Kid-Friendly Summer Fun in Downtown Edmonds
Summer is in full swing, and Downtown Edmonds is buzzing with Lovin’ Summer energy! As part of our annual celebration of all things sunny and bright, we’re shining a spotlight on the kid-friendly experiences that make Downtown Edmonds the perfect place to follow the sun with your kiddos in tow (or leading the way!).
Whether you’re looking to beat the heat with a frosty treat, unleash your child’s inner creative genius, or invest in quality time together, our Lovin’ Summer businesses have everything you need for memorable adventures.
From hands-on art experiences to treasure hunts and sweet treats, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of summer with your kids Downtown.
Creative Adventures for Little Artists
Alley Bell Music strikes the right note this summer with their Sing, Drum, Play Summer Camp for kids ages 6-8. This week-long drop-off camp takes littles on a musical journey around the world while exploring ocean themes. They’ll dive into formal voice training, learn interactive drumming with the Rhythm Kids® Sea Turtle Collection, and dip their toes into piano instruction with rhythm and keyboarding basics. It’s the perfect blend of structured learning and summer fun!
For hands-on creativity, ARTspot continues to be a haven where young imaginations find inspiration—and oodles of supplies. Your budding artists might even spot one of the 20+ local creatives that ARTspot represents browsing the aisles alongside them. And, pssst, check their website and socials for info about workshops, the No Talent Art Club, and more.
Glazed & Amazed pulls out all the stops this summer with their summer art camps! Running throughout July and August in their upstairs event space, these three-day camps (Tuesday-Thursday) include morning and afternoon sessions. Each camp has four different projects: canvas, glass, pottery, and clay, all led by studio instructors. With 18 kids per session and plenty of fresh air flowing through open doors and windows, it’s breezy, beautiful creativity close to home.
Sunny Shopping and Exploring
Edmonds Bookshop acts as the home base for Find Waldo in Edmonds, running through July 30th as part of our Lovin’ Summer festivities! Start and end your Waldo adventure at our local independent bookstore, and be sure to fit in some quality time in the kids’ sections. These are where new copies of beloved classics await, perfect for floor sitting, blanket picnicking, and family reading time.
Edmonds Hobby Shop & Model Machinist Center beckons budding builders with shelves full of model trains, rockets, wooden boats, and cars, plus all the paint and glue they need to bring those big imaginations to life. Custom orders are also welcome for tackling any extra-ambitious summer projects!
Little Bipsy is a veritable boutique paradise for kids and parents alike, complete with a changing table in the dressing room and toys to keep toddlers entertained. The mommy-and-me sets from their LB Collection are perfect for anyone who wants to twin in simple, modern, cool sweatsuits or swimsuits (slash sweatsuits over our swimsuits—we do live in the PNW, after all). Who doesn’t want to match their mini-me?!
Teri’s Toybox, an Edmonds staple since 1981, continues creating those show-stopping themed window displays that draw crowds like flies to honey. Their toy expertise spans newborns to kids at heart (have you seen their viral Jelly Cat collection?), plus an extra layer of nostalgia for parents who grew up in Edmonds. This place is a truly multi-generational treat.
The Wishing Stone always induces pointing and lingering with its giant dinosaur window display and endless treasures inside. Kids love filling baggies with rocks from the bulk bin, learning about crystals, and picking out geodes to crack open at home. Follow them as they wander and see what they’re drawn to!
Treats and Pick-Me-Ups
The Crumpet Shop understands that taking toddlers out can sometimes be a struggle, which is why they’ve created Tot Tuesdays from 10am-12pm every Tuesday. This genius concept lets littles run around and play with balls, bubbles, and chalk while parents enjoy a proper breakfast and coffee or a spot of tea in peace. Tucked behind Main Street Commons in the heart of Downtown, The Crumpet Shop serves toasty sweet and savory crumpets, fine loose-leaf teas (hot or iced!), fresh-squeezed lemonade, and handcrafted coffee drinks. The kids will go crazy for the Nutella crumpets, and you’ll love the vibey interior and outdoor patio that works rain or shine. It’s the perfect spot where chaos meets cozy, and everyone leaves happy.
When the craving for premium ice cream strikes, Molly Moon’s dishes out Seattle’s beloved artisanal flavors from their cute little shop on Main Street, just a block from the Edmonds Fountain. This sweet addition to Downtown opened in the summer of 2023 and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite with lines snaking down the block. With freshly baked waffle cones, drizzles of hot fudge, and generous scoops of rich ice cream, it’s the perfect fuel for strolling the cheerful streets of Downtown Edmonds. Their seasonal rotating menu means there’s always something new to try, too.
Revelations Yogurt (aka RevYo) on Main Street has ten rotating flavors of frozen yogurt with live probiotics (and the whole family’s gut bugs love them for it). Load up on toppings—hot fudge, nuts, gummies, boba—with pricing by weight. This is a choose-your-own-adventure sweet treat dreamland right in our backyard.
When you need a mid-adventure pick-me-up, Waterfront Coffee Company welcomes you with open arms—and Lopez Island Creamery ice cream, smoothies, artisanal bakery items from area shops like Macrina, and amazing burritos from Dancing Women. Plus, you’re just steps away from some of the best waterfront views in town.
Let’s Make Lasting Memories in Edmonds
Whether you’re watching your kiddo’s face light up during a pottery painting session, sharing frozen yogurt while people-watching, or hunting for Waldo together, these summer moments will become the stories you’ll tell for years.
Plus, Downtown Edmonds has that perfect blend of structure and potential for spontaneity that embodies the Lovin’ Summer spirit. Look for our bright window clings on participating businesses—they’re your signal that you’ve found a place that’s ready to help you follow the sun and make the most of this magical season.
As you can see, Downtown Edmonds knows how to do summer right for kids of all ages (don’t forget to check out our dedicated Summer Lovin’ article for the season’s full activity lineup, including free movies in the parks)—with plenty of laughs, zero “I’m bored”s, and ice cream within walking distance at all times. What more could you ask for?
Ready to share your Downtown adventures?
Tag @edmondsdowntown on Instagram and Facebook for a chance to have your summer fun featured on our stories. We can’t wait to see how you and your family are following the sun and making the most of Lovin’ Summer this season!
By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert