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Thursday, July 7, 2005 - Page updated at 04:13 PM Information in this article, originally published July 2, was corrected July 7. Seahurst Park is the correct name of a Burien beach, not Seahurst County Park as reported in previous version of this story. The park is owned by the city of Burien. The best Puget Sound beaches for families Seattle Times staff reporter
For many people, including the famed Dr. Beach, a long stretch of white sand makes the best beach. Kids raised on our Puget Sound beaches, however, might look at those pristine strips and wonder: Where's the driftwood for forts? Rocks to turn over for scurrying crabs? Pebbles for tossing? Knowing that "best" is completely subjective, The Times visited King and Snohomish county beaches to check out their family appeal. Parents don't want to lug a bunch of sand toys if the beach is mostly rocky, or bring the heavy cooler if there's a long walk to the water. Sometimes kids have more fun playing in creeks than the salt water nearby. So here are some lists to help families explore our bounty of saltwater and find the best beach for them. Reporter's faves Carkeek Park Beaches for sand play Marina Beach Beach events All ages are welcome to test their sculpting skills in a contest noon-3 p.m. July 17 at Jetty Island, Everett. 425-257-8305. Show off sand-sculpting talents in an Edmonds contest open to all ages. Sign up at 10 a.m. July 22. Judging takes place at noon, with awards at 12:30 p.m. Marina Beach, Edmonds. 425-771-0230. As part of Celebrate Shoreline, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park will host a sand castle contest 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 21. 206-418-3383. Beach naturalists Look for volunteer beach naturalists at Richmond Beach, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, Constellation Park (South Alki Point), Lincoln Park (next to the Vashon ferry terminal), Des Moines Beach Park and Seahurst Park on these dates: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (low tide at 9:51 a.m.) tomorrow; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday (low tide at 10:30 a.m.); noon-3 p.m. July 9 (low tide at 1:27 p.m.); 12:30-3:30 p.m. July 10 (low tide at 2:03 p.m.); 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 23 (low tide at 12:58 p.m.); noon-3:30 p.m. July 24 (low tide at 1:44 p.m.). Contact: King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-296-8359 or dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/beach-naturalists.htm. Beach walks Rangers will lead one-hour low-tide beach walks at two Edmonds beaches. Dates include: 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, 12:30 p.m. July 23, 1 p.m. July 24, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 20, Brackett's Landing; and 10 a.m. Monday, 1 p.m. July 9, noon Aug. 6 and noon Aug. 21, Marina Beach. Meet by the parking lot. 425-771-0227. Families with children age 6 and up can join a free beach walk from noon to 2 p.m. July 23 and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 20 at Discovery Park. Call 206-386-4236 the morning of the walk to register. Jetty Island The island opens Wednesday with a day of activities, including a buried treasure hunt at 11:45 a.m. and sculptures by sand artists. Throughout the summer, the island hosts a variety of activities, including puppet shows, nature crafts and story times. On Kite Day, make your own kite and learn how to fly it, noon-4 p.m. July 10. For a complete schedule, visit www.everettwa.org/ parks/default.asp?sectionid=2&parentid=1&subid=19 Beach walks/hikes With a stroller With a backpack Beaches for sea creatures Brackett's Landing, Edmonds Beaches with naturalists Beaches for driftwood forts Beaches to watch transportation Ferries Trains Airplanes Sailboats Beaches with nearby playgrounds Beaches with creeks running onto beach Beach parks with non-beach stuff to do Beaches for teens Beaches for fires (in designated pits only) Beaches with toilet issues Beaches with quick access (bring all the sand toys) Beaches with picnic shelters Beaches for kite flying Beaches for no-picnic days Beaches with showers Beach parks with campgrounds Beaches for fishing Longest beaches Beaches to see scuba divers Shallow-water beaches Jetty Island Beaches with $5 parking sdunnewind@seattletimes.com or 206-464-2091 Copyright © 2005 The Seattle Times Company
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