Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA is a family-friendly resort about 90 minutes from Seattle. With all the amenities, its definitely one of the coolest resorts in Washington state for families. . While in Port Townsend, spend some time exploring Chetzemoka Park- the park is beautiful with so much for kids to explore! Photo credit: Rob Taylor | 2TravelDads. The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is fun for kids to run around. 
Travel to Whistler in the winter is, of course, fantastic with phenomenal skiing and snowboarding, fantastic kids programs (even for the tiniest skiers), snowshoeing, and much much more. We enjoy visiting Spokane every year because theres always something new to discover each time we come, whether its a new restaurant, a new store, or a new kid-friendly activity. Plus there is SO much to do right within walking distance (read about why we love the Seattle Center here). The resort is split over multiple buildings, and while that can be a little annoying if you want to go from one place to another in the snow, it does make you that much warmer when you make it indoors and you get a look at the beautiful scenery. Required fields are marked *. Check out Pelican Brewerys beachfront location in Pacific City, which is super kid-friendly and fun, tour the Tillamook cheese factory, drive down to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, or just head up the coast towards Astoria, checking out every beach on the way dont forget the famously beautiful Cannon Beach (where parts of the Goonies was filmed!). Or, rent one of the MANY great vacation rentals in the area, and look for one that comes with a kayak or paddleboard so you can get out and explore! Or get a permit and dig for clams for a fun dinner. Sweet! But dont forget, the resort, and Whistler village has tons to offer in the summer as well. In the winter, Leavenworth transforms into a winter wonderland of Christmas dreams. Plus, its easy to walk to cafes, restaurants, the ferry terminal, and more. So many great ideas! During the ride, be sure to get out on the deck and take in some the views on the ride, and if you are VERY lucky, you might even spot a whale or two. Its about a 3 hour drive south of Seattle (when traffic is normal) and its one of the best kid friendly vacations in Oregon. And there is just SO much to do in the area. Suncadia is an easy weekend getaway from the Seattle-area. Youll also want to check out Silverwood Theme Park, with thrilling rides for all ages, plus an amazing water park! This $10 permit will give you access to the Makah lands and its available activities. ), digging in the sand, flying kites or building bonfires. Its right by the Peace Arch border crossing. The family pool is kept at 92F, making it great for winter AND summer vacation. The scenery was breathtaking at ThunderFoot Riding, LLC in Twisp, WA. Then take the monorail downtown you gotta check out the Pike Place Market. Take a look at this view. Upon arrival, make sure you stop at the Museum to pick up a Recreation Permit. There are several outdoor fire pits, playgrounds, and a farm with childrens activities. The beaches are great for kids with far reaches of sand for running and kite flying, there are tide pools at Ruby Beach, and the Quinault Rainforest is a short drive away. It has both indoor AND outdoor spaces with construction, clay, waterplay, and veterinarian exhibits (plus many many more). The scenery is gorgeous and the various bridges that frequent the path are neat to look at, as well. If you are looking for a Wild West themed town, Winthrop is the best in the Northwest! 
[irp posts=1720 name=Family Travel Guide to Portland, Oregon with Toddlers]. Families can enjoy delicious food, horseback riding, live music, and a campfire with smores! 
Once you get to the beach, kids can spend hours flying kites, playing in the sand, collecting shells, etc. We will often bring our bikes and will ride for hours around their massive 6,000 acre community. Take a day trip out to Multnomah Falls- its so beautiful! Getting out to the San Juan Islands requires a ferry ride which leaves from Anacortes, but for kids, the ferry ride is half the fun! While there, we recommend staying at the Westin Bayshore for the great location close to restaurants, and Stanley Park, and the fantastic pool. We cant visit Poulsbo without stopping into Sluys Bakery, my favorite is the butterflake rolls YUM! Photo credit: Michael Palermiti, courtesy of Seabrook. We love to visit Kalaloch on summer weekends to get away from the crowds other natural areas closer to the city tend to draw. Im a Seattle girl, born and raised, and I love Northwest summer adventures. 
The truth is, even if you arent mountain biking (or skiing), Whistler village is a really fun place to be! One of our favorite weekend getaways is the Oregon Coast! Follow her on Instagram. Neah Bay makes a great weekend getaway from Seattle. When visiting the town of Leavenworth, the Sleeping Lady resort in Leavenworth is a perfect place to relax after a day in the snow, both indoors and out! Read my full post about San Juan Island here. Plus, he couldnt stop smiling! The Discovery Center is a family-friendly stop in Poulsbo, WA. For a little extra thrill, rent a boat or a jetski from Shoreline Watercraft. These are beautiful places to visit! You will want to plan another day to browse the boardwalk in Westport, where you will find plenty of quirky and cute shops with gifts, candy, and trinkets. Dont miss the famous tide pools at Cannon Beach (make sure to check the tide schedules first) or scenic Tillamook to tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory theyre building a brand new visitors center that opens this summer, where you can get all the cheese & ice cream samples you want! Its the best way to end the evening gathered as a family (often in our pjs) after a day of fun. I hope you love it as much as we do! Be sure to go early, especially on a weekend, as parking can be a challenge. Rangers can help you choose a suitable trail for your family. Plus, there are several holiday themed events to see, like the lighting of the tree in the town square, and a local childrens choir singing Christmas carols. Its the perfect summer or fall weekend getaway. So whether you are a resident of the PNW looking for a fantastic family vacation spot you can drive to, or a visitor looking to explore more of this area, youll find it has a lot to offer. The Point Defiance Zoo here is a must-visit with kids and my family is very excited for the expansion on the Pacific Seas Aquarium that is opening this summer. You can also do a great little harbor tour, or head out for whale watching Victoria.
