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Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!Planning Summer Close to Home
This week, I sat through my daughter’s softball game and my son’s soccer game without a jacket — and even came home with a slight sunburn. I’m used to shivering on the sidelines through the gray and rain of spring, but this spring has been balmy and beautiful.
The beautiful sunshine has made me unusually excited about making summer plans. It’s not even May, and I’ve already put in for a week off of work in July. But not for a big trip.
Like a lot of families, we’ve looked at the cost of travel and thought, maybe not right now. About six years ago, my husband decided to make a change, leaving his career as a data analyst so that he could pursue becoming a journeyman carpenter. He finished his apprenticeship in 2025, and was even named valedictorian for his graduating class. Work was steady for most of his apprenticeship, but the last few years have been more difficult. Factors like tarrifs and the ripple effects of the pandemic have hit a lot of trades hard. He’s been trying to land steady union work for eight months.
My family’s no stranger to uncertainty and, thankfully, we know how to have fun on a budget. So we’re planning a summer staycation. And honestly, I’m quite excited about it. We live in what is, arguably, one of the most beautiful places in the world. We have sandy beaches, temperate rainforests, lush mountain trails, and gorgeous public parks in every direction. Plus, there are so many fun places to go for entertainment and great food.
The best way to plan summer? Start now. Start local. Start noticing the places you already love and want more time in. Many summer camps and programs start filling up now, so don’t miss your chance to make those plans, too.
Here’s a roundup of family friendly events and activities. Come back every Monday for more ideas, and explore the community resources at the bottom of this column if you’re looking for ways to give back or need support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fresh posts and weekend reminders.
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Free Fun
Look for Shooting Stars — Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week
The Lyrid meteor shower will peak overnight Tuesday into Wednesday before dawn, offering one of spring’s better chances to spot shooting stars in our region if skies are clear. In the Edmonds area, it will be visible across the sky rather than in any one direction, but darker locations away from city lights, like waterfront areas or parks, will give you the best view.
Under good conditions, you can expect about 10-20 meteors per hour, with occasional bursts that can be much higher, though they’re rare. The best viewing comes after midnight once your eyes adjust, ideally with a blanket, some patience and a warm drink.
Listen to Music at Musicology Co. in Edmonds
Explore the latest music at the coolest record store in the region. Musicology Co. is a vibrant, woman-owned music boutique and record store offering new and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes, with a strong focus on spotlighting local artists through live in-store performances and a curated music‑lover experience. Drop in for an upcoming live performance or Listening Party.
Events this week:
- Monday, April 27, 6-7 p.m.: Intro to Turntableism with DJ Jointz (registration required)
- Wednesday, April 29, 6-7:30 p.m.: Songwriter’s Open Mic
Free Comic Book Day, Paper-Flower Crafts for Teens, Explore Salmon and More at Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno‑Isle Libraries regularly hosts a variety of free, family friendly events, such as baby and toddler storytimes, book talks, crafts and community gatherings, across its branches and online throughout the year. Find one at the library near you and check out some books to read while you’re there.
Curious preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the Lynnwood Library every Monday at 2 p.m. for Little Science Lab with Imagine Children’s Museum. Kids can dive into fun, hands-on experiments and discover the wonders of science and math together.
On Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m., drop in to the Lynnwood Library for free Homework Help, where volunteers are available to assist students in grades K-12 with school assignments. No registration is required. Just bring the work you’re working on. Assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is a great way for students to get a little extra support after school.
On Wednesday, April 29, 1-2 p.m., learn how to make the most of public transit at this helpful session at the Lynnwood Library. This free, all-ages class will walk through how to ride, save money with an ORCA card and build confidence using buses and other transit options. Youth 18 and younger ride transit free, so this is a great option for teens who don’t drive but want more ways to get around.
On Friday, May 1 at the Edmonds Library from 3-4:30 p.m., teens can enjoy snacks, drinks and the company of other teens while they make paper flowers using lots of colorful materials.
On Saturday, May 2, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mountlake Terrace Library, elementary school-aged kids can learn all about salmon. The session introduces the five Pacific salmon species, explains their life cycle, and helps kids learn how to identify healthy salmon habitat and ways to support salmon in their local environment.
