You asked for it! ParentMap readers have asked for more advance notice about fab upcoming events that are a few weeks out; here's our list for June. (If you find it useful, or don't, or have suggestions for making it better, freel free to drop me a line at emurray@parentmap.com.)
Mary Poppins outdoors
The special effects might not be as grand as at an indoor theater, but the magic of this forest theater in Bremerton should more than make up for it. Make a day trip of it and visit Bremerton's volcano fountains and navy ships as well.
Details: Saturday–Sunday, May 30–June 14, 2 p.m. $10–$20; ages 5 and under free. Kitsap Forest Theater, Bremerton.
Beach Naturalist Program
One of the best summer cheap thrills out there. Explore tidal life on low-tide days in June with help from volunteer beach naturalists, at Seattle-area beaches including Richmond Beach, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, Constellation Park/South Alki, Lincoln Park, Seahurst and Saltwater State Park.
Details: June 3, June 4, June 6, June 7, June 15, June 16, June 17
Judy Blume in Conversation with Nancy Pearl
What didn't we learn from Judy? The young-adult novel icon, who has tackled every sticky teen and tween issue imaginable, chats with our local literary legend about her long career and her latest novel for adults.
Details: Thursday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. $40; includes book. Ages 12 and up. Town Hall, Seattle.
Art on the Fly
Think your kids don't like dance? Take 'em to this spectacular all-ages street fair and watch them gawk; expect roving performances, kids’ activities, food trucks and free dance classes. This wonderful event kicks off the Seattle International Dance Festival.
Details: Saturday, June 13, 4–10 p.m. FREE. All ages. Westlake Ave N and Denny Way, Seattle.
Lake to Lake Bike Ride
Here's a wheel-y fun challenge. Get the whole family moving with a two-wheeled family tour of the Eastside; choose a 9- or 22-mile route.
Details: Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. $15–$20. Ages 8 and up; under 8 welcome in trailer or trail-a-bike. Lake Hills Community Park, Bellevue.
Opening Day Celebration for What’s Up, Doc? at EMP
If your families love the classic cartoons — Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, Daffy Duck and more — this new exhibit of Chuck Jones' animation art should be on your summer bucket list. The opening celebration is on June 13, with "looney-tuney" activities for all ages, from Saturday morning cartoons with cereal to an animation lab to screenings of Jones' finest work.
Details: Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible
“Jaw-dropping.” “Mind-blowing.” “Outrageous and astonishing.” The world’s best-selling magic show generates superlatives like rabbits out of hats, which hint at its Las Vegas vibe (spectacular, but not for everyone). Parents of sensitive children, take note: The feats include sawing people in half.
Details: Tuesday–Sunday, June 16–21. $24 and up. Ages 4 and up. The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle.
Kids Day at Les Gove!
Kick off summer with a day at one of the best spray parks (and playgronds) around, finding kid-size fun — entertainment, bouncing, face-painting, mini golf and more.
Details: Friday, June 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE; some activities have fee. All ages. Les Gove Park, Auburn.
Grossology at Pacific Science Center
An exhibit exploring farts, burps, snot and more interesting bodily functions? Whose kid is in? Take a “Tour du Nose,” play the pinball game “Gas Attack” and discover the good, the bad and ugly about the body via animatronics and imaginative exhibits.
Details: June 20–Jan. 3. Included with admission. Pacific Science Center, Seattle.
$1 movies: Regal Summer Movie Express
If you need an air-conditioned summer escape, there's no cheaper thrill than the $1 family movies at Regal theaters and Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m.
Details: June 23 through Aug. 19, though times can vary based on location. $1. Multiple locations.
Marysville Strawberry Festival
Berries are in for the picking and it's time to celebrate. Don't miss this farm-town berry fest, with a community talent show (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.), parade (Saturday), carnival and shortcake-eating contest.
Details: June 20–21. $4–$5; ages 6 and under free for talent show; many other activities free. Various venues, Marysville.
The Movie Music of John Williams
Turn your superhero-crazy children into symphony-philes with one swoop of the conductor’s baton in this stirring pops concert under the summer sky featuring John Williams’ unforgettable film scores, from Superman to Star Wars.
Details: Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. $39.50–$69.50. All ages. Marymoor Park,
Redmond.
Seafair Pirates Landing
It's not summer in Seattle until the Seafair Pirates are scaring (and entertaining) small children. Ahoy, the famous pirates come ashore amid a beachside festival at Alki Beach including live music, a pirate look-a-like contest and more family fun.
Details: Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (pirates land between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.). FREE. Alki Beach, Seattle.
