Washington State's geographic beauty ranges from 14,000 foot high glaciers to tide pools with green urchins; from apple orchards and wheat fields to the Columbia River's winding crossing. This corner of the Pacific Northwest is a magnet for families with children. Healthy activities, clean air and wildlife merge with arts and culture, while an authentic sense of who people are pervade the Evergreen State.
The Emerald City has numerous activities for children of all ages. The short list of places to take kids includes: the Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and Space Needle at Seattle Center; the Hiram M. Chittendon Locks to watch salmon; the Seattle Aquarium to touch a sea anemone and laugh with the sea otters' antics; Volunteer Park to climb the water tower; and Pike's Place Market for the variety of vendors, the famous piggy and fish tossing near the waterfront. Lesser known are the Alki Point Lighthouse, bicycle boat rentals on Greenlake, and taking in a show by Broadway Babies.
The San Juan Islands will easily keep the kids entertained. The ferry ride from Anacortes is exciting, with frequent wildlife sighting. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and camping are excellent choices for families. Bicycling Lopez Island is a popular activity, as is scouring for treasures at Shark Reef Park, Spencer Spit State Park and Agate Beach.
Olympic National Park is a must for kids who love sports or fantasy, magic and mystery. Hikes across the high peaks or meadows enthrall everyone, especially when the marmots sing or deer cross the paths. Trails through the Hoh Rain Forest will have kids searching for fairies and dragons. Programs by park officials teach about the sacred areas, the nursery logs and local wildlife.
Mount Baker, St. Helens and Rainier each bring adventure and exploration. With trails, lakes and wildflowers in summer, then snowshoes or skiing in winter, there's a lot to do. Highlights include Rainier's Silver Falls, Grove of the Patriarchs, Sunrise and Paradise. Kids ages 6 to 11 can become Junior Rangers, earning badges and certificates as they explore. Remember to tread softly; don't trample meadow flowers and check ahead for trail conditions and when to leave the pets at home.
What's a bumbershoot? It's an umbrella, and every year Seattle celebrates Bumbershoot with top name and regional acts in music, comedy, theatre and more. Dozens of festivals dot Washington year round -- most of them great for kids. Port Townsend has the old Wooden Boats. Issaquah has Salmon Days. Snohomish has the Pumpkin Hurl. There's a Halloween Harvest in Auburn, the Highland Games in Bellingham, the animals at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe and the lively carnival atmosphere of a must do in September: The Puyallup.
Try boating or skiing on Lake Chelan, or tour the Grand Coulee Dam in summer, leaving time to enjoy the laser show. Experience a real ranch in the Okanagan at Canaan Ranch Bed and Barn. The whole family can ride horses, swim and join in on barn dances and hay rides. Keep an eye out for coyotes, eagles, bobcats and wild turkeys.
For a truly unforgettable experience, attend a howl-in at Wolf Haven in Tenino. They also have day camps for kids, and face painting, eco-scavenger hunts and activities focused on the wolves they have rescued, raised and cared for since 1982.
Washington State is home to a number of American Indian tribes. The museum with the Ozette treasures is located in Neah Bay, on the Makah Reservation. It is worth a stop on the way to hiking out for views of Tatoosh Island or the Pillars. Find a powwow in the summer and join in the celebrations.
