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Enjoy a day away in beautiful Port Townsend.
Want to get away? Like right now? Sometimes you’re desperate for a change of scenery when a big vacation isn’t in the cards. Maybe it’s not in the budget or you’ve got one planned but it’s a long ways off. When you need a quick mental break, we invite you to consider the easy, spontaneous family day trip.
Just pack the kids, the dog, the jackets and hats — and lots of snacks — into the car and go. (Pro tip: A full set of dry clothes, at least for the little kids, is never a bad idea.)
Now, off you go to these fun and family-friendly destinations within a couple hours of Seattle.
1. Whidbey Island
Whidbey offers families beaches, trails, cute seaside towns and two epic state parks worth a visit from anywhere. Hop on the ferry in Mukilteo or head toward Anacortes and drive across the heart-stopping Deception Pass Bridge.
2. Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a lovely Victorian seaport that will please visitors of all ages. Get the really good popcorn, lunch like a local and save a good chunk of time for exploring phenomenal Fort Worden. (Then watch “An Officer and a Gentleman” when you get home and have put the kids to bed.)
3. Bellingham
This hip college town is all about the parks. You could spend days exploring Whatcom Falls, Lake Padden, Boulevard Park and more. Stroll the streets of historic Fairhaven. A newer playground is definitely worth a visit. And might we suggest taking the kids on an advance college visit to fantastic Western Washington University?
4. Vashon Island
When you visit Vashon Island, a beautiful ferry ride whisks you across the water, taking you from city to country in mere minutes. Play with driftwood on the beach, take in the view of Mount Rainier if the sun gods cooperate, visit the town for snacks or lunch, and see if you can spot the bike tree.
5. Bainbridge Island
Walk on the Bainbridge ferry for a jaunt across Elliott Bay — if you don’t bring your car, you don’t have to wait in the ferry line! Stroll the town of Winslow and savor some ice cream. If you bring your car (or hop on transit) and your hiking shoes, you can check out the beauty of the island on kid- and dog-friendly hikes. Keep and eye out for gnome homes as you wander through the forest. Be sure to pop out of the woods long enough to visit this one-of-a-kind playground before heading back to the city.
6. Suquamish
To learn a little about a local tribe and its history, visit the village of Suquamish. You can reach this spot via the Bainbridge ferry (and make some of the stops mentioned above) or by way of the Edmonds–Kingston ferry. Visit the Suquamish Museum to learn about the tribe’s culture, pay your respects at the gravesite of Chief Seattle, and play at the Suquamish Shores Natural Play Area, which opened in 2021.
7. Gig Harbor
A visit to charming Gig Harbor dives you right into our region’s maritime history. You can learn about salmon and how to keep our oceans healthy as well. Visit a super kid-friendly museum, explore a bunch of parks and dip your toes in the water at Bella Bella Beach.
Bonus: Leavenworth
At more than two-and-a-half hours away, over a mountain pass (or two), Leavenworth is an ambitious day trip. While hotels here can be expensive, this Bavarian-themed mountain town is such a nifty and complete change of scenery from the city that it might be worth it for your family. Visit the shops, walk along the river, eat a giant pretzel. Enjoy!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated for 2023.
