ML Interest Tag: eating-contest

The 6 Farmers Markets You Need to Know About

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Ask the kids if they want to go shopping for vegan cheese and heirloom melons, and you’ll likely get a resounding no. But mention the prospect of baby goats, a bounce house or, say, a camel ride, and your little ones will be all in. Those are just a few of the activities offered at LA’s best kid-friendly farmers markets. While you stock up on produce and more, your tots can take advantage of the fun activities at these markets around town.

Studio City Farmers Market

chapstickaddict via flickr

This Sunday morning farmers market is a San Fernando Valley favorite—and is usually bustling by 9:30a.m., so arrive early to beat the crowds. In addition to all the usual staples (like fresh produce, local seafood and meats, and fresh-baked goodies), the Studio City venue features a kids' play area with multiple bounce houses and inflatable slides, a rock climbing wall, face painting, swings, and more. Hit the kid’s activities first, then you can fuel up courtesy of the dozens of prepared food stands offering avocado toasts (with assorted toppings), wood-fired pizza, fresh-pressed juices, and snow cones (which may be required to lure little ones from the bounce houses). In addition to nearby street parking, there's also free parking is available at the CBS parking structure around the corner.

Sun., 8a.m.-2p.m.
Ventura Pl.
Studio City
Online: studiocityfarmersmarket.com

Hollywood Farmers Market

Randi I. via Yelp

This sprawling market, which stretches along Ivar and Selma between Hollywood and Sunset, plays host to more than 150 vendors. With an eclectic mix of hot foods (everything from Middle Eastern kabobs to Thai coconut cakes) and exotic produce, it's the perfect place to expand your little one's palate. In addition to jamming out to live music, kids can also check out the recently opened Community on Cosmo space, where you may find an arts and crafts activity or a cooking demo. But the highlight of the trip is no doubt a visit to Soledad Goats. The Mojave-based animal sanctuary often brings along a "kid" or two for your own kids to meet. Parking is available at the Sunset and Vine parking structure for $5.

Sun., 8a.m.-1p.m.
Hollywood Blvd. and Ivar Ave.
Hollywood
Online: hfm.la

Mar Vista Farmers Market

Kevin L. via Yelp

With a solid selection of produce, specialty foods (like plant-based "raw" cheese and traditional rice balls) and hot eats, there's plenty for your little foodies to nosh on. To keep everyone entertained, each week the market features a different DJ, along with a free kids craft workshop. On the last Sunday of every month, there's also face painting plus a cooking class, where little ones will use fresh market ingredients to create a tasty dish. Metered street parking is available along Venice Blvd.

Sun., 9a.m.–2p.m.
Grand View at Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista
Online: marvistafarmersmarket.org

Monrovia Street Fair & Market

monrovianow.com

We're pretty sure this is one of the few LA farmers markets offering camel rides along with the usual suspects: pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable slides and bounce houses. The event happens every Friday evening in charming Old Town Monrovia, just east of Pasadena off the 210 (for newbies to the area). What's more, on the first Fridays of each month, it's officially Kid's Night, which means even more entertainment for tykes. 

Fri., 5p.m.-9p.m.
612 S. Myrtle Ave.
Monrovia
Online: cityofmonrovia.org

Beverly Hills Farmers Market

Shane B. via Yelp

The KidZone at this market offers story time hosted by the Beverly Hills Public Library (one of the best libraries for little ones). There's also a petting zoo (complete with goats, bunnies, adorable piglets and more) and a pony ride for the more adventurous—pint-sized riders can enjoy a real trot along the street. Throughout the year, the market also hosts themed events with crafts and activities—everything from pie-eating contest in June (aka Pie Month at the market) to pumpkin decorating in the fall. Parking is free for two hours at the Civic Center parking structure.

Sun., 9a.m.-1p.m.
9300 Civic Center Dr.
Beverly Hills
Online: beverlyhills.org/exploring/farmersmarket

Santa Monica Main St. Farmers Market

Daniel Albany via Pixabay

Santa Monica is home to multiple markets throughout the week, but Sunday's Main St. offering earns marks for being intimate and geared towards little ones. There's live music with local bands that will have your mini music lovers grooving. There’s also a face-painter and balloon artist to keep your tots entertained. While the produce section isn’t huge, you can always stock up on kid-pleasers like strawberries and cucumbers, plus there are tons of delicious hot foods to choose from. Metered street parking is available but tough to come by, so expect to walk a bit from your spot. If you live close enough, you can bike there and park your wheels at the bike valet out front. Make a day of it and cruise down to the beach bike path, just two blocks away, after your shop and eat.

