18 Summers’ Worth of Family Activities in Greater Seattle

I’m not sure when I first heard the phrase “18 summers” — as in, you only have 18 summers with your kid before they’re grown. But whenever it was, it was a gut punch. Never has a phrase summed up the idea that the days are long but the years are short so well. Because when you think about it, in the grand scheme of things, 18 summers are just a moment on life’s clock. And if you’re reading this, your time is probably already ticking.

So here it is. The list. All the things you need to do with your kids in Washington state before your countdown comes to an end, broken out by age. Good luck and Godspeed, because these precious years should be savored, celebrated and filled with as many memory-making moments as you can possibly squeeze in. 

First summer

• After getting over the undeniable adorableness (and utter exhaustion) of the newborn stage, take advantage of your baby’s willingness to be contained in a carrier or stroller by taking lots of walks. I’m partial to the views and ease of strolling along Alki Beach; Green Lake is another parent favorite. Eastside parents can find miles of walking trails along the Sammamish River Trail near Marymoor Park, or at Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Wilburton Park. The Point Ruston waterfront in Tacoma is where many South Sound families go to stroll.

• This is also the perfect summer to take your little one to a waterfront eatery around Seattle or the South Sound. You get to soak up some vitamin D while baby sleeps, coos or plays with spoons. 

• On a rainy day, duck into the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Glass or any other museum where kids’ insatiable curiosity — and their need to touch all the things — could cause trouble while you still can.  

Second summer 

• Make year number two the year of splash pads, spray parks and wading pools. They’re the perfect water-play solution for just-walkers who are beginning to navigate this new play medium. With so many to choose from, there’s bound to be one nearby. My tip: Always keep a well-stocked swim bag in your car — you never know when a sunny day will strike. 

• For rainy days, duck into a local library for story time with friends or find an indoor toddler gym where your little one can burn off energy before naptime. Our calendar is a great resource for finding both!  

Third summer

• Year number three is a milestone summer for families (aren’t they all?). Gone is your sweet little buddy. In their place is a headstrong threenager who has oh-so-many ideas and is ready to conquer the world. Or maybe that’s just me. 

• Either way, consider this your wildest summer to date — the summer of animals. Whether your kid wants to interact with them at a local petting zoo or farm, or give ‘em a good stare at one of our many area zoos, you can always count on animals for the win. Beyond the area’s flagship wildlife hangouts — Woodland Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium — families can find sweet barnyard friends at Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue, Ferrel-McWhirter Park in Redmond and Sammamish Animal Sanctuary in Renton.

• If you haven’t already, this is a great time to introduce your little one to a children’s museum on a rainy day. Take this year to figure out which ones you like; each has its own unique offerings and appeal.  

Fourth summer 

• For many, year number four marks the last summer before school starts full time. For others, it’s just another chance to spend some quality time together. Whatever your situation, now is a great time to expand your child’s experiences and challenge them, too. Easy hikes that aren’t too far from home, are just the right distance, and get you back in time for afternoon nap are a great way to do this. Exploring tide pools is another. My other recommendation is to head to Remlinger Farms to ride the canoes, train and antique cars. This summer is also primed for your first camping trip if you haven’t checked that one off your bucket list yet.

• If grey clouds threaten rain, visit the Burke Museum because dinosaurs (obviously!). 

Fifth summer

• Congrats! You made it into the big-kid zone. This summer, expand your little one’s experience circle to include short but exciting road trips (don’t forget the snacks!). Two top my list. First, head to Paradise — don’t miss the visitor center in Mount Rainier National Park — and put some miles on your hiking boots when you search for waterfalls and wildflowers (Hint: Naches Loop is a great place to spot them). Second, keep on the animal train and experience Northwest Trek. At this age, kids can handle a full day of exploration, which means you can ride the tram, walk the trails, and still find time to play on the Kids’ Trek playground (it’s one of my favorites in the state!).

• Also plan to make this your strawberry summer. Not only can your 5-year-old pick their fill of strawberries, they can help you make jam when you get home. Year 5 is also the prime time to see Thomas the Train pull in at the Northwest Railway Museum. After decades of kid-popularity, Thomas has proved he’s timeless.

