Family activities

Mentoring is a great opportunity for both mentor and mentee!
Mentoring is a great opportunity for both mentor and mentee!
Two Knights joust at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire. Richard Doyle / Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire photo

Jousting, fire juggling and turkey legs: Renaissance faire returns to Washington

It’s time to party like it’s 1578. This August, the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is setting up shop in Snohomish County. Knights will joust, turkey… Continue reading

Two Knights joust at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire. Richard Doyle / Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire photo
Kate Burns guides her 89-year-old mother Lyn Murphy along a path at Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank, Washington. Ryan Berry / The Herald photo

Plays, parks and perfect sundaes: Whidbey serves up summer island getaways

By Patricia Guthrie / Special to The Herald Whidbey Island offers lots of activities, events and places to stroll when the sun pops out and… Continue reading

Kate Burns guides her 89-year-old mother Lyn Murphy along a path at Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank, Washington. Ryan Berry / The Herald photo
Excited kids at last years YMCA Camp Snohomish Overnight Camp.

YMCA Overnight Camp Creates Lifelong Memories and Builds Lasting Friendships

Crackling campfires, silly skits, and summer sun are the things lifelong camp memories are made of. Last summer, 10-year old Teegan Ferrel was a first-time… Continue reading

Excited kids at last years YMCA Camp Snohomish Overnight Camp.
The two-hour walk through Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island offers opportunity for inspiration and reflection. (Jennifer Bardsley)

A ‘150-acre wonderland of forest and flowers’ awaits on Bainbridge Island

The 150-acre wonderland, the former home of a timber magnate and his wife, is a beautiful place to visit in any season.

The two-hour walk through Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island offers opportunity for inspiration and reflection. (Jennifer Bardsley)
The hairpin curve over Oyster Creek on Chuckanut Scenic Byway in Washington state. The 24-mile road is fun to drive and offers access to trails, shopping, dining and history. Amy Attas/West Coast Traveller photo.

Cruising Washington’s scenic Chuckanut Byway

When road tripping in America, there’s just one rule to live by: get off the interstate. The only exception might be if you’re in a… Continue reading

The hairpin curve over Oyster Creek on Chuckanut Scenic Byway in Washington state. The 24-mile road is fun to drive and offers access to trails, shopping, dining and history. Amy Attas/West Coast Traveller photo.
Jack Yoke, 5, runs through the Roozengaarde tulip fields in Mount Vernon, Wash. in 2021. Saturday kicks off the 2023 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival that blooms for a month. Olivia Vanni / The Herald

Tulip Festival brings spectacular spring blooms to Skagit Valley

Thousands will visit the annual flower fest that kicks off Saturday and runs through April. Here are some tips.

Jack Yoke, 5, runs through the Roozengaarde tulip fields in Mount Vernon, Wash. in 2021. Saturday kicks off the 2023 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival that blooms for a month. Olivia Vanni / The Herald
Christmas in Seattle comes with activities for all ages, from festive lights for kids to the silly, boozy Seattle SantaCon. Seattle SantaCon photo

4 Ways to celebrate Christmas in Seattle this year

It’s never a sure bet whether Seattle will be able to celebrate a white Christmas, but that doesn’t stop Pacific Northwesterners from putting on magnificent… Continue reading

Christmas in Seattle comes with activities for all ages, from festive lights for kids to the silly, boozy Seattle SantaCon. Seattle SantaCon photo
A ghost called “Smilin’ Al” is purported to roam the Historic Everett Theatre. Olivia Vanni / The Herald photo

3 (possibly?) haunted Snohomish County sites to see this spooky season

’Tis the season for ghoulies and ghosties and things that go bump in the night. And what better way to get into Halloween spirit than… Continue reading

A ghost called “Smilin’ Al” is purported to roam the Historic Everett Theatre. Olivia Vanni / The Herald photo
The powerful Spokane Falls are a must-visit experience in Spokane, WA.

Family takes a mystery trip that’s full of adventure

Her family was minutes away from leaving on a road trip, but there was a catch — they had no idea where they were going.

The powerful Spokane Falls are a must-visit experience in Spokane, WA.
Jetty Island ferry service from the Port of Everett waterfront to the two-mile sandy breakwater is set to return July 6 through Labor Day. (Lizz Giordano / Herald file)

Jetty Island ferry reservations open for the summer season

Reservations are required and cost $3 per person for the short ferry ride to sandy beaches

Jetty Island ferry service from the Port of Everett waterfront to the two-mile sandy breakwater is set to return July 6 through Labor Day. (Lizz Giordano / Herald file)
On summer afternoons, the sun warms the shallow water off Jetty Island’s west shore. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

5 things to do this summer in Snohomish County

Hop a ferry. Play in the sand. Look for Bigfoot. Tour the past. Toast the sunset.

On summer afternoons, the sun warms the shallow water off Jetty Island’s west shore. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Over 2,000 youth participated in swim lessons this summer at the YMCA of Snohomish County, and the Y’s six pools offered families, adults and seniors the opportunity to play together and stay fit.

The Y made a big splash this summer!

This was a very important summer at the YMCA of Snohomish County during a crucial time in our community. This summer, Y programs positively impacted… Continue reading

Over 2,000 youth participated in swim lessons this summer at the YMCA of Snohomish County, and the Y’s six pools offered families, adults and seniors the opportunity to play together and stay fit.
kids on ride

Back in the saddle: Welcome back to the Evergreen State Fair!

It’s happening! The Evergreen State Fair returns this year with lots of family favorites and fun for everyone. Running from Aug. 26 to 31 and… Continue reading

kids on ride