Redmond Historical Society, in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, is a group of people passionate about preserving local history. Its office features a well-organized collection of local photographs, newspapers, and family histories, as well as other items of interest. The society hosts eight general meetings per year and a summer picnic. It publishes nine newsletters per year for members, called the Redmond Reader, and works on various projects, such organizing materials for the Historic Downtown Redmond Walking Tour guidebook.
Located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, and commonly called the Ballard Locks, are the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. The locks prevent the mixing of salt and fresh water while letting boats pass from Puget Sound's salt water to the fresh water of the Ship Canal that connects to Lake Washington and Lake Union. Visitors can watch boats of all sizes pass through, as operators adjust the water levels in the locks.
Parking and public transportation at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
A small parking lot has metered parking that is $2.00 an hour for a maximum of three hours. Parking payment is required Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. King County Metro buses also serve the surrounding area.
When to go to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Summer is a popular time to visit the locks, especially since the grounds around the locks include the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden.
Admission to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Admission is free. The grounds around the locks are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The visitor center, which has displays on the history and operations of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily May through September. From October though April, the visitor center closes at 4 p.m. and is also closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Must see/do at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Also at the locks is a fish ladder, where fish (mostly salmon) can pass between fresh and salt water. You can watch the fish as they swim through the ladder from a viewing room below the water line.
Other places to visit near the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Also in Ballard is the Nordic History Museum, or you can head a little north to Golden Gardens Park, which has a beach on Puget Sound.
Insider tip for visitors to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The best time to see the most salmon on the fish ladder is in September, although the fish do migrate up the ladder from mid-June through October.
Author's bio: Carol Wiley is a Seattle freelance writer who offers services ranging from articles and blog posts to customer case studies and white papers.
The Seattle Children's Museum has 22,000 square feet of space filled with exhibits where children 10 months to 10 years can play to their heart's content. The museum, located at the Seattle Center only 150 steps from the Space Needle, also offers educational programs throughout the day.
Best and worst time to go to the Seattle Children's Museum
The museum opens every day of the week at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends. The museum is closed on major holidays and closes at 3 p.m. on Halloween for the Annual Costume Carnival. Summer is a popular time to visit the museum.
Must see/do at the Seattle Children's Museum
The Imagination Studio lets inspiring artists paint, create with clay, and design and build recycled sculptures. The Global Village takes children on mini-trips to Ghana, the Philippines and Japan.
Admission to the Seattle Children's Museum
Admission is $8.25 for both children and adults. Your group must include a child 10 or younger to enter the museum. Grandparents and active military members receive a discount, and children under the age of one year are free. At least one adult must accompany every four children.
Parking and public transportation at the Seattle Children's Museum
Plenty of paid parking lots surround the Seattle Center, with limited paid street parking available. Many King County Metro buses serve the area. You can also take the Monorail from downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center.
Food at the Seattle Children's Museum
The museum itself doesn't offer food, but just above it on the next floor of the building is the Seattle Center Food Court.
Insider tip for visitors to the Seattle Children's Museum
On weekdays, during the last hour of operation, the museum accepts a donation of any size as the cost of admission to the museum. Also, for sensitive children who need a less stimulating environment, the museum opens early on the first Saturday of each month, with minimal sounds and lights. You must pre-purchase tickets (which are discounted) for this special opening.
Author's bio: Carol Wiley is a freelance writer in Seattle. She offers services ranging from articles and blog posts to customer case studies and white papers for businesses.
