7 Ways To Bust Boredom And Keep Your Kid Busy This Summer In Seattle

SEATTLE, WA - Send boredom packing, rain or shine, with these 7 summer activities happening around Seattle. Take your kids to the Museum of Flight, sketch a frozen masterpiece or enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the sights and sounds of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Don't let this Seattle summer slip away! Make the most of it with these activities before the kids head back to school.

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1. Make an afternoon trip to the Kids Flight Zone at the Museum of Flight. Take to the skies at one of Seattle's most famous museums. Children can sit in cockpits that are exact replicas of military grade fighter jets and helicopters. The younger kids can explore the inside of an authentic balloon gondola basket and occupy a mini-air traffic control tower.

Where: The Museum of Flight (9404 E. Marginal Way South)

When: Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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2. Get swept away at Story Time.Take a family trip to your local Barnes & Noble for a morning of interactive storytelling. Story Time takes place in the colorful and vibrant Children’s Department and is led by a trained Barnes & Noble staff storyteller. Kids of all ages are encouraged to take part in group artistic activities that accompany the story — singing, dancing and craft projects help to bring the story to life every Wednesday morning. Find a store and a story time near you. Don’t forget to pick up the books from your summer reading list while you’re there!

Find this event at a Barnes & Noble near you

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3. DIY Summer Craft: Popsicle Ice Chalk. Break your child out of a summer rut without breaking the bank — or even leaving the house. Check out this easy recipe for Popsicle chalk:

Step 1: Grab a medium sized mixing bowl and combine 1 part water with 1 part Cornstarch. Stir until smooth.

Step 2: Slowly pour the mixture into popsicle molds one at a time. Disperse evenly and lightly tap the bottom of the molds on a hard surface 3-4 times.

Step 3: Add several drops of food coloring to each popsicle mold. For variety, try mixing different colors in a single pop for a vibrant ice chalk surprise.

Step 4: Place the Popsicle molds in the freezer overnight.

Step 5: Chalk it up! Remove your popsicle ice chalk from the molds then head outside and start drawing!

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4) Take an Ice Cream Cruise. Enjoy a sugar-fueled tour of Seattle’s historic architecture this summer, courtesy of Seattle Ferry Service. Catch a glimpse of some of the cities famous pop culture landmarks, like the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat and cold war spy ships. Ice cream, baked goods, soft drinks and coffee are available for purchase on board.

Where: South Lake Union Park (860 Terry Avenue North)

When: Sundays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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5. Shop a book fair and support local nonprofits. Whether you’re picking up your child’s summer reading books or snagging the latest bestseller for the beach, shop a Barnes & Noble Book Fair and a portion of your business will go towards supporting students in grades K-12 in your district. Find a Book Fair near you to contribute to local fundraising efforts for nonprofits and schools in your area.

Find this event at a Barnes & Noble near you

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6) Splash around in a Spray Park. Cool off with the kids on a hot summer day at Beacon Mountain Spray Park. This outdoor water park offers breathtaking views of downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound. Beacon Mountain is free and open to the general public, thanks to Seattle Parks & Recreation.

Where: Jefferson Park (4101 Beacon Avenue S)

When: May 27 - September 4, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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7) Visit the Seattle Aquarium. Kids can observe underwater feedings of rare deep sea creatures, catch a glimpse of ocean divers as they interact with aquatic animals on display and even meet a live octopus! The aquarium also has several rotating summer exhibits that are sure to appease any budding marine biologists.

Where: The Seattle Aquarium (1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59)

When: Open daily, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Image via Unsplash; Photo by Caroline Hernandez