It's Memorial Day weekend and my wish for an extra weekend day has been granted. Splash pads and spray parks are opening, sea creatures are waiting to be discovered at low tide, there’s a brand new playground to explore, plus 10 amazing events to consider during this unofficial kickoff to summer.

And while I love to live in the moment, I can’t help but plan for the next big three-day weekend (yep, that would be Labor Day). So join me for a countdown to this year’s Bumbershoot, which promises to be better than ever.

— Meredith Charaba, family fun editor