Sun., 8:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
2640 Main St. (in Heritage Square)
Santa Monica
Online: smgov.net/farmersmarket

—Shahrzad Warkentin & Shannan Rouss

featured photo: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

RELATED LINKS: 

LA’s 14 Best Summer Concert Series for Kids

The Best Kids-Eat-Free Restaurants in LA

The Best Museums for Kids in Los Angeles

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9 Rockin’ Music Festivals You Didn’t Know Are Kid-Friendly

by Gabby Cullen

Even though these days you’re more likely to find yourself at a Music Together session instead of a jam session, don’t say goodbye to the days of summer music extravaganzas. To make it easier to find your happy place, we’ve rounded up the most awesome festivals that don’t just let kids in—they welcome them with open arms. Scroll down to see when and where.

Summerfest: June 26-30 & July 2-7, Milwaukee, Wi

Summerfest

It’s like a rock & roll day camp for the whole family. The coolest part about the world’s largest music festival isn’t just about singing your heart out at diverse musical acts like Billie Eilish, Death Cab for Cutie, Willie Nelson and more,  but also a chance to experience kiddie-rock performances, live theater, water fun with splash pads and paddle boats, fireworks, robot building and even a bacon eating contest!

Parents, you’ll need to head to the Northwestern Mutual Children's Theater and Playzone featuring not only jungle gyms and slides, but that’s where you’ll spot the children’s theater and interactive activities. From the Captivation Station and color labs to Comedy Sportz, the Milwaukee Art Museum and even spatula sizzles at the Mad Scientist lab—it’s an exciting extravaganza!

Don't miss the Summerfest Parade: Wed., June 26–Fri., June 28; Tues., July 2 & Wed., July 2 at 3 p.m.

Online: summerfest.com

High Sierra Music Festival: July 4-7, Quincy, CA

The ultimate in jam-band festivals, High Sierra is like a big warm hug for families. The Family Village scene is always hoppin’, from the Living Folklore puppet shows, family breakfasts and water games to the family talent show, shady chill zone for breastfeeding mothers, and the High Sierra KIDS parade. The Village Greens is always open for play, play and more play, and the Sing Along hut is perfect for...you guessed it, sing-alongs. There’s even the Rockin’ Nannies group of qualified caregivers who host a sleepover each night for parents wanting a little late night music action.

You can pack in food to the festival but be sure to sample the wide array of food trucks, gourmet eats and microbrews that will be available throughout the festival days.

Insider Tip: Head for Shady Grove campground; that’s where you’ll find quiet spots for camping.

Lollapalooza: Aug. 1-4, Chicago, IL

Katrina Barber/Lollapalooza 2018

Lollapalooza's lineup this summer is packed with diverse acts, from Twenty One Pilots to Ariana Grande. Kidzapalooza, which is its own kiddie concert event within the rock festival and located in a separate area of Grant Park.

The family-fest within a fest includes a stellar line up of kindie-rock groups, plus there’s music stations with drums and guitars, breakdancers, a mural wall for painting and tons of amazing Chicago-style food.

Insider Tip: You can take turns watching the main stage and the kid-stage. Kidzapalooza is open each day from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., kids 10 and under are free!

Online: Lollapalooza.com

Pickathon Independent Music Festival: Aug. 2-4, Happy Valley, OR

iStock

If you’re looking for a chance to give your tiny ones a lesson in sustainability while enjoying groovy bluegrass tunes, the Pickathon is where you need to be. No plastic to be found; bring in your own utensils or participate in an exchange program when sampling the organic fare.

Pitch a tent at the family camping zone, where lights are out early and it’s up and at em’ at the crack of dawn. The constant flow of activities for kids is pretty unreal. From basket making to foam arrow target shooting, circus camp, fairy wand making and the grand dragon parade, there’s something for everyone. Even the tiny tots can get in on the fun with their very own movement and games.

Outside Lands: Aug. 9-11, San Francisco, CA

It's the Bay Area’s most epic music event and this year's headliners include Twenty One Pilots, Paul Simon and KC Musgraves. If the fam is looking for a quiet place to chill, head for less crowded spots early on. The picnic tables just past the windmill at the Lands End Stage, or up on the hill next to the Sutro Stage are best bets.

The gourmet grub at Outside Lands is legendary but no worries—even the pickiest eater will find nosh. There’s fancy grilled cheese, pizza, satay and chicken and waffles for the kids; and parents can savor kale salad, smoked-coconut sugar brisket and Maine lobster rolls.

Direct the crew towards Eco Lands and head straight for the Rock & Roll Family Zone, where taking a moment to chill is encouraged! Feed worms at the Garden for the Environment booth, contribute to the Solar Habitat Microbuild at the AT&T sponsored booth, and find the Surf for Life and Urban Sprouts Photo Booths for post-worthy shots.

Online: OutsideLands.com

Bumbershoot: Aug. 30-Sep. 2, Seattle, WA

iStock

Seattle’s long-running Bumbershoot was a celebration way back before music festivals were on everyone’s summer bucket list. Held every year over Labor Day Weekend, you'll find big name headliners along side budding new acts. Besides the diverse lineup, attendees can find cool dance performances, visual arts, film and comedy.

Families with kids 10 and under can head straight for Youngershoot. Curated by the Seattle Children’s Museum, the list of activities for tiny rockers is endless. While there isn’t any child-care available, we know parents will enjoy themselves as much as budding musicians. The intro to architecture—inspired by Seattle’s famous skyline—is an especially popular station.

Insider Tip: The complete list of fun at Youngershoot hasn’t been announced yet. Check back here to get updates before the show starts in Sept.

Online: bumbershoot.com

Pilgrimage Music Festival: Sep. 21-23, Franklin, TN

VisitFranklin.com

Franklin, Tennessee is a beautiful little hamlet outside of Nashville and once a year it goes off the hook with this family-friendly all-star lineup of music from across genres. Held at the beautiful Harlinsdale Farm, fans young and old can enjoy this two-day festival that also attracts some of the best food in the region along with art and artisans. This year's lineup includes the Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, The Killers, Leon Bridges and more. Kiddos will love the Art Barn and the kid-specific stage (the Vanderbilt Health Lil' Pilgrims Family Stage) and Mare Barn Theater where they'll find activities and performances geared toward the pint-sized set.  

Learn more at visitfranklin.com and pilgrimagefestival.com

 

Austin City Limits: Oct. 4-6 & 11-13, Austin, TX

Sara Marjorie Strick/ACL 2018

If your dreams of attending SXSW have been waylaid by bringing kids along, don't fret. Turns out, Austin is home to another major music festival and this one is as kid-friendly as they come. The Austin City Limits music festival takes place over two different weekends and the lineup includes the stellar, the up-and-coming and indie stars. This year you'll find Billie Eilish, Mumford & Sons, Thom Yorke (of Radiohead) and The Cure, among others.

The littles will make a beeline for Austin Kiddie Limits. This mini-version offers up a ton of awesome entertainment for budding musicians, including a drum zone, hip hop workshops, hands-on art and more. There's also necessities like baby changing stations and a family-friendly entrance. 

Insider Tip: Kids 10 and under are free. Look for the Kidz Beach Area to beat the heat. It’s a shady spot perfect for making sand castles while listening to your favorite acts.

Online: aclfestival.com

Joshua Tree Music Festival: Oct. 10-13, Joshua Tree, CA

If you don’t feel like taking petite burners to the playa this year, consider another desert music-fest promoting community vibes and art. The Joshua Tree Musical Festival is super family oriented and besides the amazing scenery, there’s cosmic creations, painting parasols, puppet making and improv.

Within the festival grounds, the one acre lake is surrounded by Kidsville, the world market and organic food purveyors. The best spot to pitch a tent is in Family Camp on the North West side of the campground, but if you want to be out of the wind and dirt, there are trailers for rent, too. Kids 10 and under are free and be prepared for lots and lots of hula hoopers!

Insider Tip: You and the littles can beat the desert heat (and dust) with shade cloths that are draped over viewing areas and a quick visit to the free cool down shower stations.