But our most favorite time to be there is Spring and Summer. I mean, this is the PNW at its finest! I still remember my sons excitement when he earned his. The views going down and coming up are spectacular! There are lots of fun shops close to the beach it seems like every town has a saltwater taffy shop across from the sand. Thanks to Chloe, from Creatively Clo, for this recommendation. Photo credit: Sothea Mah. Families can take a seaplane from Seattle or drive and take the ferry from Anacortes. WiFi is free and all of the rooms have a small fridge. The outdoor pool is closed in the fall until Memorial Day for the summer. Photo credit: Darren Cheung. The Capilano Suspension bridge is SO amazing (especially for Christmas), and the kids will LOVE Science World. Looking for a location rich in natural beauty, culture, and history? Our family loves to hike, and Mt. Parksville Community Park is one of the best playground weve ever seen. Then continue down to the gum wall, and the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Waterfront Park. Rainier is about 2 hours from Seattle. It is 24 hour entertainment! Photo credit: Terumi Pong. Portland has a reputation of being THE spot for hipster young adults, and maybe it is. And dont forget your dogs, they are a very pet friendly town. This short journey up through the pass is so full of Pacific Northwest beauty. I've actually been thinking about doing a trip to Montana when the boys are a bit older. Thanks to Bree, from Rain and Pine, for this suggestion. On the beautiful Wenatchee River, youll find opportunities for tube floats, or even white water raft rides for families with older kids- check out Osprey Rafting for both tube rentals and rafting trips.
The Pacific Science Center is a definite favorite for my kids and I, and could easily fill an entire day. Pro tip: If its a sunny day youll blend right in with long time Seattle residents by saying, The mountain is out.. Always check road conditions (and closures/openings) before you head up. The resort has many different cabin types, such as the canine room for pet owners, double-decker bunks for larger families, and a standalone cabin for special occasions. If you have not heard of Great Wolf Lodge, it is an indoor water park with locations around the United States and Canada. You can also visit the picturesque town of Astoria and ride the seaside trolley, climb the steps of the Astoria Column, or find the famous house from The Goonies movie. [irp posts=3594 name=10 Things To Do in Seabrook, WA with Kids], Westport Marina is a nice place to hang out and watch the boats. If you plan on doing any hiking youll want to bring along the Ten Essentials. While there, enjoy the Museum as a way to provide a great foundation for your weekend adventure ~ there are also different festivals throughout the year to celebrate Makah culture. Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Tacoma is the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and it DOES NOT disappoint. Although a solid 4 hour drive West from Seattle (includes a ferry ride! We love vacationing at the lake because its SO simple (and budget-friendly), yet so memorable and fun. Rainier is a perfect spot for a family hike!
But, the 2 water slides easily make up for this loss. Many of the hotels have really great swimming pools- we recommend the Westin for its great indoor/outdoor pool, and its fantastic location on the Whistler Village side. The Kimpton by the waterfront is a great choice. Plus, its right near Roche Harbor Resort, which has cute little shops and restaurants. Other favorites are the Ballard Locks, the Museum of Flight (read why we love it), and the Woodland Park Zoo. There are also TONS of fantastic kid-friendly (short drives) day trips from here. Ruby Beach is sure to be a family favorite! Bring sand toys and lots of buckets for endless fun for younger kids. They also love watching the glassblowers create sculptures at the Museum of Glass. Photo credit: Lyndsey Wells | Boy Moms Unite. Photo credit: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. Older kids can ride horses down to camp. Perfect for family fun and vacation. Photo credit: Darren Cheung. One of our favorite places for a weekend getaway in the summer/fall is Portland, Oregon.
Kalaloch is also home to the tree cave which you just have to visit to understand how cool it is. Plus, there are tons of parks, family-friendly restaurants, and cool independent stores. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. We have three little boys so we like to rent a cottage via VRBO.com close to the beach with separate bedrooms, full kitchens & laundry facilities for those sandy towels. To avoid bringing your car on the ferry, stay in Friday Harbor youll find tons to explore nearby. ), the journey itself is beautiful, and the rewards on arrival are plentiful. Thanks to Tabitha, of Love Tabitha, for this hidden gem! Take the Tsawwassen-Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry then just a short drive up to Parksille. We cant wait to head out there this summer to experience this ourselves. Wow I never been to this part of the country but I really want to visit, We had a Great Wold Lodge by us in Ohio and loved it! What I like about Winthrop is that they do the western thing in a really cool way. If you want space, splurge for the Wolf Den which gives the kids bunk beds and their own space and a table to eat at. The Pacific Northwest is such a fun and unique area to visit, with a special charm you really wont find anywhere else. The San Juan Islands are definitely a great PNW vacation spot! I love that my whole family can come, no one has a problem with you bringing your dog to sit on the patio of the restaurant and theres plenty for children to do. Be sure to also have your kids do the Junior Ranger program if you have time. Photo credit Astrid Vinje. Youll also find opportunities for ziplining, playing miniature golf with goats, and just exploring the beautiful Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, plus much much more! Thanks Lyndsey, from Boy Moms Unite for rounding out our list! It has the most amazing riverfront view from the balcony! The ferry ride to from Anacortes to Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) takes about one hour. I dont think you can go wrong anywhere on the Oregon coast, to be honest.
I hope you get to do an overnight there sometime! We recently stayed at the Silver Cloud Inn, the only waterfront hotel in the area, and loved exploring the beaches and little cafes around Point Ruston. Its easily the most beautiful hotel in the area, perhaps even the most beautiful building, and has tons of great amenities (including a kids afternoon tea, an indoor pool and more). Id suggest taking advantage of their spa services! Some top kid-friendly hotels in Westport, WA include: Some of my posts contain affiliate links. [irp posts=6919 name=Family Weekend Getaway to Winthrop, WA: A Wild West Town]. The aquarium portion alone is well worth the visit. Its a small place, but has tons of really cool touch pools, and experts that can tell you all about the animals there or in the area. We love participating in it each year as a family because it truly feels like a community-wide event. Several city-wide events throughout the year draw visitors from all over the United States, and sometimes the world. Ill admit, Vancouver is one of my favorite cities.
Go explore the waterfront park, right in town, or, if your kids can handle it, we LOVE hiking up Icicle Ridge for the epic overlook. While in Victoria, be sure to check out the famous Butchart Gardens, and we also love the Butterfly Museum. Chelan is located basically smack dab in the middle of Washington, on the east side of the Cascades. We love childrens museums, and the Portland Childrens Museum is fantastic. It is a perfect park to explore with kids. The indoor accommodations are exquisite, and not just the place to sleep! Portland awesome for families because there lots of kid-friendly activities like the Oregon Zoo and OMSI.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We also bring our own food.
Lake Chelan, a beautiful 55 mile long inland fjord, is famous for its glistening blue water, and stunning Stehekin, which is only accessible by boat or plane terrain. The location feels central, and though there isnt a ton REALLY close, we LOVE the quiet beaches there- perfect for hours of kids splashing and playing, and parents relaxing in the sunshine. We love Tacoma for a Seattle getaway because its only about an hour drive away but when we stay overnight there it still feels like a vacation. While there, stay at the Fairmont Empress you wont regret it. Read her full post about Spokane. Youll also enjoy some of Anacortess great kid-friendly restaurants dont miss breakfast at Calico Cupboard! These are great ideas! When it comes to escaping to nature, the Seattle area has tons of choices, but our favorite for a great beach is a weekend in Kalaloch on the Pacific Coast. We love maximizing our vacation time, which means squeezing in as MANY road trips and weekend trips as we can. One of our favorite things to do is go on a whale watching boat trip. Home Destinations Best Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaways from Seattle.
If you think youll do a bit of sightseeing in the city there is a Tacoma Museum pass that can help save you some money on area attractions as well. Watch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Located just south of Seattle, Tacoma is super easy to get to from Seattle, Portland, OR even Vancouver. In the Fall, we pack clothes for layering and a light jacket for those brisk evenings. In any season, Neah Bay is magic.With easy, well-maintained trails, the hikes are great for trekkers of all ages and abilities. It's one of our favorite cities (but we're totally biased!). Thanks Terumi of An Emerald City Life for these ideas! Kid-friendly hotels in Spokane include: Hotel RL by Red Lion, and The Historic Davenport. [irp posts=3575 name=Things To Do in San Juan Island, WA with Kids]. But the large family pool is more than enough for days of fun. Pacific Northwest Girls Weekend in Astoria, Oregon One simple drive through this area and youd be forgiven for thinking you had inadvertently entered a portal and exited into the Swiss Alps in Europe. Rainier. You can see our full review, Read her full post about a Bavarian Weekend in Leavenworth, Read her full post about the kid-friendly guide to Mt.
Weve picked a handful of our favorite Pacific Northwest family vacation destinations and hope you see something that inspires you to get out and explore this area! You can actually see Canada from the resort, which is pretty cool and makes it one of our favorite Seattle weekend getaways! There are some concessions available, but theyre limited and pricey. And dont forget to stop by Voodoo Donuts for their ridiculously over the top (but SUPER fun and delicious) donuts. Its EXTREMELY kid-friendly, and has all the great amenities of a big city without really feeling like a city. Spokane is the second largest city in Washington state, and offers plenty of unique activities for families. Most of all, plan to spend plenty of time at the beach while you are here. While there, we recommend the Parksville Beach Club Resort an easy choice because its right on the beach and has luxurious, family-sized rooms (full kitchens in the suites! Vancouver island has a lot to offer, and is a favorite destination for our family. We live in Montana which means Seattle is one of the very few places we can get to for cheap ;) - I've been dying to go to the San Juan Islands and you gave me a bunch of other great ideas as well! We've never been to Seattle. Braving Capilano Suspension Bridge with a Toddler They have an indoor pool, which is a big hit for our kids. You can drive right onto the sand in Oregon! This is one of the many adorable Seabrook vacation rentals available. Only a short drive away, pack food or order take out from one of the restaurants in town and enjoy it at the park overlooking the bay/marina, find free parking right in the middle of town and just walk to everything. One of our familys favorite adventures was participating in the Cowboy Dinner through Sun Mountain Lodge. You wont want to miss the Vancouver Aquarium, right within Stanley Park. There are over eighty parks within the city, including the popular Riverfront Park, with its iconic clocktower. There is a wonderful pool for kids and hot tub for mom and dad. Read her full post about Grayland & Wesport. While theres a nod to pioneer life, real people live and work here. An annual pass is 55.00. Id recommend bringing lunch on board.
definitely its WAAAY out there), so at low tide, happy toddlers explore tide pools as far out as their little feet will carry them. Note: The holiday lights stay up through Valentines Day! We like to stay at the Earthbox Inn & Spa right in Friday Harbor. I cant say enough about this place except to go and check it out yourselves. Or take your car on, and explore the whole island. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.
Weve been back several times and its definitely one of the best family friendly hotels in Washington! My 4 year old got to spend a morning riding on a horse at Thunderfoot Riding, LLC in nearby Twisp. Mt. And lets not forget to explore the iconic town of Roslyn. If you have a car, enjoy a truly relaxing stay at Snug Harbor Resort, on the west side, in one of the ADORABLE cabins. Suncadia has so much to offer for the entire family. We are huge fans of Destination Hotels, specifically Suncadia as its right in our own backyard in the city of Roslyn, Washington. The area has tons of beautiful Pacific Northwest beaches, and amazing hiking trails (we love Rosario head, and the fantastic nearby rocky beach), many with stunning ocean views. And while you are there, youll definitely want to take a peaceful stroll around the Tacoma Chinese Park, soak in some sun at Owen Park, and play and learn at the Tacoma Nature Center.
Visit Quinault Rainforest nearby in the fall for epic fall colors and easy, beautiful hiking! If youre asking yourself where to stay in Washington with kids, Suncadia is one of our top picks! There are trails from easy to expert- check out this trail map, and you can easily rent any gear you need. Take a stroll downtown; shop, eat everything from German to Mexican, dont forget to stop into Sluys Bakery and get some of their famous bread.
Our boys love playing on the beach (bring sweatshirts, its cold! The kids love their outdoor fire pit where they can make smores. Photo credit: Bree | Rain and Pine. It was a great way for my son to learn patience, good listening skills, and how to follow instructions. Its easy to find rental properties within walking distance of shops, diners & the beach; you cant go wrong with Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita or any of the nearby oceanfront towns. Suncadia recently added a new addition to the property called Nelsons Farm, which includes a pool with a lazy river. Others will enjoy paddling out to explore, fishing, or just relaxing with their toes in the water. It is so much more than just a water park. And Semiahmoo has an onsite movie theater! While there are lots of family friendly resorts in Seattle, sometimes its fun to get out of the city and explore somewhere new. Which ones are your favorites? And yes, they do this in the winter too! [irp posts=1819 name=Semiahmoo Resort & Spa Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaway]. Lodging options include camping at NPS campground, or staying at Kalaloch Lodge or Lake Quinault Lodge. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Actually, much of Victoria is perfect for exploring and just taking in the sights. If you choose to stop, which our family often has done over the years, there are multiple hikes and waterfalls to visit along the way. Other notable family-friendly events include Hoopfest, the worlds largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and Pigout in the Park, which features over 50 local restaurants and over 70 local bands and musical acts. Heres what we came up with in no particular order: One of our favorite family resorts in Washington state is Semiahmoo Resort & Spa up in Blaine, WA. Its free, and your kids will love becoming Junior Rangers. They have restaurants on site. My family LOVES visiting downtown Poulsbo; the Scandinavian theme, the simplicity of the town. So, to narrow it down, I asked my blogger friends for their top Pacific Northwest family vacations in Oregon and Washington.
