Things to do, August 2022:
Welcome to Seattle’s Child’s Summer Route 66 AUGUST, a map to guide you through August 2022. Whether you count it in months, weeks, days or hours, summer is the season for family doing and going. It’s the season of long, active, outdoor fun as you hike, bike, swim, dance and play close to home or across Washington State. It’s a time for lazy inside days spent reading, learning and watching creativity bloom from boredom. And, it’s the season of Washington’s major and most popular family-friendly fairs and festivals, the biggest and oldest of which are right here in Puget Sound.
Seattle’s Child’s Summer Route 66 makes a stop every day between August 1 – 31. It’s a guide full of great ideas, local outings and interesting destinations. Look for separate July and September maps as well!
So, sit down as a family, check out the route, choose the stops that excite you all. Be sure to check websites and register early for events and activities that require registration. Once that’s done, sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through summer 2022.
What about the rest of summer? More things do summer 2022:
Take a trip just through the days of July.
Take a trip just through the first days of September.
AUGUST
Monday, August 1: Explore Edmonds and beyond
Kick the city for small town fun in Edmonds, starting with a morning back and forth walk-on ferry ride to the old logging town of Kingston and its popular French crepery J’aime les Crepes. When you land in Edmonds, head to the beaches just off the ferry terminal or a short walk south. The model train room at Edmonds Historical Museum is well worth a visit as is a walk-through Edmonds Marsh teeming with wildlife year round. Don’t miss the wonderfully curated Teri’s Toybox shop. Check out “A Walk-on Ferry Ride from Edmonds and Crepes” at seattleschild.com.
Tuesday, August 2: Take a Night Out with neighbors
Learn about public safety during block parties and other activities at tonight’s citywide Night Out event. Neighborhood gatherings and street closures are sponsored by the Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention program. Night Out, an annual nationwide celebration, is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, get communities involved in anti-crime efforts and unite neighbors in watching out for each other. Learn more at seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/night-out.
Wednesday, August 3: Squeeze some lemons
There’s that old saying that is handy when things don’t go the way kids want them to: “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Sometimes, however, making lemonade is just a fun way to spend a summer day – and perhaps make a little money for a special treat or a favorite cause. Pull out old boxes, duct tape and markers to help your crew fashion a lemonade stand today, then squeeze those lemons, take your spot on a lawn chair and let your little entrepreneurs work the pitch.
Thursday, August 4: Ready, set, plog!
Plogging is gaining popularity here in Seattle and around the world — it’s a pastime that is not only great exercise, but a great service to communities. Originated in Sweden, plogging is the simple act of taking a walk and picking up trash along the way. Grab your walking sticks, tie trash bags to your waists and plog the litter from your neighborhood, your local park or both. plogging.org
Friday, August 5: Kid Concert in Covington
Put on your dancing shoes, pack up a picnic dinner and hit the road to Covington for an evening concert with award-winning children’s musician Joanie Leeds. The concert is part of Covington’s Summer Concert Series, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at Covington Community Park Stage. Consider making it a full afternoon by stopping along the way for some watery fun and an awesome playground at Lake Meridian Park in Kent and/or, nearer to Covington, the Maple Valley Gnome Trail. Learn more at covingtonwa.gov/events.
Saturday, August 6: Magnolia Summerfest & Seafair Weekend
Seafair is Seattle’s annual summer-long festival, a 72-year-old celebration that encompasses several major citywide and regional events and culminates this year in Seafair Weekend, August 5-7.
Set on Lake Washington’s 1.5 miles of shoreline, Seafair Festival Weekend is a boating event, hydroplane competition, air show and festival rolled into one and includes several roaring fly-bys from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the second oldest precision-flight acrobatics team in the nation.
Throughout the weekend, a variety of neighborhood events also take place, including Magnolia Summerfest, which is designed specifically with kids and families in mind. Summerfest runs in tandem with Seafair Weekend. Rather than hydroplanes, settle in for the pet fashion and costume contest, dive into free kids’ crafts and games, boogie to live music, spread out for an outdoor movie, and let the kids bop in the bounce houses for as long as they like. The event includes toy boat building and races, food trucks and other points of interest for kids of all ages.
The crown jewel of Magnolia Summerfest? The annual Kids Parade, which prefaces the spectacular Magnolia Seafair Parade. Encourage your kids to reinvent themselves entirely or dress up as their favorite characters, animals or entities when they crawl out of bed today. Then simply show up at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of 34th Avenue West and West Raye Street in Magnolia to join the parade. The kids march starts at 10 a.m., followed by the larger Magnolia Seafair Parade at 10:30 a.m.. Check out magnoliasummerfest.org and seafair.org for a full list of events.
