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Washington State offers a plethora of activities and attractions for families with kids. From the Pacific Ocean beaches to the Cascade Mountains, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a family trip to Washington and wondering where to take your kids, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 8 best places to take kids in Washington.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or fun-filled activities, Washington has it all. In this list, we’ve included a variety of destinations that are sure to keep your kids entertained and engaged.
From national parks and zoos to museums and amusement parks, there’s no shortage of things to do in Washington with kids. So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation to all the best places in Washington State.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit destination for families with kids who love the great outdoors. The park is located in Washington State and is home to the iconic Mount Rainier, an active volcano that stands at 14,410 feet tall. There are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the park’s many visitor centers. Here are two of the most popular regions of the park.
Paradise
Paradise is the most popular region of Mount Rainier National Park, and for good reason. It is best known for its contrast of snowfields and wildflower meadows. The region is easily accessible by car and offers plenty of hiking trails suitable for families with kids of all ages. The visitor center at Paradise is a great place to start your visit and learn more about the park’s history and geology.
Longmire
Longmire is another popular region of Mount Rainier National Park. It is located at the park’s southwest entrance and is home to the park’s original headquarters. The region is less crowded than Paradise and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. Families with kids can explore the historic buildings, take a dip in the hot springs, or go on a ranger-led hike.
Whether you choose to visit Paradise or Longmire, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the greatest places for families with kids in Washington State. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, the park is sure to provide a memorable experience for everyone.
Seattle Children’s Museum
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids in Seattle, the Seattle Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination. The museum offers 18,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits that encourage children between birth to 8 years old to explore and learn about science, arts, and cultural education.
The museum has a variety of exhibits that cater to different interests and age groups. For example, the “Global Village” exhibit allows kids to explore different cultures from around the world, while the “Climb, Crawl, Slide” exhibit offers a fun and safe place for kids to burn off some energy.
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the “Imagination Studio,” where kids can unleash their creativity through various art projects. The museum also offers daily programs and events, such as storytime, puppet shows, and science experiments, which are included with admission.
Admission to the Seattle Children’s Museum is $12.50 for adults and children over 1 year old, and free for infants under 1 year old. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, except for major holidays.
The Seattle Children’s Museum is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational experience. With a variety of exhibits and programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Pacific Science Center
200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
If you’re looking for an educational and entertaining experience for your kids, the Pacific Science Center is a great option. Located in Seattle, this science museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits that will keep your children engaged and learning.
- Exhibits for all ages: The Pacific Science Center has exhibits that are suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Younger kids will enjoy the water play area, while older kids will love the laser shows and virtual reality experiences.
- IMAX movies: The IMAX theater at the Pacific Science Center shows a variety of educational films that are perfect for kids. From documentaries about wildlife to movies about space exploration, there’s something for everyone.
- Planetarium shows: The planetarium at the Pacific Science Center offers shows that are both educational and entertaining. Your kids will learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies while being immersed in a stunning visual display.
- Butterfly house: The butterfly house is a popular attraction at the Pacific Science Center. Your kids will love seeing these beautiful insects up close and personal.
The Pacific Science Center is a great place to take your kids if you want to combine education and entertainment. With exhibits and activities for all ages, it’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Olympic National Park
3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Olympic National Park is a fantastic place to take your kids for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. With four distinct ecosystems, there are tons of activities to keep the whole family happy. Here are our top family-friendly things to do in the park.
Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge is a popular destination in Olympic National Park, and for good reason. The views from the top are breathtaking, and there are plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained. In the winter, the ridge is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer, you can go hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and mountain goats.
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hoh Rain Forest is a must-visit destination in Olympic National Park, especially if you have kids who love the outdoors. The forest is home to some of the largest trees in the world, and your kids will love exploring the moss-covered trails and spotting wildlife. Keep an eye out for elk, black bears, and river otters.
Olympic National Park another one of the great places to take your kids in Washington for an outdoor adventure they’ll never forget. Whether you’re hiking, camping, skiing, or just taking in the views, this park has something for everyone.
Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108-4097
If you’re looking for fun and educational places to take kids in Washington, the Museum of Flight is a must-visit destination. Located in Seattle, this museum is the largest air and space museum in the world, built around Boeing’s original factory. Here are some highlights of what you can expect to see and do at the Museum of Flight.
Explore the Great Gallery: This is the main exhibit hall of the museum, where you can see over 150 aircraft and spacecraft, including the fastest plane in the world, the Lockheed M-21 Blackbird. You can also learn about the history of aviation and space exploration, from the Wright Brothers to the Apollo missions.
Walk Aboard Air Force One: The museum is home to the first presidential jet plane, used by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. You can walk through the plane and see what it was like to travel as the leader of the free world.
Climb Aboard the Concorde: This supersonic passenger jet was the pinnacle of luxury air travel in the 1970s and 80s. You can tour the plane and see what it was like to fly faster than the speed of sound.
Learn about World War I and II Planes: The museum has an impressive collection of planes from both world wars, including a P-51 Mustang, a Spitfire, and a B-17 Flying Fortress. Your kids can learn about the role these planes played in history and how they were used in combat.
Experience Space Exploration: The museum has a section dedicated to space exploration, where you can see a full-scale model of the International Space Station and learn about the history of the Space Race.
Admission to the Museum of Flight is $26 for adults and $16 for children ages 5-17. Children under 5 are free. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm, and there are plenty of places to eat and shop on site. Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire your kids with the wonder of flight and space exploration.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville, WA 98328
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with your kids, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a great choice. Located near Eatonville, about an hour’s drive from SeaTac Airport, this open-range zoo offers a unique experience where animals native to the Pacific Northwest roam free or spend their days in large exhibits that mimic their natural habitats.
