10 Affordable Summer Adventures With Kids

The secret is out about Bremerton’s wonderful, compact waterfront, just steps from the ferry landing. And there’s now more than one watery way to get there: You can go the old-school way — take the hourlong WSDOT car ferry that leaves from Seattle’s Pier 52 — or blast over on the half-hour passenger-only Fast Ferry. 

Once you dock, adventures abound: Kids (and adults) who love weapons and control panels will enjoy touring the Navy destroyer USS Turner Joy ($9–$15, kids 4 and younger free), which was deployed during the Vietnam War. Even closer to the ferry terminal is the free Puget Sound Navy Museum, which offers interesting exhibits about Bremerton’s illustrious naval history and naval intelligence. But the summer highlight might be Harborside Fountain Park. Its series of volcano-like fountains can accommodate many joyful kids on hot days. 

Bonus: Time your trip for a Sunday, when there’s a Sunday farmers market right at the terminal.

Fine print: Washington state ferry, Pier 52 to Bremerton, $4.15–$8.35 (passenger-only), free for ages 5 and younger. Fast Ferry, Pier 52 to the Bremerton ferry terminal. Kitsap transit, $12 round-trip. On the Seattle side, park in a pay lot, or on Sundays, you’ll find free street parking. Better yet, take public transit to the pier.

— Elisa Murray