Free Comic Book Day at Lynnwood Library runs Saturday, May 2 from noon-3 p.m. and offers free comics for all ages from major publishers, along with crafts, activities, and surprises while supplies last. Guests are encouraged to come in cosplay and enjoy a family-friendly celebration of reading and comics
Registration is required for many events, so check out Sno-Isle Libraries’ event calendar link below for more details.
Silver Creek Indoor Play Park
Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Need to get out of the house? Bring young kids to the free Indoor Playpark at Lynnwood’s Silver Creek Family Church to hang out and play. Parents can enjoy some coffee or tea while kids play with the indoor toys.
Lynnwood Idol: Singing Competition for Local Kids & Teens
Students in the Edmonds School District are invited to audition for Lynnwood Idol 2026, a free solo singing competition presented by the Lynnwood Arts Commission and Lynnwood Parks & Recreation Foundation. Singers in grades K-5 and 6-12 will compete through a video submission round, with finalists advancing to a live audition May 31 at Edmonds College’s Black Box Theatre.
Winners in each category receive $500 and the opportunity to perform at Lynnwood CELEBRATE! on June 26, while runners-up receive $250. Applications and audition videos are due April 30, and finalists will be announced May 15.
Cheap Thrills
Get Inspired by Spoken Word Poetry Featuring Local Youth Performers
Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Edmonds Center for the Arts
Tickets required
We Speak returns to Edmonds Center for the Arts on Friday, May 1, featuring a live spoken-word showcase with selected poets from across the region, including local youth performers alongside adult voices. The event highlights original storytelling and performance poetry, bringing together emerging and experienced artists for an evening of creative expression on stage.
There is also a pre-show talk startingat 6 p.m.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival — Last Chance to See the Blooms!
Did you know that three-quarters of the nation’s commercial tulips are grown in the Skagit Valley? Only about an hour north of Edmonds, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the perfect sunny spring day adventure for families, featuring landscapes drenched in colorful tulips and daffodils.
Visit working farms in Mount Vernon and surrounding towns for the perfect family photo opportunity. Bloom timing varies by weather, so read this handy guide from ParentMap before you head out. They are currently listed as in “last chance” so this may be the last week you can enjoy the blooms before they’re gone.
Several farms, including RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Garden Rosalyn and Tulip Valley Farms, offer walkable fields and extras like food vendors and fun activities. Be prepared for bugs, mud, and seasonal rain. Rain boots recommended.
Explore Local Drop-in Child Care Options
Need a night off from parenting? Several local spots offer childcare with an evening of fun for kids.
- Drop-in child care at KidsPark in Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Drop-in playcare at Time4Kidz Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Lynnwood Rec Center’s Parent’s Night Out. First and third Fridays of the month 6-9:30 p.m.
Get Your Game on at Around the Table Boardgame Pub
Don’t miss out this lively destination in Lynnwood for families and friends with tons of board games on site that you can play together from classics to new favorites. Enjoy ice cream, treats and a library of games to play.
While the regular calendar lists tabletop‑gaming events, prereleases and league nights, the core appeal is that you can drop in any day to choose from hundreds of games and play at your pace, making it a great hangout for kids, teens and adults alike. It is easy to organize casual meet‑ups (like board game afternoons), and the friendly staff can help you find games that suit your group.
Public Swim Sessions at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds Pools
Schedules vary, see pool sites for details
Open swim sessions generally charge a fee of less than $10 per person.
We’re lucky to live in a region with multiple indoor or outdoor heated pools to help us get some recreation in during the dark, rainy months. My family has a membership to the Lynnwood Rec Center, and we love attending the open swim sessions for a fun, budget-friendly outing.
- Lynnwood Rec Center Pool: Multiple open swim and rec swim sessions happen each week at this pool, featuring a recreation pool with two water slides, a lazy river, a water playground and spray features, a family and more! See the pool schedule and register ahead to reserve your spot.
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Pool: Warm water, a lazy river, a sauna and more. What’s not to love? See the full schedule to plan your visit.
