Holland America Line but opinions belong to the writer. 

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No-Plan Family Adventures for an Unexpected Day Off

by Allison Sutcliffe

While Seattle parents grapple with the teacher’s strike, the unexpected change of plans of having kids back at home doesn’t have to mean hours worth of electronics and tv time (although no judgement if that’s what you gotta do—here’s our picks for what we’re watching on Netflix this month). But if you’re looking for something fun and unusual to do (or have been looking for an excuse to check out some of Seattle’s hidden gems), now’s your chance. The best part? These activities don’t have to take a lot of time out of your day so if you need to get back for a zoom meeting or are tag teaming with another family to cobble together child care, these outdoor activities around Seattle are made for days like these.

Note: To support parents and families during the delayed school start, the City of Seattle will be providing a range of free, drop-in services for school-aged kids starting Monday, September 12. Registration for these services opens September 8.

Explore the New & Improved Imagine Children's Museum

a whale hangs from the ceiling at the new imagine childrens museum ecosystem exhibit near seattle
courtesy Imagine Children's Museum

When it comes to epic children's museums, the newly expanded Imagine Children's Museum in Everett is winning everyone over. It re-opened to the public September 7, and it's a great reason to head north on a day off. In addition to their existing exhibits, they've added over 33,000 square feet of new play space to their three stories. The biggest hint of the change is the tower crane outside (psst... kids can actually climb into it and overlook Wall Street from the Engineer It! Zone). 

The new improvements start with Woodlands Adventure on the lower level. In addition to a canopy featuring ropes of all kinds (think bridges and tunnels) kids will love the expanded Wildlife Rescue Clinic, the Snohomish Bicycle Tree, and the chance to camp, boat, and fish below the tree. The second floor is where you'll find a new Puget Sounds EcoSytem exhibit featuring a intertidal aquarium, an interactive kinetic sand table featuring the Puget Sound area, and the chance to walk through a whale skeleton. This is also where you'll find the Distribution Center that you don't need to be a mail fan to enjoy. Who doesn't love sliding packages down chutes and loading them on conveyor belts over and over (and over) again? The Engineer It! Zone is a great companion to this playspace. It's also where kids can hop into the tower crane cab that overlooks the street.

When it comes to outside activities this museum has plenty. The rooftop playspace is nothing short of amazing. And it got a quick facelift during the expansion too. If you haven't been in a while, make the trip today.

Good to Know: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

1502 Wall St.
Everett, WA
Online: imaginecm.org

Related: The Top Seattle Museums for Families

See the Salmon Run

When it comes to spontaneous outdoor activities, heading to a nearby stream to see the salmon run adds education to your playtime. Whether you've got the day or just an hour off with the kids, there's something magical about this quintessentially fall outdoor activity. Our favorite Seattle spot to hit if you're short on time is the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks. After you've watch the salmon, head outside to the see ships of all sizes (and a few kayaks too) make their way through the Locks from fresh water to salt water (or vice versa). It's a great anytime activity. 

If you've got time to spare, we suggest checking out the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. Drop in to take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, or if you've got time to plan ahead, reach out to the Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery to schedule a family guided tour. The Hatchery is open and running guided tours through October. Another great no-plan option if you've got time is Tumwater Falls near Olympia. We love the easy half-mile loop trail that runs down the creek. It's amazing how many salmon you'll see at the turn around point.

Insider Tip: The Seattle Aquarium is hosting the Cedar River Salmon Journey through October. These docent-led programs are a great way to see some salmon and learn about them too.

Related: One Fish, Two Fish: 11 Places to Catch the Salmon Run

Visit the Zoo

a girl feeds a giraffe at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle with her father and onlookers
courtesy Woodland Park Zoo

Now is the right time to schedule that mid-week zoo trip you've been dreaming about. Ride the carousel, play in the Zoomazium, pet some critters in the Family Farm area (through September 30), and don't forget to see the bears. Woodland Park Zoo is open seven days a week and offers daily programming and experiences your kids will love. It doesn't get easier than this no-plan spot in the city.

