Explore Washington State
Traveling or exploring with kids means finding places that actually hold their attention, activities that do not wear out a parent, and experiences that create the kind of memories you are all still talking about years later. Washington State has more of those places than most families ever manage to find.
This section is where we gather everything we have found across the state that works well with kids in tow. You will find outdoor adventures, rainy day options, hands on museums, beaches that tolerate sand castle construction, trails short enough to hold a five year old’s attention, and small town spots that surprise everyone in the car. Every post is written by someone who has actually been there with family.
Washington is genuinely one of the best states for family travel. The range of terrain means you can find the right fit for any age group and any season. A toddler and a ten year old can both have a great time in the same place if you know where to look, and a lot of those places are within easy driving distance of anywhere in the state.
Browse recent posts below or use the county tags to find activities near where you are headed. If you are planning a trip with younger kids, the things to do guides for individual cities and towns are a good place to start.
Blake Island Marine State Park to us, is a local paradise and what the locals call a “Blakation”! Your arrival at the island puts you directly into another world. You will be greeted with grazing deer, possibly a bald eagle, the sounds of birds chirping and the waves crashing over the rocks on the beach....
The leaves turning orange and red and the crisp autumn air are all signs that the seasons are changing, but there is nothing that says Fall in the Pacific Northwest like a visit to a pumpkin patch. In Vancouver, Washington, the Zimmerman family owns and operates Bi-Zi Farms, which has everything you could ever want...
If you’ve ever dreamed of a quick escape from Seattle to the charm of Victoria, British Columbia, the Victoria Clipper might be your new favorite way to travel. Recently, our family packed up for a long weekend adventure and hopped aboard this passenger ferry and it turned out to be one of the smoothest and...
Updated for 2025 When you visit the Kittitas County Fair, you’ll find it’s more than just a local event; it’s a blend of tradition and modern entertainment that caters to all ages. Located conveniently off I-90 in Ellensburg, the Kittitas County Fair offers easy access and plenty of parking. Whether exploring the Historical Frontier Village...
Do you like towering mountain peaks? Tight valleys and a road that zigs and zags back and forth? A drive not like many others? Do you love encountering breathtaking views? Peaks that hold snow almost an entire year? The North Cascades Highway — SR20 If any of the above questions intrigued you, then State Route...
Along a winding country road beneath the shadow of Mt. Rainier lies a blueberry farm fondly known as Canter-Berry Farms. To the unknowing tourist, the farm appears to be an idyllic and tranquil spot to bring one’s family and spend time together gathering and grazing on blueberries. While this description is all true, what most...
Kites are a common sight on the beaches of Southwestern Washington. I remember staying at Ocean Shores with family many years ago and being fascinated by the stunt kites being flown in the mornings and later afternoons almost every day. Get Inspired To Go Fly a Kite! Most of us remember flying a single string...
When I decided to write a birding feature for Explore Washington State, I wracked my brain about which of my favorite birding locales I would showcase for an hour of birding. Ultimately I decided that it would be most appropriate to take you on a journey that echoes my own when I first began birding,...
Snoqualmie Falls is a beloved Washington Attraction. Go beyond the lookout and find places to eat, recreation, and more nearby!
Located east of North Bend, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road accesses dozens of popular hiking trails. Here are three kid-friendly hikes in the river valley. Garfield Ledges Garfield Ledges is the most strenuous of the three kid-friendly hikes we love along Middle Fork Road, but the views are worth the extra energy. While driving,...
Looking for an outdoor activity in Auburn? With interesting geological features, hiking and an ADA-accessible trail, model aircraft flying, picnic and playground areas and a trail for equestrian use, Flaming Geyser State Park has something for most everyone to enjoy. Planning a trip to Flaming Geyser State Park? Our complete park guide covers hours, camping, activities,...
Just because you live in the city, doesn't mean you need to give up fly fishing. Here is a list of places to fish within an hour of Seattle!
