SummerMap - Publications

Every experienced parent knows that the map to a great summer is a solid plan. This year's SummerMap issue packs plenty of fun for all ages, with great ideas on unique family travel and expert tips for keeping kids learning while school's out.

Also not to be missed: We've got the secret sauce to a laid-back, old-fashioned summer slowdown. Have fun planning, and don't forget the sunscreen!

Check out this year's SummerMap issue

Flip through the entire issue online here!

Recent Articles

Swings, Snails and Sun: 10 Simple Delights of Backyard Fun

When it comes to entertaining her family during the summer months, Amy Popich knows exactly what her sons like to do — and what they’re capable of.“We have an area that we have kept grass- and plant-free, where they can dig, play with their construction trucks, or simply look for worms and bugs,” sa

Summer Slowdown: How to Find a Calmer Pace With Kids

There’s little new about slow parenting, the style of parenting that calls for intentionally underprogramming your children. Accordingly to slow parents (confession: I’m not entirely certain that’s what they call themselves), if you pare down extracurricular activities and after-school classes and

Summer Learning: How to Keep Math, Reading and School Skills Sharp Over Break

We love summer. After all, the pressure’s off. Sure, we have to get our kids to camps, swim class and playdates. But all that stress over homework, spelling tests and reading assignments? They disappear with that much-cherished last day of school.Or do they?The fact is, kids lose crucial skills duri

Shake Up Summer Vacation: Four Ideas for Unusual Family Getaways

Have your summer vacation ideas gotten stale? From amusement parks to sandy beach resorts, you might feel as if your family has done it all. But have you milked a cow together? Or hooted for owls in the dead of night? If you strive to create family time together that is both relaxing and enriching

SummerMap 2013 Issue

From Art to Zoos: Seattle Summer Mini-Adventures for Kids

The rest of the world has New Year’s resolutions. We Northwesterners have summer resolutions. We start summer so very ambitiously, making up lists of camping trips, cabin trips, day trips, must-do parks, picnic sites and playgrounds. Then reality sets in: We haven’t booked the campsites in time. Or

Summer Fun With a Twist: Seven Guided Tours in Greater Seattle

Looking for something different to do this summer? Go on a guided tour. The kids will get a glimpse of the inner workings of local businesses and see some pretty cool things -- and you'll enjoy letting someone else do all the talking for a change. Our region offers an array of tour options, from the

Family bike-riding basics

Updated June, 2012 Karen Axon can’t wait for the arrival of warmer weather and sunnier days so her family can resume their favorite summer pastime: bike riding.On summer days, Axon, her husband, Troy, and their two boys frequently escape from their Bothell home for a riding adventure to the beach o

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