Sixth summer 

• If the previous summer was about easy, scenic hikes, go bigger this year. Scale the (very manageable) heights of Rattlesnake Ledge or Little Si to soak in the views and the glory earned by mini mountain climbing. Summiting one is a rite of passage for kids growing up in Puget Sound. Making it to the top of both earns you and your kiddo an extra gold star.

• Another mountain to climb? The Artists at Play playground. It’s one of my favorite playgrounds for thrill-seeking kids, and around this age, many are ready to reach new heights on the rope climber and go down the big slide — you know the one.

• Put area sporting events on your radar this summer, but sidestep the pros for the amateurs, because at this age, whether your kids will make it through a game, match or event is still iffy. Instead, try something different and a little more cost-effective like watching the Cascades or Tempest play Ultimate or cheering on one of the local semipro FC teams that play in the city. 

• Finally, this is a great age to play a round of indoor mini golf on a rainy day.

Seventh summer

• It’s time to bring on the music, festivals and fairs, starting with Northwest Folklife and ending with Seafair’s spectacular highlights: the pirates landing on Alki Beach and the Blue Angels flying overhead. Kids can handle being out for longer periods of time and lounging on the grass to see a show, as long as you factor in breaks to browse the craft tents and grab food. Make Seattle Center your homebase for monthly summer festivals, and plan to see a ZooTunes concert at Woodland Park. Maybe even hit a Ren Faire if that’s your jam. 

• This is also a great summer to get kids out on the water, whether you’re in a kayak, free peapod boat rental or on a stand-up paddleboard. All you need is a sense of adventure and a body of water — lucky for you, we’ve got lots to choose from around the Sound. On the overcast days, try painting pottery.

Eighth summer 

• Throw a few curve balls into your eighth summer, starting with a theater production staged in the middle of a forest. Kitsap Forest Theater has been entertaining families in the woods for more than 100 years, and this year they’re keeping the tradition going with three kid-friendly productions. 

• Carve out time this summer to catch a professional sporting event. The Mariners always promise a good show, and you can duck out in the seventh inning if the kids are getting restless. Watching the Rainiers play is another home-run option, especially since the Friday night fireworks display won’t wreck your kids now that they can handle staying up a bit past bedtime. 

• Rain in the forecast? No problem. Put an indoor skydiving appointment on your calendar. While kids as young as 3 years old can fly, 8 is an exhilarating age to give it a whirl. 

Ninth summer

• Nine is a nebulous year. At this age, kids are on the verge of tweendom but they’re still young enough to appreciate the magic of childhood. So I say lean into that sense of wonder for as long as you can. Embark on an epic quest to find all six quirky, whimsical trolls in the region. There are five in the state and one outside of Portland. Finding that final Pacific Northwest giant is a great reason to road trip to the Rose City. While you’re there, visit the waterless aquarium that opened last year — it’s really something. Then, keep the joy vibes going by seeking out simple treasures at local Little Free Libraries, Bakeries and more.

• In between your joymaxxing, map out a summer beach plan that includes digging for clams. Another fantastic family activity, kids at this age can appreciate working for their dinner.

Tenth summer

• Welcome to the world of double digits and the exciting tween years, parents! This new phase calls for new adventures that were off limits until now. Start your year-of-new by taking the kids to surf in Lake Chelan. You’ve got to be 10 to try it, so why not? While you’re there, stop in at High Trek Chelan for extra thrills. 

• Back in the city, plan to ride the Great Wheel on a sunny day then head to Climate Pledge for a first concert. Staying up late to watch the fireworks (or drone show?) over the Space Needle should also be part of your new experience plan. Who needs bedtime anyway, right? 

• Finally, the Museum of Flight is a great spot to explore when the rain settles in.

Eleventh summer

• Plan a double feature for double onesies at a local drive-in movie theater. The Blue Fox on Whidbey and the Rodeo in Bremerton are the closest for local families, but both are a bit of a trek. If you head to Whidbey, make a day (or weekend) of it. There are plenty of things even tweens will appreciate doing on the island. 

• At this age, kids need a reason to touch grass, so plan on plenty of fitness. Run a 5K as a family or bike along the shores of Lake Washington during the city’s Bicycle Weekends all summer long.  

