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I’ve heard about Seabrook for years, mostly from Seattle parents who swear it’s the ultimate family escape. Depending on who you ask, it’s either a storybook coastal town where kids roam free and parents actually relax… or a master-planned Stepford experiment that’s slightly creepy. 

Curiosity (and cabin fever) got the best of me this fall. What in the world was so great about this place? As a first-time mom on her first visit to Seabrook, I decided I owed it to my fellow new parents to head there with two 20-ish-month-olds, to figure it out. 

Getting There

We’ve taken our daughter Ava to Suncadia a few times since she was born, and it’s hard not to compare every family getaway to it — mainly because of the drive. Seabrook took us four hours (with traffic), and it felt like an endurance sport when one of our passengers was under two.

We left after work on a Thursday (I know, I know), hit every possible slowdown between Seattle and Olympia, and stopped in Aberdeen for teriyaki and a sanity break. Ava did better than expected — which is to say, she didn’t scream — but it still took a valiant effort of snacks, books, songs, and backseat acrobatics to keep things peaceful.

By the last 45 minutes, I’d made myself carsick turning around so much, and ended up handing over the tablet for “Ms. Rachel.” We finally arrived, slightly dizzy but victorious.

Where We Stayed

Our home for the weekend was called Once Upon a Time, because of course it was. Seabrook rentals all have names like that — “Kelp Wanted,”“After Dune Delight,” and “Porpoise of Life.” It’s part of the charm-slash-branding.

The house itself was wonderful: three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a massive playroom on the top floor, and a kitchen I immediately wished I could teleport back to our own home. It was the kind of home you scroll Zillow for at midnight, knowing you’ll never afford, but rent happily for three nights and pretend you do.

It was also, crucially, big enough that Ava got her own room. If you’ve ever wedged a pack-and-play between a hotel bed and the mini-fridge, you’ll understand what a luxury that is. 

While Seabrook does have a reputation for being pricey, the actual range is broader than I expected. Our three-bedroom home (which slept 12) ran about $292 a night in October when we stayed — fall pricing in general is typically 40%–50% cheaper than summer. In fact, the most affordable times to visit are November through early December and January through February, when rates drop to their lowest of the year. For comparison, average nightly rates across Seabrook run roughly $114 for a one-bedroom, $122 for a two-bedroom, $266 for a three-bedroom, and climb up from there, topping out around $800 for the largest homes (7 bedrooms).

“Once Upon a Time,” our Seabrook rental — big enough for two families (or more), quiet enough for parents to actually talk after bedtime. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

First Impressions

In the daylight, Seabrook is… well, adorable. The pastel cottages, tidy porches, and picket fences are exactly what you’ve seen on Instagram. It’s all a little too perfect, but somehow not in a creepy way — more like “wow, someone actually did this on purpose.”

The whole town is walkable, which immediately took my stress level down about ten notches. After parking on Thursday night, we didn’t touch the car again until Sunday. Mornings meant raincoats, stroller shenanigans, and slow walks to the town center, where Vista Bakeshop served up strong coffee and toddler-approved muffins. We went every day, partly because the coffee was good, and partly because it was the only time we got to sit still. Note: There is another coffee shop called Bellwether Cafe, but they didn’t have as many food options for my toddler, or alternative milk options for my lactose-free wife.

On the walk back, we stopped every few feet so Ava could greet pumpkins, smack rocks together, or — in one memorable moment — sit in the middle of the sidewalk for no reason. A 6-minute walk on Google Maps easily took 45. Toddler pace, I guess.

We came for the unique family vacation. She came for the rocks. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

What We Did

Seabrook has the kind of amenities list that looks like it was written by a tourism board (I guess it kinda was) — playgrounds, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, trails, sports courts, a toy store, an arcade, a spa, restaurants, and a grocery store nicer than most in Seattle.

We did… about half of that. 

Morning: Animals and Slides

We started at the Farm District, where you can visit horses and (sometimes) chickens and ducks. The smaller animals were hiding from the rain, but the horses were a hit. From there, we moved on to the Alderwood Playground, which has everything from toddler swings to a zipline that the adults were probably more excited about than the kids.

Seabrook’s Farm District: where the horses were friendly, the rain was steady, and the toddlers were thrilled. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Afternoon: The Great Gnome Trail Hunt

Saturday’s big adventure was finding the famous Gnome Trail. I’d read about it, seen the photos — tiny gnome houses tucked into mossy tree roots, a magical forest stroll for kids.

In reality, we couldn’t find it. At all. The directions online are vague (“near the Mill District”) and the signage nonexistent. After a lot of wandering, a few slippery hills, and one fall into the mud (everyone was fine, just filthy), we stumbled upon it by accident.

By that point, the kids were over it, the adults were cold, and the gnomes — cute as they were — didn’t quite make up for the search. Still, if you know where to find it before going, it’s a fun, quick stop. Unfortunately, even as of this writing, I can’t give you clear instructions. Good luck! 

The elusive Gnome Trail — we eventually found it, mud and all. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Evening: The Holy Grail of Heated Pools

The next day’s highlight was the indoor pool. Warm, clean, and not overcrowded — three words I’ve never been able to use for a Seattle-area pool. The girls were in heaven. We could’ve stayed all day.

The indoor heated pool was an instant hit — finally, swim time without chattering teeth. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Where We Ate

Dinner options in Seabrook are solid but limited, especially with little kids and early bedtimes.

• Frontager’s Pizza was our first-night spot — big tables, and plenty of room for high chairs and chaos. The pizza was good, not life-changing, but definitely toddler-approved.
• Koko’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar was our second-night splurge. The food was fine, the drinks were better, and it was pricier than we expected. We had the girls split a quesadilla to save some money, rationalized that we were only eating out for dinners, and called it good.

For breakfast and lunch, we relied on Fresh Foods Marketplace, Seabrook’s grocery store, which is impressively stocked — think PCC, but with fewer people in puffer jackets. We made sandwiches, snacks, and a surprisingly solid chili back at the house.

Proof that even the nicest restaurant feels casual when you’re dining with a toddler. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

The Reality of Traveling With Toddlers

Here’s the thing about traveling with 21-month-olds: their joy threshold is low, their attention spans are shorter, and sometimes the best part of the trip is… rocks. Literally. The two biggest hits of the weekend were collecting pebbles off the parking strips, and playing chase in driveways.

That’s not a knock on Seabrook — it’s just a reminder that at this age, the destination is more for the adults. The kids will have fun (or be miserable) anywhere; the real win is that parents can not be bored out of their minds drawing their 157th puppy on demand at home, or at the same neighborhood park.

And for that, Seabrook works. It’s walkable, peaceful, and clean. There’s no traffic, no sirens, no constant packing and unpacking of the car seat. But it’s not cheap, and it’s not quick to get to.

If you go in expecting perfection, you’ll notice the cracks (like the elusive Gnome Trail or the Stepford vibe). If you go in expecting a calm, car-free weekend with enough activities to fill your days and coziness for your nights, you’ll leave happy.

Most of the time, Ava was content just to draw. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

Final Thoughts

By Sunday morning, the girls were happily playing peek-a-boo behind couches, we hadn’t been down to the beach once (!), and I finally understood what people mean when they say Seabrook feels like another world.

