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.
If you are a Washington resident, or even a newcomer to the state, you know that driving over the Snoqualmie Pass can be treacherous at times. Even during sunny seasons, driving from one side of the state to the other can be exhausting. You need somewhere to stop where you don’t have to drive fully...
Walking inside Sweet Mickey’s retro-styled candy store on Ballard Avenue, I was expecting to learn more about the eternal appeal of crafted sugar in all its forms and flavors. I’ve toured jelly bean factories and chocolate production lines, but Sweet Mickey’s is a next-level candy destination. As we begin this year’s season of sugarplums, candy...
Once that first leaf falls, everyone knows that it’s pumpkin patch time. Stocker Farms, which is located in Snohomish, is a great option for those seeking autumnal vibes. This family-owned farm started in 1919 and has evolved over the last century, eventually opening at certain times of the year to allow families a beautiful and...
Northwest Whatcom County is a hotspot for family-friendly adventures. Home to two state parks, miles of beach access, a brewery and fresh seafood eateries, it’s the go-to destination for folks seeking a beach vacation near Bellingham. From Semiahmoo to Birch Bay and Blaine, here’s how to spend a weekend in Northwest Whatcom County. Semiahmoo Surrounded...
Central Washington is home to a multitude of state parks, each with their own unique features and viewpoints. If you’re looking for a daylong adventure through a beautiful park with river views and hiking paths, you’re in luck because the Ginkgo Petrified Forest has been patiently waiting for your visit. Planning a trip to Ginkgo...
Wallaby Ranch in Fall City is easily one of the most surprisingly outstanding experiences I’ve had on my day trips in Washington state. It’s not every day, month or even year that you get the opportunity to have such an intimate encounter with an animal so traditionally thought of as exotic in our region of...
Springtime in Washington means an abundance of blooms. Daffodils and crocus flowers begin to bloom, along with the hundreds of fruits and vegetables that begin to emerge from the ground after a chilly winter. But there’s one floral staple that begins to bloom in mid-March, catching the attention of thousands of Washington residents and travelers...
Point Ruston and the surrounding waterfront have come a long way from a place of mills, boatyards, warehouses and an infamous copper smelting plant. As a child I’d beg my mom to drive under the looming smelter tower via a 325-foot tunnel that had such a curve before the north entrance, drivers were directed to...
Have you visited Riverfront Park in Spokane WA? If you haven’t made it to the Riverfront Park yet, this is a must-see tourist destination in Lilac City. Riverfront Park boasts stunning waterfall views, great family recreational activities, and plenty of other adventures to hit within just a few blocks. You can spend hours walking the...
This guest post was written by Mercedes Benedict. A toddler mom and lover of the outdoors, you can find her and her toddlers adventures at: @maxwellandbeatrix Let’s be honest, most kids love it when it rains, it’s the parents who don’t. I’m not a huge fan of rain but I prefer rainy outdoor activities to children jumping...
Written by: Leanna Cushman – @leannacushman If the only thing you know about Grant County is the Gorge Amphitheatre, you may not know about the Grand Coulee laser light show, the healing waters of Soap Lake or the jam packed fun of the Grant County Fair. Let’s talk about that last thing. For someone who lived...
This guest post was written by Mercedes Benedict. A toddler mom and lover of the outdoors, you can find her & her toddlers adventures at: @maxwellandbeatrix When you have two high-energy toddlers getting outside to explore is a must. Luckily this is where the Sammamish/Issaquah excels. Located east of Seattle this busy suburb is situated near Cougar...
