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Sure, iPods may have supplanted radio as the dominant music delivery system, but you can still stimulate interest in radio by telling your grandchildren about an invention that you used to listen to for music when you were a kid. The museum traces the history of electricity from 1600 to the analog age of 1950 and features hands-on exhibits, a static electricity learning center and a robotics table. (Approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle.)
Info: Admission: ages 13 and older $5, 12 and younger $2
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Practical joking and kitsch-loving grandchildren of all ages will thank you for taking them to this internationally-known novelty store run amok. Joy buzzers, boxing nun puppets and an odd scientific surplus are just part of what’s offered at the store that brought you the librarian action figure. Allow at least 30 minutes and don’t be surprised if the kids sing your praises to their parents. Don’t miss Archie’s second store across the parking lot.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-7PM, Sunday 11AM-7PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique, Shopping
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Considering that design, craft and art are the focus of the museum, it’s no surprise that it has plenty of children’s activities centering on crafts. On Saturdays there are free, drop-in activities where children create their own works of art (that they might even be able to give you for Grandparents Day). The annual Arts Fair during the last weekend in July features many child-friendly diversions.
Info: Admission: ages 7-61 $7, students and 62 and older $5, 6 and younger free
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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One of the largest malls on the Eastside, this upscale shopping center has two play areas for the smaller kids, stroller rentals, toy stores for all ages and a variety of family friendly restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory and Red Robin. Pick up a toy or some ice cream to keep them occupied while you browsethrough the variety of quality retail outlets.
Info: Admission: free
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30AM-9:30PM, Sunday 11AM-7PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Shopping
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Show your grandchild the joy of model trains with a trip to this small storefront museum featuring an exhibit of model trains from before and after World War II. There’s a G-gauge layout showing Bellingham in the 1950s and a Lionel train layout. Toddlers will enjoy the Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio train toys while the older kids will enjoy the train simulator where they can “drive” a locomotive. (Approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle.)
Info: Admission: adults $3, students $1, 3 and younger free, families of four $5
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Treat your grandkids to a unique activity, exploring a veritable buried city underneath downtown Seattle. Intrigue, silly stories and a touch of Seattle’s colorful history are the attractions at this 90-minute tour of the rugged underground passages that were once the heart of the city until the Great Seattle Fire burned everything to the ground and raised streets and buildings were erected on its ashes.
Info: Admission: adults $14, 60+ $12, students 13-17 $12, 7-12 $7, 6 and under free; Public tickets available on first-come, first-served basis; Private Tours: available; reserve two weeks in advance
Hours: tour schedules vary;
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique
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Few parks include gardens with kids in mind, but this one does in the form of an A to Z garden where they can learn about plants while learning the alphabet. The pesticide-free park has winding paths between gardens, a childrens’ play area, lots of art, a basketball court and pretty views. Plenty for you to take in while your grandkids burn up some energy.
Info: Admission: free
Hours: daily 4:30AM-11:30PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun
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For years, grandchildren have found the Teddy bear to be a primary source of comfort and entertainment. Share the experience of creating this eternal slice of Americana with your grandkids at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. They'll delight in not only the construction of their new plush plaything, but also in choosing a sound chip, clothing, and even giving it an official name on a birth certificate. Whatever they create, the little ones will always remember the memory of making it with you. Private parties can be booked as well.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Shopping
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Carkeek Park
950 NW Carkeek Park Rd.
Seattle, WA 98177
(206) 684-0877
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Picturesque views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains are just a few of this park’s attractions. Grandchildren with a scientific bent can explore animal life in the tidal pools on the beach, watch salmon migrate in season or visit the Environmental Learning Center. The younger set will enjoy the giant salmon slide and a playground designed by artists. Older kids may gravitate towards the wetlands walk.
Info: Admission: free
Hours: Park: daily 6AM-10PM; Environmental Learning Center: daily 10AM-4PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun, Animals & Nature
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Why take your grandchild to a large, anonymous multi-screen multiplex when you can catch a movie in a smaller space and get a good meal as well? You won’t see the latest blockbuster at central cinema, but you will be able to see second-run and classic movies in a relaxed atmosphere and order from a kid-friendly menu.
Info: Admission: $5 for most shows
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 6PM-11PM, Saturday-Sunday 12PM-11PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Kid Friendly Eats