Leavenworth is only a couple of hours east of Seattle, but it FEELS like a different world.
Travel to Whistler in the winter is, of course, fantastic with phenomenal skiing and snowboarding, fantastic kids programs (even for the tiniest skiers), snowshoeing, and much much more. We enjoy visiting Spokane every year because theres always something new to discover each time we come, whether its a new restaurant, a new store, or a new kid-friendly activity. Plus there is SO much to do right within walking distance (read about why we love the Seattle Center here). The resort is split over multiple buildings, and while that can be a little annoying if you want to go from one place to another in the snow, it does make you that much warmer when you make it indoors and you get a look at the beautiful scenery. Required fields are marked *. Check out Pelican Brewerys beachfront location in Pacific City, which is super kid-friendly and fun, tour the Tillamook cheese factory, drive down to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, or just head up the coast towards Astoria, checking out every beach on the way dont forget the famously beautiful Cannon Beach (where parts of the Goonies was filmed!). Or, rent one of the MANY great vacation rentals in the area, and look for one that comes with a kayak or paddleboard so you can get out and explore! Or get a permit and dig for clams for a fun dinner. Sweet! But dont forget, the resort, and Whistler village has tons to offer in the summer as well. In the winter, Leavenworth transforms into a winter wonderland of Christmas dreams. Plus, its easy to walk to cafes, restaurants, the ferry terminal, and more. So many great ideas! During the ride, be sure to get out on the deck and take in some the views on the ride, and if you are VERY lucky, you might even spot a whale or two. Its about a 3 hour drive south of Seattle (when traffic is normal) and its one of the best kid friendly vacations in Oregon. And there is just SO much to do in the area. Suncadia is an easy weekend getaway from the Seattle-area. Youll also want to check out Silverwood Theme Park, with thrilling rides for all ages, plus an amazing water park! This $10 permit will give you access to the Makah lands and its available activities. ), digging in the sand, flying kites or building bonfires. Its right by the Peace Arch border crossing. The family pool is kept at 92F, making it great for winter AND summer vacation. The scenery was breathtaking at ThunderFoot Riding, LLC in Twisp, WA. Then take the monorail downtown you gotta check out the Pike Place Market. Take a look at this view. Upon arrival, make sure you stop at the Museum to pick up a Recreation Permit. There are several outdoor fire pits, playgrounds, and a farm with childrens activities. The beaches are great for kids with far reaches of sand for running and kite flying, there are tide pools at Ruby Beach, and the Quinault Rainforest is a short drive away. It has both indoor AND outdoor spaces with construction, clay, waterplay, and veterinarian exhibits (plus many many more). The scenery is gorgeous and the various bridges that frequent the path are neat to look at, as well. If you are looking for a Wild West themed town, Winthrop is the best in the Northwest! [irp posts=1720 name=Family Travel Guide to Portland, Oregon with Toddlers]. Families can enjoy delicious food, horseback riding, live music, and a campfire with smores! Once you get to the beach, kids can spend hours flying kites, playing in the sand, collecting shells, etc. We will often bring our bikes and will ride for hours around their massive 6,000 acre community. Take a day trip out to Multnomah Falls- its so beautiful! Getting out to the San Juan Islands requires a ferry ride which leaves from Anacortes, but for kids, the ferry ride is half the fun! While there, we recommend staying at the Westin Bayshore for the great location close to restaurants, and Stanley Park, and the fantastic pool. We cant visit Poulsbo without stopping into Sluys Bakery, my favorite is the butterflake rolls YUM! Photo credit: Michael Palermiti, courtesy of Seabrook. We love to visit Kalaloch on summer weekends to get away from the crowds other natural areas closer to the city tend to draw. Im a Seattle girl, born and raised, and I love Northwest summer adventures. The truth is, even if you arent mountain biking (or skiing), Whistler village is a really fun place to be! One of our favorite weekend getaways is the Oregon Coast! Follow her on Instagram. Neah Bay makes a great weekend getaway from Seattle. When visiting the town of Leavenworth, the Sleeping Lady resort in Leavenworth is a perfect place to relax after a day in the snow, both indoors and out! Read my full post about San Juan Island here. Plus, he couldnt stop smiling! The Discovery Center is a family-friendly stop in Poulsbo, WA. For a little extra thrill, rent a boat or a jetski from Shoreline Watercraft. These are beautiful places to visit! You will want to plan another day to browse the boardwalk in Westport, where you will find plenty of quirky and cute shops with gifts, candy, and trinkets. Dont miss the famous tide pools at Cannon Beach (make sure to check the tide schedules first) or scenic Tillamook to tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory theyre