Get Out and Play

It’s forecasted to be an unprecedented sunny Fourth of July weekend, and doesn’t that make you feel more patriotic than ever? There are community celebrations – most with fireworks -- in lotsa neighborhoods, but we’ve highlighted a few that are extra kid-friendly. Check out kite-making at Gas Works Park, free cotton candy on Capitol Hill, a puppet show on Juanita Beach and pony rides in Issaquah. If you need to cool off in a pool, both Peter Kirk Park pool and Colman Pool have open swim times. Whatever you do, have a safe, spirit-filled holiday weekend.

Seattle

Festivus For The Rest Of Us
Family Fourth at Lake Union
If the littles can’t stay awake for (or are too scared of) fireworks, here’s a good way to spend the day and still get your fill of the Fourth. Head to the kids’ Playfield at Gas Works Park for an afternoon of kite making, face painting, inflatables and performances by the Monkey Motion Quad Pod and Teatro ZinZanni. (If you have the stamina, fireworks start at 10 p.m.) Sat., noon to 8 p.m., Seattle, Free. Read more

Community Communing
Capitol Hill Independence Day Community Picnic
It’s hard to tell what the kiddos will dig the most this great annual neighborhood event. We’re guessing it could be a four-way tie between: the Root Beer garden (courtesy of Molly Moon’s Ice cream); live tunes on the Sunbowl Stage (including Recess Monkey); making patriotic tie-dyes; and eating free cotton candy! Sat., Noon to 5 p.m., Seattle, Free. Read more

Disney’s A Christmas Carol Train Tour
Nothin’ like a little Christmas in July
But instead of Santa and stockings, the gifts here include a free, cool, behind-the-scenes peak of the awesome technology and 3D effects of the new Disney flick. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Seattle, Free. Read More

Eastside

Out And About
Friday Night Market at Juanita Beach
This wonderful weekly market, set against the backdrop of Lake Washington goes kid-crazy every first Friday of the month, when youth vendors sell their wares. Plus, watch a puppet show, live music, and make 4th of July pinwheels. Fri., 3 to 7 p.m., Kirkland, Free. Read more

Music To Our Ears
Bellevue Family 4th
The must-see part of Bellevue’s patriotic party is the Kids’ Fun Zone, with free inflatables, interactive games, and a climbing wall. For a real treat, stick around for the fireworks, which will be synchronized to music from Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat., 4 to 10:30 p.m., Bellevue, Free. Read more

Festival Fun
Issaquah’s Downhome 4th of July and Heritage Festival
Pony rides, pie-eating and a kids, pets and pride parade are the highlights of this community festival. Plus, don’t miss the cool, old-fashioned activities like butter-making and a dress-up station. Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Issaquah, Free. Read more

RT favorites sponsors

Something Old, Something New: In the heart of Woodinville's downtown is a great little shop you won't want to miss... more

Framing Faces: Lifelong Seattleite Clare Barboza is the choice photographer for art lovers... more

Let's Get Ready to Tumble: The Bus Stop , a large play space with a school bus theme and gorgeous murals .. More

Other tidbits...

How Dry I Am: Stylish tote bag with a waterproof bottom - perfect for the pool or beach. Read more.

Clay Days: Gluten-free playdough the smells good too. Read more.

Sticker Spot: Milestone stickers make documenting little one's growth easy. Read more.

Explore: Don't feel like a crowded event? Check out these pint-sized neighborhood adventures. Read more..

Ten FREE (or CHEAP) Things to Do in Seattle with Kids Under Five: Well, the title says it all, doesn't it? Read more.