One of the highlights of any visit to the park is the tram tour. During the 50-minute ride, you’ll have a chance to see bears, elk, bison, moose, and other animals up close and personal. The tour guide provides interesting facts and stories about the animals and their behaviors, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.
In addition to the tram tour, Northwest Trek offers a variety of other activities and exhibits that are perfect for kids. The Kids’ Trek playground is a nature-inspired adventure playground that features a stream, a rope net, a tree trunk, and other fun structures for kids to climb and explore. There are also several hiking trails throughout the park that offer opportunities to see more animals and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
If your kids are interested in learning more about the animals at Northwest Trek, be sure to check out the Keeper Chats and other educational programs that are offered throughout the day. These programs provide a chance to meet the park’s animal care staff and learn about their work, as well as get up close and personal with some of the animals.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is one of the great places to take your kids in Washington for a fun and educational outdoor adventure. With its unique open-range zoo experience, tram tour, playground, hiking trails, and educational programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
If you want to teach your children about the history of Washington State, then the Washington State History Museum is the perfect place to take them. The museum is located in Tacoma and offers an interactive and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that showcase the history of Washington State. The exhibits cover everything from the Native American tribes that lived in the area to the present day. The museum also has a research center that allows visitors to access historical documents and photographs.
- The Great Hall: This exhibit features a 105-foot-long model of the state’s coastline, complete with working lighthouses and a ferry system.
- The Native American Hall: This exhibit showcases the history and culture of the Native American tribes that lived in the area before European settlers arrived.
- The Maritime Gallery: This exhibit explores the role of the sea in Washington State’s history, including the state’s fishing and shipping industries.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs and events for children and families. These programs include hands-on activities, storytelling, and guided tours.
The Washington State History Museum is a must-visit destination for families who want to learn about the history of Washington State in an engaging and interactive way.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
If you’re looking for an exciting place to take your kids, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington is a must-visit destination. This popular attraction is home to over 9,000 animals, including sea lions, hammerhead sharks, red wolves, muskox, penguins, stingrays, and an elephant. With so many animals to see, your kids are sure to have a blast.
The zoo is divided into different areas, each with its own unique exhibits. For example, the Asian Forest Sanctuary is home to animals such as tigers, clouded leopards, and red pandas, while the Arctic Tundra features polar bears, muskoxen, and Arctic foxes. The aquarium section of the zoo has a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, jellyfish, and octopuses.
One of the highlights of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the animal encounters. Your kids can get up close and personal with some of the animals, such as feeding the goats or touching the stingrays. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, such as summer camps and overnight stays.
Before you visit, be sure to check the zoo’s website for hours and admission prices. You can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. The zoo also has several dining options, including a cafe and snack stands, so you can refuel during your visit.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a fantastic place to take your kids. With so many animals and activities, it’s sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Final Thoughts on the 8 Best Places to Take Kids In Washington
Washington State is a great place to take your kids on vacation, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep them entertained. From the natural beauty of Mount Rainier National Park to the excitement of Seattle’s Space Needle, there is something for everyone in this diverse state.
When planning your trip, be sure to consider the ages and interests of your children, as well as your budget and travel preferences. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or urban sightseeing, Washington has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the best places to take kids.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind as you plan your family vacation to Washington.
- Mount Rainier National Park is a must-see destination, with stunning scenery and plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels.
- Seattle offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Pacific Science Center.
- The San Juan Islands are a great place to experience the natural beauty of Washington, with opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and beachcombing.
- Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-style town that offers a unique cultural experience, with plenty of outdoor activities and festivals throughout the year.
- Don’t forget to sample some of Washington’s famous cuisine, including fresh seafood, craft beer, and local wines.
Washington State is a fantastic destination for families, with something to offer for every age and interest. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and enjoyable vacation that your kids will cherish for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 8 Best Places to Take Kids In Washington
What are some unique things to do with kids in Washington State?
Washington State offers a variety of unique activities for kids. Take a small group tour of the Olympic National Park, visit the Columbia Center Sky View Observatory, or go on a day hike on Mount Rainier. You can also explore the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, or visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. For a fun adventure, try the Urban Adventure Quest Team Scavenger Hunt in Seattle.
What are some fun places to go with family near Washington?
If you’re looking for fun places to go with your family near Washington, consider Bainbridge Island, Everett, or the San Juan Islands. Seattle and Walla Walla are also great options. These places offer a variety of outdoor activities, museums, and cultural attractions that are perfect for families.
Is Washington a good place for families with kids?
Yes, Washington is a great place for families with kids. With its diverse range of activities and attractions, there’s something for everyone. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Washington has it all. Plus, the state is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming communities.
What are some fun weekend getaways for families in Washington State?
Washington State offers many fun weekend getaways for families. Consider visiting Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Or, head to Lake Chelan and stay at Campbell’s Resort, which offers a variety of outdoor activities for families. You can also explore the North Cascades National Park or the Olympic National Park for a fun weekend adventure.
What are the best beaches in Washington State for kids?
Some of the best beaches in Washington State for kids include Alki Beach in Seattle, Long Beach on the Pacific Coast, and Ocean Shores. These beaches offer a variety of activities, including swimming, beachcombing, and kite flying. You can also visit the Birch Bay State Park, which features a sandy beach and tide pools for kids to explore.