However, if you've got time to spare, why not try a new-to-you zoo? Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma is just the right size for tots, with its not-too-big space that allows families to make it all the way around the zoo loop in a morning (or an afternoon) without missing a thing. Plus, it's got a Harry Potter-themed animal show. Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah is another just-right sized spot to visit with young kids. Or go big and bold and spend the day at Northwest Trek. About 90 minutes south of Seattle it's a day-trip-worthy destination. Ride through the grounds on the self-driving Wild Drive then let the kids climb, jump, and explore at the Kids' Trek nature playground before heading home.

Related: Go Wild! Your Insider's Guide to Woodland Park Zoo

Take a Fast Ferry to Bremerton

two kids splash in a fountain outside activities that looks like a submarine
Allison Sutcliffe

For a full day of play and adventure, leave the car behind and explore the many kid-friendly activities within walking distance of the Bremerton ferry dock. Start the day at the USS Turner Joy, a floating museum. This large Naval Destroyer is a kid magnet; from the moment they get on they'll have a blast climbing up, down and through the ship, finding everything from crew quarters to radar towers to engines way down low. The museum is open seven days a week through October when hours change to Wednesday through Sunday. Keep the maritime theme rolling with a stop at the Puget Sound Naval Museum. This free museum is open to the public Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), and chronicles the naval history of the PNW. Kids can get a glimpse into the life of a sailor through the more than 18,000 objects on display. End your day at the Harborside Fountain Park on the water. With plenty of room for parents to spread out and relax while the kids play in the submarine-themed fountains, this is one of the best hidden gems around. Volcanic water eruptions from the fountains delight everyone and keep the kids busy for hours on end. When the day is done, hop on the ferry for the relaxing trip home.

Good to Know: For another easy ferry trip, head to Bainbridge Island.

Bring Your Bikes to a nearby Trail

a son, daughter, and mother on a family bike ride through the forest in fall
iStock

If you’re looking to go the distance on a totally do-able path with the kids, the Snoqualmie Valley Trail offers over 30 miles of (mostly) continuous biking that stretches from Duvall through Carnation, all the way up to Rattlesnake Ledge outside of North Bend. It loosely follows the Snoqualmie River, and passes through lush landscapes, over bridges, and through tunnels that add to the sense of adventure. There are plenty of spots to hop on, and most offer level riding that’s perfect for families.

Insider Tip: Duthie Hill Bike Park is another great option if you're riding the fat tire. It’s like Disney for bike lovers of all ages. 

Related: 15 Wheely Fun Bike Trails for Seattle Families

Play All Day at Enatai Beach Park

Lake Washington is always a great spontaneous spot to spend the day or just a few hours. And at Enatai Beach Park in Bellevue, families have everything they need at their fingertips. Not only can the kids climb, swing, and slide on the waterfront playground, but they can build epic sandcastles and swim in the shallow waters of the beach too. Spice up the day with a paddle by renting SUPs or kayaks at the REI Enatai Beach Park Boathouse. If the weather holds, this is a safe and scenic spot to introduce kids to the sport or paddle around, even if you're all experienced.

Insider Tip: Crossroads Park is another Eastside destination playground that'll keep the kids playing all day. There you'll find a skatepark, playground, plenty of paved trails for scooters and bikes, and a splash pad. Plus, we love the food hall at Crossroads when you need a bite (hint: there's a Dick's there too) and who can resist a shopping stop at Daiso? 

3519 108th Ave. S.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: bellevuewa.gov

Related: Your Guide to Seattle's Best Parks & Playgrounds

Go on a Family Hike

A father daughter hike outdoors
iStock

There's no shortage of easy family hikes to take in Seattle, and heading out with your low hikers on is about as easy as it gets for families looking for an outdoor adventure. If you've only got an hour or so, head to Discovery Park, Seward Park, or the Washington Park Arboretum to wander the trails and get some fresh air. But if you've got the day, we suggest checking out a waterfall trail. With so many kid-friendly options, it's a great mid-week excursion that doesn't take much planning. If you really want to experience waterfalls, it doesn't get cooler than sliding down one. Check out our guide to Denny Creek natural waterslides to plan your day on the Eastside. Plus, who can resist a magical trail full of gnomes? It's another Eastside favorite that's a hit with kids.

Related: The Best Hiking Trails for Kids in Seattle

Head to Seattle Center

When it comes to one-stop-shops for play, Seattle Center has it all for families. Four museums, a food hall, a playground that's as intriguing to kids as it is to adults, plenty of grassy spaces to picnic or play, and an incredible fountain that dazzles everyone.

