We'll be seeing even more sunshine in the forecast this month (and it's not just wishful thinking!) The spring sun also warms us up to the idea of getting back into a healthy, active routine. It's just the right time – May is chock-full of fun runs, bike events, beach walks and more engaging activities to keep your family moving together.
Tiptoe through tidepools
There are several low tide beach walks this month, a great way to search for anemones, moon snails and clams as you learn more about life in the Puget Sound. Join volunteer naturalists for low tide explorations at Carkeek Park, Richmond Beach, Golden Gardens, Constellation Park, Lincoln Park, Seahurst and Saltwater State Park beginning May 19. At Titlow Beach in Tacoma, families can get an up-close look at marine life with touch tanks and a guided walk on May 17.
1, 2, 3, 4 … Let's run and get sore!
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Girls on the Run Spring 5K – Saturday, May 16, Seward Park: Dress up like a superhero to run, walk or cheer on nearly 500 grade-school girls in this noncompetitive 5K fun run/walk at Seward Park. Leashed pets and all-terrain strollers are welcome and a family fun fair will conclude the event. Girls on the Run inspires girls ages 8 to 12 to be healthy and confident through an experience-based curriculum that integrates running.
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Beat the Bridge – Sunday, May 17, Husky Stadium: It's all about the thrill of trying to get past the University Bridge before they raise it! There are several other parts of this event that will appeal to families: a wheelchair race, a four-mile walk, a one-mile fun run and the Diaper Derby. What is a Diaper Derby, you may ask? It's a noncompetitive event for kids 3 and younger, including crawlers! Start those babies early on a lifelong love of fitness. The race benefits an important cause: type 1 diabetes research.
Never fear, Couch-to-5K is here
If you haven't done much (or any) running, never fear – the "Couch- to-5K" program is here. This program maps out a course for you that helps you ease into a running program gradually. There's a mobile app, too. Commit to an event with your family in about three months (it is a nine-week program; it's good to build in a few weeks for those busy family schedules). Check Active.com for a list of running events in the coming months. Both you and your kids will reap the benefits of exercise and know that, together, you are building a healthier lifestyle and accomplishing a tough goal together.
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It's National Bike Month
Whether your kids are avid cyclers, still wobbly on training wheels, or somewhere in between, National Bike Month in May is the perfect time to enjoy riding together. Check out family-friendly biking events throughout the month, including the popular Bicycle Sundays when they close down Lake Washington Boulevard to vehicle traffic so that you don't have to worry about cars. (All you have to do is hope for sun.) We also have a list of trail recommendations shared with us by an avid biker mom at the Cascade Bicycle Club.
Hike of the month: Saint Edward State Park
Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore is filled with several trails among its 316 acres lead you along forested paths to the shoreline of Lake Washington. Marked with mileage and level of difficulty, you can choose the path that works best for your family. Try the Seminary Trail, just over one mile round-trip. The short hike works well so that the kids have more time to play around in the sand and water, have a picnic and play at "castle park," the playground. You need a Discover Pass for this state park, or pay $10 on site for a day pass.
Health & Fitness Expo
Your family can have fun at this free expo and learn a few things, too. The Health & Fitness Expo takes place at Edmonds-Woodway High School on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There will be wellness booths and activities, rubber chicken relays (fun!), soccer skills and cheer clinics, and a brown bag lunch.
