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4 Summer-Friendly Activities for you and your tot!

Summer Time is Toddler Time!

Long summer days are delightful all by themselves, but finding activities that fun and fit for little kiddos can often be tricky. Seattle Parks and Recreation has you covered with activities that meet the needs of little ones while letting the adults get out and about.

1.Water Water Everywhere!

First on everyone’s summer list is getting wet! Located throughout Seattle neighborhoods, sprayparks are terrific for splashing and reducing your water bill. Most of them open on May 27.  And this year more wading pools than ever will open for the season on June 24. All water parks run on sunny days when the temperature is forecast to be 70 degrees or above. If the weather looks iffy, call our wading pool hotline at (206) 684-7796, updated every morning by 9:30 a.m.  Check out the locations and schedules for the sprayparks and wading pools near you.

If you need to avoid the sun (or if it avoids us), tots and their grownups can head to an indoor pool for Pool Playland, a designated swim time for children 5 and younger (with an adult). It’s a “gentle” public swim featuring fun water toys. An adult 18 years or older must accompany all children in the water. Contact the pool nearest you or check the all-city aquatics schedule for days, times and costs.

Also offered this summer at Seattle Parks and Recreation pools are Parent and Child Swim Lessons. The course helps parents introduce infants and toddlers to the swimming pool, teaching basic water adjustment and swimming movements in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation. Contact the pool closest to you for more information.

2. Nature Walks

Each month in Magnuson Park brings exciting changes to the park plants and animals. Join nature educators to watch and listen for songbirds, frogs, dragonflies, beaver, and other wildlife. The pace is comfortable for children of all ages, and binoculars and other exploration supplies are provided. The fee is $3 and kids 2 and under are free.  These walks are scheduled throughout the summer and you can register by calling Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026

  • Saturday July 8 from 10 – 11:30 am: Family Wetland Walk: Dragonflies, the Tigers of the Sky
  • Saturday August 12 from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Nighttime Nature Walk: Bats and Beavers and More Oh My!
  • Saturday August 26 from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Nighttime Nature Walk: Bats and Beavers and More Oh My!

3. Art, Music and Dance Classes

A variety of tot-friendly weekday classes await at several Community Centers throughout July and August. Act quickly because classes fill up!

  • Musikal Magik Infant/Toddler Development (6 mo – 3 yrs), Mondays at Loyal Heights Community Center. Parent and child, shake your eggs and dance with scarves, pound on drums and play along with live guitar! Be guided to help develop your child’s musical, social, physical, verbal, and cognitive skills. Contact Loyal Heights CC to register at 206-684-4052.
  • Messy Art for Toddlers (2-5 yrs), Tuesdays at Miller and Garfield Community Centers, gives hands-on experience with arts and crafts you might not want to try at home. Parents act as the child’s assistant. To register contact Miller CC at 206-684-4753 or Garfield CC at 206-684-4788.
  • Capoeira for Tots (3-5 yrs), Wednesdays at Delridge Community Center. This Afro-Brazilian marital art combines dance, acrobatics, self-expression, music, language, culture, confidence, and athleticism. This tot class focuses on aspects of balance, movement, singing, and discipline! Contact Delridge CC to register at 206- 684-7423.
  • Toddler Rumble and Tumble: Wildlife Animals (3-5 yrs), August 7- 11 at Dakota Place Park. Join us as we introduce somersaults, cartwheels, handstands, bridges, etc. in a safe and padded environment. Children will explore the world of Wildlife Animals and how to move their bodies to incorporate these animals through games, tricks, and crafts. Contact Alki CC to register at 206-84-7430.
  • Tot Bop (1- 3.5 yrs), Mondays or Fridays at Magnolia Community Center. This parent/child class involves movement, music, rhythm, song, and various props. Spend some one-on-one time with your toddler as you creatively and energetically explore dancing, singing, moving and exploring. Contact Magnolia CC at 206-386-4235.
  • Tot Creative Movement (2-3 yrs) Thursdays at International District/Chinatown Community Center. Children will learn basic dance skills through creative movement and games. Parents/Caregivers stay with participants during class and are encouraged to participate.Contact the Community Center at 206-233-0042.
  • Tot Drawing and Painting (4-5 yrs), Mondays at International District/Chinatown Community Center. Children will learn basic beginning art skills, such as how to properly hold a paintbrush and basic drawing. This class is a perfect introduction to art for your tot!Contact the Community Center at 206-233-0042.

 

4. Why not join a  pirate-themed party just in time for Seafair!

On Wednesday, August 23 at 1 p.m., bring your swashbucklers age 5 and under to Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center for the Pirate P”arrr”ty BBQ! Toddlers will hunt for hidden treasure, feast on pirate grub and play with other seafaring kids in their finest buccaneer garb. Fee is $3; to register call Ravenna-Eckstein CC at  206-684-7534.