Labor Day has come and gone, but summer is back. Here are some ideas for beating the heat and enjoying the sun. (Have you had enough sun yet?) See our calendar, too, for late-summer festivals and farm fun.
1. Go for a last dip in a spray park or fountain
Though Seattle's are closed, there are still water features that are open! Try one of these:
- The water playground at Forest Park in Everett is open through September 27.
- Seattle Center's International Fountain is always a screaming-fun choice.
- Walk on the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bremerton and head straight for Harborside Fountain Park, just down the stairs and left of the ferry terminal. Your kids will have hours of fun wading in the series of copper-ringed, volcano-like fountains.
- In the south Sound, spray parks are open weekends through Sept. 27. In Olympia, head to my new personal favorite and the reclaimed-water stream, run by the Lott Center, located in front of the Hands On Children's Museum (combine it with a trip to Hands On and its new Outdoor Discovery Center).
- Other places to get semi-wet in Seattle include the water features at University Village (near the Apple store ad the covered playground), and outside the new PCC/Greenlake Village.
2. Take a cool hike
- Take a lake hike or a waterfall hike!
- If you're up for a jaunt, try one of these cooling, forested hikes -- some with swimming holes!
- In and around city, try one of these short, hidden urban hikes in wooded natural areas — perfect for preschoolers and toddlers.
3. Try a new beach
Jetty Island might be closed, but you can still head to one of these fantastic family beaches for sunny sand digging.
4. Get on the water
Jump on one of those water-related summer resolutions (paddleboarding, anyone?) now! One we love: Rent a boat at Center for Wooden Boats and combine it with a trip to MOHAI and the fountain at Lake Union Park.
5. Soak up summer at the Washington State Fair
Crazy treats, thrilling rides, mutton-bustin'-watchin', Sillyville, animals and way more. Get our insider tips here.
6. Pretend it's fall and go apple-picking
Everything is early this year, including apples. Where to scoop up some Jonagolds, Honey Crisps and more pie filling.
