You've probably noticed that we're having a little bit of a heat wave right now -- especially in the South Sound. How could you not notice?
And here's the thing: The kids are out of school, most of us don't have A/C, and we all get a little cranky when things get toasty around here. So what's the best solution? Find some cool water, and jump into it.
Lucky for us, and you, and your hot, sweaty kids, we're surrounded by water, and that water is ringed by beaches. Which is why it's perfect timing for this post on the family website TinyBeans: Get To Know the South Sound's Best Beaches.
How about Tacoma's Owen Beach, which has just gotten a sweet makeover with improved paths and trails and a new whale thingy that kids can climb on? It's pretty great, and you can often count on seeing ferries and/or Orcas cruising by as you cool off where the sand meets the sea.
Other standouts in the South Sound include Titlow Beach, which faces Gig Harbor and features trains chugging by, Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, which has an especially fun low tide that exposes all kinds of sea creatures on the sand, Olympia's Tolmie State Park, where a sand bar keeps the waves at bay so your smallest kiddos feel safe, and Penrose Point State Park on the Key Peninsula, where clams and oysters can be yours for the digging.
In Seattle, the East Side, and beyond, you can find all kinds of family-friendly beaches if you check out 13 Sandy Beaches Where Kids Can Swim. This one hits close to home because it mentions Madison Beach near my neighborhood in Seattle. On hot days it's bustling with kids of all ages who love the roped-off swimming area in the shallows where you're protected from passing boats, and a great pizzeria -- The Independent -- is right across the street from the beach, and just a couple of blocks up Madison is Bert's Red Apple Market where you can buy any kind of snacks or libations you or your brood might need.
That article also highlights beaches at Green Lake in Seattle, Angle Lake in SeaTac, Meydenbauer Bay Park (and several others) in Bellevue, and beaches as far-flung as Sullivan Park in Everett and Gene Coulon in Renton.
As always, check the links in the actual articles for details and rules at the beach you're planning to visit.
Stay safe, stay cool, and pack your sunscreen!