• Out and About with Kids in Seattle
  • Courtesy of Sasquatch Books

Out & About with Kids in Seattle, 3rd edition

by Ann Bergman and Virginia Smyth. Sasquatch Books, 2005; $18.95

Who better to know and write about the city than two former editors of Seattle’s Child (a local family magazine)? Between the two of them, authors Ann Bergman and Virginia Smyth have nine children, further proof that they have surely figured out all of what Seattle has to offer for families with children of every age. Their book details the usual—museums, theaters and the like—but also gives lots of suggestions for kid-friendly restaurants, a list of all the wading pools in the city and fun workshops and learning programs.

Pros

This is a very comprehensive guide and easy to navigate. The authors broke the book into simple chapters by category such as Animals, Parks, Indoor Fun, Eating Out, and so on. Icons next to venues indicate whether there is a playground or restaurant nearby, handy to know if you have an antsy or hungry kid in tow.

Great Tips

There is a plethora of ideas for free and low-cost activities given here. They include where to find outdoor movies, great kid hikes and even where to find cool outdoor statues to climb. You and your family won’t want to miss the “Fremont Troll,” which features a Volkswagen Bug being eaten.

Cons

The book reads as one long list after another, which makes for rather dull reading. This is not an “armchair traveler” book painting a picture of Seattle. This is a book for getting information fast.

Worth Buying?

Yes. Most Seattle guidebooks we researched had very little advice specifically geared to families. This book is an invaluable resource for both first-time visitors and residents, and is packed with information.