• My other suggestion is a trip to the Museum of Illusions when it’s grey or drizzly. At this age  — when kids are a bit too cool to do literally anything you suggest — it’s one that sparks interest over eye rolls. 

Twelfth summer 

• Kids on the verge of the dreaded, beloved — let’s just stick with confusing — teen years want to be challenged while having fun. So go for it. Plan to ride some white water rapids on the White Salmon River near the Columbia River Gorge. There’s a class IV rapid there that’s thrilling enough to impress even the most aloof 12-year-old.   

• Keep the good times rolling with a rail riding expedition. At this age, kids are old enough to help pedal, which comes in handy, especially on the return trip.

• Continue riding the cool train with indoor trips to Archie McPhee and Funko Pop, even if you’re just window shopping. 

Thirteenth summer 

• Well, parents, you finally made it. Welcome to the teen years! It’s a year of negotiating new limits and boundaries (your kids will test them all) as kids are discovering newfound independence. Late in the summer, plan to tackle a local mountain like Mailbox Peak in North Bend or Mount Townsend on the Hood Canal. Both are lengthy uphill climbs that have big payoffs. If you summit Mailbox, remember to bring a treasure you can leave behind for others to enjoy.

• Another favorite, head to Green Lake as a family and let your teenager swim out to the floating dock while you read a book and sip your iced cold brew on the shore. It’s a moment of independence everyone should cherish. Also recommended: Biking the Burke-Gilman as a family. Your kid can really go the distance now.

• Another milestone moment for this year? Finally being able to register for TeenTix. Kids ages 13–19 are eligible.

Fourteenth summer 

• Now that your first teenage year is under your belt, you can really lean into the experiences Seattle is known for. Farmers markets and funky vintage shops are two places where the city really excels. Put the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall and Fremont Sunday Market on your list of must-dos. 

• Branch out on your free summer concert agenda as well, adding Downtown Summer Sounds. At this age, your teen can appreciate the music and the late night.

• On a rainy day see who can get the high score at the Seattle Pinball Museum. This is the last year your kiddo is eligible for kid admission.  

Fifteenth summer 

• Start the summer of your kid’s fifteenth year at the Fremont Solstice Parade; they’ll be old enough to really enjoy it — nake bicyclists and all. And what could be more fitting for your newly permitted driver than a chance to race around the track in a go-kart. 

• Heed the call of the mountains and head to Leavenworth for a few exceptional experiences. Ride the alpine coaster, and if you are bold, you could hike into The Enchantments and aim for Colchuck Lake. A challenging trail that everyone says is worth it, be sure to approach this one with realistic expectations about your limitations and a safety-first attitude.

• Then teach them what you did in the ‘90s with a trip to Scarecrow Video to rent a movie.  

Sixteenth summer

• Ah, can you smell that whiff of independence for your child who’s now somehow driving? Show them the lay of the land by exploring some of the state’s most curious roadside oddities when you embark on a funky road trip. Just make sure you’re back in time to catch this year’s Bumbershoot lineup. It’s the summer you’ve been waiting for, one where you and your kid can just chill and soak in the vibes of this longstanding Seattle tradition.

• While you don’t need rain, this is definitely the year you ask them to drive you to Dick’s Drive-In for a late-night burger and chocolate shake.

Seventeenth summer

• The end is in sight and you’ve done so many things. But there are still more adventures to be had. Plan to experience the Tastes of the Chinatown-International District food tour with your almost-adult kid. They’re sure to have outgrown their picky eating habits by now, and it’s one meal you won’t have to cook. 

• Then take to the water to kayak through the Ballard Locks. It’s an unusual experience that not everyone can say they’ve done. No other reason needed.  

Eighteenth summer 

• For this last summer, you’ve got to go big, but also simple. Find a fire lookout and hike through the wee hours of the morning to enjoy watching the sunrise over Mount Rainier. August is a great time to plan this adventure to avoid the snow (hopefully), although the trails may be a bit crowded depending on which route you select.

That’s it. There you have it. May your very short summers be filled with very long adventures and all the time you need before your kid is ready to go it alone … sort of.