It’s not a magical parent utopia, but it is a place where everything feels a little easier for a couple of days. It’s quieter, the atmosphere is calmer, and your toddler can walk down the middle of the street without you clutching their hand like you’re crossing Rainier Avenue. We don’t suggest this, but they could. 

If you’re planning ahead, the big thing to know is that Seabrook’s prices swing dramatically depending on the season. Summer (late June through Labor Day) and major holidays are the most expensive and book up fastest — sometimes nearly a year in advance. But visits January-March and September-early December can be up to 50% cheaper with the lowest prices of the year in the depths of winter.

Our three-bedroom was roughly ~$292 a night, split two or three ways, it’s on par with other local getaways — although if we were going as one family, it would be too expensive for us. 

If you’re comparing family getaways, here’s my honest take: Seabrook outshines Suncadia for kid-friendly amenities, but for this specific age — the “everything is sticky and naps are sacred” stage — the shorter Suncadia drive wins. Will we go back to Seabrook? Definitely, when our daughter’s a little older.

Until then, I’ll be scrolling Seabrook rentals on Zillow at midnight like everyone else.

Ahh … maybe one day. (Image: Britt Thorson / Seattle’s Child)

If You Go

• Distance from Seattle: 2.5–3 hours (more with toddler breaks)
• Where to stay: Vacation homes like Once Upon a Time, available through Seabrook’s rental site
• Don’t miss: Vista Bakeshop, Alderwood Playground, Fresh Foods Market, and the indoor pool
• Maybe skip: Searching for the Gnome Trail without directions
• Good to know: The grocery store is excellent — no need to stock up before you arrive. Bring rain gear and snacks for the road if you’re going in fall or winter. Homes are hit and miss with things like cooking oils and spices, so while Fresh Foods has those in stock if you forget, you could definitely save yourself some money and bring them from home.

If you’re looking for some closer-to-home options? Check out our guides to day trips to Bainbridge Island and North Bend. Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.

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You heard that right. The whole family, including the dog. 

Why Washington State Ferries changed its pet rules

For the next six months, through February 2026, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is undergoing a trial of its recently updated pet policy. That means, rather than watching Rover’s sad eyes watch you and your kids as you walk away from your car on the car deck to go up to the ferry passenger lounge, you are invited to snap on a leash and take him with you. 

According to the new pet policy, dogs on leashes are allowed in all passenger areas except onboard food galleys.

You can also bring other pets into the passenger areas on Washington State Ferries, but they must be in a crate or carrier. The exception is service animals, who are welcome everywhere on the boat by law. 

This pup, shivering here on the deck, is now allowed inside Washington ferries as long as she’s on a leash. (Image: Cheryl Murfin)

Rules for pets on board

The department changed its pet policy after hearing from riders and reviewing what other transit agencies do about pets. Here are the basic rules.

• Big dogs must stay on the floor, not on seats. 
• Small dogs should be on their owner’s lap or in a carrier.
• Owners must control their pets and clean up after them.
• Crews may direct owners to move pets back to the car or outside deck for safety or bad behavior.
• All other pets must stay in a crate or carrier, except service animals.

Where are pets still restricted

Of course, according to longstanding ferry rules, leashed pets are welcome to remain in exterior passenger areas, including shelter decks, promenade decks, and sun decks.

How riders can give feedback

After your inaugural sail with your whole family, pets and all, the DSOT wants to hear from you. Rider input will help decide if the trial change will become permanent.

For more information, contact Washington State Ferries at 206-464-6400 or online.

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You can usually bet on great weather between June and September, and it’s the sort of destination that you can tailor to your family’s ages and stages. When our kids were younger, our days consisted of pool play, bike rides, and visiting the river otters at the High Desert Museum. As they grew, we added other activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking some of the coolest trails we’ve seen.

What We Loved Most

Things to Do in Sunriver with Kids

The Sunriver Village
Charming with cafes, shops, and restaurants, the Village is a destination in itself. Alpine Entertainment (located in the Village) sells punchcards that include activities like bumper cars, bouncy houses, rock climbing, and mini golf. Stop by the Riverscape Arcade for a little 80s nostalgia, with two floors of retro games (Frogger!) plus snacks and drinks. Last year we tried our hand at painting at The Creator Lab, a DIY art studio. It was a fun way to beat the heat for an hour.

Bumper cars at Sunriver Village = guaranteed giggles. (Image: Allison Holm)

Miles of Bikeable Paths
You can’t go on a family vacation to Sunriver, Oregon without hopping on a bike. 34 miles of well-paved paths meander through the village and out past meadows and Sunriver Stables. Pack a lunch and picnic by the river. Rent a bike by the hour or day through the resort or any of the three bike shops in the village. Teen tip: If your kiddos crave more adventure, there are off-road biking options, like the 8-mile Benham Falls loop.

Exploring Sunriver’s 34 miles of bike-friendly paths. (Image: Allison Holm)

Pools and Water Fun
Booking through the Resort gives you access to The Cove, a year-round aquatic center with indoor/outdoor pools, a cool rock water slide, a tube slide, lazy river, and hot tubs. There are poolside bars, great food, and a large outdoor yard space with lawn games. The space is big enough to keep the kids stimulated but small enough (and enclosed) for peace of mind. My kids are of the age where I can break out my vacation reading and sneak in a few chapters.

For a more “waterpark-like” feel, check out SHARC. The complex boasts two water slides, indoor/outdoor pools, a water jungle, a separate tot pool, and a lazy river. It’s pricey, so check if your rental includes day passes (otherwise it’s $30 per person, even if you don’t plan to swim). B.Y.O.T. (Bring your own towel), and grab lunch at their Reef Café.

There’s a new pool at Forest House at Caldera Springs with a dual-racer waterslide, and a family game room (shuffleboard, anyone?). Book through Sunriver Resort and stay at a Caldera Springs home.

Big smiles and bigger splashes at The Cove. (Image: Allison Holm)

Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Village

Sunriver Marina & River Floats
A water-lover’s dream: Explore the Deschutes River via kayak, canoe, SUP, float, or tube. A six-mile float takes you to Benham Butte; those with littles might opt for the shorter, three-mile tube float.

While I haven’t been, I know a couple of families who have loved floating the Deschutes through Tumalo Creek, especially with kids in the 6-11 age range. The 2-mile journey departs from Bend, just south of the Old Mill District, includes a small rapids section mid-float, and ends in picturesque Drake Park. It’s a fun, low-key adventure that combines a bit of excitement with plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of Bend — and a great reason to explore the town before or after.

Tackling the Big Eddy Thriller with Sun Country Tours. (Image: Allison Holm)

Parent friends also rave about the whitewater rafting trips offered by Sun Country Tours. One popular choice is the 45-minute Big Eddy Thriller, a family-friendly introduction to river rapids. You’re bused from their office in Sunriver Village, to the rafting location about 30 minutes away. The trip offers just the right amount of thrill for beginners, and is well-organized from start to finish.

Horseback Riding at Sunriver Stables
Treat your little wranglers to a guided trail ride through ponderosa forests and stunning Sunriver scenery. The experienced guides offer instruction and share nuggets of history about the resort and the surrounding area during the 45 and 75-minute rides. Got little ones? Try a super short pony ride in the corral. Even for those deciding to forgo the saddle, it’s fun to watch as the horses are wrangled in from the pastures most mornings around 7:30 a.m.

