2025 Summer of Learning – Growing is for Everyone!
Try these activities that promote growth.
Activities That Promote Growth
- Seattle has amazing parks, many of which are ADA accessible and are free to visit, just like the Library! Summer is the perfect time to walk, run, stroll or roll along the paved paths of Seward Park, Jefferson Park and Green Lake.
- Learn more about the salmon cycle at the Ballard Locks, enjoy a beach day at Alki and Golden Gardens, breathe in the forests at Camp Long or Discovery Park, or search for orca and seals at Lincoln Park!
- What types of animals, plants and other wildlife live in each park? Keep a journal about what you discovered.
- Which park is your favorite to visit? What makes it special to you?
- Identify the types of plants growing in a garden or neighborhood. Learn a new fact about each plant you find. You can use the free iNaturalist app or the Merlin Bird ID app to identify them!
- When you visit a garden, what do you see growing there? Are there any new fruits or vegetables you haven’t seen before?
- Try growing your own garden! Did you know: The High Point Branch has a Seed Library? Visit to get free seeds and grow your gardening skills!
- Does your neighborhood have a local P-Patch or community garden? Find a local P-Patch near you.
- Did you know: In 2023, Seattle P-Patches donated 33,438 pounds of produce to food banks and meal programs. (KUOW, Casey Martin, 2024)
- Write down your favorite recipe, make it and share it with your loved ones!
- How can we take better care of ourselves and each other by growing our social-emotional skills?
- Feelings are important. Talk about how you’re feeling today with a friend or family member. What are some ways that help you work through your feelings?
- Did you make a mistake? Mistakes happen and have a lot to teach us. What did you learn from the experience and what would you do differently next time?
- What inspires you or brings you joy? Can you share those feelings through art, song, dance, writing or other creative ways?
- Grow your community with kindness:
- Do a nice thing for a family member without being asked
- Pick up trash with your grown up around a park or neighborhood
- Volunteer with your grownup at a local organization to give back to the community
- Say hello to a new kid in your neighborhood
- Tell a friend or family member how you appreciate them