Over the years we've asked parents about what their favorite traditions are for what many of us consider the best season of the year. The kids in these photos are bigger now but we're guessing most of these families are still enjoying their favorite and familiar rituals of summer.
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Every July, my husband and I camp at Cougar Rock on Mt. Rainier for our anniversary. Last year was the first time with a toddler and a baby, and it was an adventure to say the least! But we created lots of wonderful memories and can't wait to go back this year.
Eric and Diana Johnson, Eating Richly, and Corban (3) and Larkin (1)
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Our family always goes, at least once per summer, to the Blue Fox Drive-In in Oak Harbor, WA. There are go-carts, an arcade, snacks, and of course family-friendly double feature movies.
Tyler and Lavonne Long , Long Wait for Isabella, and Isabella (8) and Nathanael (4)
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Our family tradition is to rent a boat from Electric Boat Company and boat around Lake Union! The boats hold up to 10 people and you can bring your favorite snacks and drinks. It's fun to be out on the water and check out the houseboats. These duffy boats are about the speed of a golf cart, so driving them isn't intimidating.
Keridwyn Deller, Seattle Pockets, nieces age 13 and 9
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Our family is so looking forward to unplugging and camping together. There's something about being outside, exploring the beautiful NW with our 3 kids. They'll never be 7, 5 and 3 again so it's time to soak them in while we can.
Angela Strand, NWHealthyMama, ages 7, 5, and 3
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Our family likes to take a week in August and head up to the Cascade mountains and totally unplug. No work, no email, no videos, no devices, just the four of us and a lot of nature and if we're lucky some boredom. Its river swimming, trail hiking, outdoor eating and getting our kids to understand and appreciate nature.
John Richards, KEXP, Arlie (11) and Henry (3)
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Living here in the PNW, we definitely take advantage of the long, beautiful summer days, getting out and up a mountain at least once a week! We have the most stunning trails just a few miles from our backyard and are always heading out on a hike. Rattlesnake Ledge, Mt. Si, and Snow Lake are our go-tos.
Renee (Oteri), The Bachelor, and Bracy Maynard, and Ben (11) and Jax (18 months), plus one more due in July
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One favorite Summer tradition Katie and I love doing is hosting a finger painting party with her friends and a few kids in the neighborhood. We try and get at least a couple of those in and of course plenty of popsicles too.
Esther Graham, Esther’s Housecleaning Service, and Eric Longdon, Katie (10)
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Every summer, usually in July, we spend a long weekend backpacking on the Olympic Coast, spending a few nights lost amid the driftwood, cold waves, and sand. We carry everything we need on our backs, including the traditional frozen quart container of chili that I make for our first night's dinner, and then we carry it all back out. My husband Will and I have done this every year since we formed our family, including the summers before we were married, and the summer that I was 30 weeks pregnant with our daughter Noli. The rugged beauty of the coast always leaves me in awe and wonder, and I hope to share that with my girl as she grows.
Angela Garbes, The Stranger, Noli (1)
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Every summer we spend days upon nights upon weekends at our beach house on Camano Island, WA. We gather with family, and friends who have become family, to slow down, skip rocks and savor the gift of living by the ocean.
Portia, Obsessed by Portia, Adalyn (5) and Mila (3)
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Seattle has a great selection of sprayparks and wading pools all around the city. We love cooling off on warm sunny days at the spraypark in Ballard and the wading pool at Green Lake.
Amy Wheeless, Brian Ferris, and Mira (20 months), plus one more due in November
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Ethan spends a lot of time with the boys at the zoo and they also enjoy going to Mariner’s games. They like to take full advantage of the summer weather and be outside as much as possible. Adrian is almost four and Frankie will be two in early July.
Ethan and Angela Stowell, Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Adrian (3) and Frank (1)
What's your family tradition that you are looking forward to repeating this summer? Share it with us at editor@seattleschild.com.
