10 Family Friendly Adventures in Washington State

Let's get the whole family out of the house to find a new place to explore, take photos, and make lasting memories. This (mostly) free list has something for everyone to enjoy the return of spring in our favorite state!

For the Little Scientists (North Cascades)
Padilla Bay
The Breazeale Interpretive Center includes an aquarium with exhibits and presentations to learn about eel grass and salmon restoration projects. Then grab the family and take the loop trail or head down to explore the beach and intertidal mudflats.

 

For the Bikers and Strollers (Metro Seattle)
Haller Park
Picnic and fly kites at the park, then cross the big old train bridge (now pedestrian) pausing to see the confluence of the Stilliguamish river below. For the energetic, head up the Centennial or Whitehorse trail on foot or with the family's bikes.

 

For Our Sea Creature Lovers (Islands)
Indian Island
Enjoy a beach combing walk with the family during the low tides this month. Discover the diverse marine life like sea stars and sea anemones that call the tide pools on this island home.

 

This Moss is for You (Peninsulas & Coast)
Hoh Rainforest
Grab your family and their raincoats, we’re headed to the rainforest. Experience the enormous, primeval, moss covered trees and the wild Hoh river with trails available to challenge every level of hiker. 

 

For the Athletic Types (Volcanoes)
The Ape Caves
Bring each kiddo a flashlight, and let's go exploring some lava tubes! Get the wiggles out with some physical agility in a fun, educational way.

 

Ghost Hunters (North Central)
Old Molson Ghost Town and Lake Sidley
Pick your way around the eerily empty homesteads, original farm equipment, and hold up the early 1900’s era bank. Nearby, find family friendly fun at Lake Sidley which is open to fishing year around.

 

Indoor Enthusiasts (North East)
Gaiser Conservatory
Escape the drizzle and spend some warm free time with some spectacular plants from all around the tropics, subtropics, and temperate world.

 

Hikers and Campers (The Gorge)
Battle Ground Lake State Park
Battle Ground Lake is a gorgeous, green spring fed lake that has pooled in the crater of an ancient volcano. A great place for spring hiking, biking, and early camping with a primitive horse camp, too.

 

Aspiring Astronomers (Wine Country)
Goldendale Observatory
Meet up with friends and family for this month's opening of the observatory. Attend solar shows in the afternoon and an evening show to view the stars, planets, and other space objects with their 24.5 inch reflector telescope!

 

Bird Watchers (South East)
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge gives you a chance to hike or canoe and spans a variety of habitats. This month includes the 23rd Annual Sandhill Crane Festival. Experience some exceptional bird watching with the family and get the chance to see the return of these incredible birds. Don't forget the binoculars!