building a brand new visitors center that opens this summer, where you can get all the cheese & ice cream samples you want! Its the best way to end the evening gathered as a family (often in our pjs) after a day of fun. I hope you love it as much as we do! Be sure to go early, especially on a weekend, as parking can be a challenge. Rangers can help you choose a suitable trail for your family. Plus, there are several holiday themed events to see, like the lighting of the tree in the town square, and a local childrens choir singing Christmas carols. Its the perfect summer or fall weekend getaway. So whether you are a resident of the PNW looking for a fantastic family vacation spot you can drive to, or a visitor looking to explore more of this area, youll find it has a lot to offer. The Point Defiance Zoo here is a must-visit with kids and my family is very excited for the expansion on the Pacific Seas Aquarium that is opening this summer. You can also do a great little harbor tour, or head out for whale watching Victoria. But our most favorite time to be there is Spring and Summer. I mean, this is the PNW at its finest! I still remember my sons excitement when he earned his. The views going down and coming up are spectacular! There are lots of fun shops close to the beach it seems like every town has a saltwater taffy shop across from the sand. Thanks to Chloe, from Creatively Clo, for this recommendation. Photo credit: Sothea Mah. Families can take a seaplane from Seattle or drive and take the ferry from Anacortes. WiFi is free and all of the rooms have a small fridge. The outdoor pool is closed in the fall until Memorial Day for the summer. Photo credit: Darren Cheung. The Capilano Suspension bridge is SO amazing (especially for Christmas), and the kids will LOVE Science World. Looking for a location rich in natural beauty, culture, and history? Our family loves to hike, and Mt. Parksville Community Park is one of the best playground weve ever seen. Then continue down to the gum wall, and the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Waterfront Park. Rainier is about 2 hours from Seattle. It is 24 hour entertainment! Photo credit: Terumi Pong. Portland has a reputation of being THE spot for hipster young adults, and maybe it is. And dont forget your dogs, they are a very pet friendly town. This short journey up through the pass is so full of Pacific Northwest beauty. I've actually been thinking about doing a trip to Montana when the boys are a bit older. Thanks to Bree, from Rain and Pine, for this suggestion. On the beautiful Wenatchee River, youll find opportunities for tube floats, or even white water raft rides for families with older kids- check out Osprey Rafting for both tube rentals and rafting trips.
The Pacific Science Center is a definite favorite for my kids and I, and could easily fill an entire day. Pro tip: If its a sunny day youll blend right in with long time Seattle residents by saying, The mountain is out.. Always check road conditions (and closures/openings) before you head up. The resort has many different cabin types, such as the canine room for pet owners, double-decker bunks for larger families, and a standalone cabin for special occasions. If you have not heard of Great Wolf Lodge, it is an indoor water park with locations around the United States and Canada. You can also visit the picturesque town of Astoria and ride the seaside trolley, climb the steps of the Astoria Column, or find the famous house from The Goonies movie. [irp posts=3594 name=10 Things To Do in Seabrook, WA with Kids], Westport Marina is a nice place to hang out and watch the boats. If you plan on doing any hiking youll want to bring along the Ten Essentials. While there, enjoy the Museum as a way to provide a great foundation for your weekend adventure ~ there are also different festivals throughout the year to celebrate Makah culture. Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Tacoma is the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and it DOES NOT disappoint. Although a solid 4 hour drive West from Seattle (includes a ferry ride! We love vacationing at the lake because its SO simple (and budget-friendly), yet so memorable and fun. Rainier is a perfect spot for a family hike!
But, the 2 water slides easily make up for this loss. Many of the hotels have really great swimming pools- we recommend the Westin for its great indoor/outdoor pool, and its fantastic location on the Whistler Village side. The Kimpton by the waterfront is a great choice. Plus, its right near Roche Harbor Resort, which has cute little shops and restaurants. Other favorites are the Ballard Locks, the Museum of Flight (read why we love it), and the Woodland Park Zoo. There are also TONS of fantastic kid-friendly (short drives) day trips from here. Ruby Beach is sure to be a family favorite! Bring sand toys and lots of buckets for endless fun for younger kids. They also love watching the glassblowers create sculptures at the Museum of Glass. Photo credit: Lyndsey Wells | Boy Moms Unite. Photo credit: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. Older kids can ride horses down to camp. Perfect for family fun and vacation. Photo credit: Darren Cheung. One of our favorite places for a weekend getaway in the summer/fall is Portland, Oregon.
