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.
My daughter and I love to get outside and explore, no matter the weather. But there’s something to be said for an indoor day of fun — especially during the winter (or during the West Coast’s new ‘smoke season’.) MOHAI, Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry, is a fun and interactive learning destination for kids...
Spokane has grown into a kid-friendly city in recent years and it always seems to be getting better. Between Downtown Spokane, North Spokane and South Spokane, there is always something to do or see for kids of all ages. Downtown Spokane with Kids Riverfront Park Riverfront Park was recently renovated to include some great new...
The Gnome Trail in Maple Valley is pure tiny human magic. The 0.7-mile loop will have your kiddo racing through the woods in wonder and awe. As a parent or caregiver, you too might feel like pixie dust magic hangs in the air. After all, the chorus of giggles that ripples through these woods is...
Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY! My mom, sister, her three little girls and I went on an adventure to the Cat Tales Wildlife Center in Spokane. They serve as a center for retired and rescued exotics and wildlife unable to be returned to the wild. Cat Tales Wildlife Center is the only zoo...
If you are anywhere near Bellingham, Washington, up in the Northwest part of Washington near the Canadian border and not too far away from the sea, then you are in for a real treat! A new park has just been established and it’s one that you must go and see. If you have kids or...
What kind of park-goer are you? Are you the kind that likes to go by yourself for a nice stroll or brisk walk with a loved one or a friend? Or are you someone who goes because you have a pile of kids and you love the experience of the playground and the equipment and...
Crunch, crunch, crunch, swoosh crrr… run, jump, slip and slide down the twisty, turny, steep green slide — hoping not to shoot off the edge. And back around to the balance beam, hop onto the frog, over to the swings and back up the steps shaped like leaves and turtle backs before racing down the...
Yakima is truly an amazing place. Yes, I grew up here, so it should be pretty easy for me to make that comment. Every once in a while, I need to be reminded by what makes this valley so special. This article was originally written more than 14 months ago. It was to celebrate the...
As a 90’s kid, Warner Bros’ “Free Willy” was my introduction to Orcas. I imagined myself as Jesse, fist high in the air screaming “Yeah!” as Willy leapt into the Pacific and swam to freedom. As cheesy as the film may seem now, fictional Willy tells a not-so-fictional story. Many of these animals spend their...
For those who read the recent article about escaping COVID screen time and getting outdoors, you saw a list of six or so activities to do in Washington’s great outdoors. You may have done them alone to get some individual, “you” time. You may have gotten those kids of yours off the screen and out...
If you’re seeking fresh air and nature’s beauty and you don’t want to go too far – Squires Lake is an ideal hike to explore! Looking to breathe in fresh air and enjoy nature’s beauty with only an hour or two to spare? Check out Squires Lake! Nestled near the south end of the Chuckanut...
This past year was more than enjoyable for many people. Most were fearful of the new COVID-19 illness, while others escaped into the glorious outdoors. What did you do? What about your children? Us adults, well, we have experienced more life. We do better at understanding what might be going on and rolling with the...
