Keeping Cool around Seattle

As a record-breaking heatwave hits the Greater Seattle Area, many cities, counties, and businesses are opening doors and providing opportunities for family to seek relief.  Below is an interactive map with ideas for finding shelter or water fun.  Indoor locations have red pins and water activities have blue pins.  Click on a pin for address, website, and details.

 To maximize the map for a better view, click the 4 corners icon in the upper right corner of the map below.

Uncheck "All Cooling Locations" and then you can filter by these categories:

• Splash Pads & Pools
• Libraries
• Other Indoor Cooling Locations
• Beaches that should have lifeguards on staff this weekend

Heat Exhaustion versus Heat Stroke

Related links: 

• Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1uY_2Q0IiRvp88_671w4tJ853ad9MTxcW&ll=47.60282350840132%2C-122.10953105469949&z=11
• King County Pet Resources https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services/resources-tips/tips.aspx.  If you see a pet in distress from the heat, call 9-1-1 or if you live in the RASKC service area call 206-296-7387.

Adventure Ideas & Boredom Busters around Western Washington

King County Parks celebrates the park system as being part of "Your Big Backyard" and I love that! Across Western Washington, we have amazing access to parks, playgrounds, farms, hiking areas, swimming, and even wintertime sledding.  

Instead of putting together an unwieldly long list, I tried creating my first custom Google Map with ideas for families to explore.  Some notes:

1. Most of these areas are free, although I included a couple of special destinations with entrance fees, like the Woodland Park Zoo or Northwest Trek.  

2. Places within State Parks will need a Discover Pass and places on National Forest Land will need a Northwest Forest Recreation Pass for parking.  I've noted the pass requirements on the map entries.  Details on how to get a pass is below the map.

3. To maximize the map for a better view, click the 4 corners icon in the upper right corner of the map below:

Parking Pass Information

• Discover Pass
• Northwest Forest Service Pass
• Winter Sno Park Pass

Municipality Park Information

Redmond Parks & Recreation: Parks & Recreation | Redmond, WA