Kalaloch is also home to the tree cave which you just have to visit to understand how cool it is. Plus, there are tons of parks, family-friendly restaurants, and cool independent stores. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. We have three little boys so we like to rent a cottage via VRBO.com close to the beach with separate bedrooms, full kitchens & laundry facilities for those sandy towels. To avoid bringing your car on the ferry, stay in Friday Harbor youll find tons to explore nearby. ), the journey itself is beautiful, and the rewards on arrival are plentiful. Thanks to Tabitha, of Love Tabitha, for this hidden gem! Take the Tsawwassen-Duke Point (Nanaimo) ferry then just a short drive up to Parksille. We cant wait to head out there this summer to experience this ourselves. Wow I never been to this part of the country but I really want to visit, We had a Great Wold Lodge by us in Ohio and loved it! What I like about Winthrop is that they do the western thing in a really cool way. If you want space, splurge for the Wolf Den which gives the kids bunk beds and their own space and a table to eat at. The Pacific Northwest is such a fun and unique area to visit, with a special charm you really wont find anywhere else. The San Juan Islands are definitely a great PNW vacation spot! I love that my whole family can come, no one has a problem with you bringing your dog to sit on the patio of the restaurant and theres plenty for children to do. Be sure to also have your kids do the Junior Ranger program if you have time. Photo credit Astrid Vinje. Youll also find opportunities for ziplining, playing miniature golf with goats, and just exploring the beautiful Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, plus much much more! Thanks Lyndsey, from Boy Moms Unite for rounding out our list! It has the most amazing riverfront view from the balcony! The ferry ride to from Anacortes to Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) takes about one hour. I dont think you can go wrong anywhere on the Oregon coast, to be honest.
I hope you get to do an overnight there sometime! We recently stayed at the Silver Cloud Inn, the only waterfront hotel in the area, and loved exploring the beaches and little cafes around Point Ruston. Its easily the most beautiful hotel in the area, perhaps even the most beautiful building, and has tons of great amenities (including a kids afternoon tea, an indoor pool and more). Id suggest taking advantage of their spa services! Some top kid-friendly hotels in Westport, WA include: Some of my posts contain affiliate links. [irp posts=6919 name=Family Weekend Getaway to Winthrop, WA: A Wild West Town]. The aquarium portion alone is well worth the visit. Its a small place, but has tons of really cool touch pools, and experts that can tell you all about the animals there or in the area. We love participating in it each year as a family because it truly feels like a community-wide event. Several city-wide events throughout the year draw visitors from all over the United States, and sometimes the world. Ill admit, Vancouver is one of my favorite cities.
Go explore the waterfront park, right in town, or, if your kids can handle it, we LOVE hiking up Icicle Ridge for the epic overlook. While in Victoria, be sure to check out the famous Butchart Gardens, and we also love the Butterfly Museum. Chelan is located basically smack dab in the middle of Washington, on the east side of the Cascades. We love childrens museums, and the Portland Childrens Museum is fantastic. It is a perfect park to explore with kids. The indoor accommodations are exquisite, and not just the place to sleep! Portland awesome for families because there lots of kid-friendly activities like the Oregon Zoo and OMSI.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We also bring our own food.
Lake Chelan, a beautiful 55 mile long inland fjord, is famous for its glistening blue water, and stunning Stehekin, which is only accessible by boat or plane terrain. The location feels central, and though there isnt a ton REALLY close, we LOVE the quiet beaches there- perfect for hours of kids splashing and playing, and parents relaxing in the sunshine. We love Tacoma for a Seattle getaway because its only about an hour drive away but when we stay overnight there it still feels like a vacation. While there, stay at the Fairmont Empress you wont regret it. Read her full post about Spokane. Youll also enjoy some of Anacortess great kid-friendly restaurants dont miss breakfast at Calico Cupboard! These are great ideas! When it comes to escaping to nature, the Seattle area has tons of choices, but our favorite for a great beach is a weekend in Kalaloch on the Pacific Coast. We love maximizing our vacation time, which means squeezing in as MANY road trips and weekend trips as we can. One of our favorite things to do is go on a whale watching boat trip. Home Destinations Best Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaways from Seattle.
If you think youll do a bit of sightseeing in the city there is a Tacoma Museum pass that can help save you some money on area attractions as well. Watch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Located just south of Seattle, Tacoma is super easy to get to from Seattle, Portland, OR even Vancouver. In the Fall, we pack clothes for layering and a light jacket for those brisk evenings. In any season, Neah Bay is magic.With easy, well-maintained trails, the hikes are great for trekkers of all ages and abilities. It's one of our favorite cities (but we're totally biased!). Thanks Terumi of An Emerald City Life for these ideas! Kid-friendly hotels in Spokane include: Hotel RL by Red Lion, and The Historic Davenport. [irp posts=3575 name=Things To Do in San Juan Island, WA with Kids]. But the large family pool is more than enough for days of fun. Pacific Northwest Girls Weekend in Astoria, Oregon One simple drive through this area and youd be forgiven for thinking you had inadvertently entered a portal and exited into the Swiss Alps in Europe. Rainier. You can see our full review, Read her full post about a Bavarian Weekend in Leavenworth, Read her full post about the kid-friendly guide to Mt.
