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SIMPLE, Mostly FREE, Guaranteed FUN Ways to Explore our Community

August 28, 2014
You know that Macaroni Kid is all about LOCAL FAMILY FUN!  We work hard to be your go-to resource for events, activities, venues, and experiences happening right where you live!  In addition to events found on our awesome Calendar, we like to get out an explore all that our lovely communities have to offer, and that's to your benefit because we've compiled this list of our favorites!
 
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES

Evans Creek Preserve - This mostly flat, incredibly beautiful oasis just outside the city of Sammamish is home to a troop of hidden gnomes!  And your kids are going to love hunting for, finding, and re-hiding those cute characters!

Franklin Falls - Along Denny Creek, this is a popular family-friendly hike with a big pay-off at the end.

Pretzel Tree Trail - Hiking.  While reading.  In search of a tree named after a snack. Pretzel Tree Trail is a great family-friendly LOCAL hike!

Swamp Monster Trail - What I would classify as the one of the best kid-friendly hikes in our area because it's easy and entertaining!

Talus Rocks on Tiger Mountain - A definite crowd-pleaser when it comes to young hikers.  You can climb on and walk between giant, moss-covered boulders.  You can peer into caves and find trees growing right into and around the rocks.

KID-APPROVED ADVENTURES

FARMERS MARKETS
 - Strolling around with reusable bag in hand, sampling new foods, hand-picking the most beautiful seasonal produce, and chatting it up with friendly vendors...grocery shopping at its finest!

GEOCACHING
 - a modern day, high-tech treasure hunt that has been fascinating kids and adults for over a decade. With over 1.6 million geocaches placed all over the globe, it's easy to drive, hike, bike or even walk to a cache. 

JUMPING OFF LOGS - explore ways to raise confident kids!

LETTERBOXING - It's an excuse to take a walk ... with a big ol' twist of adventure. It's part treasure hunt, part stamp collecting, and a whole lot of fun!

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS - We are lucky enough to live in an area with TONS, and I mean TONS, of parks!  Whether you want to find a play structure for your kids, have a family picnic or enjoy some of the breathtaking views, you won't have to go very far!
Snoqualmie Parks | North Bend Parks 

Issaquah Parks | Sammamish Parks
 
SPLASH PARK - There's no shortage of good parks in our area. But if you're looking for a fantastic park, in an amazing setting, with swings, a huge sandpit, and a cool {interactive} water feature, you're in luck because this one is a well-kept secret.

UNEXPECTED FUN at Pickering Place in Issaquah
Did you know there's a fantastic kid-friendly outdoor area behind Costco Corporate offices and Red Robin (or Cucina! Cucina! from the other side)?  Tucked between (and connecting) the two sides of Pickering Place, you'll find a pond with a bridge, a large rock carved with historical facts about Issaquah, fascinating animal mosiacs set in the stones of the sidewalk, a cool water feature, and stairs to climb.  Talk about an adventure!  My girls loved this outdoor space!  So the next time you need to make errands more tolerable, get the wiggles out before (or after) having dinner, or just inject a little fun in your day (before tackling that long list of items you need from Costco), explore this hidden gem of our community! 

UPCOMING RACES & WALKS - Whether you're looking to support worthy causes or hoping to get some family-friendly exercise, Macaroni Kid has your list of local races and walks.

THE BEST BERRY PICKING  

OUTDOOR CONCERT LINE-UP

WORTH THE DRIVE & NEARBY BEACHES

We know when the sun shines and the temperatures climb local families look for water for splashing and cooling off!  Macaroni Kid is working to bring you a guide to the best local beaches!