Summer Bucket List #2

Kid Programs and Concerts

We are so fortunate to live an area with so many opportunities for fun kid activities during the summer. I find, the only problem is keeping track of them all and remembering to attend. So here is my bucket list for all the fun programs to go to. And every single one on the list is FREE FREE FREE!!!!

King County Library Summer Reading Program

Anyone who knows me, would know I am a huge advocate for public libraries and we have an AMAZING system here. We have 3 libraries within 10 minutes of our house that we regularly rotate between, along with another 3 within 20 minutes. I always think it is so fun to go to all the different ones to check out their selections, story times and more. I think we are going to extend the range this year to even try more libraries out. The summer reading program begins June 15th and Madison is all ready preparing to get her reading log. This years prize for filling it out is an art set. I haven't seen it but the librarian was at her school the other day and Madison claimed it was very fancy "with oil pastels and all." So that will be a good addition to our summer fun. Along with the reading logs, the libraries put on so many concerts, puppet shows, plays, magic shows and more. Click on the above link to find all the different events taking place this summer. Those alone could fill your calendar!

Summer Concert Series

We always enjoy going to all the different outdoor musical concerts and enjoying a picnic lunch or dinner at the local parks while the girls can dance around to the music. I am sure there are so many more, but here is a list of the ones closest to us. But we are always willing to travel, so let me know of other good ones in the area.

City of Auburn - kids concerts every Wednesday starting July 1 at noon at Les Gove park

family concerts every Wednesday starting July 8 at 7:00 pm at Les Gove park

City of Kent - lunchtime concerts at Kent Station on Tuesdays

kid performances at noon on Wednesday and Thursday (still waiting for location)

evening concerts at Lake Meridian on Thursday nights

Maple Valley - concerts at Lake Wilderness, click here for schedule

KidsDay at Game Farm Park - June 19 11:00-4:00

I think we will be skipping this one since Madison will still be in school but it is always a fun outing. Inflatables, arts and crafts and lots more. Disclaimer - I don't know if this one is entirely free but there are free things to do there! And for the preschool crowd, it probably won't be as busy as most years since school is still going to be in session (I am thinking there was a mix-up in scheduling due to the snow-days).

Summer Bucket List #1

Welcome to Post #1 in my new summer series The Summer Vacation Bucket List. You know the bucket list, where you are supposed to make a list of all the things you want to do before kicking the bucket?? Well this is going to be our family version of all the things we want to do before summer kicks the bucket for another year:-) The girls are going to help create a large list of things we think we want to do at home and on the go and then we will see how many are checked off at the end of summer.

Fun Farm Plans

This week we have gotten two things checked off before the list is even complete. I guess, in reality the list will never be complete because I am sure we will continue to add new ideas as the summer progresses.

Farmer's Markets

I would like to attend more farmer's markets this year and do a tour of all the ones in our area. I have to admit that South Puget Sound doesn't always have the most amazing markets to be found in comparison to ones you would find in Seattle, but they seem to be getting better. Last night we went to the Renton Farmers Market, held every Tuesday from 3-7. I love that it is on a weekday and the girls and I can do it without taking up weekend time, since Tom isn't really a big fan of farmer's markets (or anthing that involves many people crowded into a small space trying to walk and browse). Overall, I would rate it a pretty fine market for the area. It is still early in the season for a ton of local produce but there was some and also a good variety of things to nibble on. A nice thing they had was a kid area where they have bubbles and different art activities. You do have to stay to supervise but it is a nice addition for the kids when they get tired of looking at fruits and veggies! There is also a nice fountain area that keeps the kids interested. The girls favorite part was the roasted Corn on the Cob. YUMMY!!!

Other markets I plan on visiting

• Kent Farmer's Market Saturdays 9-2


• Maple Valley Farmer's Market Saturdays


• Issaquah Farmer's Market Saturday 9-2

Other Farm Fun Plans

(click on their logos to link to their websites)

Remlinger Farm has all ready got crossed off the list, though I am sure the girls wouldn't complain if we fit in a second trip this year! Definitely a must-do for any families in the area with 3-6 year olds! If you haven't gone, put it on your list!

South 47 Farm has been on my list for a number of years. A bit out of the way but it supposedly has great produce and they have kid classes available ($7 per child) with hay rides and more!

And then I will use the site at PugetSoundFresh to find other local farms, farmers markets and places to purchase as much local produce as I can. Love the freshness, the girls get a better idea of where there food is coming from, much better for the envirnoment and always a fun outing!!!! I have been debating joining a CSA for a few years now but always hold off. I would love to hear if someone knows of a good one in the area.

Hope you enjoyed the first installment of our family summer bucket list. It will be nice for me to have the links contained in one spot when I need to refer back to things and I hope that maybe it will give some of the local readers new ideas for things to do with the family this summer. I also hope that people will share more ideas of things that I may not know about to fill our bucket list up! Know of some great farms or farmer's markets we should attend? Please leave a comment for me and I will add it to the list!! AND my first attempt at tagging my posts for future reference. I will work on getting a link on the side-bar that will take you to all the bucket list posts.