Online: joshuatreemusicfestival.com

— Amber Guetebier & Gabby Cullen

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15 Outdoor Games That’ll Make Your Summer Bash

by Allison Sutcliffe

For your kids, summer is reason enough for a celebration. But you’ve got your sights set on bigger events to come. Whether you’re planning your kid’s birthday bash, rocking a 4th of July BBQ or arranging the neighborhood block party, you know epic outdoor games will do more than get your party started … they’ll keep it going. Read on for our favorites!

photo: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

1. Devour the Donut
Have you heard? Donuts are the new cake. That’s why we love this sweet twist on the typical way to end a party. Part game, part speed-eating contest, everyone at your party will want in on the action. Simply hang a length of string across a deck or between two trees (make sure to have a clean or covered surface underneath). Then loop a donut for each player onto the string so it hangs at “mouth level.” When you say go, each player scarfs the donut in front of them as fast as they can. The twist? No hands allowed. First one to finish wins!

2. Balloon Relay
Turn your party decorations into props for this easy-to-run game. Line up your tots Madeline-style (that’s two straight lines), before handing each line leader a balloon and having them place it securely between their knees. Then it’s time to start the game! Players pass the balloon, knees-to-knees, down the row until it reaches the finish. It doesn’t get easier than that!

photo: ewan traveler via Flickr

3. Rainbow Hunt
Who needs to go on a bear hunt when you can hunt for rainbows instead? This one is especially exciting for toddlers because rainbows and face paint are totally their jam. To play, hide craft sticks dipped in different rainbow colors around the yard (make sure you’ve got all the rainbow colors represented). Alongside them, place a face paint crayon that matches the stick’s color. When a player finds a stick, they use the crayon to draw a colorful rainbow smear on their face. First one to complete the rainbow wins!

4. Don’t Step on the…
Let kids lead the blind(folded) in this easy-to-set-up game that requires at least four kids. To start, you’ll need to set up a “minefield” for the players to navigate. We suggest designating Frisbees or sports cones as the “mines” that get scattered around your play space. Then comes the skill. Split the kids into two teams, each with one player blindfolded. It’s up to the blindfolded players’ teammates to shout out directions (take three steps forward! One step to the right!), helping her make it safely from one side of the field to the next, without stepping on a mine. Whoever makes it to the far end of the course first (and without blowing up) is on the winning team. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, play it in reverse (have the kids walk backward) for the return trip.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

5. Shaving Cream Race
Who needs a canvas when the kids can paint each other with shaving cream? Pit two teams against each other in this race to completely cover lucky human “canvases” in white foamy fluff. Setting up this silly competition is easy. Empty tons of shaving cream into kiddie pools and then hand each kidlet a brush. The game runs itself from there. A word to the wise—bathing suits and a hose on hand are total “musts” for this one.

6. Popcorn Relay
Little party-goers will get a kick out of this relay race that’s all about running popcorn from one bucket to another. To play, you’ll need to strap plastic cups to each runner’s foot (psst … gluing the rubber band to the bottom of the cup works best). When the whistle blows, each runner’s teammate fills up the cup with popcorn and sends it dashing very carefully down the yard to a waiting bucket. Then it’s dump and run (no hands allowed) before heading back and passing the cup to the next player. Work your way through each line to determine a winner in this pop-ular game!

photo: All For The Boys

7. Cup Race
Think NCAA tourney when you whip out this fun cup race. All the tiny guests will get a chance to work their way through the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight for a shot at the big time—the Final Four—as they compete head-to-head, racing plastic cups down a string, propelled by squirt guns. Allison spells out the setup and racing deets on her blog, All for the Boys, so you can run the races like a pro.

8. Balloon Stomp Romp
This one’s a blast no matter what your age. Blow up a few balloons, tie them around kids’ ankles with string and send them off to pop each others’ air-filled companions. The game ends with the last balloon standing. Want to make it more challenging for the big kids? Forget playing in the whole yard—just set boundaries with cones or string to keep them penned in while they play. The smaller the space, the bigger the challenge and the faster the game gets played!

photo: Valentina Powers via Flickr

9. Ice Pool Challenge
Chill out with this simple-to-stage game that kids of (almost) any age can play. To set it up, fill your kiddie pool with water and dump in a bag of party ice. Then divide kids into two teams, each with a bucket. Their goal is to fill the bucket with as many of the submerged ice cubes as they can, using only their feet to move those little rascals from one place to the next.

