Community • January 10, 2022

Kitsap’s Indoor Fun: Great Places to Take Kids

by Windermere Poulsbo

While there are many wonderful outdoor gems across Kitsap County, here are some fun indoor places to enjoy on cold, rainy days. These family-friendly activities are great for kids of different ages and many are free or under $15.

Interesting Indoor Activities in the Bremerton Area

Ahoy Kitsap Playland in Bremerton

This indoor playground and virtual reality play place offers drop-in play, punch cards, and monthly memberships, plus birthday party options. The play space is designed for kids ages 2 – 12, and they offer options for younger toddlers as well. There is a snack bar and a bar for those 21 and older.

Cost: $10+ | Open: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday – Saturday; 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday – Monday

Bug and Reptile Museum in Bremerton

This free museum has lots of creepy crawlies to check out, and it is a great educational opportunity for kids. There are numerous types of insects, live reptiles, and even an 8-foot ant farm. Don’t forget to visit their gift shop. It has fun toys and some are educational.

Cost: Free | Open: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily

Cascade Elite Gymnastics West in Silverdale

This 16,000 sq. ft. facility features setups for gymnasts and tumblers of all ages starting at 6 months for parent/baby classes. Open gym, gymnastics classes, parkour, dance teams, and ninja school are some of the offerings available.

Cost: Varies, Monthly $59+ | Open: Varies by class/activity

Defy Trampoline Park in Silverdale

This indoor trampoline park is a great way to burn off energy with different areas for different ages and abilities. Timed entry helps to give everyone ample space to bounce. You can reserve time to host birthdays or events here. Special socks required (must be purchased on-site).

Cost: $13+, Kids under 2 free with Adult | Open: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale

From aquatics to group exercise classes, personal training to weights and cardio equipment, and even streaming classes, the Y has something for everyone! Summer camps are available as well as youth sports and swimming lessons.

Cost: Memberships $34+, Drop-in $20+

Open: Monday – Thursday 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Insight Climbing Rock Gym in Bremerton

In the newest location of this gym, you’ll find both day-use passes and monthly memberships available, and routes for different abilities as well as bouldering walls. They offer classes and the option for booking private parties.

Cost: $15+ | Open: Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday & Friday 1:00 – 9:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton

One of 10 museums funded and operated by the U.S. Navy, this museum’s roots date back to the 1950s. There are permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones, and you can even find some exhibits online. It’s a great spot to visit when in downtown Bremerton or make a day trip out of it.

Cost: FREE | Open: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, later on First Fridays

Valentinetti Puppet Museum in Bremerton

Learn about how puppets have changed over time and take a tour of the facility. There’s a children’s play area with monthly “make and take” activities, and a gift shop with a wide variety of books and different types of puppets.

Cost: $4 | Open: Thursday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Bainbridge Island Family Fun

Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center in Bainbridge Island

At the Don Nakata pool, you’ll find amenities for kids of all ages including a beach-entry pool, tot pool, water slide, lazy-river, and frog slide as well as lap swim and a sauna.

Cost: $7+ | Open: Varies by activity type. View their schedule.

Insight Climbing Rock Gym in Bainbridge Island

With both day-use passes and monthly memberships available, this 8,500 sq. ft. climbing gym has multiple routes for climbers of different abilities to enjoy as well as some auto-belay options. They offer classes and have the option for booking private parties or groups.

Cost: $15+ | Open: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closed Wednesdays)

KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum)

Located next to the Bainbridge Island Art Museum, this children’s museum features exhibits and activities designed for kids aged 6 months to 8 years. KiDiMu also offers workshops and events. It’s a wonderful space that encourages imaginative play and exploration.

Cost: $3+ | Open: Monday & Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

During Bainbridge’s monthly First Friday Art Walk, KiDiMu is open and offers FREE activities.

North Kitsap’s Indoor Activities

Dancing Brush Studio in Poulsbo

Visit the studio for in-person painting, or choose a kit to paint at home and drop back off for firing. This Poulsbo staple is great for people of all ages and artistic abilities as well as group paint nights or birthday parties.

Cost: Varies | Open: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Kitsap Regional Library Classes & Events

Our local libraries across Kitsap County host a variety of virtual and in-person classes and events. This includes the branch in Kingston where the library is located within the Village Green Community Center. The Village Green is also home to the Boys & Girls Club, event spaces, meet-ups for local youth and adult groups, and more.

Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport

Learn all about the history of the Navy’s undersea operations and the exceptional people and technology that have made it possible. Look through a periscope, learn about torpedoes, or check out a replicated control room.

Cost: Free | Open: Wednesday – Monday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Sea & Shore Museum on the 2nd floor of Port Gamble General Store

Collected by a former Port Gamble resident, this is the second-largest private collection of seashells in the world. You’ll find many types of starfish, shells of all shapes and sizes, shark teeth, and more.

Cost: Free | Open: Sunday – Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Community • August 18, 2021

12 Kitsap Farms to Visit

by Windermere Poulsbo

City proximity is one of the many benefits of living in Kitsap County, but during the summer months, rural life can really steal the show. Here are some local farms that offer U-pick flowers, farm stands, and opportunities to visit and interact with animals.

Farm Animal Fun

Photo by The Smithshyre.

Bushel & Barrel in Poulsbo

Although Bushel & Barrel is known for its beverages, this cidery is also a great place to play with baby goats! They have different types of events on their calendar that allow interactions with their animals on a regular basis. One example: goat yoga on Sundays!

Price: Pints for $6; events starting at $25

Courter Country Farm in Poulsbo

Open seasonally from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM for U-pick veggies and animal visits, Courter County Farm is a “destination” farm. They’re a fun option for birthday parties, weddings, and even Airbnb stays. Located off of Central Valley Road near Poulsbo, they sell produce, poultry, flowers, and eggs. Enjoy spending time with their cute animals including rabbits and goats.

Online Farm Store

Laeradr Farms in Poulsbo

You can make an appointment to snuggle baby goats at this farm and feed their alpacas and sheep. They offer open farm days and private farm tours. You can also book small events such as birthday parties. Fun fact: all of their sheep are named after Star Wars characters!

Price: $15 for a 30-minute appointment or $180 for a 2-hour private party

Sapphire Meadowbrook Farms in Olalla

This Olalla farm is currently offering farm visits (petting-zoo style) by appointment. Contact them to schedule a private mobile petting zoo for your event, or host a party at their farm. They have goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, pigs, and dogs. Additionally, they sell eggs, goat cheese, and soap.

Price: Varies by event

Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm in Poulsbo

This farm off of Port Gamble Road raises alpacas and llamas. Additionally, they sell yarn, free-range eggs, and other goods as well as alpaca toys and apparel. Currently, they are doing tours by reservation only with limited contact with animals. But you can still visit the farm and learn all about alpacas and meet their Great Pyrenees dog.

Price: $7.50 per person for tours

The Smithshyre in Poulsbo

A homestead by self-definition, The Smithshyre grows food to self-sustain and offers tours to learn about homesteading practices. They are the home of Kitsap Goat Yoga, and they offer baby goat snuggle sessions. Also, you can book private events there.

Price: $35 for Goat Yoga; $65 for Private Tour; $300 for Private Goat Yoga for 8

Produce and Flowers

Photo by Fat Turnip Farms.

Butler Green Farms on Bainbridge Island

A Bainbridge Island favorite since 1984, Butler Green Farms’ growing practices are biodiverse and they proudly offer pesticide-free veggies and humanely-raised meats and eggs. Seasonal bouquets are available for purchase at their Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm stand, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, and also for special occasions upon request. Current CSA members and those interested in joining can visit their farmstand. They can also be found at select local retailers.

CSA Info

Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston

Tucked away in Eglon, Fat Turnip is a WSDA certified organic farm with various types of produce. But their real showstopper is their annual Pumpkin Patch. They also offer U-Pick bouquets for only $5.00. You can find their produce on Kitsap Fresh, or pay a visit to their cute location for roadside sales. Mark your calendar to visit them again in October for fall harvest fun.

Petal and Pitchfork in Poulsbo

This lush oasis, located between Poulsbo and Keyport on Sherman Hill Road, has a flower CSA and offers U-pick flowers, which is currently by appointment only due to COVID-19. Also, they sell produce. In non-pandemic times, they host pop-up markets. Interesting additional info: Petal & Pitchfork is owned by Kelsey and Stacy Marshall who own Grounds for Change and helped create Owen’s Playground, an inclusive, barrier-free playground on Bainbridge Island.

