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Budding Signs of Spring
I’ve been surprised to see a few blossoms on my climbing clematis and early buds forming on my dogwood tree this week. Across much of the country, unusually warm weather has arrived earlier than expected this year after one of the mildest winters on record in many regions. Here in the Pacific Northwest, our mountain snowpack has been running at roughly half of what’s normal for this time of year, the third lowest observed in records dating back to 1985. Spring officially arrives this coming Friday, March 20, with the spring equinox, when day and night are nearly the same length. From there, the days keep getting longer and brighter.
While this winter may have been a bad one for snow skiing, the extra daylight of a warmer spring brings more opportunities to go outside and soak up some sunshine. There are plenty of free and low-cost family friendly activities happening this week. Come back every Monday for more ideas, and explore the community resources at the bottom of this column if you’re looking for ways to give back or need support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fresh posts and weekend reminders.
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Free Fun
Listen to Music at Musicology Co. in Edmonds
Explore the latest music at the coolest record store in the region. Musicology Co. is a vibrant, woman-owned music boutique and record store offering new and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes, with a strong focus on spotlighting local artists through live in-store performances and a curated music‑lover experience. Drop in for an upcoming live performance or Listening Party.
Performances this week:
- Saturday, March 21 from 6-7 p.m.: Saturday Sessions — Justin DePaola
Learn more
Play Board Games, Read With Rover, Get Homework Help, and More at Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno‑Isle Libraries regularly hosts a variety of free, family friendly events — such as baby and toddler storytimes, book talks, crafts and community gatherings — across its branches and online throughout the year. Find one at the library near you and check out some books to read while you’re there.
Curious preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the Lynnwood Library every Monday at 2 p.m. for Little Science Lab with Imagine Children’s Museum. Kids can dive into fun, hands-on experiments and discover the wonders of science and math together.
On Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m., drop in to the Lynnwood Library for free Homework Help, where volunteers are available to assist students in grades K–12 with school assignments. No registration is required — just bring the work you’re working on. Assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is a great way for students to get a little extra support after school.
On Friday, March 20 from 3-4:30 p.m., teens and tweens are invited to play a variety of board games provided by the library, with options for groups of all sizes and some just for solo play. Snacks and drinks are included.
Budding readers ages 6 to 9 can practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Edmonds Library. Reading with Rover aims to help young readers build confidence and fluency in their reading skills.
Registration is required for many events, so check out Sno-Isle Libraries’ event calendar link below for more details.
Learn more
Silver Creek Indoor Play Park
Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Need to get out of the house? Bring young kids to the free Indoor Playpark at Lynnwood’s Silver Creek Family Church to hang out and play. Parents can enjoy some coffee or tea while kids play with the indoor toys.
Join Edmonds Chess Club at Leftcraft Brewery
Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 519 Main St. in Edmonds
Come for the food, stay for the chess! Participation is free, but plan to order something from the restaurant for providing the space. Eat, drink and play — all levels welcome, and chess sets are ready to go.
Cheap Thrills
Edmonds Oyster Fest
March 13-22
Edmonds Oyster Fest brings 10 days of oyster specials to several downtown restaurants. Diners can pick up a punch card and visit multiple participating restaurants for a chance to win a gift card. It’s a fun excuse to explore Edmonds’ dining scene during the first stretch of longer spring evenings.
Explore Local Drop-in Child Care Options
Need a night off from parenting? Several local spots offer childcare with an evening of fun for kids.
Drop-in child care at KidsPark in Lynnwood — Flexible schedules.
- Drop-in playcare at Time4Kidz Lynnwood — Flexible schedules.
- Lynnwood Rec Center’s Parent’s Night Out — First and third Fridays of the month from 6-9:30 p.m.
Photo by Karthik Balakrishnan on Unsplash
Get Your Game on at Around the Table Boardgame Pub
Don’t miss out this lively destination in Lynnwood for families and friends with tons of board games on site that you can play together — from classics to new favorites. Enjoy ice cream, treats and a library of games to play.
While the regular calendar lists tabletop‑gaming events, prereleases and league nights, the core appeal is that you can drop in any day to choose from hundreds of games and play at your pace, making it a great hangout for kids, teens and adults alike. It is easy to organize casual meet‑ups (like board game afternoons), and the friendly staff can help you find games that suit your group.
Learn more
Public Swim Sessions at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds Pools
Schedules vary, see pool sites for details
Open swim sessions generally charge a fee of less than $10 per person.
We’re lucky to live in a region with multiple indoor or outdoor heated pools to help us get some recreation in during the dark, rainy months. My family has a membership to the Lynnwood Rec Center and we love attending the open swim sessions for a fun, budget-friendly outing.
