Want to get away this weekend for a daytrip? I'd like to suggest Bainbridge Island, where I recently went on a mini-break with my kids. Here's the scoop on the island life:

Getting there:

Catch the Washington State Ferry at Pier 52. Play name-that-mountain if it's a sunny day. The ferry's food and drinks are spendy, so bring your own water and snacks. $6.70 per adult, $5.40 per child 6 to 18, but you only need to pay one way. See the full schedule at the Washington State Ferries site.

What to do:

The Kids Discovery Museum (305 Madison Ave. N.) is housed in a tiny building with rotating exhibits. The main-floor exhibit changed last month, and now focuses on how sound works, with the help of The Blue Man Group and interactive displays. Outside, a small outdoor area features a "dino dig," bubble table and hula hoops.

If it's hot, head downstairs into the museum's naturally cool basement. My kids loved this year's sea theme (the theme changes annually), which includes pirate dress-up, a pirate boat, glow-in-the-dark blacklight area and a baby crawl-space.

Classic Cycles offers a myriad of biking options.

Visit the Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at the Town Square. Sure, we have markets in Seattle too, but there's something mysteriously idyllic about Bainbridge's. Give the kids a few dollars and let them pick out a favorite fruit or honey stick.

Treats and Trinkets

In the Winslow Green shopping center off of Madison, Calico Cat Toys (104 Winslow Way W.) offers a train table, flying monkeys, Playmobil and all the Calico Critters your kid could ever want. Yeah, I don't understand Calico Critters either.

The newly opened Possum's Boutique (146 Winslow Way W.)  presents a play kitchen room, in the store's rear. Possum's sold a variety of European-, Canadian- and American-made clothes and toys. Take a look at the adorable mom (or dad!) ‘n' me aprons, made by a Bainbridge mom.

Bon Bon Candies (123 Bjune Drive Suite 103), offers a taste of the sweet life. Bainbridge Island Fudge, saltwater taffy, and enough chocolate to keep you awake all night long.

Food

Blackbird Bakery (210 Winslow Way E.) slings shots and pastries, including wheat-free and vegan options.

Richie's 305 Diner (305 Madison Ave. N.) sits right next to the Children's Museum. The diner's architecture is instantaneously recognizable to those of us who've lived on the East Coast -- because it was imported from New York. Richie's serves traditional diner food (burgers, etc) and offers a kid's menu.

That's a Some Pizza (488 Winslow Way E.) is a great, quick stop on the way to the dock. We bought slices of cheese to go and  them as we rode off into the sunset.

Locals say that the Streamliner Diner and Mora Iced Creamery are delicious. We'll have to go there next time...

Where will you go for your summer staycation? E-mail Lora at littlekidsbigcity@nwsource.com. See previous entries at http://littlekidsbigcity.com.

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