Castle Park

Kid's Oasis Playground or "Castle Park" is hidden in Snohomish county in the city of Lake Stevens. The playground is at an elementary school but is open to the public when school is not in session. Parking is good but I did not see a public restroom nearby. There is a Frisbee golf course next door to the school so maybe there is a bathroom there? The playground is huge and is a hit for all ages!

Carkeek Park

This is our very first review of a park in King county and it does not disappoint! When one Savvy Mommy lives in Snohomish county and her BFF (another Savvy mommy) lives in King county, you meet somewhere in between! Windy, but warm temperatures along with rain-less afternoons made it a perfect time to fly our kites.

So on Monday April 23, 2012 we met at Carkeek Park to soak in a little bit of vitamin D and fly a kite. This park is breathtaking and the pictures on their website do not do it justice! Featuring acres and acres of all things 'northwest', this spot captures a bit of everything that defines our area. From the tress and grass, to the ocean waters and beaches, from the the playground to the picnic tables, this place has it all! Parking was decent considering we were there on a Monday afternoon, but I'm sure it fills up very fast on weekends.

Windy enough for kite flyin'

grassy area near the playground with a beautiful view

This fish "slide" is SO Seattle and the kids loved it

Can't wait to come back and explore the trails!

To say that she can 'fly' is an understatement

Pedestrian bridge from the park over the railroad tracks to the beach. Not stroller or wheelchair friendly (not sure if there is an alternative route or not).

YES, that is really sand in Washington

Which becomes pebbles and rocks as you get closer to the water

Tulip Festival '12

Located north of King and Snohomish counties in Skagit County, the Tulip Festival is a must see for all ages! It runs during the month of April and there are all sorts of events going on during that time. The first year we went we just drove around the fields and parked on the side of the road then got out to take pictures. Doing this is free (unless you park in someone's private pay lot), but not very convenient. There is almost no parking on the side of the road so it's hit and miss to see the tulips for 'free'. This was our third year attending and we stumbled upon Tulip Town. Parking was abundant (and free), then it was $5 for adults and free for children to enter. They had acres of tulips of multiple colors to view.... BINGO! They also had vendors selling various tulip related items, a small cafe and tractor rides (for a fee). The day we went it was not raining but the pathways were still pretty muddy. It was difficult to walk in some parts because of puddles and slippery mud, which would make bringing a stroller nearly impossible, so come prepared! If you and/or your kids have rain boots, wear them! I wish we had some and will definitely have them next year. This is also one of the few places (that we know of) with somewhere to go potty BUT it's inside the gate (after paying the entrance fee) and they only have port-a-potties. Not a big deal to most, but some kids are very picky at certain ages so this is good to know before hand! :)

WARNING: picture overload! BUT with tulips this pretty and kids so cute-- who could blame me?

She didn't get the memo but DON'T pick the tulips!!!

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Almost done blooming for the season!

Tulips as tall as my 3-year old-- WOW!!