Winter Vacation Planner: Best Nearby Getaways for Seattle-Area Families

Head over the mountains for Bavarian-style family fun in Leavenworth. You'll see beautiful scenery en route and feel like you've plopped into a character-version of Europe.

Or saddle up for fun and sun over the mountains in Western-themed Winthrop, a great spot for kid-sized hikes and tasty treats.

Yet another sunny spot in eastern Washington, our state's apple capital of Wenatchee delivers family fun in all four seasons.

Out on the coast, the resort town of Seabrook serves up manufactured charm that suits families with young kids looking for an easy vacation. The wide-open beach is a kid's paradise in any season.

Our article on Bellingham presents it as a late-summer escape, but families will love the outdoor opportunities and great parks in this college town any time of year.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated for 2021.