Get outside and play: Free or low-cost outings for kids

Miss the boat on enrolling your kids in summer camps this year? Not sure what to do with them now that school is out? Two words: Get outside! After a loooong, cold spring, you'd better soak up the vitamin D while you can. After all, summer lasts only two months around here. (And in case it does rain? Have no fear — we've got you covered there, too.)

Fortunately, the Puget Sound region has plenty of free or low-cost outings to keep your child busy this summer — and to keep boredom at bay. Here are just a few of our suggestions for summer fun.

Water parks

Water Spray Playground: This free water playground, which just opened Friday, features statues of frogs, orcas, sinking ships and even the Loch Ness Monster squirting water. Crossroads Community Park, 999 164th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. Open daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (425-452-6881).

Rotary Spray Park: This Auburn site features water cannons, ground-level water jets and overhead fountains. Les Gove Park, 11th Street Southeast and Auburn Way South, Auburn. Free. Open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through Sept. 1 (253-931-3043).

North Lynnwood Neighborhood Park: Dragon-themed spray park. 18510 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood; free (425-771-4030).

Seattle parks: Those with water features are listed below. All are open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. through Sept. 1, weather permitting (206-684-7796):

• Pratt Park: 1800 S. Main St.

• John C. Little Sr. Park: 6961 37th Ave. S.

• Ballard Commons Park: 5701 22nd Ave. N.W.

• Judkins Park: 2150 S. Norman St.

• Miller Community Center: 330 19th Ave. E.; Free.

Wading pools

Seattle's 25 wading pools are open weekdays noon-7 p.m., weather permitting, except for Green Lake Park, Volunteer Park, Lincoln Park and Van Asselt Community Center, which are open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Some pools are open weekends. Call for details (206-684-7796 or www.seattle.gov/parks/wadingpools.asp).

Outdoor swimming pools

Colman Pool: a saltwater pool in Lincoln Park with a view of Puget Sound. 8603 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle. Open daily through Sept. 1 (206-684-7494).

Lowery C. "Pop" Mounger Pool: Also has a heated baby/toddler pool. 2535 32nd Ave. W. Open daily through Sept. 7 (206-684-4708).

Peter Kirk Pool: 340 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Open daily through early September (425-587-3330).

Cottage Lake Pool: 18831 N.E. Woodinville-Duvall Road. Open daily through Sept. 1 (206-296-2999).

Beaches

Seattle beaches, open daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. through Aug. 24:

East Green Lake Beach: 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N.

Madrona Park: 853 Lake Washington Blvd.

Pritchard Island Beach: 8400 55th Ave. S.

Warren G. Magnuson Park: 7400 Sand Point Way N.E

Seattle beaches, open daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. through Sept. 1:

West Green Lake Beach: 7312 W. Green Lake Drive

Madison Park: East Madison and East Howe streets

Matthews Beach Park: 9300 51st Ave. N.E.

Mount Baker Park: 2521 Lake Park Drive S.

Seward Park: 5898 Lake Washington Blvd. S.

Beach naturalists

Seattle Aquarium's beach naturalists will help others learn about and enjoy local beaches. (206-386-4300 or www.seattleaquarium.org ) Naturalists are at :

• South Alki, Golden Gardens, Carkeek Park, Lincoln Park, Richmond Beach, Des Moines and Seahurst. July 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; July 5, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; July 6, noon-3 p.m.; July 19, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; July 20, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Aug. 2, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

• Redondo Beach in Des Moines, July 5, noon-3 p.m.; July 19, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Olympic Sculpture Park, July 4, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; July 5, noon-2 p.m.; Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Woodland Park Zoo

Visit the zoo's newest exhibit featuring Chilean flamingos. Be sure to check the board at the zoo entrance for feeding times and other information. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $15/ages 13-64, $13/over 64, $10/2-13 , free/under 2 (www.zoo.org).

Daily programs for children (free with zoo admission):

• Toddler Programs in Zoomazium: 10 a.m.-noon. Storytelling, puppets, music and opportunities to meet an animal. All ages.

• Afternoon Adventures in Zoomazium: 2-4 p.m. May include opportunities to touch and observe animal artifacts or even a live animal. Ages 5 and up.

Farms

The South 47 Farm: Kids 5 and under can pick produce, go on a hay ride and learn about the farm. Northeast 124th Street and Woodinville-Redmond Road, Redmond. Through-Aug. 28, Wednesdays-Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $6/child. New this year: Farm Kids program for grades 1-6. Through Aug. 28, Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m., $6/child. (www.south47farm.com or 425-753-0756).

Kelsey Creek Farm: A working farm with animals available for viewing. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, 410 130th Place S.E., Bellevue, free (425-452-7688).

The Children's Museum, Seattle

A new permanent exhibit features larger-than-life storybooks to explore math and literacy. 305 Harrison St. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $7.50 (206-441-1768 or www.thechildrensmuseum.org).