Exploring Sunriver’s trails the old-fashioned way. (Image: Allison Holm)

Hiking
Located between Sunriver, Oregon and Bend, Benham Falls offers a tot-friendly hike (.5 miles), among other, longer options from family vacations. A bit further out of town is Smith Rock State Park, boasting sweeping views of clay-colored rocks and deep river canyons. If you feel like you’ve been dropped into a Clint Eastwood movie, there’s a good reason; Smith Rock has served as the backdrop for a handful of Hollywood productions.

Family-Friendly Attractions Near Sunriver

High Desert Museum
Voted as one of the best things to do in Bend, the High Desert Museum always makes our to-do list. A far cry from “do not touch” signs and hushed voices, this place feels more like a really cool summer camp than a museum. We love visiting the river otters and resident porcupine, fox, and bobcat. Events like Natural History Walks, the Bird of Prey Encounter, and other hands-on learning experiences will leave your kiddos with a better sense of the area’s unique environment and rich history. My favorite part is the Spirit of the West, where you’ll stroll past a Northern Paiute shelter, a fur trapper’s camp, and a settler’s cabin. Pack a lunch or grab one at the café; between the traveling exhibits, desertarium, cool outdoor playscape, and more, you could easily spend a few hours here.

The High Desert Museum brings Oregon’s Indigenous history to life. (Image: Allison Holm)

Lava Caves
Spelunking into a lava cave in the middle of the Oregon Lava Lands is as good a summer bucket list item as any. The Lava River Cave, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offers a self-guided, subterranean hike into a mile-long lava tube. No fear, though – it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. $10 will get you a parking pass plus a high-powered rental light for your 2-ish-mile round trip. Leave the strollers and grandparents at home (unless they are very able-bodied); access to the cave requires treading down steep steps, and the terrain is uneven in most places. Bring a jacket; the temps get down into the mid-40s.

Starting the adventure into Lava River Cave. (Image: Allison Holm)

Sunriver Observatory
Learn about the local birds and desert critters during the day and book a stargazing session at night. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is the largest publicly accessible observatory in the nation and has been designated an International Dark Sky location (meaning perfect conditions to see a shooting star or two).

Where We Stayed

We’ve always booked through Sunriver Resort when taking our family vacations to Sunriver, Oregon. We appreciate the discounts on amenities, plus access to The Cove. We love the Lodge Village, which offers guest rooms and suites located near The Cove (which came in *very* handy for impromptu swims). We loved the ability to save money and cook in the well-appointed kitchen, and the high loft ceilings were just enough to keep our family of 5 (and two dogs – yes, there are pet-friendly rooms!) from feeling cramped.

From shuffleboard to board games, lodge games are a big reason we choose it each time. (Image: Allison Holm)

Other Options to Consider

• Sunriver Vacation Homes ($$-$$$): Dotted throughout the Sunriver community, these resort-managed homes can accommodate larger groups and, depending on where you are, offer a little more privacy.
• Caldera Springs ($$$): These new luxury vacation homes and cabins include access to Sunriver Resort amenities, plus the Quarry Pool and new Forest House Pools.

What (and Where) to Eat

• Family-friendly restaurants:
  • Sunriver Brewing Co.: Craft beer and great food with a family-friendly ambiance. You may need to wait for a table, but window shopping or a quick round of bumper cars are an easy fix to pass the time. With a menu that spans fish n’ chips, sliders, and shareable salads, there will be something for everyone.
  • Bend Brewing Co.: Another great family-friendly brewery overlooking Mirror Pond. The menu boasts delish options like smash burgers, Mexican street corn, and Annie’s Bakeshop Pretzels (with beer cheese)!
  • Hot Lava Bakery: Grab coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and strudels at this popular bakery.
• Sweet treat stops: Goody’s is an absolute must. A Sunriver mainstay, the ice cream shop has been serving up waffle cones, candies, and gourmet popcorn since 1984.
• Grocery: The Sunriver Country Store is conveniently located in the village, and the best place for last-minute meals and snacks. However, your best bet is to save money and stop in Bend for your kitchen essentials.

Cooling down the sweetest way possible. (Image: Allison Holm)

What We Learned

Make the drive in one go (we have split the trip up before, and I felt it only made it seem longer). Stock up on groceries in Bend before you arrive at Sunriver. The only grocery store in Sunriver is expensive, so when you see the Fred Meyer or Walmart, do yourself a favor and stop!

Know Before You Go

• Best time to visit: Year-round, but for summer activities, June-September is best
• Ideal trip length: 3 – 5 days
• Getting there: Around a 6-hour drive from the Seattle area
• Ideal kid age range: 2–15
• Stroller-friendly: Yes. Flat, paved bike paths and accessible shops, etc.
• Getting around: Bikes are super convenient. Rent one for multiple days. You’ll need a car for excursions outside of the immediate resort area.
• Parent tip: Stock up on essentials and snacks in Bend. Dining out adds up!

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When it comes to islands of the Puget Sound, Camano has never topped my list. I have more memories exploring Spencer’s Spit on Lopez and playing fetch with my dog on Whidbey’s Double Bluff. In my years of Puget Sound adventuring, I’ve biked the hills of Vashon, walked the streets of downtown Bainbridge, and learned to drive on the backroads of Marrowstone. But Camano? Other than a COVID era, spontaneous weekend retreat (before kids) to The Alpaca Farm a few years back, I’d never had a lasting connection to Camano, until now. After exploring the island with my kids this weekend, especially my 2 ½ year old son who is the perfect age to appreciate all the island has to offer, Camano definitely makes my list of essential Puget Sound Islands.

Camano throwback. (Image: Casey Funke)

Getting There

Known as The Easy Island, Camano’s accessibility makes it a good option for families with kids. Ferry lines in the summer can be daunting, and navigating the reservation system to the San Juans makes for complicated logistics. Camano is accessible by car via State Route 532, offering more flexibility to your trip. From I-5, take exit 212 onto WA-532 West. You’ll pass through Stanwood, which has numerous food, drink, gas, and grocery options. Camano is separated from the mainland by Davis Slough, which you cross via the Camano Gateway Bridge, and just like that, island life awaits.

What to Do

Soon after you cross the bridge, you come upon the Camano Commons Marketplace, and honestly, you could spend a full day here. Equipped with pastries and espresso, shopping, lunch options, ice cream, the Camano Island Library with its well-stocked kids section, a big grassy field to run off the ice cream wiggles, and Freedom Park Playground nearby, Camano Commons has it all. It also acts as a community gathering space and has some great kid-friendly events lined up for the summer.

The well-stocked children’s area at the Camano Island Library is a perfect low-key stop for little readers (and a quiet break for parents). (Image: Casey Funke)

Beachcombing

Camano offers numerous, mostly rocky, beach options, great for exploring with kids at low tide. The island is home to two State Parks – Cama Beach and Camano Island State Park. We explored the beaches at both and found Camano Island State Park to be more accessible and kid-friendly (don’t forget your Discover Pass). For more of a sandy beach experience, visit Iverson Spit Preserve, and be sure to pack your binoculars; it’s one of the premier bird-watching locations in the Puget Sound, with over 125 species of birds spotted here!

Beachcombing bliss: Camano’s rocky shores are full of tiny treasures and big discoveries for curious kids. (Image: Casey Funke)

Hiking

Camano has numerous kid-friendly hiking trails to choose from; we barely scratched the surface on our weekend retreat. We hiked through lush second-growth forest at Cama Beach State Park, where the trails were wide enough to push our double stroller.

Wide trails and lush forest make Cama Beach a great spot for stroller-friendly hikes with little explorers in tow. (Image: Casey Funke)

The Al Emerson Nature Trail in Camano Island State Park is a must-hike. This half-mile, mostly flat loop, is a perfect trail for young hikers. The loop has 18 interpretive signs identifying native plants and other forest tidbits that you will enjoy, even if your kids walk right past them. On a cool morning, we walked through an understory of sword fern and nettle, among Robins snacking on Red elderberry, and beneath enormous Douglas firs, their thick, rugged bark a quintessential feature of northwest forests. We stopped for a snack at a well-placed wooden bench and admired the fallen trees, aka “nursery logs” (thank you, interpretive signage) which play a crucial role in forest ecology. A proud dad, I was happy to have spent a morning in the woods with my son.

Standing tall on the Al Emerson Trail. (Image: Casey Funke)

Where to Eat

The Camano Commons is going to be your best bet for kid-friendly and parent-approved food options. We snagged an almond croissant and espresso from Camano Island Coffee Roasters. We had lunch at Tapped – which offers outdoor seating, a relaxed atmosphere, a solid kid menu, and an adequate beer list. Plus, proximity to the big grassy field to run around in when your kids get antsy (I’ll remember to bring a soccer ball next time). After lunch and a visit to the library, we got ice cream cones (and sprinkles) at the walk-up window in the Commons and ate them in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor booth until we’d had our fill.

For a no-frills bite on the south end of the island, there is Elger Bay Food Mart, conveniently located near the state parks for a post-adventure snack. We didn’t eat there, but the reviews are mostly good, and they had a tempting tap list.

The Cama Beach Café, located in the lodge at Cama Beach State Park, is another good option on the southern end of the island. They serve breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday, late June – Labor Day.

Cheers! Nothing wraps a Camano adventure quite like an ice cream toast at the Commons. (Image: Casey Funke)

Where To Stay

Camano Island Inn is one of few lodging options on the island, though Airbnb and VRBO offer numerous vacation rentals. There is camping at Camano Island State Park. Plan to make a reservation for summer weekends as the campsites fill up as most do during our beautiful northwest summers. Camano also makes for a great day trip, with its no-ferry-needed proximity to Seattle. However you plan to enjoy Camano, be sure to add it to your summer adventure list.

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More camping resources: 5 close-to-Seattle campgrounds that are great but not as busy | Campgrounds to reserve early — with backup plans in case you didn’t

Where the parks are

State Parks

Here are the parks where all camping is first-come, first-served:

Joemma Beach State Park: 19 primitive tent sites.

Mount Spokane State Park: 8 standard sites and more than 12,000 acres to explore.

Obstruction Pass State Park: Small Orcas Island park with 10 primitive sites; take your car on the ferry or arrive by boat or kayak.

Sucia Island Marine State Park: Horseshoe-shaped island in the San Juan Archipelago; 60 standard sites accessible only by watercraft.

Wallace Falls State Park: You will need to set out early to score one of the two prime sites at this park in Snohomish County.

Blake Island Marine State Park: Close to Seattle but you’ll need a boat or water taxi; 44 sites.

Cape Disappointment State Park: On the Long Beach Peninsula; 137 sites for spontaneous campers. Important: Expected to close in September 2025 through April 2026 for major construction. 

Curlew Lake State Park: Just 25 miles from the Canadian border, out-of-the-way lakeside park has 80 sites; most campsites must be reserved. (Due to colder temperatures, water and restroom facilities may be reduced during April and October. Hook up sites may be affected. Please call the park at (509)775-3592 for more information.)

Jarrell Cove State Park: Access this forested campground on Harstine Island (in South Puget Sound) by boat or car; 19 campsites are available for reservation.

Lewis and Clark State Park: Jackson House State Park Heritage Site just 2 miles to the north. (The park wading pool is closed until further notice.)

Schafer State Park: A short hop east of Interstate 5 in Elma on the East Fork Satsop River.

National Parks and Forests

Campgrounds at Olympic National Park

The following campgrounds are all first-come, first-served. For more information about camping in Olympic National Park check here.

Deer Park: 14 sites in a spectacular mountain meadow at the end of a winding dirt road.

Fairholme: 88 sites on Lake Crescent.

Graves Creek: 30 sites in the Quinault Rain Forest.

Heart O’ the Hills (Temporarily closed): 97 total sites

Hoh: 72 sites by the Hoh River. Sites are first-come, first-served outside of the reservation period.

Kalaloch: 170 sites by Kalaloch with views of the Pacific Ocean. First come, first served in the off-season. Due to severe bluff erosion, the following campsites have been closed permanently (A18, D24, D31, E6, E9).

Mora: 94 sites in a forest along the coast, two miles from Rialto Beach.

North Fork: 9 sites in rainforest

Ozette: 15 sites by Lake Ozette

Queets: 20 sites by the Queets River

South Beach: 55 sites on a bluff overlooking the Pacific

Staircase: 49 sites near the Skokomish River.

Campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park has two campgrounds, which are first-come, first-served. For more on camping in Mount Rainier National Park, click here.

Mowich Lake: 13 tent sites in the northwest section of the park

Campgrounds at North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park has six campgrounds available for first-come, first-served in the winter season. Most of the campgrounds are available for reservations during the summer season. Drive-in campgrounds along Highway 20 are on a reservation system through recreation.gov. More on North Cascades National Park camping here.

Goodell Creek Main Campground: 19 sites near the Skagit River.

Gorge Lake: Eight sites on the bank of Gorge Lake. (Closed currently)

Purple Point: Six tent-only sites near Lake Chelan. The remote location is only accessible by walking, boat, or plane. (Sites 1-2 remain closed; sites 3-6 are open first come, first served.)

Harlequin: 7 tent-only sites by the Stehekin River. The remote location is only accessible by walking, boat, or plane.

Lakeview: Nine tent-only sites located by Lake Chelan. The remote location is only accessible by walking, boat, or plane. Note: (Sites 1-5 and group backpacker camp remain closed) sites 6-9 are open first-come, first-served.)

Campgrounds at Olympic National Forest

All 17 campgrounds in Olympic National Forest are first-come, first-served, and most have amenities such as drinking water. Fan favorites: Willaby, on Lake Quinault, and Seal Rock, on the Hood Canal. Details on Olympic National Forest camping are here.

Campgrounds at Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Most campgrounds in Mount Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest are reservation-only. (Details on Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest camping here.)

There are two first-come, first-served campgrounds.

Evans Creek: This campground is located in a beautiful forest setting, offering 40 miles of combined four-wheel drive and motorcycle/quad trails of varying difficulty.

San Juan: Tiny campground near the north fork of the Skykomish River. Open from July to Sept.

Campgrounds at Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Although a few popular campgrounds in this area take reservations, most are first-come, first-served. One to remember is Kachess Campground, located tantalizingly close to Seattle on Lake Kachess. It has some first-come, first-served sites. Details on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest campgrounds are here.

