8 Fun Family Vacation Destinations in Washington
If your family loves a little adventure with a side of breathtaking scenery, Washington is the place to be. From misty beaches and woodland trails to kid-approved museums and cozy small towns, there’s something here for everyone. You can spend the morning spotting starfish on the coast and the afternoon wandering through a charming downtown – or just kick back and take in those mountain views. To help you plan your next getaway, here are seven fun family vacation destinations in the Evergreen State worth adding to your list.
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1. Seattle, Washington
It’s nearly impossible to compile a list of must-visit cities in Washington without Seattle. That’s because the urban gem brims with natural beauty and iconic attractions, including those that cater to families with kiddos in tow. Spend a few hours at the Seattle Children’s Museum, which has more than 12,000 square feet of activities designed for children 6 months to 10 years old, such as a craft studio and construction zone. And don’t miss the popular Seattle Aquarium, an impressive showcase of Puget Sound’s diverse marine life tucked right on the waterfront.
Nearby, Pike Place Market – a multilevel maze of stalls selling everything from freshly caught seafood, flowers and produce to toys, souvenirs and locally crafted bites – is a must-visit, particularly for first-time visitors to the city. For groups with older youngsters, the Space Needle, with an observation deck perched nearly 600 feet above the city streets, and adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass, a museum and studio housing the kaleidoscopic glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly, are also fun stops.
2. Vancouver, Washington
Located in southwest Washington, Vancouver is just a 20-minute drive from Portland, Oregon. The laid-back city’s proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the shores of the Columbia River draws lovers of the great outdoors. Parents and their junior adventurers can choose from oodles of trails, from gentle strolls to challenging treks, leading to dazzling sights of waterfalls and skyscraping peaks, in and around the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. You can also take your crew kayaking or paddleboarding on the river or at sapphire-blue Vancouver Lake in the summer months, then have a picnic at Esther Short Park, the oldest public square in Washington and home to the city’s first fully inclusive playground. Lastly, be sure to take a stroll around downtown Vancouver, which bustles with welcoming shops, restaurants and breweries.
3. Leavenworth, Washington
About 135 miles east of Seattle, charming Leavenworth is a slice of Bavaria in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. In the fall, the surrounding hillsides turn shades of gold, red and orange, making the enclave a particularly beautiful stop, but it’s truly worth stopping by year-round. Kid-pleasing attractions include Leavenworth Adventure Park, where littles can pan for gems, ascend a climbing wall and brave an alpine coaster, and Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, a rare opportunity to interact with a real herd and learn about the antlered creatures. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, an attraction that houses more than 900 historic figurines, is also a treat for holiday fans of all ages. A food tour of the town is also a must. A long list of restaurants, pubs and bakeries sling a variety of Bavarian eats, from rotisserie-boiled chicken and house-cured bratwurst to made-to-order crepes and waffles.
4. Pullman, Washington
Tucked into the rolling hills of southeastern Washington’s Palouse region, Pullman is the headquarters of Washington State University and blends small-town warmth with big adventure for families who appreciate both nature and learning. Take a scenic stroll or bike ride along the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, a 7-mile paved path connecting Pullman to nearby Moscow, Idaho, that winds through farmland and rolling hills. For a low-key afternoon, go to the Palouse Discovery Science Center, where hands-on exhibits encourage curious minds to explore everything from robotics to geology. Then, stop by Lawson Gardens, a local favorite with manicured flowerbeds, fountains, and plenty of space for littles to run and play. When it’s time to refuel, downtown Pullman has cozy cafes, bakeries and restaurants serving farm-fresh fare.
5. Spokane, Washington
Nestled along the banks of the Spokane River in eastern Washington, Spokane has a lot to offer multi-generational groups, including plentiful fresh-air activities and a lively, family-friendly downtown. Start your visit at Riverfront Park, a 100-acre urban oasis that once hosted the 1974 World’s Fair. Kids can soar above the city on the Numerica SkyRide, a scenic gondola that glides over Spokane Falls, or take a spin on the historic Looff Carrousel, a hand-carved treasure dating back to 1909.
Nearby, the Mobius Discovery Center keeps young scientists and artists engaged with interactive exhibits that make learning feel like play. For those seeking adventure, try hiking or biking a portion of the Centennial Trail, a 37-mile path that hugs the river and winds through forests and over bridges with sights of the cityscape. In warmer months, you can also cool off with a paddle or float along the river, or catch a summer concert at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture’s open-air pavilion.
6. Yakima, Washington
In the heart of central Washington, the Yakima Valley bursts with family-owned orchards and fruit stands, making it a prime place to introduce kids to the state’s agricultural bounty. Because of the region’s warm, dry climate, Yakima Valley farms enjoy a harvest schedule that stretches from April through November. During that time, visitors can pick their own seasonal produce, from cherries and strawberries to apples and pears. The agriculturally rich area is also home to the Yakima People, whose history on the land spans millennia. Learn more about their tremendous contributions to the area at the Yakama Nation Museum & Culture Center, which interprets history through dioramas and collections of artifacts and images. Then venture to Yakima Valley Museum, which brings history to life with exhibits such as a “Collection of Weird Stuff” and a working vintage soda fountain that’s always a hit.
7. Bainbridge Island, Washington
Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Seattle or a weekend getaway, Bainbridge Island’s tranquil shores feel a world away from the city despite being just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown. Visit KiDiMu Kids Discovery Museum, where little ones can get hands-on with creative, educational displays like a replica grocery store and an indoor tree house. Then wander over to Bloedel Reserve, a peaceful 150-acre public garden that feels like something out of a storybook, or take a stroll through Fay Bainbridge Park, where driftwood-dotted beaches and sweeping views of Puget Sound offer endless photo ops and room to roam. And the charming Winslow neighborhood is perfect for a leisurely afternoon, with inviting restaurants, local boutiques and ice cream shops lining the walkable main street.
8. Olympic National Park
Few places capture Washington’s wild beauty quite like Olympic National Park, a wonderland of mountains, rainforest and coastline that feels like three parks in one. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, the park is easily reached from gateway cities like Port Angeles,Forks and Sequim, each offering family-friendly places to stay, eat and explore. From Port Angeles, groups can drive up to Hurricane Ridge, where sweeping mountain views and easy trails make it a perfect introduction to alpine adventure. Farther west, the Hoh Rain Forest enchants visitors with towering moss-draped trees and fern-covered trails, while Rialto and Ruby Beach near Forks offer tide pools, sea stacks and plenty of space for beachcombing. For a quieter base, Sequim’s beautiful lavender farms add a touch of charm between outdoor excursions.