Best Things to Do With Kids on Beautiful Whidbey Island
Photo:
A path through the forest at Fort Ebey State Park.
6. Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and Fort Ebey State Park
Whenever friends or family visit Whidbey Island, I tell them they must hike Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. The scenic Bluff Trail along the sound is my go-to. I recently combined the Prairie Ridge Trail, Bluff Trail and Pratt Loop for a longer hike. The Davis Blockhouse and Jacob & Sarah Ebey House are also well worth a visit to learn some of the settler history of the area.
Local tip: The Pratt Loop, a level and short 1.3 miles, is perfect for young children. More ambitious hikers can combine several of these loops into a longer 5- or 6-mile hike.
Just to the north of Ebey’s Landing find Fort Ebey State Park, a former military fort designed as a coastal defense during WWII. This is a fun stop for the whole family. Visitors will enjoy exploring the gun battery and hiking or biking the 25 miles of mixed-use trails. The Kettles Trail System, through the forest as well as coastal landscape, is highly recommended. And the park also has a campground!
Local tip: Don’t miss climbing down into the hidden lookout bunker — find it in the middle of the west meadow at Fort Ebey State Park.
Up next: Price Sculpture Forest