Campgrounds at Gifford Pinchot National Forest

While the largest and most popular campgrounds in Gifford Pinchot National Forest are reservation only, there are a number of small, usually primitive, first-come, first-serve areas in more distant parts of the forest. Details here.

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With six years of camping as a family, we’ve stayed at several campsites throughout Washington. Amazingly, we’ve never had a negative experience. (To be honest, we’re fair-weather campers, so we have canceled two trips when the weather forecast was rainy).

New same-day camping reservations: 

Starting March 24, 2025, Washington State Parks will offer same-day camping reservations at all parks with reservable campgrounds—no more rolling the dice on first-come, first-served sites. Learn more here.

Here’s a roundup of some of the campgrounds we’ve been able to stay at — from Mount Rainier to the San Juans to the Cascades — we’ve stayed at some beautiful places in our great state and look forward to many more years of making memories while camping as a family.

Cougar Rock Campground

• Ashford, WA (use the Paradise entrance at Mount Rainier)
• Showers/Bathroom: Flush toilets; no showers
• Reservations: Reserve sites through Recreation.gov can be made six months in advance
• Construction: Will be closed August 4-8 and 11-15, 2025

This is one of only two reservable campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park. Located just a short drive from the Paradise Visitor Center, this family-friendly campground was a perfect location for our Mount Rainier trip. We used it as a base to go up and down the mountain for short day hikes and mountain-viewing. The Nisqually River is just across the street from the campground. If you stay at the campground, you don’t need an additional timed entrance reservation to get into the park.

Special for kids: We had a quiet campsite on one of the campground loops. The road around our campsite was empty enough that our 5-year-olds could bike around quite comfortably (with mom and dad watching for the occasional car). In addition to being a short drive from Paradise, the campsite is just a short drive north of Longmire. My daughter’s favorite hike of the trip was the Trail of the Shadows hike, located just across the street from Longmire. Our kids both completed the Junior Ranger Program, a program through the National Park Service where kids can complete an activity book and then get “sworn in” as a junior ranger, completed with an oath and a badge to take home. I highly recommend it!

Camping at Cougar Rock. (Image: Ellie White)

Middle Fork Snoqualmie Campground

• North Bend, WA
• Showers/Bathroom: Pit toilets; no showers
• Reservations: Reserve sites through Recreation.gov can be made six months in advance

This is one of my favorite family-friendly campgrounds in WA to visit — it takes just over an hour to drive from Seattle, but you feel worlds away while there. The campground is filled with trees and is just a short walk from the beautiful Snoqualmie River. You can wander along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail, sit along the river, or find one of many trails near the campground.

Special for kids: A short walk from the campground is a wide, rocky spot to sit by the river. You could spend hours here wading and exploring. Nearby, family-friendly hikes include the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail and Garfield Ledge Trail. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail trailhead is a short walk from the campground, has relatively low elevation gain, and goes on for many miles (I’ve never done the whole 12-mile loop – I always just go for a while and then turn around). The Garfield Ledge Trail trailhead is also a short walk from the campground and includes elevation gain. Our 4-year-olds were able to complete the nearly two-mile hike. Be aware that the viewpoint at the top of the hike is steep, so you must watch your little ones closely.

There are several trails adjacent to Middle Fork Campground. (Image courtesy Recreation.gov)

Spencer Spit State Park

• 521 Bakerview Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261
• Showers/Bathroom: Flush toilets; no showers
• Reservations: Reserve sites through Washington State Parks can be made nine months in advance or same day reservation.

Our parenting (PEPS) group took our annual camping trip to Spencer Spit when our kids were 4. Getting ferry reservations can take some time. So many people tried to get them the day we all tried, but the website wasn’t working properly. We spent many hours trying but finally got them and made it out to this beautiful spot on Lopez Island. The island is so small that you can explore all of it with the campground as a base. We visited beaches, did short hikes, and went into town during our camping trip.

Special for kids: There was a (what seemed to be newly constructed) playground that the kids enjoyed playing on. The kids also did quite a lot of biking in the park; parents would stand guard at either end of a long road in front of the site, and the kids did loop after loop on the road. Some families brought adult bikes and biked their kids into town. The campground is right on the water, so we would do a short (steep) walk down to the water to explore, swim, and calm.

Playground at Spencer Spit. (Image: Ellie White)

Lake Wenatchee State Park

• 21588 SR 207, Leavenworth, WA 98826
• Showers/Bathroom: Flush toilets; showers
• Reservations: Reserve sites through Washington State Parks can be made nine months in advance or same day.

We stayed at the group site at Lake Wenatchee State Park. It accommodates up to 80 people and would be excellent for a large group. We were just a group of three families and got the reservation the day before the trip. I’d say the group site could comfortably accommodate 10-12 tents. The individual sites were not too appealing to me — they looked like they were in a parking lot and weren’t surrounded by trees, while the group site had many trees scattered throughout. This family-friendly campground is located on beautiful Lake Wenatchee, with a swimming area sectioned off at the beach, including a wheelchair-accessible ramp down to the water.

Special for kids: We had so much space at the group campsite. There were no low-hanging branches on the trees, so the kids could easily bike and play baseball and soccer around the campsite. We headed over to the north campground (we stayed in the south campground) and meandered along a river connected to the lake; the kids could have explored the shore for hours. And just across the street from our campsite, horseback riding was offered through Icicle Outfitters & Guides. I’m glad my husband pushed for us to do a ride — the kids had a great time, and it was a great new experience for them. Another perk of the trip was that the park store rented gas fires, so although there was a fire ban, we could still have a “campfire” and roast marshmallows.

Wenatchee campground. (Image: Ellie White)

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I was in the midst of building a set of options for a possible lay-off from my full-time marketing job. My husband had been at the same global company for 7+ years doing dev-ops work that was uninspiring. So, it seemed like a great idea!

But we had two kids under the age of 4, we had a mortgage, and we were surrounded by friends and family.

Were we ready to move abroad with kids—to pack up and rent out our home, look for preschools for the kids, try to learn a new language, find a place to live in a new city, temporarily rehome our pets, and take on new jobs?

Yes, we were. Looking back on it, it seems nutty. But our reaction was essentially: “Pop the prosecco!”

Moving abroad seems like a great idea. It will expose you and your kids to different cultures and a different language. Help them understand that there are many ways of living and remind yourself that you don’t have to adhere to the generally accepted model of success. There are a million ways to live; no single one is inherently better. Maybe it’s more comfortable, but that’s a different story.

And the pizza! And the travel opportunities! The lifestyle! Plus, we would get into new, challenging, exciting jobs in the travel/tourism sector. Fun!

Friends, family, and strangers generally responded, “Wow. I am so jealous. Can we visit?” (Except my mom, who cried over the saag paneer at our local Indian place. I cried, too. That’s a different post.)

We told ourselves, each other, and our world that it was temporary. We would go, we would try, and we would return. The timeline was one year, give or take.

I have written this post for people who are considering moving abroad (especially those of you who would have to work while living abroad and raising kids). Every experience is different, and there are a million reasons to go and sometimes just as many reasons to stay.

The joy of visas!

