Fantastic Farm Stays Around Washington for Seattle-Area Families

Farm fun for the whole family

A complete change of scenery and all-new experiences are the hallmarks of a memorable family vacation. Enter this fresh crop of vacation destinations: Washington family farms. A farm stay, also known as agritourism, involves staying on a real working farm and immersing your fam in the charms — and sometimes chores — of rural life.

Farm-stay digs generally involve a cottage or guesthouse of some sort, with some farms also offering suites, tents, yurts or RV camping sites. Many specifically welcome families, inviting kids and their grown-ups to partake in the multitude of chores and activities that make up the bustle of farming life. Imagine cooking meals with produce plucked right out of the garden, cuddling fluffy chicks and bottle-feeding baby goats. Some farms have a specialty focus, offering experiences such as cheesemaking, horseback riding and fishing. 

We’ve handpicked five farm-fresh stays around Washington where the whole family can enjoy a refreshing change of scenery, and even pick up some new skills. Let’s go!

Up first: White Lotus Farm

1. White Lotus Farm & Inn, Port Ludlow

Just over the Hood Canal Bridge on the Olympic Peninsula, White Lotus Farm & Inn sprawls across 70 acres of flower fields, orchards and “food forest” planted with more than 50 varieties of fruits, nuts and mushrooms. There are also honeybee hives! Owners Niall and Natalie aim to cultivate an edible ecosystem, and give tours and educate guests on the farm’s growing practices. Youngsters get a true taste of where their food comes from by sampling and gathering the homegrown produce, helping look for eggs and taking care of the farm’s animals. White Lotus critters include roaming sheep, turkeys and even a resident llama.

Visitors can book a one-bedroom suite for four in the main farmhouse, with a private entrance leading out to the communal firepit and gardens. There’s also a grill and al fresco seating area, where families can prep their own farm-to-table dinners. There’s no TV in the room (yay for unplugged time!), but if you’re craving screen time, the comfy den area does have a TV and DVD player, along with games, books and movies.

Want an off-site day trip? Some of the wonders of Olympic National Park are close by, and the lovely town of Port Townsend is only 20 minutes away. 

Up next: Pebble Cove

2. Pebble Cove Farm, