It’s time to get in all those late-summer activities you’ve put off thus far. Check out our picks for an easy weekend adventure with a great meal waiting at the end of your outing!
Roam around Gasworks Park and eat at Ivar's Salmon House
Head to Gasworks on a Saturday morning to take in the expansive views of downtown Seattle.
After playing at Gasworks, head to Ivar's Salmon House by car, where kids can nosh on the seafood of their choice. Scope the classic clam chowder or the coconut prawns for little eaters. Gasworks Park: 2143 N Northlake Way, Seattle, 98103; Ivar's Salmon House: 401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, 98105
Watch an IMAX movie at Pacific Science Center and lunch at The 5 Spot
Pacific Science Center’s current IMAX offerings are pretty sweet: Star Trek Beyond in 3D, A Beautiful Planet in 3D, and National Parks Adventure 3D. Stop by for an immersive IMAX experience and grab a bite afterwards at The 5 Spot, a Hawaiian-inspired diner. Go early for breakfast; kids will dig the waii’ula’ula waffle, a waffle topped with toasted coconut caramel sauce, tropical fruit, and toasted coconut. The restaurant is just a short drive away up on Queen Anne Hill. Pacific Science Center: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, 98109; The 5 Spot: 1502 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, 98109
Play in Volunteer Park and eat at the Volunteer Park Cafe
Volunteer Park shines on a sunny day. (Also, if you’re around on the first Saturday of the month, entrance to the Asian Art Museum is free for families!) Let your little ones climb to the top of the water tower to take in almost-panoramic views of the city and learn a bit about Seattle’s urban design history.
If you haven’t discovered the absolutely spectacular Volunteer Park Cafe just down the street a few blocks, you’re missing out! Nab the quiche of the day and finish off your meal with one of their stellar rotating pastries. Go early in the morning and walk over to the park afterwards! Volunteer Park: 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle, 98112; Volunteer Park Cafe: 1501 17th Ave E, Seattle, 98112
Swim in Colman Pool and dine at Cactus
Colman Pool, open until September 5, 2016, is one of the coolest public pools around. It’s one of the only pools in Seattle that’s filled with heated saltwater; the giant tube slide doesn’t hurt, either. After your kids tire themselves out, roll over to Cactus on Alki Beach for lowkey Tex-Mex on their outdoor patio. Colman Pool: 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, 98136; Cactus: 2820 Alki Avenue SW Seattle, 98116.
Stroll the shore at Clarke Beach and eat at Phat 12 Island Broiler
Cool off with a dip in Lake Washington while the weather's still great. Head to Clarke Beach Park for a final dip in the lake, and while you’re on Mercer Island, grab a bite at Phat 12 Island Broiler for sweet Asian-fusion cuisine. Clarke Beach Park: 7700 block of E Mercer Way; Phat 12: 2707 78th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, 98040