Online Store

Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island

Located off Day Road on Bainbridge Island, Suyematsu offers different things in different seasons. In spring and early summer, they have U-pick berries. In late summer, they have flowers, and in the fall, they have great pumpkins and gourds. Check their Facebook page for current offerings.

Take Your Pick: U-Cut Flowers in Bremerton

Visit this flower garden with a cause. Their mission is to help Kitsap County’s homeless community by cutting flowers. All proceeds are donated to shelters benefiting women and children. They have a roadside flower stand open on Wednesdays and offer U-cut bouquets on Saturdays.

Yoked Farmhouse & Brewery in Port Orchard

Yoked is a farm-to-table brewery, growing their own ingredients for unique brews. They offer produce, eggs, and flowers for sale. Also, they host many family-friendly events like themed food cook-offs, science Saturdays, pickling classes, and yoga.

Community • June 29, 2021

New Agent Spotlight: Will Storch

by Windermere Poulsbo

We’re excited to feature Will Storch, a newer agent who recently joined Windermere Poulsbo. As a lifelong local, Will is passionate about community and serving clients’ individual needs. He works with buyers and sellers on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County. Will brings a range of skills and experiences to the table, allowing him to connect with a variety of people, sharing real estate expertise and insider tips. Read on to find out more.

What drew you to real estate?

Community drew me to real estate. Growing up on Bainbridge Island, I know and understand the importance of surrounding oneself with an amazing community. I have used this motto in every community I have lived in and it really helps create a feeling of security, fun, and being able to give back to the community. I also love interacting with people and being able to provide something for them.

What unique professional experiences enhance your abilities as a realtor?

My background in retail and design enhances my abilities as a Realtor. I have a long history in the restaurant industry, which requires a lot of listening, multi-tasking, and delivering the highest quality product. I am also a trained interior designer and home stager. Being able to help a client stage their home to create the best environment helps them get top dollar. Also, being able to help a client look at a home and give ideas on how to make it their own home gives me an advantage.

What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?

Being a good listener and being able to communicate. Every client is different and it is so important to know what is important to each individual person, being a leader or mentor when needed. As an expert in the field, my opinion is based on experience and knowledge, and I am here to guide each client through the buying or selling process.

Which areas do you serve and what do you love about them?

I am based in Kitsap County with a primary focus on Bainbridge Island, where I currently live and was raised. I have also lived in Seattle for a number of years and consider myself knowledgeable about the different areas of Seattle and understand the market conditions in King County. All the areas surrounding Seattle and Kitsap County offer amazing opportunities from outdoor activities to cultural opportunities, and great restaurants and schools. I personally love living on Bainbridge Island with access to great beaches, parks, trails, and restaurants.

Note: Check out Will’s new website where he shares a wealth of information about our local communities.

How long have you lived here?

I grew up on Bainbridge Island, graduated high school at BHS, go Spartans! I returned to live here about 8 years ago. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Washington University, I decided to pursue careers in Portland, Oregon. I worked for one of the fastest-growing coffee roasters in the country. Then I decided to move to Seattle and open and manage two cafes and a roastery. This was a challenge coming into a new market. But after a short time, we established ourselves in the community. I was able to become a part of the bustling city life. After 6 years and studying interior design, I made the move back to Bainbridge Island and began working as a bartender, creating many relationships. I also built a strong home staging business.

How are you involved in the community?

I support our local schools, including the Island School, where I attended kindergarten through third grade. This school established my identity and gave me tools at a young age that I continue to use. I also formed relationships with friends that are still just as strong today. Our amazing parks department is something else I commit time to regularly. I would like to pursue more of a role in Human Rights, Race Relations, and the LGBTQ+ sector on the Island, and I hope to see these issues become more widely discussed and addressed on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County.

Volunteering during our annual Community Service Day.

What made you decide to work with Windermere?

I have always been fascinated with Windermere’s branding and advertising. When I was younger, I used to pick up the copy of Windermere Living on the ferries and flip through and see the houses listed. Windermere always possesses a fierce focus on locality with a global network. After many years of home staging and getting to know agents at different firms, everyone at Windermere seemed to be happy, driven, and successful. Windermere also keeps the focus on each individual client.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am excited to continue to grow and expand my reach in each community that I serve. The beauty that surrounds us in the Pacific Northwest clearly speaks to many people. I believe the diversity of each area provides something for everyone.

We are thrilled to have Will Storch as a member of our Windermere family. He’s an excellent choice for buyers and sellers and you can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website.