Sunday, August 7: Meet Ann of Green Gables at the Kitsap Forest Theater
Located in a lush forest glen far away from city sounds, Kitsap Forest Theater is a magical place to enjoy truly fine theater as a family. Toes will be tapping tonight when “Bend in the Road: The Anne of Green Gables Musical” hits the stage. Based on the beloved classic novel, “Anne of Green Gables,” this high-energy production follows the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert to help them on their Avonlea farm. Anne’s intelligent, joyful and imaginative ways change the lives of all those around her. Filled with simple songs and lots of optimism, “Bend in the Road” has a message: each bend in the road of life is a learning opportunity and a chance for adventure. More at foresttheater.com.
Monday, August 8: Set your GPS toward a destination park
Make a great playground THE destination today. The KidsUp! Playground on Bainbridge Island is less than an hour and a ferry ride away. Gnome trails, a fabulous play structure — what more could a kid want? Or ferry over to Whidbey Island to visit South Whidbey Community Park (near Langley) known for its spectacular Castle Playground. Scale the walls, traverse the tire-lined obstacle course and see eye-to-eye with your toddler in the expression swing. Pack the bikes or scooters for this park – it includes a great skatepark and pump track. On Hood Canal, the aerospace-themed playground at Bremerton National Airport is the must-go play spot. The main climbing structure there resembles an air traffic control tower, while runways crafted from poured rubber and aircraft-shaped play equipment will delight any future aviator. The bonus here is that you get to pretend to fly planes while watching the real thing take off just steps away. Check out “Destination playgrounds for your next NW family road trip” at seattleschild.com
Tuesday, August 9: Yodel in the Issaquah Alps
No need to drag kids onto a plane to sing in the Alps like the Von Trapp family in The Sound of Music – we’ve got our own alp-like range right here in the Pacific Northwest. Introduce your kids to the Issaquah Alps today; they’re located between Seattle and the Cascades along I-90. The Issaquah Alps include Tiger and Cougar mountains and hundreds of hills and trails. A great place to start: Zoe and the Swamp Monster Trail. This 2.6-mile walk is flat, beautiful and tells (via strategically placed plaques) the story of one girl’s run-ins with trail monsters. Have no fear, it’s not as scary as it sounds! Learn more at issaquahalps.org/alltrails.com.
Wednesday, August 10: Feel the magic!
Get ready for some side-splitting family-friendly comedy, hilarious cowboy tricks and astounding magic at the Kids Summerstage in Auburn. Magician Louie Foxx’s One-Man Side Show has been called, among other compliments, “exhilarating.” It’s rife with unique magic tricks and laugh-out-loud antics. According to the Society of American Magicians, Foxx is “a Variety Artist in the truest sense of the words!” Today’s performance is part of Explore Auburn. Learn more at exploreauburn.com.
Thursday, August 11: Board game day (and/or night)!
Playing Ticket to Ride or Candy Land on the living room floor might seem simplistic, but in the big list of summer activities (with more than a month of summer still to go) a low-key game day might be just the breather you need. Equally important, games help your kids practice their math, language and strategy skills! So, dust off the classic games from your childhood for a dose of nostalgia or visit Meeples Games in West Seattle for the store’s weekly game night (Thursdays 6:30-10 p.m.). Play while you chat over coffee and snacks from the store’s café. Learn more at meeplesgames.com.
Friday, August 12: Get their toes wet – and possibly the rest of them too!
Wading pools and spray parks are a summertime must for parents with young children – and older ones, too. Shallow, bordered and usually within toddling distance of a playground, the pools are a perfect solution to a hot afternoon. Spray parks can be a little more rambunctious, as the cool flow flies in all directions. There are dozens of wading pools in and around Seattle and at least 15 Seattle-area spray parks. Seattle Parks and Rec’s Facebook page is your go-to spot for the most updated information regarding parks with water play features. Check out “Wading pools are open: 11 places to dip your toes” at seattleschild.com
Saturday, August 13: Midsummer Renaissance Faire
Step back – way back – in time to find yourselves in ye old Towne of Merriwick, England, a magical place where: knights joust; jesters roam the paths; blacksmiths, potters, seamstresses and weavers practice their ancient crafts; and storytellers are the teachers. In other words, get ready for a whole lot of family fun and adventure at the always colorful, sometimes chaotic, always entertainment-packed 2022 Midsummer Renaissance Faire just outside of Bonney Lake.
