Free Passes to KidsQuest and Bellevue Arts

I just found out that you can get free passes to Bellevue Arts Museum and KidsQuest Museum through the Bellevue Regional Library. For more information, look here. (Scroll down to the events that talk about Free Passes.)

The passes can be signed up for online—there is no need to visit the library itself!

Kids Bowl Free Every Day!

Several bowling alleys in the Seattle area are offering free games of bowling (up to 2 a day) for any child. All you have to do is register here. The offer is open to all kids 15 and under at the alley I checked out.

You still have to pay to rent bowling shoes, but if you're planning on using this deal often, it might be worth it to find a pair of junior bowling shoes on ebay!

In order to accomodate parents and older children in your family that may like to bowl, the participating bowling centers are offering a Family Pass. The Family Pass provides the same great "2 games a day" package for up to 4 adult family members for a one-time payment from $23.95.

Jetty Island Opening Day Sandblast

Looking for the perfect beach for your kids this summer? I just learned about Jetty Island in Everett, and I am thinking that it would be a great place to take the kids. Jetty Island is a man-made island 5 miles off of Everett, so that means that a visit not only includes the beach, but a free ferry ride as well!

Best of all, tomorrow, July 1, is the island's Opening Day Sandblast, and event complete with a flag raising, pirate landing, and a treasure hunt! And it's all free!

To find out more info about Jetty Park, see the website here. (The calendar of events is located to the right of the webpage.) The free Jetty ferry departs from the 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park, located at 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive. The ferry travels to and from the island at 30 minute intervals throughout the day. You can pick up your individual boarding passes at the kiosk located in the park. Donations are accepted.

(Almost) Free Summer Movies at Cinemark

Just found out that Cinemark is also offering really cheap movies this summer, but only in Olympia. Click here for more information. If you live near Olympia, this might be perfect!

Regal Entertainment Free Family Film Festival

Who wants to go to the movies for FREE this summer? I guess the real question is, who wouldn't? Regal Cinemas is offering G and PG movies at 10:00 every Tuesday and Wednesday this summer for free. And good thing for you, there are lots of different locations where this is offered. The movies all look like fun, and with all that you'll be saving in movie tickets, you'll have to get some popcorn!

Click here for FREE movie times and locations.

Bellevue Botanical Garden

We visited the Bellevue Botanical Garden the other night to take advantage of the beautiful weather and the springtime blooms. There were kids running around the paths and the flowers and rhododendrons were out in their glory. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were too, and if there is one thing that I hate, it is mosquitoes. We took a quick walk around the gardens, but I think we'll be coming back again when it is windy, or a little earlier in the day.

I particularly enjoyed the Yao Garden, and I've heard good things about the Perennial Border and the 1/3 mile loop trail (a good length for kids!). Next time we'll have to frequent those.

The garden is open dawn till dusk and is free. Check out the picnic area by the parking lot if you'd like to bring along dinner.

Directions here.

For links to other gardens in the area, look here.

Alki Beach

Alki Beach in West Seattle

Most of the coastline on the Sound is rocky, but there is at least one place in Seattle where you can let your feet sink into the sand. You probably won't want them to, this time of the year, but it's just nice knowing it's possible.

Head out to Alki Beach in West Seattle to find the sand, a great boardwalk path, and a gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline. Alki Beach was actually the first place white settlers landed at when they got to Seattle. They named their settlement New York–Alki, or New York By-and-by, which showed their great hopes of what their city would turn out like. Maybe because of this, you can find a small replica of the Statue of Liberty on the beach.

The 2.5 mile boardwalk

The greatest feature for this time of the year is the 2.5 mile pathway that goes along the side of the beach—a great way to get out of the house this time of year, get some exercise, and still feel like you're getting to see something beautiful. Let the kids bring their bikes and scooters.

Also check out the Alki Point Lighthouse. It's still maintained by the Coast Guard. It opens at noon and is free to the public.

What a gorgeous view of Seattle!

In the summer, check back to enjoy the picnic sites, open fire pits, boat launch (for hand-carried boats), and bathhouse—in case you decide on taking a dip. If you're looking for a romantic evening without the kids, check out Salty's restaurant just off the beach. The views are spectacular!

Find directions to Alki Beach here.