The marathon is almost over! Whether or not sunny weather makes an appearance in June, this daylight-rich month gives us plenty of opportunity to celebrate the beginning of our favorite season.
1. Get your spray park on
On a hot — or even lukewarm — day, there’s only one thing that pleases everyone: water play. Try the orca-themed spray pad at Crossroads Park in Bellevue; the soakers and cannons at Willis D. Tucker Community Park in Snohomish; or the fountains at Lake Union Park in Seattle, where you can combine spray play with a boat ride, pond boat sailing or a trip to the Museum of History & Industry.
2. Explore a new farmers’ market
Food trucks, live music, veggie car races, stationary bikes on which you can pedal your way to a smoothie: Seasonal farmers’ markets are in full swing in June and, these days, offer far more than fantastic fresh produce. Many of our favorites (Wallingford, Columbia City, Juanita) are also steps away from picnic-friendly parks — dinner solved!
3. Bag some berries
What’s sweet, beloved by kids of all ages, and — bonus alert — packed with antioxidants? Strawberries are easy-pickin’ favorites for June, followed by raspberries, tayberries and — later in the season — blueberries. See parentmap.com/berries for where to pick a pie’s worth, from organic berry patches to family farms that double as amusement parks.
4. See the Northwest’s best sand castles
There are many reasons to visit family-friendly Cannon Beach, Oregon, but Saturday, June 21 brings another: Its sand castle competition, the oldest in the Northwest, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Watch as spectacular sand creations emerge on the beach, or register a team yourself; there’s even a kids’ division.
5. Escape to a great lake
Our new travel roundup gives you the skinny on five spectacular Northwest lakes that are perfect for a family getaway, from a houseboating mecca in B.C. to the swim-friendly, stunning Sun Lakes in Eastern Washington.