10. Bandana Tag
Transform the typical game of tag into a free-for-all (this one works best with older kiddos). The twist? They’re all “it.” To play, hand out bandanas to your crew to tuck in along their waistline. Then let the great chase begin! Players tag each other by snagging bandanas, while simultaneously guarding their own until one player is left standing. It’s a wild romp they’ll want to play over and over again.

photo: Caleb Zahnb via Flickr

11. Bob for Apples
You know how this one is played, parents. Apples. Barrel. Then sit back and watch as the kids take turns trying to grab a crispy piece of fruit using only their teeth. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day!

12. Water Balloon Pop
The tot lot will log plenty of giggle mileage when they play this fast-paced game. Break your group into two teams, each with a heaping bucket of fully loaded water balloons. When you say go, one member of each team grabs a balloon, races down the yard, and tries to pop it with his or her body (think: stomping or sitting on it!). Guarantee a dousing by making guests break balloons on a chair, or let the ground take the brunt of the splash. Once the balloon is popped, it’s back to the start to tag the next kid. On your mark, get set, go!

photo: Mike Gifford via Flickr

13. What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?
If this classic game doesn’t ring any bells for you parents, think Red Light, Green Light with a lot more shrieking and mad dashing. A total blast, even for young kids, this is a must-try at your next kiddie-bash. Want to know how to play? We love the simple instructions offered up by Childhood 101.

14. Ninja Attack
In this game, ninjas-in-training test their skills by quietly sneaking up on a ninja master. Intrigued? Start by setting up a ninja course (think: paintball course) using oversized moving boxes, play tunnels, and other objects kids can quickly duck behind (or into). This is where the little ninjas will try to hide as the ninja master scans the yard for tiny foes. Then, have the master stand at one end of the yard, opposite her ninja attackers. When you say go, the ninja master turns her back on her opponents, while they stealthily make their way toward her. When you say stop, little ninjas duck behind whatever’s closest in the hopes the master ninja won’t spy them. If she does, they’re out. But if you’ve got the skill, and can reach her first, you become the master!

photo: Michael Smith via Flickr

15. Mushroom Tag
This new look for an old fave works best with school-aged kids and a huge play space. It’s a game where everyone’s “it” and kids drop in and out of play quickly so the number of players is as on the move as the players themselves. Here’s how it (usually) works… since everyone is “it,” when a player gets tagged, she’s also (probably) tagging back. So the two tagged players stop and Rochambeau (that’s rock, paper, scissors) to see who sits down and who keeps playing. The winner goes off to tag more players, while the loser sits and waits to return to the game. Players get back into the game when the person who tagged them sits down. Put this one in the play till they can’t play anymore category. It’s a riot!

— Allison Sutcliffe

 

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Play it Old School with 9 Classic Party Games

10 Zany Water Games for Any Summer Party.

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Feature photo: jona263d via Pixaby

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Ahoy Sailor! 8 Must-See Lighthouses in Washington

by Katie Gruver

What? You didn’t know that National Lighthouse day is August 7th? Well, break out those iPhones and update your calendars, because summer’s hottest holiday is right around the corner. Well… OK, so maybe it’s not the most-anticipated day of the year, but as residents of the Puget Sound, we do have lighthouses aplenty, and whether they’re still hard at work or just for show, lighthouses hold a certain mystery to visitors young and old. Our lighthouses are some of the state’s oldest buildings, and many have surprising histories that will add a little extra spark to the beach-combing trip that’s already on the books. Check out our list of the top five lighthouses within a stone’s throw of Seattle (and the fun facts we’ve gathered for you to use as bait to get your kiddos in the car), as well as a three “best of” favorites that are farther afield.

Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey
Along the majestic western coast of Whidbey Island, you’ll find Fort Casey and the equally majestic Admiralty Head Lighthouse. (This is a super easy side-trip if you’re ever taking the Port Townsend – Keystone Ferry). Although a bit of a tongue-twister to say, Admiralty Head is lighthouse that is well worth the visit. Set on miles of rocky beaches, you’ll get amazing views of the Puget Sound, and there isn’t a better place to fly a kite. If you have little ones who like to play pirate or who fancy themselves history buffs, they’ll love checking out the maps in the museum (inside the lighthouse) that show how Fort Casey, along with Fort Flagler and Fort Warden (which also has a lighthouse) on the Peninsula, make up the “triangle of fire.” The three forts were placed in such a way that no “bad guys” could ever get through to our weapons and ships housed in Bremerton, Tacoma and Seattle harbors. Four historic guns/canons are on display, as well as the original (and super fancy) Fresnel lens for the Alki Lighthouse.

Fun Fact for Kids: Kids (re-)built it! In 2009, three local high school shop classes joined forces to rebuild the lighthouse’s lantern tower to exact specifications of the original building.

Bonus Fun Fact for Kids: Starting in 1866, a seventeen year old girl named Flora Pearson served as Assistant Lighthouse Keeper at Admiralty. She stayed on for more than ten years, being one of the first and only young women to serve in such a post.

Admiralty Head Lighthouse (in Fort Casey State Park)
1280 Engle Road
Coupeville, Wa 98239
360-678-4519
Online: lighthousefriends.com

Open: Year-round from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Guided tours of gun batteries at Fort Casey: Friday – Sunday at 1:00 pm (May 18 – September 14)
Cost: $10 per day or $35 per year for the Discover Pass

Mukilteo Lighthouse
One of the most charming and well-kept lighthouses in Washington is the Mukilteo Light Station right in downtown Mukilteo. Brimming with old-time romance, this working lighthouse offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower and look out to sea, just like lighthouse keepers one hundred years ago. The Mukilteo Historical Society has also put together an informative exhibit about the days of yore, including pictures from the olden days and the lighthouse keeper’s uniform. Insider Tip: For a fun-loving, pirate-filled, lighthouse adventure, complete with hot dog eating contest, musical “petting zoo” and fireworks, hit the free Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, September 6-8.

Fun Fact for Kids: Mukilteo is a local Indian word for “good place for camping.”

Bonus Fun Fact for Kids: Mukilteo’s light can be seen more than 12 nautical miles out at see and flashes once every five seconds, day and night, all year long.

Mukilteo Lighthouse
608 Front Street
Mukilteo, Wa 98275
425-513-9602
Online: mukilteohistorical.org

Open: Saturdays, Sundays & holidays from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (April – September). Grounds are open year-round.
Cost: Free (donations accepted)

Alki Lighthouse
If you’re a long-time Seattle-ite perhaps you already know the special place that Alki has played in our history. If not, or if you’ve got kiddos studying Washington State history or who want to know just how our Seattle forefathers and mothers got here, take a quick trip to West Seattle and the tip of Alki Beach where you’ll find the Alki Lighthouse. Originally inhabited by the Duwamish Indians, this little point of land marks the spot where, in 1851, the first settlers landed and formed a colony, which later led to the development of Seattle. The Alki Lighthouse is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and is a great spot for a picnic and to view the Seattle skyline. For more fun Seattle history nearby, check out the Log House Museum just a block off the beach.

Fun Fact for Kids: Alki is the Washington State motto; it means “by and by.” Alki was first named New York, but when it had a much slower start than its boom town namesake back east, colonists changed it to New York-Alki (New York, By and By), and eventually they just dropped the “New York” altogether.

Alki Lighthouse
3200 Point Place SW
Seattle, Wa 98116
206-841-3519
Online: wow.uscgaux.info

Open: Saturdays & Sundays from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (June – August). Tours available.
Cost: Free

West Point Lighthouse (in Discovery Park)
Discovery Park is one of the all time favorite park destinations in Seattle. It’s got a little bit of everything: lovely trails through the forest, nice paved paths for walks with strollers or bikes, wide open meadows for picnicking, amazing vistas of the Olympics from the bluffs of Magnolia… and a driftwood strewn beach with a working lighthouse! It’s an easy park to love and the perfect place to start your love-affair with lighthouses. Insider Tip: Pack the Ergo! The walk down to the beach is beautiful, but super steep and not stroller friendly (lots of stairs). If you have very small children unable to make the hike or a disabled parking pass, you can nab one of the few parking spots down right by the beach.

