• 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…

  • bison at NW trek something to do in seattle with kids
    Tacoma

    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…

  • Fort Casey Washington
    Day Trips

    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…

  • Other

    Free & Cheap Fun with Kids for Winter Holiday Break

    What are you doing this week? Check out these lists of great cheap and free fun in our region — and maybe add a few more of your own. These lists were written in summer, so you’ll have to gloss over some suggestions and skip those fountains (brr). But you should find plenty of fantastic activities here. And if you’ve already done everything in your own city, plan a weekend getaway trip to a nearby city and take advantage of their fab freebies: Best Kids’ Bookstores in Cascadia 35 Free and Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver, BC 10 Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver (Rainy Day…

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    Museum Madness: Free Northwest museum entry on September 25

    On September 25, 2010, you and a guest can gain free entry to one of the Pacific Northwest’s fabulous museums, thanks to the Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Go to the site to see the complete list, but for family-friendly options, here are my picks and why you should go: Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia, Washington, for general fun. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, in Tacoma, Wash., for pioneers. Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, for two floors of hands-on history. KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue, Wash., for more little-kid options. Nordic Heritage Museum, in Seattle, for vikings and a Lego warrior ship. Seattle Art Museum, for oddball modern art…