As a Bothell, Monroe and Mill Creek orthodontist with a lot of young patients, Dr. Chan gets the scoop on the coolest metro Seattle activities for kids and he’s willing to share the knowledge. With the end of school approaching, we know most parents would love to avoid the dreaded, “I’m bored” refrain that usually kicks in about 24 hours after that final bell without spending a fortune keeping the family entertained. Richard Chan Orthodontics to the rescue! Here’s our guide to free summer kids’ activities in Mill Creek, Monroe and Bothell, Washington.
1. Richard Chan Orthodontics Annual Patient Appreciation BBQ
Blyth Park, 16950 West Riverside Drive, Bothell – Of course, our personal favorite Bothell summer kids’ activity is our Patient Appreciation BBQ to be held on Thursday, August 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Blyth Park! The yearly shindig is a way to show our patients how much we care and to thank them for being a part of the Richard Chan Orthodontics family. Come on out and munch on hamburgers, hotdogs and snow cones. The event, which is open to all of our patients, their families, friends and the community, will feature inflatables, face painting, henna tattoos and raffles held every 15 to 30 minutes with more than 50 prizes given out. We’ll post a reminder on our Facebook page where you can also find pictures from BBQs past.
2. Farm to Table Farmers Market
Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Boulevard, Monroe – Monroe is home to a vibrant farmers market on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and the third Saturday of June, July, August and September from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Tye Park and it’s completely free to stroll around. Parents can get their fill of fresh local produce, baked goods, eggs, milk and cheese and even hot foods from food trucks. Kids will have a ball dancing to live music. If you feel like splurging, treat the little ones to crafts, face painting and balloon animals.
3. Miner’s Corner
22903 45th Avenue SE, Bothell – On a gorgeous summer day there’s nothing like letting the kids run free at the park and Miner’s Corner is 100% universally accessible so everyone can enjoy its features. It has a large playground, which happens to boast one of the tallest ramp-accessible play structures in the country, and a nature play area as well paths, a storm water-fed sand and water garden, a full-sized basketball court and an enormous lawn area for sports, games and picnics.
4. Mill Creek Library
15429 Bothell Everett Highway, Mill Creek – The public library is the ideal place for free activities for kids in Mill Creek, especially on rainy or hot days, and one look at the calendar of events will reveal there’s always something going on. Parents of really little ones will love the Storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and families. It gives youngsters the chance to hear stories, sing, play, move and have some social interaction. Once a month, the Friends of the Mill Creek Library hosts Teen Game Night for grades six through 12, which includes pizza and snacks and your old school board games as well as Rock Band, Wii and Xbox. Or, try the ongoing Explore Summer program (ages five through 11). Each session has a different theme and activity. Don’t miss the kick-off event on Sunday, June 25 at noon. Award-winning storyteller Chris Fascione will put on a show complete with comedy, mime, juggling and storytelling.
The Monroe Library has very similar events and programs and residents of Bothell should check out the Bothell branch of the King County Library System for family-friendly excitement all summer long.
5. Fourth of July Freedom Festival
Starting at Main Street and 104th Avenue NE, Bothell – The annual Bothell 4th of July parade is hugely popular. In fact, residents have been known to place lawn chairs along the route up to two weeks in advance. The 2017 theme is “United We Stand” and we’re pretty sure this year’s community-wide celebration will be just as spectacular as ever. The children’s parade kicks off at 11:15 a.m. on Beardslee Boulevard near the post office and the grand parade will commence at noon at Main Street and 104th Avenue NE. Due to construction on Main Street, the parade will take a slightly different route and from the starting point, it will proceed west onto NE 183rd Street to Bothell-Everett Highway, turn right on Bothell-Everett Highway and end at Pop Keeney parking lot. To get an even earlier start on the fun, consider partaking in the pancake breakfast at the Downtown Firehouse (10726 Beardslee Boulevard) from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
6. Just Kidding Around Summer Children’s Concert Series
Park at Bothell Landing Amphitheater, 9919 NE 180th Street, Bothell – This brand new summer concert series will feature the best “kindie” bands from the Bothell area at the amphitheater. The shows will run from 11 to 11:50 a.m. The lineup includes Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies (July 19), Recess Monkey (August 2) and The Not-Its (August 16).
