Back to School shopping is starting up and fall is looming, but there's still time to get out and explore some of the best activities in our region with the kids this summer. Parent Map writer and photographer JiaYing Grygiel is sharing some of her picks for end of summer activities.
The great outdoors
Too cash-strapped for the Hawaiian Islands, so find an equally lovely and much more do-able island. Bainbridge, Vashon and Whidbey are all easy day-trips, with plenty of good eats and fun beaches for the kids. Lovely summertime staples in Seattle too: Golden Gardens, Alki. The Olympic Sculpture Park has fabulous and free programming every Saturday.
Go berry-picking
Larsen Lake Blueberry Farms - It's in the middle of Bellevue! Show your kids where food comes from, and you don't have to drive far. Season started late this year, so berries will likely go through the end of August/beginning of September. Children's Playgarden in Beacon Hill has blueberries around their play area. Snack on the bushes after swinging and see-sawing.
New animals
Woodland Park Zoo has a new rhino reserve and super cute new baby mountain goat. New sensory garden just opened next door by the Rose Garden. You can get free zoo tickets through the city's community centers or through the library's Museum pass. Also, PDZA opening new aquarium on September 7.
Ice cream
It's that time of year. Seattle's got a great artisanal ice cream scene: Salt and Straw, Cloud Nine, Molly Moon's, Sweet Bumpas, Parfait. It's great for your little foodies-in-training. Have a contest to which is a favorite for every family member.
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