Updated June 2017
Summer has been known to strike fear into the hearts of parents. The opportunity to spend more time with our children is lovely, but we all know it won't be long before the novelty of being out of school wears off and the kids are whining, "We're bored!"
It can be challenging to come up with fun activities and places to take your family that won't break your budget or have you driving all over Puget Sound. The Eastside has an incredible amount of affordable fun just waiting to be explored.
Get Wet
Henry Moses Aquatic Center
You may have seen this water park while driving on Interstate 405. The Henry Moses Aquatic Center boasts two pools: a 9,000-square-foot leisure pool and a six-lane lap pool. The leisure pool includes a toddler area, a lazy river, a wave machine and more wet and wild fun. There's also a concession stand and locker room. Fees for a three-hour session range from $4 to $14. 1719 S.E. Maple Valley Highway, Renton. rentonwa.gov/hmac
Idylwood Beach Park
Easily one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Eastside, Idylwood has a little of everything. You'll find plenty of room on the beach or grass to stake your claim, lifeguards in the summer to help you keep an eye on your kids in the water, ducks to feed, a playground for when the water has lost its allure, restrooms and a snack shack in the summer. 3650 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond. Idylwood Beach Park
Pine Lake Park
Try this hidden gem: Pine Lake Park is a wonderful place to take the kids. You'll find ample parking, lifeguards during the summer, restrooms, a playground and shade for those hot days. The beach may not be as expansive as other places, but the water is lovely, so dive in! 2401 228th Ave. S.E., Sammamish. Pine Lake Park
Go Outside
Geology Adventures
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If your child likes digging in dirt and collecting rocks, check out Geology Adventures. They offer many kid-friendly trips in Snoqualmie Valley, Issaquah and other local destinations. Collect amber, search for crystals, or see glowing minerals during an evening trip. Age limits are posted for each adventure, and the trips take from one to six hours. Costs vary and usually run between $32 to $36 per person.
Saint Edward State Park
Once the home of a Catholic seminary, it's now home to the biggest playground in the state at 15,000 square feet! The playground, built by volunteers, is simply amazing. Trying to list all of its fun aspects is impossible, but here's a sampling: a sandbox, a tree house, a lighthouse, swings, bridges, mazes, a climbing wall and so much more. It's also entirely accessible, so children of all abilities can play. Note: This is a state park, so a Discover Pass ($30/yr) or day-use permit ($10) is required. 14445 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore. St. Edward State Park
Farmers' Markets
Almost every city on the Eastside has a farmers' market, and they are one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon and evening. Browse through vendors selling locally grown produce and flowers, try some food from local bakeries and restaurants, and best of all – be entertained! Markets tend to schedule live music by local bands. You're also likely to find crafts for kids. Visit the Washigton State Farmers Market Association to find a local farmers' market near you.
Stay Inside
Regal Summer Movie Express
Regal Cinemas (Eastside locations in Redmond, Renton and Issaquah) offers family-friendly movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for $1 per person. This year's offerings include The Lego Batman Movie, Sing, and The Secret Life of Pets, among others. Check the schedule of movies and find your local Regal Cinema at www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express.
Kids Bowl Free
Kenmore Lanes participates in the national program, Kids Bowl Free. Register your children online at www.kidsbowlfree.com, and they will be able to bowl two free games per day. 7638 Bothell Way N.E., Kenmore.
Community Planetarium Shows at Bellevue College
The Geer Planetarium at Bellevue College's main campus offers free planetarium shows several times a year. This summer's dates are July 26 and Aug. 30. Quick tip: Tickets for the show can be reserved one week prior to the show. You can reserve up to five tickets, and they go fast! 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E., Room B244, Bellevue.
Photo credits: Swimming photo courtesy of Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Idylwood photo by Taryn Zier, Geology photo courtesy of GeologyAdventures.com.
