From letterboxing in Pioneer Park to teen book club meetings at the library, there are lots of ways for kids and families to avoid boredom and create great memories during the summer on Mercer Island.
Here are some of our favorites activities – and the best part, they’re all free!
Image from Handersen Publishing, LLC.
Summer Reading Program at the Mercer Island Library
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
All Summer Long! June 1 – August 31
Get rewards for reading this summer at the Mercer Island Library! Kids and teens can stop by the Mercer Island Library and get signed up for their Summer Reading Program, ran by the King County Library System. This year’s theme is “Libraries Rock!” Each hour of reading will bring you one step closer to winning awesome prizes, like tickets to Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, a Seattle Storm game, a Seattle Seahawks game, Seattle Seahawks Training Camp tickets, University of Washington Husky Football tickets, and Woodland Park Zoo passes.
You can complete as many reading logs as you’d like to win more prizes. Grand Prize drawings for everyone who completes 1,000 reading minutes will be held at each library. These prizes include Museum of Pop Culture tickets, a ukulele, and more!
By attending activities at the Mercer Island Library, you’ll also be able to complete your reading logs. Check out Kaleidoscope Play & Learn, Stories at Dragon Park, science-themed workshops, movies in the afternoon, or the teen book club meetings. Find out all the details by following the link below and searching for Mercer Island’s events.
Adventure Playground
Deane’s Children’s Park, 5500 Island Crest Way
Open June 26 – September 30
Days/Dates/Times: Tue, Thr, Sun*, Jun 26 – Sep 30*, 1 pm – 4 pm
*Playground is only open Sundays in September
Closed July 15 and September 2
This outdoor playground sponsored by JayMarc Homes is a truly unique experience. Kids can create their own adventure by building their very own play zone, with guidance from helpful staff members. Toolboxes, various building supplies, and safety items are provided, but you’re also welcome to bring your own tools, too! Kids and adults are required to wear closed toed and hard soled shoes; due to the nature of the playground, open-toed sandals or Crocs are not allowed.
Kids ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Adults must download and fill out the child participation waiver before entering the playground. During inclement weather, make sure to call the Community Center at 206-275-7609 to see if the playground is open.
Letterboxing at Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park, SE 68th and Island Crest Way
June 2 – October 31
Return your clue book by October 31st!
Letterboxing is a fun activity you can do all summer long!
Like a scavenger hunt, letterboxing is an activity where you and your kids can search for clues to find hidden letterboxes throughout Pioneer Park. For each letterbox you find, put a stamp in your Clue Book and stamp the letterbox notepad, too, and don’t forget to leave a note for other letterbox hunters.
Pick up a free Clue Book from the Community & Event Center, Luther Burbank Park Admin Office, or the South End Starbucks. The Clue Book will help you become familiar with Pioneer Park, and you can start from wherever you’d like. Choose your favorite stamp, grab some walking shoes, and get hunting!
Turn in your Clue Book by October 31 to be recognized for your accomplishment at a Letterbox celebration in November. You can turn in your completed Clue Books to the Community Center, LB Park Admin Office, or mail to the Parks & Recreation Department.
And more!
Still need ideas for fun FREE things to do with kids on Mercer Island? Here you go:
- Visit a Mercer Island playground!
- Have a picnic and play in the sand at a public beach on Mercer Island.
- Take a hike! Mercer Island has an amazing trail system throughout our many parks!
- Enjoy story time at Island Books! This beloved bookstore hosts a free weekly storybook corner (on Wednesdays) and a monthly family story time (first Saturday of the month).
- And of course, don’t miss Mercer Island’s many free summer events – including Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sundays, Summer Concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, Movies in the Park, and more (keep your eye out for our My MI Summer Fun Guide – coming soon!)!
Did your favorite Mercer Island summer activity not make the list? Let us know – we’d love to add it!
Image credits: Mercer Island Library, JayMarc Homes, City of Mercer Island
