The Last Days of Summer in Seattle

Erin Wing - Seattle
August 29, 2011

We all know that the most meaningful summertime experiences are also the simplest ones. Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest is chock full of simple pleasures. So, for these last days of summer, slow down, feel the grass between your toes, and enjoy time as a family while you experience the best of summertime in Seattle.

Build a bonfire on the beach

Nothing says summer like roasted dogs and s'mores, and there is no better place to cook (or burn) your dinner than perched on the beach with views of the Olympics over Puget Sound. Head to Golden Gardens or Alki Beach early so you can stake out a spot near a fire pit. Spend a day at the beach, and when the sun starts to sink, get your marshmallows ready and fire up those campfire stories!

Watch a movie under the stars

All over the Seattle area, you'll find a great selection of outdoor movies in the summer. A few family favorites are still playing through the end of the month. You can catch Up at Marymoor Park in Redmond on August 31. Want to splurge for an end-of-summer treat? Rent your own projector, pop some corn, and invite the neighbors over for a driveway showing of your favorite family flick.

Float on a boat

With all this sun, the water is positively sparkling right now, and nothing beats the view from a boat. Rent a canoe or a rowboat from the UW Waterfront Activities Center and paddle around through the lily pads near the Arboretum. Or rent a kayak from Agua Verde Paddle Club and get a duck's eye view of the houseboats on Lake Union. (When you return your kayak, be sure to enjoy some amazing tacos at the Agua Verde restaurant upstairs.) The Center for Wooden Boats offers free public sails around Lake Union every Sunday. (Be sure to arrive early to sign up and picnic while you wait.) Want an all day event? Ride a morning ferry to Bainbridge, eat a gigantic breakfast at the Streamliner Diner and play at the Kids Discovery Museum before you head back.

Rock out in the sun

Did you hear? Seattleites dig music!  So naturally you'll find no shortage of outdoor summer jams. For the ultimate end-of-summer music festival, don't miss Bumbershoot at the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend.  Besides the all-ages line up, check out Youngershoot, where you can find daily activities and interactive programs specifically for kids. Or if you're looking for a pint-sized musical event, check out local kid-favorite, Caspar Babypants in Normandy Park on Aug 28.

Be neighborly

Does it seem like you only see your neighbors when the sun comes out? Then make the most of these sunny days, and attend an end-of-summer town festival or neighborhood gathering. Host your own neighborhood block party and invite the Molly Moon's ice cream truck to your 'hood. Even after school starts, you can officially wrap up summer at the Great Wallingford Wurst Festival on September 16-17; the Ballard Fishermen's Fall Festival on Saturday, September 17; or Carnival Days in Burien from September 22- September 25.