StandUP Paddle Planet

For many Americans, Labor Day is synonymous with unbearable crowds, long lines, traffic congestion and travel nightmares. Â This Labor Day, celebrate the long weekend without standing in any lines or pushing through crowds. Â The five options below offer a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the long-weekend, and instead celebrate at a more relaxed venue.

STAND UP AND PADDLE, it's the hot new thing. pages 4-6At Keegan Clair Park, there's something different going on.

With temperatures pushing triple digits this week, there are many places on Queen Anne where you can retreat to find a little comfort and coolness. Here are a few favorites we discovered:Play in the water at the International Fountain at Seattle Center. For a smaller crowd, there’s the Fountain of Creation, a wading pool and fountain we found tucked away near Seattle Center’s Northwest Rooms. The Center House (305 Harrison St) at Seattle Center is air conditioned inside and is open from 7am-9pm