-
Hikes for Kids Near Downtown Seattle
When visiting Seattle, don’t miss the chance to scramble up a fewhiking  trails with the kids. The city limits yield plenty of hiking treasures, and if you’re in town for a few days and you’ve rented a car, spectacular scenery is within a 45-minute drive of the Seattle. This week, hiking expert Joan Burton tells visitors and locals where to hike in and around Seattle with kids.  Burton is the author of Urban Walks, 23 Walks through Seattle’s Parks and Neighborhoods, published by Thistle Press and Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades, published by Mountaineers Books. Burton offers great information on kid-friendly hikes in our area. For even more tree-lined…
-
Free Museums in Seattle and Tacoma with Kids
Updated for Summer 2013 Here’s a rundown of Seattle’s free museums. I’ve included my opinion on the ages that will get the most out of the experience. Every Friday Free Seattle Museum: Soundbridge at Benaroya Hall. 200 University St.,  Seattle; 206-336-6600. Pay-what-you-can every Friday from 10-4. Suggested donation $5-15/family. Best for children under age 6. First Thursday Free Seattle Museums: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., University of Washington, NE 45th Street and 17th Avenue NE; 206-543-5590. Best for kids age 3 and up. Henry Art Gallery. “Pay as you wish†(or free) 11 a.m.-9 p.m. First Thursday, University of Washington, NE 45th Street and 17th Avenue NE.…
-
Seattle Spotlight: Pacific Science Center
“The dinosaurs! The dinosaurs!†That’s what my 4-year-old son demands, when I ask where he wants to go at the Pacific Science Center. And it’s true – dinos are the big draw at this six-acre science playground, only a Monorail-ride away from downtown Seattle. In the “Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time” exhibit, robotic meat-eaters claw at a carcass, while a T. Rex towers over visitors. Screeches and cries fill the room, which can (at first) alarm very young kids. So encourage them to listen carefully – you’ll hear the soft whirring and clicks of these mechanical dinos. In one corner, you can even drive a dino skeleton: rotating the eyes,…
-
Four Family-Friendly Markets in the NW & BC
We have markets by the bushelful here in Casadia and traveling families are always welcome. Bring the kids, $30 and a sense of adventure to these farmers’ markets. It’s a cheap vacation solution and a memorable excursion, all rolled into one afternoon. Here are my favorite four markets — indoor and outdoor, large and small. Don’t miss them when you’re visiting! Portland Farmers Market, Portland. This weekend, the Saturday Portland Farmers Market reopens for the growing (and grazing) season. The outdoor, downtown market features dozens of local-vendor booths, great food trucks (I like Pine State Biscuits) and musical performers. Chefs put on cooking demos, and children’s cooking classes take center…
-
Farm Stays with Kids in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia
Reader Question: Where can I vacation in a family-friendly bed and breakfast — on a working farm — in Washington State, Oregon or British Columbia? – Juliana, mom of two kids (5 and 1), Seattle, Wash. ———————————————- Thanks for the great question! Here’s a quick rundown of what I found online. Unlike larger hotels, most bed and breakfasts do not allow children to stay free, but you’ll get a cool experience in exchange. Because few are listed on sites like Tripadvisor.com, I might call to speak with the owners, and ask for a reference if you’d like to hear from someone who enjoyed their visit. British Columbia family-friendly farm stay:…