- Lynnwood Rec Center Pool: Multiple open swim and rec swim sessions happen each week at this pool, featuring a recreation pool with two water slides, a lazy river, a water playground and spray features, a family and more! See the pool schedule and register ahead to reserve your spot.
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Pool: Warm water, a lazy river, a sauna and more. What’s not to love? See the full schedule to plan your visit.
- Yost Pool in Edmonds: Yost has limited open swim sessions during this season, but makes for fun outside option for people who want to experience a heated pool outdoors. See the full schedule to plan a visit.
Beginner Skate Lessons at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Lessons on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-noon and drop-in sessions Sundays from 11 a.m.-noon at
6210 200th St. S.W. in Lynnwood.
Sign up for weekly lessons for kids and adults. Lessons include a 30‑minute instruction period followed by 30 minutes of practice, taught by national‑level coach Ezra Thompson. Learn skills like balance, stopping, and forward and backward skating, with more advanced skills offered in a Level 2 course.
A four-week session costs $120, including open skate time, and there’s also a Sunday drop-in option for $30 that includes a practice session.
Learn more
Public Skate Sessions at Lynnwood Ice Center
19803 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood
Whether your family loves skating, hockey or just trying something new, the Lynnwood Ice Center has something for everyone — from open skate sessions to stick-and-puck sessions and even “theater on ice.” It’s a safe and welcoming spot for all ages to enjoy some time on the rink.
Seattle Skating Club offers skate lessons for people ages 3.5 and older and of varying skill levels. Explore their lessons schedule and sign up for future sessions.
Note that all visitors must pay ahead through their digital system. See the full calendar to find a session that works for your schedule this week.
Resources for Families
Snohomish County Resource List
Not sure which resources you need? This list can help you see the options. The Snohomish County Community Resource List provides contact information for over 300 local services, including emergency assistance, legal aid, youth and family support, mental health resources, financial help and immigration services.
211 North Sound – Snohomish County Resource Line
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call: 211
Text: 211WAOD to 898211
211 North Sound connects residents of Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties to a comprehensive range of community services. Trained specialists provide free, confidential assistance in over 140 languages, offering referrals for housing, food, health care, child care, crisis support and more.
In Snohomish County, 211 also supports initiatives like the Homeless Coordinated Entry and Emergency Rental Assistance programs. For specialized support, including assistance for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, call 211 and follow the prompts for TBI services.
Family Support through Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District offers a dedicated Family Support Resource Line to assist families in need. You can reach them at 425-431-1454 or via email at familysupport@edmonds.wednet.edu. Family Resource Advocates are available to provide holistic support and help families access community resources. For even more information, visit the district’s Family Support page.
Snohomish County Human Services
Snohomish County Human Services offers a wide range of programs to help families in our region meet basic needs and support overall well-being. Services include early childhood programs like Early Head Start and ECEAP, family support resources for caregivers, behavioral health counseling and 24/7 crisis services, housing and energy assistance through the Community Action Partnership, and specialized support for veterans and their families. Learn more online about how to access these services to get help with food, housing, mental health and other essential needs.
Edmonds Human Services — Resources for Edmonds Residents
Edmonds Human Services is a helpful resource for any Edmonds resident facing financial, mental health, housing or other personal challenges. With a range of supports — from food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access), and more — this department connects people to local and county resources tailored to improve quality of life
Learn more
Local Food Banks
Families in need can turn to several neighborhood food banks for weekly groceries and fresh produce. Each serves residents in its surrounding area, with easy pickup times and volunteer support:
Domestic Violence Resources
For families experiencing domestic violence, several local organizations offer confidential support and emergency shelter services:
- DVS-SnoCo provides a 24/7 crisis line at 425-252-2873, offering emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning, and support for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence.
- YWCA Pathways for Women
Located in Lynnwood, this 45-day emergency shelter offers safe housing and resources for women and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. - If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Youth Ride Public Transit Free!
Kids and teens 18 and under can ride buses, ferry, and light rail for free — no pass required. Want tap-and-go convenience? Get a free Youth ORCA card online or at the Ride Store.
Share the fun!
Wherever your adventures take you, I hope this roundup helps you find fun, affordable, and meaningful ways to connect and enjoy the season. Have an event or suggestion? Want to share your reels from a recent outing to be featured here? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below to get in touch. Don’t forget to check back every Monday for fresh ideas.
Rory Graves is a local writer, editor and parent of three teens who loves helping families find fun, meaningful ways to connect with their community. She covers family-friendly events, local resources, and creative outings around South Snohomish County. When she’s not exploring the region, you can find her cheering at one of her kids’ games, thrifting or curled up with a good book and some tea.
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