To start, if you haven't had a chance to get to PacSci since its summer re-opening now's a great time to check out this family favorite. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, families can sit down to a science demonstration, wait for butterflies to land on their fingertips in the Tropical Butterfly House, and see stars in the Planetarium. If you don't have a membership, grab your tickets at least one day in advance to save on admission.

The Armory is another hot spot for families looking for something to do. Grab a MOD pizza or lunch from Skillet before heading down to play at the Seattle Children's Museum. Kids will love the new art space, the improved Bijou Theater, and all the exhibits that let them play in a vet clinic, grocery store, construction site, and post office. Before heading home stop at the Artists at Play playground and head duck into MoPOP.

Related: What's New at Seattle Center? Hint: Almost Everything

Explore Seattle's Waterfront

Like Seattle Center, Seattle's Waterfront is an easy spot to play when you don't have a plan. Offering plenty of outdoor activities, and just as many indoor options, you can spend all day here or just a few hours. If you ask us, families should start at the Seattle Aquarium, where you'll find all kinds of fish and marine mammals doing their thing. Expect educational talks and feeding times throughout the day, and exciting hands-on activities for kids too (the touch tank is tops). Continue your play time with a ride on the Great Wheel and a chance to fly at Wings Over Washington. Pike Place Market and the Olympic Sculpture Park aren't too far. If your crew is game, they should definitely be on your outdoor activities list.

Insider Tip: For a similar experience that may be less crowded, check out South Lake Union. The Kid-struction Zone at MOHAI and its many exhibits will keep the kids busy for hours if you want to play inside. But if outdoor activities are what you're after, bring swimsuits and towels to the secret beach along Lake Union, or rent a free pea pod boat from the Center for Wooden Boats to get out on the water. And of course, no day is complete without a trip to Flastick Pub for pizza and mini golf.

Related: Explore Seattle's Waterfront: 14 Things to Do Now

Play Seaside Detective

a girl at seahurst beach is one of seattle's best tidepool beaches
Allison Sutcliffe

One of the easiest low-plan outdoor activities in Seattle is going tidepooling with the kids. And you don't need much to make it happen. Head out with your bucket full of sand toys and plan to stay for an hour (or spend the afternoon) searching for all kinds of elusive marine life you won't find anywhere else. Moon snails, sea stars, and hermit crabs are all hiding in plain sight along Seattle's rocky shores. 

Insider Tip: The best spot to spy underwater creatures is at the ferry docks when the tide is out. It's a true treasure trove.

Related: From Sea to Shore: Seattle's Top Tidepooling Beaches

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Explore Issaquah: A Charming Town That’s Big on Fun

by Allison Sutcliffe

It may only be 15 miles east of Seattle, but Issaquah’s a world away when it comes to adventures for the whole fam. No skyscrapers or Sound views here, just wide open spaces and plenty of room to roam. From farms and museums, to mountain hikes and bike rides, we’ve got the 411 on how to make a day in this gateway town.

photo: Audrey L. via Yelp

Go Wild
Issaquah has a surprising wild side in Cougar Mountain Zoo, home to tigers, reindeer, tropical birds and of course, cougars. It’s just the right size for little walkers who won’t get too worn out strolling the grounds and getting their Dr. Doolittle on. After checking out the wildlife, be sure to make your way to the Magic Forest, where little hands can feed friendly animals who get up close and personal with visitors. Here you’ll also find a sizeable collection of bronze animals perched around the grounds. They’re fun to look at and we’re sure your crew will strike a pose next to their favorite just for you. And just a head’s up, if animals and bars don’t sit well with you, this is one you will want to sit out. The zoo is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and admission rages from $9 to $12.50; kids 2 and under are free.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

If warm fuzzies are more your thing, Fox Hollow Farm is the place to get some. This bucolic property out on Issaquah-Hobart Road may have you rethinking city life or at least envying the acreage, complete with babbling brook, that makes up this farm. Although you could easily spend the day here, summer Farm Days (Wednesday through Sunday) split the day in two, so everyone can have a chance to play Old MacDonald for a few hours. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time for the kiddos to meet goats, rabbits and pigs in the fenced petting area, jump around in the corn bin and bounce to new heights in the giant inflatables (a special summer-only treat). They can also catch a ride on a pony ($4 extra per rider) and pedal around on the John Deere trikes while they’re there. Plan to spend $10 per person (babies up to 18 months are free) for time well spent on the farm.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