The global elite is unbounded by issues like visas, as Golden Ticket citizenship and visa programs are for sale around the world. For us working stiffs, more and more “digital nomad” visas crop up each year. The countries of the EU seem to have embraced this trend: Portugal, Ireland, and Spain led the charge. In mid-2024, Italy enacted its own Digital Nomad visa.

This means you might be able to live and work in a different country without a ton of hoop-jumping. Relatively. You’ll need an accountant to help you sort out where you will be earning and, therefore, where you will be paying taxes. Also, will you continue to own a home in the USA? Do you have investments? (If so, where will you pay taxes on those returns and/or rental income?) Where will your official mailing address be? It gets complicated.

The visa process can be even more complex for families moving abroad with kids, especially if an employer is not relocating you. I will not get into it here. Many firms will give you advice at an hourly rate and help you sort out which visa you should apply for, how, and what the expected timeline may be. It will take months at the very least.
Other people go without a visa. But I am a worrier. And we have young kids.

In Lucca, a small walled town in Tuscany. (Image: Colleen Robertson)

It is expensive to relocate

We were not headed toward jobs that would relocate us, i.e., they were not offering to pay for flights, pay for our apartment, or even put us up in a hotel while we looked for our apartment. So, our experience was similar to what a self-relocating digital nomad might undergo. (By contrast, diplomats and their families have nearly every cost and detail taken care of, including where the kids will go to school.)

Unfortunately, the cost of moving and getting settled in was extremely high. We had to put ourselves up while we looked for an apartment, while we were completely unmoored, while trying to work full time, while not speaking Italian. When moving abroad with kids, even minor delays or unmet promises can snowball into major stress and cost. Our employer had verbally agreed to “help us find an apartment,” but the reality was different once we were on the ground—my advice: if an employer offers something, get it in writing. Of course, there is not much legal enforceability, but at least getting something in writing will help spell out the risks, potential costs, and expectations.

While looking for an apartment to rent, we moved from Airbnb to Vrbo to Bookings.com hotels. It was not pretty. Bye-bye savings. At that point, our home in Seattle had not yet been successfully rented out, either, so we were also paying our mortgage—stress city. The ringing in my ears got louder.

Reality check: Moving abroad might sound like a lovely idea, but it comes with very high upfront costs.

The stomach wants what the stomach wants

Eating is one of the major joys of life, and for our family, eating out was one of the highlights of living abroad. Because the cost of living is generally lower in Italy, eating out is also cheaper.

However, even in the center of Rome, it is tough to find a cheese sandwich for your toddler at 11:30 a.m. (lunch is generally at 12:30 for kids and after 1 p.m. for adults). We relied on “pizza al taglio,” which is essentially pizza by the slice, when we needed to eat at odd hours. We all love pizza. But how many times can you eat pizza in one week? (We set new pizza-eating records.)

And then there’s dinner. Unless you are in the most touristy town, dinner spots generally don’t open until 7:30 p.m. Eating dinner early in Italy is gauche, which I understand and respect. But then there are toddlers. And they respect nothing. Ultimately, we didn’t eat dinner out much in Rome as a family, except at a pan-Asian spot in our neighborhood that opened early to support their impressive delivery business.

And yes, there were food delivery services. We didn’t do that much—instead, we opted for handmade fresh pasta from the shop down the street. It was world-class, and the owners were friendly.

Sick house

We got sick—a lot. I was on antibiotics many times. The boys and I came down with Scarlet Fever, and we were seriously ill many other times.

After speaking to friends who are parents and expats, I learned that getting sick more frequently is a typical reality when moving abroad with kids, especially during that first year. I am not an immunologist (although, as a parent, I sometimes fancy myself one), but it seems like most people chalk up the year of sickness to being immersed in a new germ pool.

Young kids, being young kids, are constantly exposed to illnesses that are going around. But unlike their local peers, kids who have recently moved abroad haven’t developed immunity to whatever nastiness it is. So, they get it. And then you get it. And then you are booking an in-home visit with an English-speaking pediatrician (we met many doctors and finally found a very good one at the end of our stay). In-home visits are costly and out of pocket.

As all parents know, being sick frequently takes a lot of the fun out of daily life. If you are considering relocating with young kids, be aware that you and they may be ill a lot more than usual for the first year or so.

Testaccio indoor market in Rome. (Image: Colleen Robertson)

Getting away from it all? Kind of

Leaving the USA might look better every day, but here are a things to keep in mind:

• Bureaucracy in other countries is slower-moving than in the United States, and fewer things are online. There is more waiting and less certainty. We went on many, multi-hour wild goose chases only to be turned away from this building or that one. This is normal in most other places in the world. So, in this regard, the United States is an exception. Best to reset those expectations now. We had visas which were supposed to convert into permesso di sigurno after one year, in September. When we left in December, we still had not received them.
• Things you expect to function with some reliability, such as public transit, the post office, the internet, etc., do not always function. The post office, for example, is where utility and other public bills can be paid, money can be sent, etc. Try to mail a package from an Italian post office, I dare you. Or the metro is on strike, so you cannot get to your job or get the kids to school. This is BAU /expected. What did the locals do? They would chill out, have an espresso, and sort out how to work from home, hop on a scooter, or make it work some other way.
• You cannot escape politics; you can just ignore it. For us, moving abroad didn’t mean not voting, it just meant being more removed from the news cycle. This was a nice break, but it did not remove our agency from the current failings of the United States. We were still paying taxes in the USA. Also! Wherever you move, there will be political issues. Italy is not perfect. Google the current state of gay couples who have adopted children. It’s not good. Just because you don’t speak the language as well as you speak English, and therefore cannot scan the headlines, you will be supporting whatever is going on in your new hometown, just with ignorance as a palliative.
• One of the biggest emotional lifts when moving abroad with kids is building a community from scratch — it takes time and effort. We got a leg up in this department as we were exposed to a group of parents through our kids’ school and had some English-speaking colleagues. However, when looking for friends, you are not casting for just warm bodies; you’re looking for people you connect with. Don’t expect to be surrounded by throngs of like-minded people who want to spend time getting to know you unless you are going abroad with a diplomatic posting.
• The cost of living was slightly lower in Rome than in Seattle. (Seattle is an expensive place to live.)
• The grocery store food tasted fresher and was much cheaper. But! When eating out, it was tougher to find a good variety of international foods. We had to go across the city to find ramen, Vietnamese food, or Ethiopian food. (Thai? Forgetaboutit.)
• Fewer people speak English than you might expect. We were surprised by how few people spoke English in Rome.
• Health care is technically “free” if you get into the healthcare system, which takes months, AND/OR if you go to the emergency room. But if you or your kids need a doctor’s exam to get a prescription or to assuage a concern, you will pay out of pocket. Each visit will be between 100 and 200 euros. Even the Italians with means don’t always use the free system – if something serious comes up and they either don’t want to or cannot wait 8 months for the next available appointment, they pay out of pocket.
• Going to awesome places by train is generally easy. But it ain’t cheap. Flying budget airlines is often more affordable than taking a train. But the experience of going by train is usually less stressful and takes a similar amount of time if you are traveling within Italy or somewhere nearby. We always packed the standard books, games, coloring stuff, but the folding toilet seat for the small bums was also essential. You’ll thank me when you’re trying to hold a 3-year-old above a dirty toilet seat on a train thundering through Tuscany.
• Workplace culture is different! I thought that there would be more similarities than differences between Italy and the Pacific Northwest of the USA. I was wrong. The workplace culture seemed much more tolerant of taking time away, either a few hours or a day, because a kid is sick. And everyone uses their vacation time—all of it. Italians have a “right to a job” written into their constitution. The “right to a job” contributes to the approach to work.
• Generally, Italians do not subscribe to the “time is money” adage that plagues Americans. They seem to believe that time is life. This was a refreshing change, and it took me a while to fully embrace it.

