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5 Fun European-Style Washington Towns
It’s fair for the kids to get a little confused about geography, if you’re visiting certain Washington towns. You drive a few miles, then tour a burg with a Norwegian flag flying overhead. A clue that you’re NOT in Norway? Everything’s in English, you pay in dollars and you won’t find nude sunbathing on Poulsbo’s cold, rocky beach. Welcome to a European-style Washington town. Next time you’re feeling Europe-sick (and don’t have the funds for a flight), check out these five Washington towns. Okay, some or most may not be “authentic” but more designed to draw the eye and dollar of tourists—but that doesn’t really detract from their charms. Poulsbo:…
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Kid-friendly Resorts of Vancouver Island
Smart families have already made their family resort reservations for Vancouver Island—perhaps for 2024! Want to play catch-up? Here’s a selection of ultra-deluxe Vancouver Island resorts and affordable family accommodations, as I’m doing my own research for a trip through Vancouver Island. I found plenty of resorts where children are definitely NOT welcome; one said that kids were welcome to use the pool — for exactly three hours per day! But there are also resorts that seem to encourage family visitors. And while the pandemic seems to have ended some family programming (childcare, mainly), other resorts are still offering kid camps and childcare. I’ve mostly listed upcoming high season prices.…
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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…
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Are Great Wolf Lodge Day Passes a Good Deal?
“Can we just go to Great Wolf Lodge for the day?” many a Great Wolf Lodge-hungry child has asked. Welp kids, after more than a decade, day passes are now available at Great Wolf Lodge in Washington State. However, you may be wondering in a Great Wolf Day Pass vs. Great Wolf Lodge Room battle, who wins? It’s important to compare options, as pricing has changed tremendously in the past few years, and as of 2022, you’ll have to do the math to make sure advantages pencil out. What are Grand Mound Great Wolf Lodge Day Passes? Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington day passes come in two varieties:…
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Your Guide to the Amtrak Family Room
Like a ship’s cabin or a pod-studio, the Amtrak Family Room is a tight squeeze. Let’s be really clear here, the Amtrak sleeper cabins are not luxurious. Think somewhere between European budget hotel and a bus. An overnight trip aboard a long-haul train is incredibly fun, and something your children will remember for a lifetime. It’s not particularly comfortable, efficient or a good value — it’s probably far cheaper for you to fly or drive. But an Amtrak overnight is perfect if you’re seeking an unusual family-travel experience. What’s in the Family Bedroom? The Family Rooms on Amtrak trains has two picture windows on each side of the room, small…
