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I may be biased, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get any better than summer in the Pacific Northwest. When those blue skies finally appear and the mercury settles at a comfortable 75 degrees, even the most introverted homebodies and kids on screens feel compelled to shed their couch potato vibes and get out in search of rocky beaches, forested trails and expansive parks. So the next time you find yourself unable to resist nature’s call, try one of these outdoor activities you can do as a family. I’ve paired each with a recently released children’s book you can add to your library list or pick up from a local bookstore. Happy exploring!
Go birding
While you may think birding is an activity that’s reserved for people who are most certainly older than you are, your kids know birding is cool. The National Audubon Society’s Puget Loop guidebook maps out some of the best spots to spy bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, chickadees, hummingbirds and other species that call the Sound home.
- If you want to stick close to home, head to Discovery Park, Union Bay Natural Area, Marymoor Park, Mercer Slough Nature Park, Point Defiance Park or Tacoma Nature Center.
- If you want to get out of town, try Flaming Geyser State Park, Penrose State Park or Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Read: “A Visit With the Birds” by Sara Levine
This interactive picture book is set in an urban park, and features all kinds of birds your kids might recognize from their own park adventures. Written by a veterinarian and science educator, it’s chock-full of fun facts, expertly woven into the story. Recommended ages: 3–8
Hike a forested trail
A staple activity for many Pacific Northwest families, getting out on a trail is easy, even if the sun doesn’t make an appearance. All you need is the Ten Essentials tucked away in your daypack, sturdy shoes and a sense of curiosity. Focus it on finding woodland critters, fascinating fungi and maybe even a waterfall.
- If urban trails are on your mind, try Carkeek Park, Schmitz Park Preserve, Evans Creek Preserve, Weowna Park or Swan Creek Park (in Tacoma).
- If you’re up for a drive, head to Naches Peak Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, Staircase Rapids or Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park, or the Oxbow Loop Trail in North Bend.
Read: “I Am Not Boring” by Lena Podesta
After reading this just-released book, kids will learn that logs are anything but boring. So the next time they come across one in the forest, they’ll have a much better understanding of how these castoffs contribute to the forest’s lifecycle. Recommended ages: 3–5
Dig for clams or play on the beach
Until I moved to Seattle, digging for clams wasn’t even on my radar. But when it comes to quintessentially Pacific Northwest activities, clam digging is way up there. In addition to a bucket, boots and a license, you’ll need just enough research to make you dangerous for this simple activity. Digging during low tide is key, so check those tide charts. And knowing how to spot a clam burrowed in the sand is important too. But once your kids get the hang of it, you’ll have your fill in no time. Final step: finding a good recipe.
- Bring your clamming bucket to Penrose Point State Park, Twanoh State Park or West Penn Cove on Whidbey Island to dig for your dinner.
Read: “Under the Clam Moon” by Kaitlyn Wells
This beautifully illustrated children’s book is based on Kaitlyn Wells’ own clamming experiences as a child growing up in the Seattle area. Even if your family digs during the day, they’ll relate to her excitement at finding a “doughnut,” and learn more about clams with the helpful explainer in the back of the book. Recommended ages: 3–6
Stargaze on a clear night
Even city kids can get out and stargaze on a summer night in Greater Seattle. If you want some help, and access to stargazing equipment, join the Seattle Astronomical Society during one of their events.
- Stargaze without straying too far from home at a local beach or park with plenty of space.
Read: “Why Space Will Freak You Out” by Dr. Kimberly K. Arcand and Megan Watzke
Written by two NASA scientists, this book will answer some of the questions your kids may ask after your stargazing adventure. Colorful illustrations and photos help tell the story of outer space in a kid-friendly way. Recommended ages: 6–10
Get out on (or into) the water
You don’t need a boat (or a friend with a boat) to enjoy water activities. Rent a free pea pod boat on Lake Union, bring stand-up paddleboards or kayaks to any of our many lakes and rivers, or just wade into the icy waters of Puget Sound on a beach day. Either way, families will find so many ways to learn about the world around them.
- Family-friendly spots to get into the water include Lake Sammamish State Park, Madison Park Beach and Seward Park Beach.
Read: “Ripples” by Katie Yamasaki
Ride along with a young girl and her auntie as they make their way down a stream in this new picture book. Just like your waterway adventure, this one includes observations of the natural world and a call to be a steward of the water by helping to keep it clean. Recommended ages: 4–8
