1. Jetty Island A gem nestled a boat ride away from the Port of Everett, Jetty Island is a man made island sanctuary. The free ferry boat carries 60 passengers at a time to and from the island. Once you arrive at the island enjoy a beautiful sandy beach, warm waters to dip your toes in or a number of educational walks. Ferry reservations can be made by city of Everett residents or groups of 8 or more non-residents 48 hours in advance by calling Jetty Island Reservation Line at 425.257.8304. For more information check out the Port of Everett’s Jetty Island web page.

2. Star Gazing Galore

August is the perfect time for stargazing and the Northwest is the perfect place for it. From mid July to late August the Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen across the northern hemisphere. For an amazing display of shooting stars (as many as 70 per hour) get off the beaten path in any direction in the Northwest. Here are some stellar digs that will get you an out of this world view.

The Cottages at Seabrook: Located on Washington’s coast near Ocean Shores, Seabrook is a gorgeously planned beach town filled with cottages and rental homes of every size and type, trails that lead you through such forest to the sandy ocean beach and amenities for everyone in the family. For information and rentals, check out the link above.

Cle’ Elem, WA: Snuggled in the middle of the mountains in central Washington, Cle’ Elem is home to Suncadia Resort and Spa as well as several hotels and cabins. Take a look at all your lodging option and score a deal by seeing all your options on Trip Advisor.

3. Movies in the Park: For free fun for the whole family check out one of the many local parks that offer family friendly movies. Times and locations vary and information can usually be found on individual park’s websites or posted on the information board at many parks. Here are a few of our picks.

In Snohomish County, near Everett you can take in a fun flick at Willis Tucker Park beginning at dusk, open seating starts at 7:30 am. Click here for more information.

In King County there are a number of free (and some paid) movie options. For a complete guide to Summer movie fun in Seattle see Red Tricycle’s Your Ultimate Guide to This Summer’s Free (& Cheap) Outdoor Movies.

4. Splash Pad Fun:

 The Northwest is home to countless splash pads that offer a refreshing spray of fun for the whole family. For those unfamiliar with splash pads, they are a sprinkler playground located at a public park. Kids of all ages can cool down while running around in the spray for free at various parks around the sound. Here are some of our favorites: Forest Park in Everett, which also boasts miles of walking trails, a huge playground, a seasonal petting zoo, horseshoes, and more. For more information take a look at the Forest park website here.

Edmonds City Park in Edmonds was recently renovated to include a brand new playground, hiking trails and a huge splash pad suitable for small kids and older kids as well. Small sprinklers are perfect for the little ones, while a huge bucket that fills and comes crashing down when it dumps brings excitement to older kids. Come early to grab a parking spot and a hangout area and stay for the day.

5. Hikes for the Whole Family:

 If the Northwest has anything it is trees and trails. During the hottest and longest days of the year find shade and relaxation for even the littlest members of the family on a stroller hike. Check out a great list of 5 stroller hikes here. We also love Dungeness Spit near Port Angelas, WA or Big Four Ice Caves in Granite Falls, WA. Both of these hikes have groomed trails and can be enjoyed by all ages. For very small children a carrier may be best. With any hike, be sure to check trail conditions (for the two suggested use the links provided to take a look at the parks website directly).

6. Funko:

Headquartered in Everett, Funko is like stepping into a comic dream world. Kids and kids-at-heart will love the larger than life vinyl displays throughout the store. Shop for vinyl figurines including everything from Disney’s Frozen to The Golden Girls, Harry Potter and everything in between. If you can’t chose from their hundreds of fan favorites, head over to the create your own Pop room and put your own spin on a character to take home. Not into vinyl? No problem because Funko also has unique shirts, purses and other unique comic and movie garb.

When you’ve decided on your treasures, let the fun continue by walking over to El Paraiso for some delicious Mexican food or walk a few blocks in waiter direction the The Strawberry Patch Cafe or The Vintage Cafe. No matter which way you stroll, you can’t go wrong.

7. Jenny Cookie: For a sweet escape head out to Lake Stevens for some delicious treats at Jenny Cookie. The small town bakery serves gourmet cookies, cupcakes, cake pops and other specialties. Come early, because popular items can sell out quickly. But extra for later.. it’s nearly impossible to just have one! Our fav is the sugar cookie with vanilla icing… They are just sweet enough with silky, smooth buttercream icing.

8. Short Nine in the Sunshine: For a fun game of strategy and skill fit for the whole family check out the short nine at one of a number of golf courses. Short non courses offer a small version of a full golf course. Most are walkable, but often carts are available. Go during off-peak times and even the tiniest golfers can get used to swinging their clubs and learn the rules of the game. Our favorite courses are the short nine/ Par 3 course at Battle Creek in Tulalip, WA and the Par 3 course at Interbay in Seattle. Both courses are beautiful. Battle Creek is surrounded by forest and has a woodsy hiking feel, while Interbay is in the city and offers gorgeous views of various parts of Seattle and its’ surrounding waters and land.

9. Charter a Sailboat for Free Every Sunday

Get your sea legs in style on a real sailboat for free every Sunday at the Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union. No experience is necessary and sailors of all ages are welcome to sail on CWB’s historic boats. Boats sail at ten am, and it’s recommended that you show up early as it is a first come first serve opportunity. For more information, accommodations or special circumstances see CWB’s website.