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Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!Raising Engaged Citizens, One Conversation at a Time
Recently, many parents are grappling with the same question: How do I talk with my kids about what’s happening in the world right now? Even when we try to keep things age-appropriate, the headlines and the tensions in the world can feel confusing and scary. While this column isn’t intended for weighing in on any specific political stance, I want share what my family does to help our kids understand what it means to be civically engaged.
Many of the decisions that shape our children’s daily lives happen close to home, through local and municipal elections that affect our schools, parks, libraries and community services. While national headlines often dominate the news, local issues can be harder to keep up with, especially as local newsrooms shrink. Thankfully, we live in a community with a strong community media presence.
Issues like the current school funding proposition before voters can be important teaching opportunities. They offer a chance for families to learn together and talk about how decisions are made, why people may disagree and why understanding an issue matters before voting.
At our house, these conversations happen in small ways, like reading different perspectives, asking questions and listening. When kids see adults taking time to learn and engage, they understand that voting is both a responsibility and a way to care for our neighbors and our community.
However you may be voting, this week offers an opportunity to start — or continue — those conversations. Even brief discussions can help kids understand what it means to be an engaged citizen and why that matters.
This election is especially meaningful for our family, as my oldest son is of voting age. I’m grateful that we started talking about local civic issues early, so that voting together feels like a natural next step.
Voters in the Edmonds School District should have received their ballots by mail and must return them by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 — either postmarked by that day or placed in a drop box. In my family, we have the tradition of getting a sweet treat after we drop off our ballots, which always makes it a little more fun.
As you learn about community issues on the ballot, it’s also a great time to go out and experience all of the wonderful things happening locally. There are plenty of free and low-cost family-friendly activities happening this week. 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.
Performances this week:
Friday, Feb. 13 from 6-7 p.m.: Artist Residency: Tether the Star (solo)
Ring in Lunar New Year, 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 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 Friday, Feb. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lynnwood Library, all are invited to Celebrate Lunar New Year! Ring in the Year of the Horse with fun activities for all ages.
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.
Join Edmonds Chess Club at Leftcraft Brewery
Monday, Feb. 9, 5-9 p.m. at 519 Main St. in Edmonds
Come for the food, stay for the chess! Participation is free, but plan to order something from the restaurant for providing the space. Eat, drink and play — all levels welcome, and chess sets are ready to go.
Cheap Thrills
Date Night: Explore Local Drop-in Child Care Options
Want to take your sweetheart out for a kid-free date night this month? Several local spots offer a fun evening of fun for kids, giving everyone the chance for a fun outing.
- Glazed and Amazed: Kids Night Out — Friday, Feb. 27 from 6-9 p.m.
- 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.
Rainy Season Rumble Roller Derby Tournament in Lynnwood
Jet City Roller Derby and Mob City Misfits are hosting this three-day roller derby event Friday through Sunday, Feb. 13-15, at the Lynnwood Event Center. Fans of fast-paced roller sports can catch multiple games each day with options for single-day tickets or weekend passes for adults, youth, and families. Enjoy a lively indoor spectator event for all ages.
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
6210 200th St. S.W. in Lynnwood.
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.
Giving Back
Lynnwood Cares: A Food Drive for Every Family
This February, Partner Lynnwood is hosting Lynnwood Cares, a citywide food drive with a twist: It’s collecting culturally relevant, shelf‑stable foods to reflect the diversity of our community. Donations go to local pantries and programs, including Edmonds College Food Pantry, the Lynnwood Food Bank, the Washington West African Center and the Foundation for Edmonds School District’s Nourishing Network. Items in high demand include rice, flours, dried beans, canned tomato products, cooking oils, spices and shelf‑stable coconut milk. There are multiple drop‑off locations across Lynnwood, making it easy for families to give back and help neighbors in need.
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 familysupport@edmonds.wednet.edu. 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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