Washington State
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The Best Kids’ Bookstores in Cascadia
Cascadia is one of the most-literate regions in North America. Don’t just take my word for it – check out where Seattle and Portland rank on “America’s Most Literate Cities†— number one and number six, respectively. Arts groups in Vancouver are working on getting the city designated as one of UNESCO’s “Cities of Literature.†Readers tend to raise kids who love to read. We also support our independent children’s bookstores, which offer a great combination of wise advice and the best of kids’ books. Kids bookstores sell unique souvenirs; you won’t find these region-specific titles at home. Better than just another t-shirt! Here’s the list of my favorite children’s…
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Mindport Art in Bellingham with Kids
Art galleries don’t usually welcome children with open arms. Or ask you to touch the art. But Mindport, in Bellingham, Wash., is a different sort of gallery. The wooden works inside are meant to be used by hands big and small. It’s an artistic explosion of science, music and movement. Rube Goldberg would love this gallery-museum-playspace. The light-filled entry gallery offers multiple workstations with awesomely odd contraptions, including a pneumatic ping-pong device that spins balls using forced air; a pun-riddled miniature train route; and a case with a hundred compasses — all controlled by the magnet in your child’s hand. The second gallery has subdued lighting and natural items to…
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Victoria Clipper with Kids: 8 Tips for Families
One of my favorite ways between Victoria, B.C., and Seattle, Wash., is via Victoria Clipper.
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Seattle Pick: Greenwood Space Supply
In Seattle, take your little space alien to Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company. Because there isn’t anywhere else to find a portable oxygen pocket or a black hole starter kit. And where else can you hop into an atomic transporter? (And hopefully, you’ll hop back out again, bwa ha ha) Located in Seattle’s bustling Greenwood neighborhood, this spaceship-sized store provides fun toys, gag gifts and t-shirts, including near-death ray guns, dried space foods and other quirky items. The store’s a non-profit, so all profits fund on-site school programs, after-school tutoring and weekend workshops. You’ll also see cool, workshop-produced books penned by Seattle-area students on the shelves, alongside works by local…