The museum also offers these programs for children this summer (programs are ree with museum admission):

• Family Connections Series: Designed to facilitate social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m., ages 1-5.

• Discovery Series: For the development of problem-solving, critical thinking, and sense of independence.

• Expressive Arts Series: Designed to facilitate creative expression by introducing children to different art forms.

Outdoor concerts

Summer Family Concerts at Magnuson Amphitheater: Free concerts for families. 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Fridays, July 11-Aug. 22, 7 p.m.; free. 6344 N.E. 74th St., Suite 104. (206-684-7026 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

2008 Summer Concert Series: Concerts for children and families at Kirkland's Marina Park Pavilion. 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive, Kirkland, Wednesdays at 10 a.m., July 9-Aug. 20. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., July 8-Aug. 21; $2 suggested donation per person (425-587-3350 or www.ci.kirkland.wa.us).

Coulon Family Concert Series: Free concerts for families at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton. 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 25-Aug. 13.

Movies

Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival: Select G and PG movies at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through Aug. 27. The free movies vary; check with individual theaters or www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx.

Auburn Stadium 17, 1101 Super Mall Way, Suite 901, Auburn; Crossroads 8, 1200 156th Avenue N.E., Bellevue; Everett Mall Stadium 16,1402 Everett Mall Way #133, Everett; Alderwood Stadium 7, 3501 184th St. S.W., Lynnwood; Mountlake 9, 6009 S.W. 244th St., Mountlake Terrace; East Valley Stadium 13, 3751 E Valley Highway, Renton; Meridian 16, 1501 7th Ave.; .

AMC Summer Movie Camp: $1 movies for charity, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. through Aug. 6. July 2, "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep"; July 9, "Alvin and the Chipmunks"; July 16, "Shrek the Third"; July 23, "Bee Movie"; July 30, "Surf's Up"; Aug. 6, "TMNT."

Loews Alderwood Mall 16, 18733 33rd Ave. W., Lynnwood; AMC Kent Station 14, 4th Avenue North and West James Street, Kent; AMC Southcenter 16, 3600 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila (www.amctheatres.com/smc).

Movies at the Mural: Free Friday and Saturday night family movies at Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheatre lawn. Aug. 1, "The Princess Bride"; Aug. 2, "Juno"; Aug. 8, "The Goonies"; Aug. 9, "Batman Begins." 305 Harrison St., Seattle ( 206-684-7200).

Entertainment

Sunday Ice Cream Cruise: Enjoy ice cream while cruising Lake Union with Seattle Ferry Service. Departs from South Lake Union Park. Refreshments $2-$4. Sundays, hourly departures 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tour is 45-50 minutes. $11/adults, $7/ages 5-13, $2/under 5. Ice cream treats, coffee and soft drinks, $2-$4 (206-284-2828 or www.seattleferryservice.com).

Picnic Pizazz: Bring a picnic lunch and stay for this free kids entertainment series. Thursdays noon- 1 p.m., Kiwanis Park, 815 Union Ave. N.E., Renton. July 10, Roberto the Magnificent; July 17, WOOFD2; July 31, Jeff Evans; Aug. 7, The Noise Guy; Aug. 14, Eric Herman (425-430-6700 or rentonwa.gov).

Wonderstage Concerts: Free comedy, juggling, puppet shows. Lynndale Parks Amphitheater, 18927 72nd Ave. W., Lynnwood. Wednesdays at noon, ages 5 and up (425-771-4030 or www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/Parks).

Play Day in the Park: Games, crafts and inflatables at Renton parks for ages 2-12. Free. Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 9, Kiwanis Park; July 16, Philip Arnold Park, July 30, Kennydale Park; Aug. 6, Tiffany Park ( 425-430-6700 or rentonwa.gov).

Drop-in playground programs

Summer Fest 2008: Crafts, games, contests and more for ages 6-12 at this drop-in program at these Renton parks: Kennydale Park, Kiwanis Park, Philip Arnold Park, Teasdale Park, Tiffany Park. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Aug. 15. Free. (425-430-6700 or rentonwa.gov)

Nature Stories of Our World: Naturalist storytellers weave tales about our relationship with nature, Carkeek Park fire circle. S'mores provided. Ages 3 and older. Free, but donations accepted. 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, Seattle. Fridays, 7-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 29 (206-684-0877).

Outdoor & Nature Games for All: Join a naturalist for games at the meadow near the playground. Carkeek Park, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, Seattle. Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, July 5-Aug. 30. Ages 4 and up, (206-684-0877 or 206-684-0877).

Tot Treks: Outdoor activities and hikes for wee ones. Registration required. Tuesdays 10-11 a.m.; Ages 2-3, $3.50. Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle (206-684-7434).

Joy Jernigan is a freelancer living in Redmond.