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Family Day Trips from the Seattle Area
If you’ve only got a day, try one of these family-friendly daytrips from the Seattle area for winter break, spring break or a weekend escape: Bellingham with Kids Daytrip Take I-5 North to Bellingham and enjoy the town’s artsy vibe, parks and museums, then get a cool scoop at Mallard Ice Cream. In fact, there are over 20 family-friendly things to do in Bellingham. If you don’t want to drive as far as Bellingham, try the picture-perfect, riverfront town of La Conner for spring’s tulip festivals or just to stroll streets stacked with bookstores, toy shops and museums. Don’t forget to try the Banana Coconut Cakes at Calico Cupboard Cafe. Time…
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Bainbridge Island with Kids
On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than catching a Washington State Ferry from Pier 52, bound for Bainbridge Island. En route, ask the kids to find the mountains — they’re all around you. Olympics to the west, Cascades (behind Seattle’s high-rise office buildings) and Mt. Rainier looming to the south. Once you’ve arrived, hop off and enjoy some island time: slow down, ramble along the streets, poke your head into independently owned shops and say “hello” to store owners. Things to Do on Bainbridge Island with Kids Bainbridge Aquatic Center, 8521 Madison Avenue N. Rainy day on Bainbridge Island with kids? No problem! Ride down the 180-foot water slide, cruise…
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Northwest Trek: A Fabulous Seattle Day Trip
Several months ago, we visited Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for the first time. Located in rural Pierce County, Northwest Trek is a fabulous way to meet some of the Northwest’s critters up close and in the animals’ natural habitat — yes, at the same time. The Tram Tour takes passengers on a 50-minute circular loop through tall grass, evergreen forest and past mountain-fed lakes. The guide kept up the informational, fact-packed patter on our trip, and answered all and any questions — no question was too silly or small. She slowed so we could take photos of bison, bighorn rams and bull elk. Half the fun was watching the tramful…
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9 Awesome Seattle Day Trips with Kids
Just because you’re between vacations doesn’t mean you have to stay home. These nine fun excursions get the family out of the house for the day. Whether you have one or two hours or an entire 12 hours to drive, play and explore, you’ll find a great escape below. Seattle to Whidbey Island Day Trip How long does it take to get to Whidbey Island? The Mukilteo ferry dock is about 35 miles north of Seattle, then there’s a half-hour sailing time to Clinton. Ferries run every half-hour on weekends and cost $24.85/RT for a family of four. Driving from Clinton to Fort Casey takes about 40 minutes. Things to…
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Photo Friday: The Star Wars Shop
Driving into Aberdeen, Wash., we’re greeted with the sign, “Come As You Are,†from a song by the marine town’s local boy, Kurt Cobain. The verses that follow? As you were/As I want you to be. Aberdeen has always struggled with being, in any sense. The town now appears to be well-sunk, pulled down by the weight of dead logging and fishing industries. The downtown core’s empty storefronts offer “for lease” placards. Rotating signs spin half-heartedly in the wind, missing letters and customers. It’s enough to break a city girl’s heart. So what do you when Abderdeen’s grey skies and grey streets part and reveal the Sucher & Sons Star…