For the mini marine biologist in your life, there’s the salmon hatchery in downtown Issaquah. This place is really jumping in the fall when the fish are spawning, but there are plenty of exhibits and places to explore at other times of the year too. On weekends, families can join a tour (suggested donation $2 per person) or play tour guide for your Littles using the informational signs posted around the property during the week. We love this simple stop because it’s just so easy.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Go Outside
Proximity to the mountains makes Issaquah an easy hiking and biking destination for families. There are lots of trails to choose that’ll get the fam into the green, breathing fresh air. If easy is your speed, try some of the short Family Forest Walks in the Tiger Mountain area. Each clocks in under a mile, but can easily be linked together to make things a bit more challenging if your sidekick is up for it. The High Point trail is another that easily caters to mini mountaineers, with three different options. The Tradition Lake trail is a level trail perfect for wee ones, while the Nook trail, that winds around Talus Rock, calls for a little more spring in your step. Save the West Tiger Vista 3 trail for big kids wanting to push the hiking limit. It’s a steep one, but the view is worth it! As for bikes, Duthie Hill puts a whole new spin on mountain biking. Pack up the fat tires and helmets before hitting this park with your little cyclist.

photo: Ross Sutcliffe

Go on a Tour
Chocoholics rejoice, because Issaquah is home to Boehm’s Candies and Chocolates . And lucky for you, Boehm’s has tours open to the public on weekdays at their authentic chalet and High Alpine Chapel. For $5 per person (kids 4 and under are free) you can see how these tasty chocolates are crafted, and even grab a few samples along the way. If weekdays don’t work, don’t worry, you can still take a peek at the chocolate production with a self-guided tour along the viewing windows. The best time to get in the action here is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Another quick tour to take while you’re in town is at the Issaquah Depot Museum in town. It houses artifacts from Issaquah’s past, and acts as the loading point for the Issaquah Valley Trolley, which runs from late spring to early fall on weekends, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s just $5 to ride, and kids age 5 and under are free. Our favorite part is playing on the park just across the parking lot afterward. Consider this a three-fer!

Go Play
When it comes to playgrounds, Issaquah has lots of spots to let the tot lot swing and climb or fly a kite or kick a ball. Squak Valley Park on Hobart Road is a great spot for all of the above, with some killer mountain scenery, and the chance to spot paragliders taking off from Tiger Mountain. Or try your hand at Summit Park tucked up in the Issaquah Highlands. This is another great place to take your crew, especially if you’ve got older kiddos in the mix. They’ll have a blast playing checkers or chess on the life-sized boards there, and everyone can take a turn on the twisty slides built into the hillside that make other, traditional slides jealous. They’ll be the hit of the day. We promise.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Go Eat
When hunger hits, there are lots of restaurants serving up nom-nom noshables for families. The homegrown Boarding House plates fresh comfort food with an atmosphere to match. And the XXX Rootbeer Drive-In serves up floats and greasy burgers like grandpa used to eat. Plus, the weekend Cruz-ins will certainly keep the kidlets wide-eyed while you scarf down some fries or onion rings. For downtown dining The Issaquah Brew House is the place to try. They’ve got local-brew Rogue beers on tap for parents, kids’ meals served in a keepsake Frisbee, and a Lego table to keep the wiggle worms busy while you wait. It doesn’t get better than that on a leisurely weekend afternoon. There are familiar city faves there too, like Zeek’s, MOD and Tutta Bella if some serious pie is what your Littles crave.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Mark Your Calendars
The annual Issaquah Salmon Days Festival returns October 3-4, 2015. Welcome the salmon back home with a weekend full of fishy activities including a community parade, arts and crafts, yummy food and live entertainment. Psst! Be sure to hit the kid-friendly activities at the Field of Fun (think hands-on projects, games, and rides) and don’t miss the special exhibits, events and family activities at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.

What’s your family’s favorite thing to do or see in Issaquah? Got a favorite Issaquah restaurant? Tell us about it in the Comments below.

— Allison Sutcliffe

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