For the best time, dress up as your favorite fairytale characters today to become active participants in this weekend’s theme, Fairytales & Fantasy Adventures. A little story background on today’s theme: Merriwick, a land far, far away, was once ruled by a beautiful and strong queen. The queen loved the fairytales she heard as a child so much that when she ascended the throne she was determined to bring those characters to life. So once a year she presides over a townwide festival, celebrating storytellers and the characters they carry with them. The annual tradition continues as all the peoples from all kingdoms (including the members of your family) are invited to the festivities.
Expect to discover things fantastical, magical and entertaining as you move through the faire site. In this town you’ll find dancers, singers, short plays, puppeteers, raptor demonstrations and a lot more, most demonstrated or enacted with as much historical accuracy as possible. Get ready to hear timeless tales of heroism, mystery, magic and more. Don’t have a favorite fairytale character? No problem, come just as you are. All ages are welcome, kids are free. Learn more about this and other upcoming renaissance weekends at washingtonfaire.com.
Sunday, August 14: Be included with an adaptive bike
Is taking a family bike ride difficult for your family due to a parent or child with a disability? Head over to Outdoors for All, a nonprofit foundation that offers adaptive bike rentals free of charge. On-site rentals are available seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no rentals after 5 p.m.). Free rentals apply only to cycles used on-site, departing from and returning to the Adaptive Cycling Center. Bikes transported off-site (say, to roll along Seattle’s Bicycle Weekends ride today along Lake Washington Blvd.) are subject to fees. Check out details on July 3 in this article and learn more at outdoorsforall.org.
Monday, August 15: Perform random acts of kindness
Although the official worldwide celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17, every day is a perfect day for engaging in kindness. Challenge your family members to sprinkle a little goodness on each other, your neighborhood, perfect strangers or the environment today. What can you do? The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has lots of ideas for you. For example, pay for the coffee or meal of the person behind you in line. Leave a kind note for someone. Drop flowers at a nursing home and ask the receptionist to give them to someone they think really needs them today. Share words of encouragement. Drop off a load of groceries at the local food pantry. Plant a tree. Leave quarters at a laundromat. Wheel out the neighbor’s waste cans. For more inspiration, go to randomactsofkindness.org.
Tuesday, August 16: Build a birthday party for a stranger
Birthday Dreams is a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party. Volunteer with your kids to create a Birthday-in-a-Box (includes presents, baked birthday cakes and birthday activities) for kids experiencing homelessness throughout the Greater Seattle area. You may be asked to attend a volunteer orientation at the Birthday Dreams office in Kirkland before you start to build your special party. Learn more at birthdaydreams.org.
Wednesday, August 17: While away the day at Golden Gardens
The city shortened the hours for Ballard’s Golden Gardens Park this summer, but there’s plenty to do here between morning and the 10 p.m. closing time. At 87 acres, Golden Gardens is one of Seattle’s most popular parks – and most beautiful, as it looks out over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Park your blanket next to the small stream at the east end of the beach and let the kids spend a few hours digging, building and wading. After lunch, take a short hike along the loop on the northern end of the park. Sunsets are often spectacular here, leashed dogs are welcome and there’s beachcombing aplenty. Sign up for one of the park’s designated fire pits or picnic shelters in advance to make it a full day of sun, sand and fun. Note: weekends get unbearably busy, so weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds (and find parking). Learn more at seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/golden-gardens-park.
Thursday, August 18: Ride the wind at North America’s biggest kite festival
The sand and skies will be filled with color, competition and a few other surprises on Long Beach shores during the 40th Annual Washington State Kite Festival today through August 21.
It’s the largest kite festival in North America, drawing competitive flyers from around the globe as well as more than 100,000 kite-loving viewers.
Why is Washington a key place for competitive kiting? Our shores offer steady, strong wind. In fact, the wind is sometimes strong enough to drag the trucks used to tether the larger kites.
There’s a lot going on during any given day of this weeklong event, where high-flying action and choreographed movement include kite fighting, lighted kite shows, kite ballets, maker demonstrations and more. Kite buggies, blokarts and other wind-powered vehicles are allowed to run here so look for demonstrations during the festival. And be sure to bring your own kites to join this airborne extravaganza.
Don’t miss a visit to the World Kite Museum, the only kite museum in the Western Hemisphere. During the festival there are more than 200 kites on exhibit, from 12 different countries. Check out the article “Wide appeal of kites, and nostalgia gives hobby new life” at seattletimes.com. For festival info go to kitefestival.com.
