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Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!Spring Cleaning: Letting Go of Stuff and Making Room for Abundance
About six months ago, my husband was laid off from his union carpenter job and we started looking for ways to tighten our budget. One of the most obvious places to start was our storage unit — the one we’d been paying for each month since we moved four years ago, hoping we’d sort through it quickly and find a place for everything. But it was out of sight, out of mind.
So we finally brought everything home.
We stacked boxes in our media room with the best of intentions, telling ourselves we’d deal with it all quickly. In the six months since then, we’ve made some progress, but the room is still partly filled with stacks of our past.
The boxes aren’t just stuff, but layers of memories. It’s been harder to let those things go because each one represents some aspiration or a fleeting season of my kids’ childhood. Gymnastics equipment. Painting supplies and preschool art. An unused tortilla press we brought back from a trip to Mexico.
In feng shui, clutter represents stuck energy and a tidy, clean space attracts positive energy and abundance. So in the spirit of abundance, I finally let go of a bin of cake-decorating supplies. There was a time when I made elaborate fondant cakes for my kids’ birthday parties, the kind you stay up too late working on because you want them to be just right.
These days, I buy cakes from the bakery. At some point, I realized I would never be the Pinterest-perfect mom that I’d hoped to be. Plus, my kids thought the fondant tasted weird. Rather than spending the night before a party trying to shape fussy marshmallow fondant into the perfect version of some superhero or Disney princess, I decided I’d rather get a good night’s sleep. Life with three kids has taught me that it’s better to be present than perfect.
Being present can be as simple as spending time together and giving your kids your undivided attention. And for those looking for fun ways to spend time together over spring break, 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
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:
- Friday, April 10 from 6-7 p.m.: Artist Residency: Tether the Star (solo)
- Saturday, April 11 from 3-4 p.m.: Listening Party: Zayn — Konnakol
- Saturday, April 11 from 5:30-7 p.m.: Saturday Sessions — Foxfir
Encounter Snakes and Insects, Get Homework Help, 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 Tuesday, April 7 from 2–3 p.m. at the Edmonds Library, families are invited to join Insect Safari with Don Ehlen. Explore the world of insects. Attendees will learn about different groups of bugs and see thousands of expertly preserved specimens, including beautiful butterflies, giant beetles, and other fascinating insects, as well as some live exotic bugs to meet and enjoy.
On Friday, April 10 at the Edmonds Library from noon– 1 p.m., Learn About Sssnakes with Author Deborah Hutchinson. Meet Severus, the 22-year-old, 3.5-foot-long ball python in person! Hutchinson will read from her book Colorsss, then answer questions about her research on colorful and camouflaged snakes!
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.-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.
Cheap Thrills
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
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 spring break family photo opportunity. Bloom timing varies by weather, so read this handy guide from ParentMap before you head out. 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 mud and rain showers — rain boots recommended.
Explore the Cabin Fever Market in Edmonds
On 5th Avenue North (just north of the fountain) between Main and Bell Streets
On Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Winter Market in downtown Edmonds has a new name: Cabin Fever Market. Explore the monthly market by browsing fresh produce, handmade goods, and tasty treats. Connect with the makers and neighbors who make our community feel so vibrant
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 from 6-9:30 p.m.
Photo by Karthik Balakrishnan on Unsplash
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.-noon and drop-in sessions Sundays from 11 a.m.-noon at
6210 200th St. S.W. 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 — from open skate sessions to 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.-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 even 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. Learn more online about how to access these services to get help with food, housing, mental health and other essential needs.
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 — from food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access), and more — 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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