Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Seattle, WA

Our water journey continues during the month of August here at Seattle Savvy Source. This month, we've examined the best beaches in all of (greater) Seattle and the best places to learn to swim. Now we'll venture further out: to the oceans and the seas. Where, oh, where might we see the creatures that fill our ocean and our many lakes? Here's the top five water-life experiences for you and your preschooler. Consider yourself warned - you may want to wear your Wellies.

1. Seattle Aquarium. Their current exhibits ranging from Window on Washington Waters and Puget Sound Fish will show your preschooler all they need to know about fish in local waters. 
2. Pike Place Market. So these fish won't quiet qualify as water-life at this point, but the fish tossing is always fun for young (and OLD) children.
   
3. Salmon at the Bay. Now until August 24, head up to Bellingham to visit the "Salmon at the Bay" art exhibit and silent auction that benefits the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA). Held at the Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro, you can grab lunch, appreciate the salmon art and bid on your favorites. I'm not ashamed to say that we own several pieces of salmon art. It's all for a great cause; proceeds support NSEA's work to restore sustainable wild salmon runs in Whatcom County.
   
4. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Be sure to visit the newly renovated North Pacific Exhibit - your preschooler will come face to face with a giant Pacific octopus.
   
5. Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands. Okay, okay, whales are not fish; they're MAMMALS. But they live the same places fish do, and I'm sure you'll see some fish on your journey to find whales. Most boat operators have free or reduced rates for young children.