Friday, August 19: Take a seat at “The World’s Quickest Theater Festival”
So your tween thinks writing a short paper about William Shakespeare is hard? Imagine writing, casting, directing, rehearsing, scoring, designing and putting on seven plays all in one day (or 14 in two days)! That’s the nutty fun of The World’s Quickest Theater Festival, a 48-hour play-staging challenge. The first seven plays will premiere tonight at 8 p.m. in a Seatte park near you. The second seven will be staged tomorrow, August 20. Shows are free and best for middle school and above. For location or other information, go to 1448projects.org.
Saturday, August 20: Get dirty two different ways
Dirt is good. It’s healthy. And, for many kids, it’s a whole lot of fun to get messy. Today’s the chance for your children ages 4 to 10 to muck it up when Smammish Friends holds the 2022 Kids Mud Run. Organizers will release 10 kids at a time, grouped by age, to the one-mile course every three minutes between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. How muddy will runners get? Head to toe! In addition to some obstacles getting kids wet, the final obstacle is a giant mud pit that participants will crawl through (but only if they want to). The run itself takes about 20 minutes, but kids are invited to go at their own pace. After the race, hit the spray park and playground nearby for more fun and games and take a leisurely park trail stroll. Fee and signed waivers are required for this event. Learn more at sammamishfriends.org/mud-run-2022.
Don’t want to get THAT muddy today? Head instead to the Big Day of Play, a celebration of Seattle’s diversity, at the Rainier Community Center and Playfields in South Seattle from noon to 6 p.m. This annual event, sponsored by the Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Get Moving Initiative, encourages neighbors, communities and families to have fun, build relationships and be active together. Learn more at bigdayofplay.org.
Sunday, August 21: Bus, rail, ferries: Feel the thrill of public transport
Cars are overrated. And in the summer they are often too hot, too stuffy and too filled with whining. If your kids have gotten their fill of driving, walking and hiking this week, today’s the day to give them the gift of public transportation. Plan a route that includes a Metro bus, Sound Transit light rail ride and a ferry sailing. One option: park at Northgate Sound Transit Station, ride Sound Transit rail to downtown, then take the C-line Metro bus all the way to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle. Jump on a ferry to Vashon Island. If you arrive at the West Seattle ferry terminal around lunchtime, it’s a short walk to a kid-friendly meal at Endolyne Joe’s, which marks the “end of the line” for the old Seattle trolley that used to get West Seattleites downtown at the turn of the century. Check out how one dad caught the bug in the article “How my baby taught me to fall in love with transit” at seattleschild.com.
Monday, August 22: Zoom at the zoo
Sure, you want to see Woodland Park Zoo’s lions, tigers and bears, but did you know it also has an outdoor playground designed with little jungle explorers in mind? On the Habitat Discovery Loop, kids can run through a mini-mountain cave, climb a spider’s web, and slide like an otter under the cover of shady trees. Go for a spin on the Historic Carousel at the zoo’s north end, or if the weather is sweltering and smoky, pop into Zoomazium, an indoor play place. The zoo even lends out headphones, fidgets, weighted lap items and other sensory supports to kids who need them. Learn more at zoo.org.
Tuesday, August 23: Day trip or overnight to a national park
There are three national parks in Washington, plus national historic sites and other federally managed areas. The closest and most iconic one, of course, can be seen all the way from Seattle on a clear day. Mount Rainier National Park is easily accessible from King County and has trails aplenty. It’s a no-hassle wilderness experience. Day trippers, take note: Mount Rainier is popular and sometimes difficult to get into on weekend summer mornings. Consider a weekday trip and be sure to follow the park’s Twitter account for updates. Olympic National Park is more remote. Known for its old-growth rainforest, miles of rocky beaches, Olympic Mountains and spectacular Hurricane Ridge, it is summer exploration at its best. Does your family like truly challenging hikes? Then start your tour of Washington’s national parks at the North Cascades National Park. For more information, go to nps.gov/state/wa/index.htm.
Wednesday, August 24: U-Pick Trip!
There’s no time like a warm August day to prove to your kids that food is not born in a grocery store. Going to a farm and participating in the harvest of fruits and vegetables is a great way to connect children with the earth, the seasons and the process of planting, growing and harvesting that happens before those blueberries arrive at the store in plastic clamshells. Today is a great day to head out to one of several Seattle-area U-pick farms. Some family favorites include Bolles Organic Berry Farm in Monroe, The Farm at Swan’s Trail in Snohomish or Biringer Farm in Arlington. August bounty includes blueberries, blackberries, tayberries, boysenberries, corn, tomatoes and more. Check out “Berry season: 9 Seattle-area U-pick berry farms to check out” at seattleschild.com. For a list of farms go to pickyourown.org/WAseattlearea.htm.
Thursday, August 25: Go to a star party!
Have you told your child “I love you to the moon and back?” Put stars on their chore chart? Tried to explain the difference between a TV star and a real one? Tonight’s the night to connect them with the real deal. Get a telescopic look at the moon, sun, stars and planets during Seattle Astrological Society’s annual Star Party in Brooks Memorial State Park near Goldendale. The society’s Star Parties are free and all ages are welcome. What better way to learn about the solar system, deep space, constellations, types of telescopes and the layout of the night sky than heading to one of the darkest spots in Washington state? The astrological society regularly facilitates free star parties in Seattle, too. To check the schedule, go to seattleastro.org.
Friday, August 26: Make it a THING at Historic Fort Worden State Park
Seattle’s Child is sponsoring this year’s THING, a 3-day festival at Port Townsend’s Fort Worden State Park featuring a tightly curated lineup of diverse performers with an emphasis on fresh discoveries and a vision to create an environment where all are welcomed and represented. Families will love performances by Jungle, Modest Mouse, Father John Misty, and more. Fort Worden encompasses 434 acres with 12 miles of forested hiking trails, two miles of walkable saltwater beaches and commanding views of the Puget Sound. The festival features four stages including two outdoor stages, McCurdy Pavilion (former balloon hangar converted into a theatre) and the Wheeler Theatre (intimate art deco venue). A variety of camping and parking accommodations are available for purchase as well as single day or 3-day passes. Learn more at thingnw.org
Saturday, August 27: Team up for the Kick’N It Kickball Classic!
Brothers in United in Leadership Development (BUILD), a grassroots community organization, is hosting its Kick’N It Kickball Classic today at Genesee Playfield (4316 S Genesee St. in Seattle). No hidden agendas here according to BUILD leaders, just an afternoon of community play, family fun and neighborly connection. All ages are welcome! Balls start rolling at 1 p.m. Check out build206.com.
Sunday, August 28: Learn the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony
The Washington Park Arboretum is a botanical treasure no matter when you visit, but summertime is something special. The park’s winding paths, grassy knolls and curated plants invite hours of gentle walking and exploring. Download the Picture This app before you go and use it to identify and learn about all the foliage you see as you wind your way to the Seattle Japanese Garden. Amid the tranquil branches here, introduce your school-age child (if able to sit quietly) to a graceful and ancient tradition: the 40-minute Japanese Tea Ceremony. Get the facts at seattlejapanesegarden.org/tea-ceremony.
Monday, August 29: Watch the workings of the Port of Seattle
Is there a child in your house who lives for big rigs, ships, construction machinery and pretty much all things wheels and transportation? Spend today visiting Jack Perry Memorial Park on the Seattle Waterfront before heading over to Jack Block Park in West Seattle for great views of a port in action. The two parks are the anchors of The Port of Seattle’s self-guided tour, which takes visitors through parts (Terminals 5, 18, 30 and 4) of the sixth-largest port in the country. Print or upload the guide and take it along; it offers a wealth of information on port activity, capacity and more. Binoculars or a long-lens camera will help focus on details. Note: Jack Block is on Harbor Avenue SW. If you drive north on this road, you’ll see many more trucks, cranes and construction vehicles. For a treat, head to the historic Luna Park Cafe to enjoy a “perfect” milkshake. Download portseattle.org/sites/default/files/2017-12/Walking_Tour_1.pdf.
Tuesday, August 30: Find freedom in a fort
You were a kid once, right? Remember those long meandering summer days when you uttered the dreaded words, “I’m booooorrrred,” to a parent? And then that parent, with a wry smile, sang out, “Boredom is an attitude, go build a fort!”
And you did. And for the rest of the day just a few blankets and cardboard, rocks and old wooden planks, or cardboard boxes and duct tape turned your room or yard into a magical place filled with endless adventure. Today is the day to pass on the wisdom. Invite your kids to build a fort inside or out. Better yet, join them. For a little inspiration, check out Tom Birdseye’s A Kids’ Guide to Building Forts.
Wednesday, August 31: Chalk it up!
Sadly, the Pacific Northwest Chalkfest will not be happening in 2022, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on partaking of this great art form. Dust off the sidewalk chalk, grab some new colors and go to town on your sidewalk, carport or any pavement that is safe. Express yourselves in art and positive, inspiring words. Make it an event by inviting friends or the neighbors on your block or in your building to draw away the hours of a Wednesday evening. End with a “gallery walk” of appreciation. For other great home- or neighborhood-based ideas, check out “19 creative ideas for outside fun with kids” at seattleschild.com.
