My friends have been flocking to the beaches to beat the heat. I’ve been envious of their nighttime frolicking, but am too terrified of flesh-eating bacteria and toxic water to make the trek to meet them, let alone set foot in the toxic muck.

To counter my fears, a friend directed me this map and informed me that — counterintuitively — the water at Green Lake is cleaner than that in Lake Washington. I’m not sure that I can get over my lakey superstitions, but maybe this evidence will help you jump in.

For the colder, and somehow less scary, salt water beaches, you can check the Washington State Department of Health; here’s King County, looking “good” [doh].

• Take in the U-District Farmers Market. More and more vendors are showing up at the markets each week. I can’t wait until the asparagus comes back!
• Take a picnic to Gas Works Park
• Rent kayaks at Agua Verde (they have a shiny new dock all ready for you)
• Bike or run the newly completed Ballard end of the Burke Gilman Trail. It takes you down to the beach at Golden Gardens.
• And to end your day, stop off at the Ballard ArtWalk (pdf map). From 6-9pm, various artists (including my exceedingly talented husband) will be showing their works at some of Ballard’s best businesses.

Anybody else get some good turns in? This family did.