Weve picked a handful of our favorite Pacific Northwest family vacation destinations and hope you see something that inspires you to get out and explore this area! You can actually see Canada from the resort, which is pretty cool and makes it one of our favorite Seattle weekend getaways! There are some concessions available, but theyre limited and pricey. And dont forget to stop by Voodoo Donuts for their ridiculously over the top (but SUPER fun and delicious) donuts. Its EXTREMELY kid-friendly, and has all the great amenities of a big city without really feeling like a city. Spokane is the second largest city in Washington state, and offers plenty of unique activities for families. Most of all, plan to spend plenty of time at the beach while you are here. While there, we recommend the Parksville Beach Club Resort an easy choice because its right on the beach and has luxurious, family-sized rooms (full kitchens in the suites! Vancouver island has a lot to offer, and is a favorite destination for our family. We live in Montana which means Seattle is one of the very few places we can get to for cheap ;) - I've been dying to go to the San Juan Islands and you gave me a bunch of other great ideas as well! We've never been to Seattle. Braving Capilano Suspension Bridge with a Toddler They have an indoor pool, which is a big hit for our kids. You can drive right onto the sand in Oregon! This is one of the many adorable Seabrook vacation rentals available. Only a short drive away, pack food or order take out from one of the restaurants in town and enjoy it at the park overlooking the bay/marina, find free parking right in the middle of town and just walk to everything. One of our familys favorite adventures was participating in the Cowboy Dinner through Sun Mountain Lodge. You wont want to miss the Vancouver Aquarium, right within Stanley Park. There are over eighty parks within the city, including the popular Riverfront Park, with its iconic clocktower. There is a wonderful pool for kids and hot tub for mom and dad. Read her full post about Grayland & Wesport. While theres a nod to pioneer life, real people live and work here. An annual pass is 55.00. Id recommend bringing lunch on board.
definitely its WAAAY out there), so at low tide, happy toddlers explore tide pools as far out as their little feet will carry them. Note: The holiday lights stay up through Valentines Day! We like to stay at the Earthbox Inn & Spa right in Friday Harbor. I cant say enough about this place except to go and check it out yourselves. Or take your car on, and explore the whole island. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.
Weve been back several times and its definitely one of the best family friendly hotels in Washington! My 4 year old got to spend a morning riding on a horse at Thunderfoot Riding, LLC in nearby Twisp. Mt. And lets not forget to explore the iconic town of Roslyn. If you have a car, enjoy a truly relaxing stay at Snug Harbor Resort, on the west side, in one of the ADORABLE cabins. Suncadia has so much to offer for the entire family. We are huge fans of Destination Hotels, specifically Suncadia as its right in our own backyard in the city of Roslyn, Washington. The area has tons of beautiful Pacific Northwest beaches, and amazing hiking trails (we love Rosario head, and the fantastic nearby rocky beach), many with stunning ocean views. And while you are there, youll definitely want to take a peaceful stroll around the Tacoma Chinese Park, soak in some sun at Owen Park, and play and learn at the Tacoma Nature Center.
Visit Quinault Rainforest nearby in the fall for epic fall colors and easy, beautiful hiking! If youre asking yourself where to stay in Washington with kids, Suncadia is one of our top picks! There are trails from easy to expert- check out this trail map, and you can easily rent any gear you need. Take a stroll downtown; shop, eat everything from German to Mexican, dont forget to stop into Sluys Bakery and get some of their famous bread.
Our boys love playing on the beach (bring sweatshirts, its cold! The kids love their outdoor fire pit where they can make smores. Photo credit: Bree | Rain and Pine. It was a great way for my son to learn patience, good listening skills, and how to follow instructions. Its easy to find rental properties within walking distance of shops, diners & the beach; you cant go wrong with Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita or any of the nearby oceanfront towns. Suncadia recently added a new addition to the property called Nelsons Farm, which includes a pool with a lazy river. Others will enjoy paddling out to explore, fishing, or just relaxing with their toes in the water. It is so much more than just a water park. And Semiahmoo has an onsite movie theater! While there are lots of family friendly resorts in Seattle, sometimes its fun to get out of the city and explore somewhere new. Which ones are your favorites? And yes, they do this in the winter too! [irp posts=1819 name=Semiahmoo Resort & Spa Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaway]. Lodging options include camping at NPS campground, or staying at Kalaloch Lodge or Lake Quinault Lodge. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Actually, much of Victoria is perfect for exploring and just taking in the sights. If you choose to stop, which our family often has done over the years, there are multiple hikes and waterfalls to visit along the way. Other notable family-friendly events include Hoopfest, the worlds largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and Pigout in the Park, which features over 50 local restaurants and over 70 local bands and musical acts. Heres what we came up with in no particular order: One of our favorite family resorts in Washington state is Semiahmoo Resort & Spa up in Blaine, WA. Its free, and your kids will love becoming Junior Rangers. They have restaurants on site. My family LOVES visiting downtown Poulsbo; the Scandinavian theme, the simplicity of the town. So, to narrow it down, I asked my blogger friends for their top Pacific Northwest family vacations in Oregon and Washington.
Leavenworth is only a couple of hours east of Seattle, but it FEELS like a different world.