Edmonds Kind of Play: Summer bucket list

My Edmonds News is pleased to present this new column, written by Edmonds mom Jen Marx, aimed at providing families with ideas for local activities as well as other news families care about.

When summer started I noticed that a couple of Mom Facebook friends started talking about their “Summer Bucket List.” While I think this is a great idea, it does sort of reek of Pinterest, which scares me. I try to limit Internet yard-sticking and with Facebook and Twitter, I tend to get my fill.

My fear is that a list of things we want to do over summer would soon turn to a list of things I am reminded I “prom-iiiiised” but didn’t make it to. Having said all of that, it is kind of genius to make easy-to-do or already-planned summer activities seem exciting by writing them on a list in different colors.

I searched around and saw Summer Bucket List items like roast marshmallows, airplane ride, zoo, game night, or make a marshmallow/toothpick structure. I don’t think you have to be at the top of the Pinterest Food Chain to do any of those things. And if it keeps the kids happy and not, “Bored, Moooom,” then it’s probably a good idea and one that can be easily translated to Winter Break, Spring Break, and all of those random Fridays where there is no public school.

While there are only a few weeks left of summer, one of our favorite, and free, Edmonds events is coming up this Saturday night at Marina Beach. The Moonlight Beach Adventure starts at 7:30 p.m., this Saturday, and is another one of the many great City of Edmonds-sponsored Discovery Programs in Edmonds. Last year my husband and oldest son went to this event (It is past some kids’ bedtimes) and the reports back were pretty incredible. As planned this year, there were multiple small plastic pools full of local sea life you can see and touch. Also, a scuba diver was under the water just out from the beach who had a microphone and camera and was able to show everyone on the beach what was just past the shore, as well as, field questions while submerged in the, what I can only imagine is, freezing Sound. The City suggests you dress warmly and bring a flashlight, and I definitely second that. Call 425-771-0230 to register.

What: Moonlight Beach Adventure
When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Marina Beach 470 Admiral Way, Edmonds

Typically at the end of each summer there are two weeks where camps are over but school hasn’t started yet. I know for me, I’ve planned a bunch of playdates, haircuts and trips to get the last-minute things like shoes and that one item on your school supply list you can’t seem to find no matter where you go. If your other camps are over and you are looking for something fun to do next week, you should check out Pirate Camp. Pirate Camp is being held at Yost Pool in the small room. It runs Monday, Aug. 19, through Thursday the 22nd from 9 a.m. to noon. With time spent in and out of the pool and a list of activities like treasure hunting, plank walking and diving for gold, who doesn’t want to go to Pirate Camp?!? I see it as a way to tire out your scallywags, if you will, for a pretty decent price. Edmonds residents get all four days for 88 bucks.

Who: 6- to 10-year olds
What: Pirate Camp
When: Aug. 19-22, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Yost Pool, 9535 Bowdoin Way, Edmonds

While we are not even back to school yet, we are just over a month way from the first “Professional Development Day.” (I really respect the daunting job of a teacher and their need for development of any kind, but after having close to three weeks of back-to-school relief, I know I would fill those quotes with a different set of words). There are no classes Friday, Sept. 20 in the Edmonds School District. Edmonds Parks and Rec is offering a Day Camp called Nature Scene Investigators (NSI.) We frequently do these Range- led day camps when we have non-school days and are always impressed with the lineup of activities. Your 6- to 12 year-olds at the NSI camp will practice using a compass, learn about animal survival strategies, and earn their own “Nature Detective” Badge

Who: 6- to 12-year-olds
What: Nature Scene Investigators (NSI)
When: Friday, Sept. 20, 1 0a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds

Four years ago I was a new mother of two, desperate to entertain my then 3.5-year-old boy, when a call to Debbie at Edmonds Parks and Rec saved us from a summer of 100-plus-degree heat (remember that?) with nowhere to go. Since then, I have been on the lookout for all the great places/events there are in our city for kids, and their parents, to get out of the house. It means a lot to me to have the chance to give you a place to come and find those events in one place.

If you have a kid-friendly event you’d like to share please e-mail me at play@myedmondsnews.com.

Jen Marx, an Edmonds Mom of two young boys, is a traffic reporter by dawn and writer and PBJ maker by day. She is always looking for a fun place to take the kids that makes them tired enough to go to bed on time. You can contact Jen with your local event at play@myedmondsnews.com or find her trying to make sense of begging kids to ” just eat the mac n cheese” at SnackMomSyndrome.com