Pantheon in Rome. (Image: Colleen Robertson)

English? Anyone?

You may have traveled to Europe and been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who spoke some English. But your experience as a tourist does not mirror reality.

It is true that people in Italy who are in the tourism industry speak English. But for the general populace, speaking English is the exception to the rule. You might expect Rome to be full of fluent English speakers (it is a global city, after all). But that is not the case. And if someone does speak English, it tends to be Netflix English – not so bad – but that also tends to be younger people. I am not complaining. I am just letting you know that encountering fluent English speakers outside of the touristy center is the exception, not the rule.

The upside was that our older son became conversational in Italian within a year and a half. He was fully immersed in Italian at his “bilingual” (not really) preschool. The younger son’s language development stalled, but since returning to the USA, he is back on track.

Personally, I love being immersed in a different language. I love the challenge and the constant novelty. But it is also exhausting. I would rehearse my phrases for the pharmacist: “Do you have liquid for the ears? For kids? For swimming? Pain?” But inevitably, I would stumble and fall back on Google Translate.

We did a lot of Duolingo. But after a year and a half, I only spoke “grocery store and restaurant Italian” with limited confidence. I am sure that, had I been expected to speak Italian at work, I would have picked up much more of it. Most non-Italians I made friends with, who were in Rome for the duration, were taking Italian language courses. If we had stayed longer, we would have done the same.

Allora!

Overall, I am glad we took the leap into moving abroad with kids and lived in Italy. We made some friendships that I hope last a lifetime. We imbued our kids with an appreciation of European and Italian culture, and our older son spoke fluent Italian by the time we left.

I loved the work of creating a marketing team at a growing company.

We loved traveling around Italy with our kids.

Would we do it again? Well, I guess that’s life’s joy and sorrow: no do-overs. That’s why we went. And that’s why we’re glad to be back in Seattle, surrounded by friends and family.

The post The highs and lows of moving abroad with young kids appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Getting there is part of the fun, and the ferry voyage to Bainbridge Island also offers great views of Seattle. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Getting there

Ferries to Bainbridge Island depart right from the Seattle waterfront and kids ages 18 and under ride for free. Check the online schedule ahead of time and give yourself plenty of time to navigate waterfront construction and busy weekend evenings. Consider walking on the ferry for a virtually guaranteed spot and exploring downtown Winslow on foot. You can even use BI Ride, a ride-share service at the cost of a bus fare, to get around the island without a car. 

Alternate itineraries include driving around the Kitsap Peninsula via Tacoma or taking the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston. Both routes will take you through the charming town of Poulsbo and near the Suquamish Museum (an excellent place to learn more about the Suquamish People who have stewarded our region since time immemorial, and to play on the lovely playground just behind the museum). 

What to do

One thing we’ve learned after nearly 25 (and counting!) visits to Bainbridge with kids is that there’s something for everyone. 

The Kids Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island has both permanent features and rotating experiences. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Museums

The Kids Discovery Museum (aka KidiMu) is a can’t-miss stop. Crowd favorites like a grocery store, bank and indoor treehouse are available throughout the year, but save time for the STEM-focused learning spaces that change regularly. The space shares a parking lot with the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (which has free admission, so it’s a risk-free way to introduce kids to art). 

If your February plans include a staycation, keep Seattle Museum Month in mind. Guests of participating Seattle hotels get a pass for 50% off admission at most Seattle-area museums for the entire month, which includes KidiMu! 

The Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island tells a sad and important story and also is an easily walkable outdoor attraction. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial: While not technically a museum, this must-see memorial honors the many Bainbridge residents of Japanese descent who were incarcerated during World War II. Its outdoor location and easy walking path make it very family-friendly, while your heartstrings will feel a tug seeing the names of toddlers who were forcibly removed from their homes. 

The KidsUp! Playground in Battle Point Park is an inclusive play space with a ferry as its centerpiece, plus a sand pit, swings, pickleball courts and more. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Playgrounds

You’ll find noteworthy playgrounds throughout Bainbridge Island, but make sure you save time for at least one of our three favorites: 

• Battle Point Park KidsUp! Playground: This inclusive play space features a custom-built ferry climbing structure, sand pit, swings and a wheelchair-accessible We-Go-Round. Don’t forget your family’s favorite athletic gear — there’s also a pump track, pickleball courts, roller hockey rink and disc golf. 
• Fay Bainbridge Park: Catch views of Mount Baker and Mount Rainier from the beach while your kids play on the pirate ship playground. 
• Owen’s Playground: Enjoy nature-inspired play structures and fun water features at this inclusive play area that’s a short drive away from downtown Winslow. 

Outdoor fun

If you look at Bainbridge Island on Google Maps, you’ll notice it’s completely speckled with green space, meaning you’ll find a park and trails nearly everywhere you go (check out the full list here). 

We especially love the mini-bridges and cool tree formations along the mostly flat one-mile Forest to Sky trail that connects Battle Point Park to Grand Forest West. 

The trails at IslandWood are open to the public on select days and include access to a lookout tower and a treehouse with canyon views. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Fans of the trio of large Triangle of Fire forts will appreciate climbing around the smaller bunker at Fort Ward Park. A loop trail winds through the trees in the park (occasionally there are fairy houses to find) while a paved waterfront trail is perfect for a family-friendly bike or scooter ride.

For an experience that is truly unique to Bainbridge Island, scout out the Community Events on IslandWood’s calendar. Roughly once a month (usually on the first Sunday), this environmental education nonprofit opens its trail network to the public. Don’t miss climbing the lookout tower and checking out the treehouse with canyon views. 

Pleasant Beach Village offers ice skating during the holidays. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Seasonal

Summer might be the most popular time for a day trip, but seasonal events add an extra touch of magic to an island visit. 

• Suyematsu Farms provides multiple opportunities to make the most of the changing seasons. Pick your own bouquet of dahlias in the late summer, visit the cozy pumpkin patch in the fall and cut your own Christmas tree as winter arrives. 
• Bloedel Reserve has spectacular trails to explore year-round, but don’t miss the fall gourd scavenger hunt or the pathways lined with snow people crafted from natural materials during the holiday Winter of Wonder celebration. If you have a reluctant hiker in the family, the surprise-and-delight trail elements just might keep them going!
• You could spend an entire winter afternoon at Pleasant Beach Village. Enjoy sliding across their skating rink (we’ve found it easier for little legs to balance on the faux ice), build your own gingerbread house at one of their intimate parties and then settle in for a warm beverage and appetizers under Joe’s beautifully lit holiday tent. 

With its brick facade and climbing vines, Pegasus Coffee is a sight to see as well as a place to get a treat. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Where to eat

From morning till night, you’ve got plenty of options to fill hungry bellies before or after your Bainbridge activities. 

