Looking for some fun stuff to do with the kiddos this weekend (aside from all the great Fourth of July activities)? Here are five of our top picks -- from beaches, boats, berries and more.
Jetty Island Days
Everett's Jetty Island is officially open for summer fun as of this weekend. This man-made island with lots of sand and sun for kids can be accessed by taking the ferry out of the 10th St. Boat Launch and Marine Park located in Everett's waterfront district. This weekend's activities include a late-night campfire from 7-8 p.m. with a Native American flute player and stories (Saturday, July 2); , shark exploration from 2-3 p.m. (Saturday, July 2); a beach volleyball tournament (Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3) and the chance to "hug a bug" and learn all about local insects from 11 a.m.-noon on Monday, July 4. See our story about Jetty Island and the full schedule of summer events.
$10 marina parking; $1-2 suggested donation for ferry service / Everett / More info
Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
This year marks the Wooden Boat Festival's 35th anniversary. Festivities will take place from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on July 2-4 and will feature free boat rides around Lake Union, toy boat building, a scavenger hunt, family boat building, live music, a 24-hour "Quick and Daring" build-a-boat race (with cash prizes!) and much more. Food is available on-site from local vendors and anyone with a wooden boat is encouraged to come and join the festival for free.
Free / Center for Wooden Boats, Lake Union / More info
Remlinger Farms Summer Berry Festival
Though it was beginning to seem as if it would never come, Remlinger Farms is finally ready for U-pick strawberry season. Open from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 2-4, the farm grounds will include berry picking for visitors from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m, and the usual fun park activities throughout the day, including the petting zoo, amusement rides, a real steam train and more.
$13 for Berry Festival admission / Carnation / More info
Beach Naturalists
Spend the day with local volunteer beach naturalists at various beaches in the Seattle area and learn about the marine wildlife that the beautiful Puget Sound has to offer. Naturalists will teach children about beach etiquette and how to enjoy the beach (and its wildlife) without harming anything. Participating beaches include: Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, South Alki, Lincoln Park, Seahurst Park, Demoines Beach Park, the Olympic Sculpture Park, Redondo Beach and Tillicum Village. Times vary.
Free / Various Seattle-area beaches / More info
Red, White & Blue at the Zoo
There's nothing quite like seeing a tiger tear apart a red, white and blue celebratory treat or watching the otters gleefully chow down on patriotic fish pops. (We're quite serious -- we could watch this Fourth of July cuteness all day.) On July 4th, families at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will get to see the zoo critters play with fun enrichment toys and Independence Day goodies. The zoo's bald eagle will also be on display for a close-up look at 2:15 p.m.
$8.14-14.44 / Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium / More info