- Yost Pool in Edmonds: Yost has limited open swim sessions during this season, but makes for fun outside option for people who want to experience a heated pool outdoors. See the full schedule to plan a visit.
Beginner Skate Lessons at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Lessons on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Drop-in sessions Sundays, 11 a.m. to noon at
6210 200th St. SW in Lynnwood.
Please note that this week’s schedule may be affected by Easter. Call to confirm.
Sign up for weekly lessons for kids and adults. Lessons include a 30‑minute instruction period followed by 30 minutes of practice, taught by national‑level coach Ezra Thompson. Learn skills like balance, stopping and forward and backward skating, with more advanced skills offered in a Level 2 course.
A four-week session costs $120, including open skate time, and there’s also a Sunday drop-in option for $30 that includes a practice session.
Public Skate Sessions at Lynnwood Ice Center
19803 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood
Whether your family loves skating, hockey or just trying something new, the Lynnwood Ice Center has something for everyone, including open skate sessions and stick-and-puck sessions and even “theater on ice.” It’s a safe and welcoming spot for all ages to enjoy some time on the rink.
Seattle Skating Club offers skate lessons for people ages 3.5 and older and of varying skill levels. Explore their lessons schedule and sign up for future sessions.
Note that all visitors must pay ahead through their digital system. See the full calendar to find a session that works for your schedule this week.
Resources for Families
Snohomish County Resource List
Not sure which resources you need? This list can help you see the options. The Snohomish County Community Resource List provides contact information for over 300 local services, including emergency assistance, legal aid, youth and family support, mental health resources, financial help and immigration services.
211 North Sound – Snohomish County Resource Line
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call: 211
Text: 211WAOD to 898211
211 North Sound connects residents of Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties to a comprehensive range of community services. Trained specialists provide free, confidential assistance in over 140 languages, offering referrals for housing, food, health care, child care, crisis support and more.
In Snohomish County, 211 also supports initiatives like the Homeless Coordinated Entry and Emergency Rental Assistance programs. For specialized support, including assistance for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, call 211 and follow the prompts for TBI services.
Family Support through Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District offers a dedicated Family Support Resource Line to assist families in need. You can reach them at 425-431-1454 or via email at [email protected]. Family Resource Advocates are available to provide holistic support and help families access community resources. For more information, visit the district’s Family Support page.
Snohomish County Human Services
Snohomish County Human Services offers a wide range of programs to help families in our region meet basic needs and support overall well-being. Services include early childhood programs like Early Head Start and ECEAP, family support resources for caregivers, behavioral health counseling and 24/7 crisis services, housing and energy assistance through the Community Action Partnership and specialized support for veterans and their families.
Edmonds Human Services: Resources for Edmonds Residents
Edmonds Human Services is a helpful resource for any Edmonds resident facing financial, mental health, housing or other personal challenges. With a range of supports — including food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access) — this department connects people to local and county resources tailored to improve quality of life.
Local Food Banks
Families in need can turn to several neighborhood food banks for weekly groceries and fresh produce. Each serves residents in its surrounding area with easy pickup times and volunteer support:
Domestic Violence Resources
For families experiencing domestic violence, several local organizations offer confidential support and emergency shelter services:
- DVS-SnoCo provides a 24/7 crisis line at 425-252-2873, offering emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning and support for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence.
- YWCA Pathways for Women
Located in Lynnwood, this 45-day emergency shelter offers safe housing and resources for women and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. - If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Youth Ride Public Transit Free!
Kids and teens 18 and under can ride buses, ferry, and light rail for free — no pass required. Want tap-and-go convenience? Get a free Youth ORCA card online or at the Ride Store.
Share the fun!
Wherever your adventures take you, I hope this roundup helps you find fun, affordable, and meaningful ways to connect and enjoy the season. Have an event or suggestion? Want to share your reels from a recent outing to be featured here? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below to get in touch. Don’t forget to check back every Monday for fresh ideas.
Rory Graves is a local writer, editor and parent of three teens who loves helping families find fun, meaningful ways to connect with their community. She covers family-friendly events, local resources, and creative outings around South Snohomish County. When she’s not exploring the region, you can find her cheering at one of her kids’ games, thrifting or curled up with a good book and some tea.
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