Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids

Pacific Northwest family spring break and mid-winter break ideas, including Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. The rundown of kid-friendly destinations includes the Oregon Coast including Cannon Beach, British Columbia hotspots like Harrison Hot Springs, and sunny and dry Eastern Oregon. We also cover Vancouver Island, the Seattle area, the Vancouver area, Central Oregon including Bend.

  • Day Trips,  Get Outdoors! Camping & Hiking Trips,  Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids,  Road Trips,  Washington State

    2023 Washington State Parks Free Days

    Yes, it’s true—Washington State Parks offer more than a dozen days when admission is free, no Discover Pass required. On these days, you can park at any of the 100 Washington State Parks for free, and enjoy the park’s hiking trails, playground, beach, picnic benches, and interpretive trails for day use. While you might think the free days fall on common national holidays, they don’t always do so. In Washington State, we always do things a little differently. That’s why it pays to put these dates on the calendar in advance, so you won’t forget and can plan to visit parks in advance. Washington State Park Free Days: Winter Washington State…

  • taking the train on a spring break trip with teens in washington
    Day Trips,  Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids,  Washington State

    13 Washington Spring Break Ideas for Families

    Whether you plan to take the train for car-free daytrip, or want a multi-day road trip, there’s a Washington State destination just right for your family spring break getaway. Spring Break Trips for Families: Where to Go in Washington As the snows melt, more opportunities for excursions open up—but do bring the chains for those surprise snowstorms. Here are some great destinations throughout Washington. Northwest Washington Family Spring Break Ideas 1. Bellingham. A sweet little city often overlooked by families motoring up I-5; the college town of Bellingham deserves it own multi-day stay. See my post on 20 Things to Do in Bellingham with Kids, go on a scenic drive (stop…

  • Union Station in Portland, Oregon
    Day Trips,  Kid-friendly Trip Ideas,  Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids,  Travel Tips

    18 Tips for Riding Amtrak Trains with Kids

    Amtrak rails between Seattle and Portland But as with so many other escapades, much of your family’s Amtrak success will come down to preparation. Here are tips on taking the train with kids. I’ll soon offer some information on the family sleeper cars, and best train trips through Washington, Oregon and BC. Train Price Tips for Amtrak with Kids 1. Save money. Can kids ride free on Amtrak? Well, you can save by taking advantage of Amtrak’s 50% off discount for children’s coach fares. But no, children don’t ride free. Instead, one child ages 2-12 receives a 50% discount on the lowest available adult Amtrak rail fair. But they must…

  • hot springs in oregon and washington
    Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids

    13 Great British Columbia Spring Break Ideas for Families

    British Columbia’s mountains, lakes and harbors offer hundreds of great spring break family getaways. These standout cities and villages provide lots of great indoor and outdoor fun things to do for little kids, big kids and teens. Take a look and let me know if I’ve forgotten any of your favorite spring break destinations. Spring Break Ideas for British Columbia 1. Vancouver and West Fraser Valley. Visit nearby Fort Langley and hear stories by the fire, learn about historic weapons and then back into Vancouver to visit Kitsilano with kids. If it’s raining? No problem. Check out this list of great rainy day activities in Vancouver. 2. Whistler. You’ll still find fresh powder in the impressive…

  • Empress Hotel: a nice place for a spring break in BC
    Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids

    Northwest Spring Break: Where to go for great weather

    Where should you take the kids for a spring break in the Pacific Northwest? Where can you go without a raincoat, scarf, hat and boots? Below, you’ll read about the March and April temperature and rainfall averages. It’s in Imperial and Fahrenheit, just to keep it all consistent, and the site I used (Weather.com) to compile the information offered that approach first. I’m sorry, Canadians! Low rain spring break If you’re desperate for some sun or just a break from the rain, Central and Eastern Oregon are great places for the kids’ spring break. Bend, Oregon is mild, with average March temps of 51 and 57 in April, and about…