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20-Plus Affordable Spring Adventures for Families in Greater Seattle

Tulips, hikes, epic playgrounds, cool exhibits and much more

Published on: April 05, 2018

Rain boots

Spring is the perfect time to have a new family adventure, from a new indoor play spot, to biking fun and hidden-gem hikes. Here are our best ideas; also check out our calendar for more spring fun.

Outdoor fun and neighborhood explores

- Paint a rock and hide it. It's the new low-tech trend to get kids outside.

- Take a tulip trip. It's time! A veteran tulip-er shares secrets. 

- Test limits at an adventurous playground. These are the region's best.

Georgetown
Georgetown's new playground rocks. Credit: Nancy Chaney

- Soak up the view. On a sunny day, these hidden-gem playgrounds are where you'll all want to be.

- Spin your wheels on a family bike ride. These 10 bike paths and routes are (generally) low traffic and flat, perfect for families. (Or try these South Sound trails.)

- Get over to Georgetown. This adventurous new playground is a perfect starting place to explore the artsy neighborhood. 

- Go on a rainproof spring hike. Here are 10 kid-tested lowland hikes that combine trails with an indoor nature center where you can explore more.

Exhibits, arts and indoor play

Toytopia
See at giant Etch-a-Sketch at "Toytopia," among other attractions. Credit: Stage Nine Productions

- Rock out at "Naked Mole Rat." The Mo Willems' play is a must-see at SCT. 

- Learn Anne Frank's story. It's retold at this immersive exhibit at the Holocaust Center for Humanity.  

- Get nostalgic at "Totytopia." The Museum of History and Industry's exhibit features a giant piano, a walk-in dollhouse and old-school arcade games. 

- Book it to a destination library. Find out which is shaped like a boat, which has a rooftop garden and which offers you a view of salmon swimming underneath it.

- Play all day at a children's museums. From Bellevue to Bainbridge, these kid paradises can anchor a fun day trip. 

- Explore a kid-friendly art museum. They exist, and many have free art spaces!

- Find another new play spot. Our epic rainy-day list has more than 60 indoor play locations. 

Get away

Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault Lodge. flickr cc, Maurice King

- Book a rustic retreat. Yurts are the new pup tent, and waaaay more comfortable.

- Mission: Hotel with a swimming pool. Book one of these pool-centric hotels and your kids will have a blast. 

- Book a farm-fresh getaway. Miniature horses, chickens, chores, oh my!

Editor's note: This article is updated every year and has been updated for spring 2018.

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