Make a Splash This Summer with These Activities

Abby Hawkins, Reporter

With June 2nd slowly approaching, Blanchet students and staff alike anticipate this year’s elongated summer break due to the construction taking place on the building, but with summer comes an inevitable question; what is there to do?

Even for those living in a metropolitan city such as Seattle, finding a way to pass the time that does not grow monotonous can be difficult. Here are some ways you can occupy your time to make the most out of your summer.

Museums: Seattle is a museum wealthy city. Not everyone particularly enjoys museums, but for those who do, they can be a great way to learn and appreciate different things while having a good and memorable time. Most museums also have free days, or cheaper admission for students, which is perfect for those on a budget. If you have a Seattle Public Library card, you can check out a pass to many of these museums to get in for free at any time.

Here are some museums you can spend your time at:

  • The Seattle Art Museum
  • The MoPop (previously the EMP)
  • The Museum of Flight *free admission
  • Seattle Asian Art Museum
  • The Frye Art Museum *free admission
  • The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
  • The Nordic Heritage Museum
  • Henry Art Gallery
  • Northwest African American Museum
  • Virginia V *free admission
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass

Parks: Public parks are a classic summer destination, and most people have their own go-to’s. Whether you want to walk your dog, go for a swim, or take some artsy pics for the Gram, there is a park perfect for you.

Internships or Jobs: While applying for a job or internship of any kind can be quite intimidating, the money and/or experience you will gain will almost always be worth it. On top of this, a job or internship will not only be impressive on college applications, they are also an amazing way to participate and engage in something you are passionate about. Contrary to popular assumptions that internships are strictly for college students, many companies offer them to high-schoolers as well. If you have any interest in any specific company, news source, branch of government, or career path, reach out and see if they could have a position to offer you for the summer. Be sure to hurry on this, as many positions do fill up as summer approaches.

Be a Tourist for a Day: Enjoy the things that make Seattle Seattle. Being a local does not mean you can’t indulge in the same things tourists love about our city.

  • Go for a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
  • Do some shopping at Pike Place Market
  • Try out the Wings Over Washington
  • Hang out with Troll under the Fremont Bridge
  • Take a visit to the Seattle Aquarium
  • The Center for Wooden Boats

Take Part in the Festivities:

  • SEAFAIR events, June 14-August 20
  • International Film Festival, May 18-June 11
  • Northwest Folklife, May 26-29
  • West Seattle Summer Festival, July 14-16
  • Fremont Fair, July 17-18
  • Capitol Hill Block Party, July 21-23
  • Bite of Seattle, July 21-23
  • Seattle Pridefest, July 26
  • Hempfest August, 19-21
  • Seattle Art Fair, August 3-6
  • Bumbershoot, September 1-3
  • Go to a Mariners Game, schedule here

Do Your Summer Homework:

You don’t actually have to ruin your last week of summer by stressing about your unfinished summer projects! Get started on that summer reading early, and cross it off the checklist. If you’ve already finished that, remember that Membean memberships last for twelve months, and it’s never a bad time to keep up with vocabulary skills.