Pump It Up
Our family went to a "pop in playtime" at Pump it Up. These playtimes are limited because Pump it Up mostly rents out to birthday parties. I would highly recommend it for either. The playtime was an hour and a half and the cost was reasonable (under $10). Make sure you get there 30 to 15 minutes before the play time starts. Parking at the entrance fills up quickly but there is a lot out back with more spaces. There is a video room where you can wait once you've paid and before the play time starts. Once inside the play area, you have to remove your shoes and wear socks. You might want to bring an extra pair of socks if your little one likes to take them off (we had to search for a lost sock in the middle of the play time). There are two large rooms with very big bouncy structures to bounce in, slide down, climb over and up. They play music, but it's not too loud. If you have very little ones (not walking yet) it can be tricky because you'll have to carry them. (The floor is too busy with running kids and not super clean for crawling babies). I was able to find a small bounce house that was not being used by bigger kids and we let some of the younger kids crawl around there for a while. On a few of the obstacle course structures my son needed a little help getting over/through certain areas. Parents are allowed to go on all of the inflatables so you can help as needed. Other parents were also nice about giving kids a hand when needed. Staff was good about regulating kids going down the slides a few at a time so no on got hurt. I would definately go back; my son LOVED it and didn't want to leave. I am also looking into renting it for his birthday party. It's a great place for high-energy kids, especially on rainy days!
Fish Gallery & Pets
Fish Gallery and Pets carries a good selection of animals and all the things you need to take care of them. They have an especially large selection of fish. The service is friendly and there is lots of parking. It is a fun store to wander around with kids so they can look at all the animals. They don't have as large of a selection of larger animals (dogs, cats) as some other pet stores.
Mighty Maids
I had Mighty Maids come in and do a one-time deep cleaning of certain areas of my house. I was very pleased with the job the two cleaners did (they send a team of two cleaners). You can get a one-time clean or have monthly or more often service. The cleaners who came to my house really worked hard; they did a great job of scrubbing the bathtubs and mopping the floors, especially. I will definately use them again.
Seattle Aquarium
I visited the Seattle Aquarium once years ago and wasn't very impressed. When I went back recently I was much more impressed. If I lived closer I would get a yearly pass, because it is an enjoyable (mostly indoors) place to visit with kids. They offer some summer family programs that sounded very interesting, as well as the regular exhibits. The sea horses are especially beautiful, and there was a mother sea otter with her new baby when we visited. The price is very reasonable.
Maple Valley Library
The Maple Valley Library is a smaller library than the nearby Covington branch. There are advantages to this; for example, it is easier to find copies of magazines at Maple Valley than Covington. There are good children's programs offered and the library is located in a beautiful wooded setting. The staff is friendly and it is a very cozy library.
Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. There is lots to see and it is a great place for repeat visits (if you live close by, check into the yearly pass to save money). They have some beautiful animal habitats and exhibits. My son especially enjoyed the monkey, jaguar, and hippopotamus habitats. Bring a stroller if you have little ones because there is lots of walking.
kent farmers market
My son and I visited the Kent Farmer's Market. I enjoyed the many flower stalls with beautiful, cheap bouquets of flowers. My son enjoyed the guitar and violin players playing for free, and the soft pretzel stand. It didn't take us long to walk up and down the stalls of the Farmer's Market, but combined with a trip to watch trains at the nearby train crossing and a visit to the nearby downtown Kent Library, this is a fun Saturday morning outing. This is only their second year open, so I intend to return and see if it has grown.
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is worth a visit. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because, in my mind, nothing can top the Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, Long Beach's aquarium comes close. It is pricy ($19 plus parking) but come planning to spend a good part of the day looking at all the exhibits. I especially enjoyed the sea horses, jellyfish and sharks. The kids will love it (especially the sharks!).
Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardnens
Set aside a good morning or afternoon to fully explore the Huntington Library and Gardens. There is so much to see, from the art collection, to the library, to the extensive, beautiful gardens. The gardens are themed; don't miss the Rose Garden! The paintings Blue Boy and Pinkie are two of my favorites in the art gallery. There is a cafe and a tea room where you can get something to eat. The Huntington is well worth the price of admission!
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Chr
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church is quite a large church. They have worship services for all styles, from a traditional service to a contemporary service. This is a great family church, with good programs for children including Sunday School, a weekly Mommy and Me, summer VBS and choir programs. There are also many Bible studies offered and opportunities for families and just adults to socialize. The staff is excellent and the preaching is very good.