(Gross but) Fun Fact for Kids: The beach at the lighthouse wasn’t always so pretty. Or at least it didn’t always smell so pretty. For its first 80 years (until the 1960’s when the sewage plant was built), the lighthouse sat directly next to the spot where Seattle would dump its raw sewage. One lighthouse keeper in the 1920’s wrote that there was often 4-6 inches of poo on the shores at low tide. Peeee-yew!!

(Weird but) Bonus Fun Fact for Kids: If you think your parents are strict about telephone manners, dig this: one of the kooky lighthouse keepers was so in love with the West Point Lighthouse and fog horn that he trained himself to mimic the fog horn’s cadence while he was on the phone: he’d speak for 27 seconds and then have three seconds of silence. Weird but true!

West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park Blvd
Seattle, Wa 98199
206-386-4236
Online: lighthousefriends.com and at Seattle Parks

Open: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily park hours
Cost: Free

Point Robinson Lighthouse
A lighthouse on a lonely island is the perfect setting for a kid to get into some mischief. In the humorous Christmas tale, The Red Ranger Came Calling, the author Berkeley Breathed uses the Point Robinson Lighthouse on Vashon Island as its muse. In addition to its literary glory, this dainty lighthouse halfway between Seattle and Tacoma, boasts stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Sound. And if you just can’t get enough beach time and want to experience lighthouse living 24-7, you can rent the Keeper’s Quarters ($225/night, 3 bedrooms) and watch the ships pass in the night from the comfort of your very own little front porch. Insider Tip: Park in the lower parking lot if you have toddlers or family members with special needs. The hike down from the upper lot isn’t long, but it is steep!

Fun Fact for Kids: There’s a rather special bicycle that makes an appearance in the Red Ranger book, and you can see the real one when you visit the lighthouse. It’s in the woods just behind the local Sound Food Café.

Point Robinson Lighthouse
3705 SW Point Robinson Road
Vashon Island, WA 98070
206-463-1323
Online: vashonparks.org and lighthousefriends.com

Open: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, weekends
Cost: Free

And a few more highlights not to miss…

Best Lighthouse for an Overnight: Point No Point Lighthouse
North of Kingston on the Olympic Peninsula, this uber-picturesque spot is a lighthouse lovers’ dream come true. Sandy beaches, madrona-treed bluffs, and quiet starry nights: a true escape for the family, where you will put away the iPads and play some good old-fashioned Parcheesi.

Point No Point Lighthouse
Point No Point Rd NE
Hansville, Wa 98340
415-362-7255
Online: uslhs.org

Cost: $215/night (2 night minimum)

Runners up: Browns Point Lighthouse in Dash Point, and Cape Disappointment (which will not disappoint) on the south of the Long Beach Peninsula.

Best Lighthouse for Whale Watching: Lime Kiln Lighthouse
Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island is known to be one of the premier spots worldwide to watch whales from dry land. May through September are peak whale sighting times, with June and July being the absolute best times to go.

Lime Kiln Lighthouse
1567 Westside Road
Friday Harbor, Wa 98250
306-378-2044
Online: parks.wa.gov

Best Hike to a Lighthouse: New Dungeness Lighthouse
This little lighthouse near Sequim is at the very, very tip of one of the world’s longest natural sand spits, and it has quite a history. It’s been burning bright for more than 150 years and seen battles, forest fires and shipwrecks in that time. The hike to the lighthouse is 5 miles each way, along a drift-wood strewn sandy wildlife refuge home to hundreds of different types of birds. As you walk, you might catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring or a sea lion rolling in the surf. Even if you never make it to the lighthouse (plan at least 5 hours for the entire round trip), this beach has the best fort-building supplies your kids have ever seen! And if you’re feeling really adventurous, take the family here for spring break to serve as volunteer lighthouse keepers; one of the only light stations where this is possible.

New Dungeness Lighthouse
Agnew, Wa
306-683-6638
Online: newdungenesslighthouse.com

Open: Year-round
Cost: $3/family for day use

Got a favorite lighthouse or lighthouse story? Do tell! Leave us a comment below.

–Katie Gruver

Photo credits to: Greg Tenold, Nordique, Mukilteo Historical Society, Coast Guard News, Rower Rob C., Wikimedia Commons, Jan Tik, Michaell Feist, Bonnie Jones Gilbert and laffertyryan

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