7. Cougar Park
3221 148th Street SE, Mill Creek – Cougar Park is one of our favorite Mill Creek parks because it appeals to kids (and adults) of any age. There’s a zip line and climbing rock, a toddler-friendly playground, picnic shelters, a grassy, open field and even grills. Parents will appreciate the fact that there are restrooms as well.
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8. Bothell Farmers Market
23718 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell (in the center parking lot of Country Village) – Fridays are for summer family fun in Bothell at the weekly farmers’ market that runs from June 2 through September 29 from noon to 6 p.m. The kids will love seeing the colorful in-season, locally grown produce and listening to live music. Stock up on fruits and veggies, fresh cut flowers, baked goods, organic treats, honey, jams, eggs and more. You’ll also find handmade items from local artisans.
9. Movies Under the Moon
Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Boulevard, Monroe – On select Friday evenings in August at dusk, bring a blanket, snacks and the family for outdoor movies at Lake Tye Park. The free Monroe event also features pre-movie activities starting at 8 p.m. The Lego Batman Movie (August 4), SING (August 11), The Jungle Book (Aug 18) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (August 25) are on the schedule for summer 2017.
10. Summer Children’s Concerts
Library Park, 15429 Bothell Everett Highway, Mill Creek – On Wednesdays in July and August from noon until 1 p.m., Friends of the Mill Creek Library and Mill Creek Recreation & Tourism will co-sponsor a children’s entertainment series at Library Park. The musical performances are geared towards children but the whole family will have a blast. The cost of admission? A non-perishable food item for the Mill Creek Community Food Bank. You can’t beat that.
11. Summer Art Walks
Mill Creek Town Center, 15310 Main Street, Mill Creek – The annual Summer Art Walks are back. These free events will be held on the second Thursday of June, July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. The family-friendly evenings are sponsored by the City of Mill Creek Art & Beautification Board in conjunction with the Mill Creek Town Center. Stroll around and check out the work of local artists while taking in some live music.
12. Music in the Park
Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Boulevard, Monroe – The Music in the Park series is yet another free family activity in Monroe thanks to the City of Monroe Parks and Recreation, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors. On Fridays in July, concerts kick off at 7 p.m. While obviously the kids can’t enjoy the beer garden, they’ll love dancing under the stars to the likes of Aaron Crawford, Rumba Kings, Nate Botsford and Massy Ferguson.
13. Summer Art Walks
Mill Creek Town Center, 15310 Main Street, Mill Creek – The annual Summer Art Walks are back. These free events will be held on the second Thursday of June, July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. The family-friendly evenings are sponsored by the City of Mill Creek Art & Beautification Board in conjunction with the Mill Creek Town Center. Stroll around and check out the work of local artists while taking in some live music.
14. Unlimiteds Northwest Model Boat Races
Lake Tye Park, Fryelands Boulevard, Monroe – Lake Tye Park is a really happening place in the summer. On Saturdays, June 10 and July 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Unlimiteds Northwest, a model boat club, will engage in a little friendly competition. Watch the model boats races across Lake Tye to victory. Cheer on your favorite and take a dip between races to cool off.
15. Bothell Historical Museum
Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th Street, Bothell – Give the kids a dose of Bothell and Northshore history at the Historical Museum. There are three buildings, the Beckstrom cabin, the schoolhouse and the main museum in the Hannan House and they’re all open to the public for free on Sundays, April through October, from 1 to 4 p.m. You’ll find turn-of-the-century items and a variety of displays in the well-preserved spaces.
