Kids' Outdoor Exploration: Discovering Marine Life in Puget Sound Tide Pools

Kids' Outdoor Exploration: Discovering Marine Life in Puget Sound Tide Pools

Exploring Tide Pools: A Fascinating Family Adventure Along Puget Sound

On a sunny day, Vanessa Tippmann and her 3-year-old daughter delighted in the discovery of tide pools at Edmonds' Brackett's Landing North. The family's three-hour exploration the day before had sparked such anticipation that they returned for more.

"It's like Christmas," Tippmann exclaimed, her ankles brushing against the waters of Puget Sound as she pointed out the difference between smooth eel grass and Turkish towels — a playful comparison of the emerald-green vegetation and reddish-brown algae.

Under the echoing lullaby of waves, Puget Sound's beaches become treasure troves when the tide is low, drawing families to marvel at the hidden marine worlds. From the young to the young at heart, these shallow pools ensnared by rocks invite exploration and unveil the charm of the ocean's inhabitants.

Liz Hines, who oversees the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's Explore the Shore events, emphasizes, "You don't need any experience other than the excitement to explore."

What causes tide pools?

The culprit behind unusually low tides includes the gravitational pull of the moon. As the seawater retreats further than usual from the shore, tide pools are formed. During these times, beaches expand, revealing an array of ocean life concealed beneath the waves.

When to look for tide pools

While seaweed and shells are typically visible during every low tide, creatures such as moon snails, anemones, sea stars, and even octopus may be spotted on days with a negative low tide. "You're looking for anything -1.5 or greater," Hines advises. On extraordinary occasions, Puget Sound beaches might experience an extremely low tide of -4, attracting tide pool enthusiasts. Refer to online tide charts — such as NOAA's — to locate your preferred beach during low tide, and plan your visit at least an hour before the peak low tide.

To ensure safety and comfort, it is advised to:

• Wear sturdy water shoes or rain boots for rocky beaches.
• Cover your feet when climbing over rocks, as barnacles can scrape skin.
• Navigate strollers with caution, considering a hiking backpack or front carrier for infants.
• Dress children in dry clothes for warmth after their adventure.
• Pack water, snacks, a guidebook, and phone apps like iNaturalist to aid in identification.

Creating a Learning Experience

While engaging young beachgoers, Seattle Aquarium beach naturalist Dawn Chesbro would use inquiries like, "Do you think this crab is alive or dead?" The ambiguous response would spark curiosity, helping young tide pool enthusiasts develop a keen interest in their surroundings. Encouraging children to ponder the reasons behind animals' behavior can also foster learning.

Tide Pool Etiquette and Safety

Being a respectful guest in the sea creatures' habitat is essential. Be gentle while observing the animals, and avoid disturbing their homes. Algae and seaweed can be slippery, so be mindful while walking. As the tide begins to return, gradually make your way toward the shoreline.

Identifying the variety of sea wonders hidden in tide pools

Even common low tides can reveal exciting sea treasures, such as clam or scallop shells, and various types of seaweed. It's also common to spot tiny sea snails, shore crabs, and even elusive sea slugs, or nudibranchs. To locate the more challenging-to-spot creatures, take your time and carefully observe your surroundings, keeping an eye on the kelp and seagrass.

Going beyond tide pools

Though spotting intriguing animals is exciting, the benefits extend far beyond species identification. Studying tide pools can spark a sense of wonder and appreciation for the broader environment. For many children, this is their first introduction to Puget Sound's unique ecosystem, sealing a lifelong love for the ocean.

Prime Tide Pool Spots around Puget Sound

• North Puget Sound: Brackett's Landing North Park in Edmonds, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline, Carkeek Park in North Seattle
• Seattle: Golden Gardens Park, Olympic Sculpture Park Pocket Beach, Discovery Park, Constellation Park
• South Puget Sound: Owen Beach in Tacoma, Titlow Park beach in Tacoma, Dash Point State Park in Federal Way
• Road trip destinations: Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island, the Olympic National Park's Ruby Beach, and Oregon's Cannon Beach

Guided Naturalist Events

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium hosts several free Explore the Shore events, allowing participants to investigate the shore at low tide alongside naturalists. Upcoming dates can be found on the Explore the Shore page.

Seattle Aquarium's Beach Naturalist program is set to return in 2025, with guided explorations of ten different Seattle-area beaches led by volunteer naturalists. More information can be found on the aquarium's Beach Naturalist page.

Upcoming Negative Low Tides

More family-fun at Puget Sound beaches:

• Jetty Island: One of Puget Sound's Best Beaches for Summer Fun
• Seattle's Secret Beaches and Waterfront Parks
• Low Tide Beach Scavenger Hunt for Seattle-Area Families
• Summer Beach Reads for Families

Mark your calendar for these exciting opportunities to explore Puget Sound's tide pools:

• June 11-14
• June 23-28
• July 10-13
• July 21-26

1. The family adventure to explore tide pools at Edmonds' Brackett's Landing North sparked such excitement that they returned for another round.
2. Tippmann compared the emerald-green vegetation in the tide pools to smooth eel grass while pointing out the reddish-brown algae.
3. The low tides around Puget Sound are formed by the gravitational pull of the moon, drawing families to uncover the hidden marine worlds.
4. Liz Hines, who oversees Explore the Shore events, emphasizes that one doesn't need experience to explore the tide pools.
5. Creating a learning experience at the beach involves asking open-ended questions to engage young beachgoers and encourage curiosity in their surroundings.
6. Being a respectful guest in the sea creatures' habitat is essential, so it's important to be gentle while observing and to avoid disturbing their homes.
7. In addition to spotting intriguing animals, studying tide pools can spark a love for the broader ocean environment, especially for children who are introduced to Puget Sound's unique ecosystem for the first time.
8. Families can plan their visit to the tide pools an hour before the peak low tide by referring to online tide charts, such as NOAA's.

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