Forget April showers — we’re moving right into April flowers. Longer days and blooming blossoms have put a spring in our step. Family-favorite activities are returning, and we are bringing you helpful tips and tools to wrangle the chaos of #parentlife. And did we mention all the flowers? Go forth in spring splendor, friends!
- Speaking of April flowers, scoot north to the Skagit Valley to marvel at the gorgeous fields of tulips alive in color. Book a visit to one of the tulip-growing farms for a sweet day trip with the kids. Mother Nature determines the blooming schedule; the festival runs April 1–30.
- Can you have too many flowers surrounding you? The answer is decidedly no. Wander among the cherry blossoms on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Head to the Quad, and perhaps a gust of spring wind will create a snowfall of pale pink petals around you — early April is your best bet.
- After two long years, the kid favorite Seattle Children’s Museum reopens Saturday, April 2! Bring your fam for the opening-day festivities or plan what will likely be a quieter visit on a future date. The museum has new exhibits to unveil and will be open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission costs $12; babies younger than 1 enter for free.
- Save an hour to join ParentMap for help in finding calm in the chaos. In an illuminating talk, renowned psychiatrist and author Dr. Dan Siegel will share ways to jump off life’s hectic treadmill and take a breath. Register and then join us Monday, April 4 at 1 p.m.
- Pigeon! You cannot drive the bus! Hop aboard as Seattle Children’s Theatre presents a live-on-stage musical version of Mo Willem’s beloved story. This show promises to get your toes tapping and wings flapping along with this favorite children’s book character. The show runs April 5–May 22.
- Seattle Center’s Festál series welcomes back the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, planned for in-person attendance at press time. Partake of food, and watch demos and performances that highlight Japanese and Japanese-American cultural traditions. Friday–Sunday, April 8–10, at the Seattle Center Armory.
- An enchanting, seldom-open wildlife preserve is the perfect place to celebrate our Earth by strolling through and appreciating all its natural bounty. Save the date to visit the Morse Wildlife Preserve on its first open day of the season, Sunday, April 10. Free; no dogs allowed.
- We are really going with the flower theme, right? Pierce County’s Daffodil Festival is back. Wave at the floats, marching bands and Daffodil Princesses in four city parades, all on Saturday, April 9: Watch at 10:15 a.m. in Tacoma; 12:45 p.m. in Puyallup; 2:30 p.m. in Sumner; and 5 p.m. in Orting.
- A sweet treat to celebrate Passover sounds positively delightful! Gobble up a pack of adorable Passover-themed cupcakes from the local cupcake whizzes at Trophy Cupcakes. Order online for pickup April 14–23. (Note that cupcakes are Passover-friendly but not officially kosher.)
- The Washington State Spring Fair is a springtime family favorite and it is back for eight fun-filled days of tasty fair food, farm animals, rides and entertainment, including Monster Mayhem. Mark your calendar for April 14–16 and 20–24; tickets $10–$15 per person; ages 5 and younger enter free.
- For a bunny good time, follow Auburn’s Peter Cotton Trail! Search local Auburn parks to spot bunnies lurking in the brush; find at least 10 and enter your scorecard for a chance to win fun prizes. Watch for bunny locales to be announced April 14, and search Saturday–Monday, April 15–18. Free.
- Head to Tacoma’s STAR Center with your crew for Spring Fling! It’s a community Earth Day fest where kids can dig into crafts and games that celebrate our planet. Join in the free fun Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. parentmap.com/spring-fling
- Free parks should entice you to head for the hills or the beach — or perhaps to some late-season snow! On Saturday, April 16, enjoy free entry to Washington’s national parks to mark the first day of National Parks Week. On Friday, April 22, visit one of our amazing state parks to celebrate Earth Day.
- Join ParentMap and “Modern Mommy Doc” Whitney Casares, M.D., for a talk on ways to tame the never-ending juggle of parenting and work obligations. Casares will share tips and strategies that parents can start practicing ASAP. Register and join Tuesday, April 19 at 1 p.m.
- Visit fantastic Kelsey Creek Farm, right in the middle of Bellevue, to watch the resident sheep get their annual spring haircut at this sheep-shearing event, a family favorite. Stop by Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free; no registration required. parentmap.com/shearing
