We spend a lot of family time in the car. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t always quality time. However, a quick pit stop can fix that.

While parks are nice, you may not have the time to drive that far off the freeway. Never fear, coffee shops (like Issaquah Coffee pictured above) are great places for kids to sip a hot chocolate and unwind. Please note, espresso in kids may have the opposite effect.

This post is part of UpTake’s Wordless Wednesday Series. If you would like to see your photo featured here please contact us via the link in the sidebar using subject line: WW.

Photo: Whit Honea

Get it? Fish don't have sleeves! Or arms.

Salmon Days in Issaquah, WA is an award-winning family affair — for the fish and the humans. It’s a fun and frolicking multi-weekend event (with most events held October 2nd and 3rd) that takes over downtown Issaquah, a quaint little community about 15 minutes east of Seattle (straight up I-90). Imagine if Norman Rockwell created a town and then Costco moved their international headquarters to it, that’s Issaquah. Now add thousands of spawning salmon. Yes, it’s that awesome.

Last year I failed to report on Salmon Days until after the fact. Why? Because I was at Salmon Days enjoying myself and a walk through sunshine and red-soaked leaves was more enticing than writing about it. As you might imagine, I felt awful. That’s why this year I’m posting Salmon Days information before the festivities. That’s for you, the reader. Read More »

Like a blast from the past!

The Fourth of July is this Sunday, and as such there will much in the way of fun and fireworks.  Whether you and your friends and family are enjoying the big, fancy celebrations that occur all across America, or the small town parades that consist mainly of dogs and candy (like this one in Issaquah, WA — that’s Jak’s in the photo), it’s our holiday, America. Enjoy it.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.

Photo by Whit Honea

Cougar Mtn. Zoo Reindeer Festival

The Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, WA (15 miles East of Seattle) is worth visiting year round.  The zoo is located, literally, on Cougar Mountain with a beautiful view of the Cascade Mountains and Lake Sammamish.  The primary focus of the Cougar Mountain Zoo is education and endangered species.  It’s an outing and it’s a cause.

But we’re talking reindeer. Read More »