Our day trips usually start with a pastry from Blackbird Bakery or a latte from the beautifully vine-covered Pegasus Coffee. On overnight trips, we get in line early for waffles from Streamliner Diner. 

We just can’t quit Bruciato’s Neapolitan-style pizza and have to stop nearly every visit. If we’re staying overnight or are lucky enough to be in town for another meal, we opt for Proper Fish’s perfectly crispy fish and chips or comforting pho from Thuy’s Pho House (definitely add the chili oil for a kick of extra flavor). 

For a kid-friendly happy hour, head over for a glass of cider and a board game at Sisters Cider House. Don’t forget to stop at the Ravine at the edge of downtown for a scoop (or two) of Emma & Otto’s ice cream before catching the ferry home. You could take it to go, but during the summer it’s more fun to sit down for live music and lawn games. 

Staying on Bainbridge Island with kids

With its close proximity to Seattle, Bainbridge is one of the more developed islands in terms of options for overnight accommodation. 

The Marshall Suites are close to downtown with a lobby full of 24/7 snacks, while the Inn at Pleasant Beach offers a shuttle service with unique rooms and summertime access to their fabulous pool (typically between Memorial and Labor Day). 

Expect significant variability in overnight rates based on seasonality. Winter hotel stays are surprisingly budget-friendly at around $100 per night, whereas a peak season summer stay will set you back as much as $400 per night. 

Camping at Fay Bainbridge is also another fun option — with your tent, RV or cabin spot, your family can get early access to the playground and mountain views. 

Whether you take a short day trip or extend your stay into a long weekend, Bainbridge Island offers families the perfect taste of island life with plenty of delicious food and exciting activities.

The post Bainbridge Island with Kids: Fun and food for the whole family appeared first on Seattle's Child.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Getting there

Pack your car and head to Mt. Vernon, about a 90-minute drive from Seattle. If it’s Tulip Festival time, opt to go on the weekday because traffic is heavier on the weekends. Take in the beautiful mountain views, the valleys, and lush landscapes. On the way, stop to see the annual migration of snow geese. They land in open fields, so keep your eyes peeled. These birds travel from Wrangel Island, Russia, for the winter and early spring months. When we saw them, we stopped at the side of the road (along with other drivers)  and watched hundreds of birds squawking at one another as they feasted on seeds and bugs.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Be sure to stop at the daffodil fields, too—rows and rows of these yellow beauties dance in the sunlight, waiting to be photographed. There was no one-stop, but you’ll find these yellow fields around the valley and near the tulip fields.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Tiny cabins in Mt. Vernon

Don’t overpack for this trip! These tiny cabins near Little Mountain Park were the perfect option for our weekend away.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Although small, these Getaway cabins offer a queen-sized bed and a bunk area perfect for two kids–we’re a family of four and felt comfortable. The steps to the bunk are steep, and the roof is low, so young kids may want to sleep on the bed below. The cabin’s large windows offer a spectacular view into the woods and a wonderful place to sit, read, or play games (Uno was our card game of choice).

Equipped with a fridge, cooking stove, sink, shower, and flushing toilet, you’ll be glamping before you know it. The campground even provided hot water,  towels, toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner. We brought food for meals, stored ingredients in the large fridge, and used the outdoor firepit to roast hotdogs and marshmallows.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Plan on packing light and living out of a suitcase. The coat hooks inside the cabin helped with some storage and drying wet towels and clothes, but we went back and forth to the car to grab changes of clothes and shoes/slippers. Luckily, parking for the car was right in front of the cabin, so the walk wasn’t far.

Drop the tech and immerse in nature

The idea behind these tiny cabins is to cut loose from technology and immerse yourself in nature. A small storage box inside the cabin encourages visitors to leave their cell phones behind to take advantage of the nature trails on the property and nearby parks. Maps and suggestions for things to do are provided at the cabin. Take the trails and immerse yourself in the 10 miles of protected wetlands on the 60-acre private property. A one-night stay costs $136-$350/night, depending on a weekend stay versus a weekday stay. Dogs are welcome for a $50 flat fee.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Exploring Padilla Bay

A simple internet search will yield many hiking options for kids around the Skagit Valley area. We explored Padilla Bay, about a half-hour north of Mt. Vernon. The beach and estuary trails are beautiful. Take the Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead around the estuary for an easy 2-mile hike (or scootering adventure). During low tide, miles of mud flats and a variety of birds can be seen.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Stop at the Breazeale Interpretive Center and Aquarium for a hands-on look at the sea life surrounding the estuary and Samish Bay. This free museum is a fantastic education center with interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and a children’s center.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

The charming town of La Conner

West of Mt. Vernon, we checked out La Conner, a small town next to the Skagit River.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

We dined at La Conner Brewing Co., serving standard pub food like burgers and pizza.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

The town is lined with bookstores and small shops offering interesting keepsakes, books, and toys. After checking out a few places, we drove over the river to see the Swinomish Cedar Hats.

Located on the Swinomish reservation, this park is a gathering place for the tribe. Visitors may enter the park and take a short walk around, reading about tribal culture and history.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Kukutali Preserve State Park

Head over to the island of Kiket, owned by the Swinomish Tribe and the Washington Trails Association. This land is the first Tribal State Park in United States history. There are three easy hikes to choose from, with little to no elevation and on gravel or wood-chipped pathways. This is not a stroller-friendly path, but bring your pack if you’ve got small kids who dislike walking.

(Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

We took the 0.4-mile South Trail to the island, walked the beach, skipped stones, and took in the peaceful views. Harvesting of any kind and dogs are not allowed on this property. Please respect the private property signage at the west end of the island. Pro tip: Don’t get stuck on the island; find the tide schedule ahead of visiting this preserve so you know when to go. Crossing over to the island requires walking over a sandbar, which will be underwater at high tide.

Skagit Valley Road Trip: Ticket to the Tulips

We visited Skagit Valley during the Tulip Festival and saw the amazing display of gardens at Tulip Town and Roozengarde.

Tulip Town includes 5 acres of tulips, a windmill, and indoor gardens. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, food, a beer garden, and a trolley ride. Tickets range from $15 to $20. Dogs are welcome.

The next stop is the famous RoozenGaarde. It has over 20 acres of daffodils and tulips set against the Cascades. RoozenGaarde also has food, a tulip market, and many opportunities to take beautiful pictures. Tickets are $15 and $17, depending on the day of the week. Kids 2 and under are free. Dogs are not allowed.

Read more about Roozengarde and how to have a successful day with little ones at the Festival.

More things to do on a road trip to Skagit Valley

Download the Tulip Festival Map and find places with more tulip displays, farms that host tours and experiences, and the local children’s museum. The Skagit Valley Food Co-op sells local foods, artwork, and flowers. It also has a wonderful salad bar and bakery.

In search of ice cream? Iconic Snow Goose Produce is what you need — the scoops are large, and the waffle cones are freshly made.

My kids had large scoops of cotton candy and birthday cake—a sweet, sticky, joyful mess of fun. We stood in the seating areas located to the left of the shop and chowed down on the yummy treats.

Beware, lines are long but worth the wait!

All smiles with tons of ice cream. (Image: Jasmin Thankachen)

Plan for your next road trip to Skagit Valley. You won’t be disappointed!

The post Road Trip Ready: A kid-friendly Skagit Valley escape appeared first on Seattle's Child.