Like many local families, ours takes full advantage of the school vacations. Christmas and spring break, summer vacation or even a long weekend – it’s time to travel!
Although our beautiful state of Oregon has no shortage of captivating places to visit, sometimes it’s fun to venture out a little further from home. Fortunately, close enough for a road trip, our neighboring state has plenty to offer for families and children of all ages.
With spring break just around the corner, why not plan a family road trip to Washington? Here’s a breakdown of some highlights you’ll not want to miss.
Seattle
Big cities usually have tons of family-friendly activities, and Seattle is no exception. The iconic Space Needle first comes to mind, while the nearby Museum of Popular Culture deserves a day all to itself. The exhibits in this vibrant museum encompass everything related to pop culture from music and film to video games, science fiction and fantasy. Think Harry Potter, Star Wars, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and the list goes on. Highly recommended.
Family activities like The Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, the Children’s Museum, the Seattle Great Wheel, the Pacific Science Center and Pike Place Market are popular spots to check out as well. If you’re like me and have two teenage daughters obsessed with coffee, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a must visit. They enjoy “thrifting” as well, and Seattle has no shortage of vintage shops, including the Fremont Vintage Mall where you’re sure to find treasures. In fact, I could fill this entire magazine with things to do in the Emerald City.
Spokane
Spokane, a scenic city and Washington’s second largest, also has plenty of family-friendly activities. Wander along the Riverfront Walk or rent bicycles, and along the way be sure to ride the Looff Carousel. Younger children will enjoy stopping at one of the playgrounds, slides, splash pad or the climbing wall.
Manolo Park is often called the city’s treasure because it boasts ninety acres of open space which include lush gardens, ponds, trails and more. And, like Riverwalk Park, it’s free!
For creative and science-minded kids, the Mobius Discovery Center has interactive exhibits to capture the imagination and feed their curiosity. At the BlueZoo, an aquarium, the brave hearted get the opportunity to pet stingrays, feed reptiles and see all types of marine life ranging from sharks to clownfish and more.
The Numerica Skyride, a gondola that takes passengers over the Spokane River, is a fun way to get great views of the city and Spokane Falls.
Activities abound in the larger cities, but perhaps your family prefers smaller, more relaxed locations?
Leavenworth
Highway 97 leads straight to Leavenworth from Bend. Known for its Bavarian-themed architecture, this charming village has a year-round Nutcracker Museum, a reindeer farm and plenty of unique gift shops. Leavenworth Adventure Park has an alpine roller coaster, the exciting Tumwater Twister, and a climbing wall. Kids can also mine for many types of gems.
Surrounded by the scenic Enchantments, a region of the North Cascades, the entire town looks like a movie set. Nearby hikes like the short but beautiful Icicle Gorge and the Blackbird Island Trail offer a small taste of the area’s natural beauty.
Bellingham
The coastal city of Bellingham is often overlooked but definitely worth a trip. Families can take leisurely walks along the boardwalk and other parts of the waterfront where the Marine Life Center, public art and local shops and restaurants will catch your interest. Nearby historic Fairhaven Village is another hotspot full of history, character and shopping.
I personally enjoyed the Big Rock Garden, off the beaten track a bit and in a quiet setting, which has some spectacular sculptures and art pieces ready for interpretation.
The many acres of Whatcom Falls Park offer an oasis in the middle of the city. The namesake waterfall is almost certain to be flowing this time of year. In fact, depending on the weather, Bellingham has a myriad of outdoor options like kayaking, hiking and even ferry rides to the nearby San Juan Islands.
On rainy days, the city has some worthwhile museums like the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and the Whatcom Museum of History and Art. For families wanting a ‘best of’ experience, the Ultimate Scavenger Bellingham is an educational and entertaining way to see the city. Fun clues lead participants all around town to get a taste of nature, culture, history and local shops.
Of course, the places mentioned above have plenty of family-friendly breweries, great restaurants and activities for parents to enjoy as well. And don’t forget to find the local ice cream shops!
National Parks
If your family prefers to stick to the natural scenery, Washington is home to three amazing national parks.
Mount Rainier National Park, home to one of the tallest peaks in the United States, is the most glaciated with 25 glaciers! During March, hiking at lower elevations, you’ll certainly encounter several rushing waterfalls. Skiing or snowboarding aficionados can usually still enjoy snow activities at higher elevations. The Paradise Visitor Center has interpretive programs, and the local rangers will gladly offer advice on seasonal hikes.
The North Cascades National Park only provides limited services in March due to weather. However, for adventurous snow lovers who want more solitude, lower elevation hikes like the Thunder Knob Trail offer picture perfect views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Just be prepared for winter conditions!
Olympic National Park is my personal favorite and the most accessible during spring. The diversity in climate is spectacular. The park is home to Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States. Easy hikes like the Hall of Mosses or the Sol Duc Hot Springs (where you can soak in mineral pools) offer big rewards for less effort. The coastal areas of the park like Rialto and Ruby Beach are ideal spots to view many types of sea life. Again, weather varies significantly in spring so best to check and plan accordingly.
This article appears in BendNest Spring 2025.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
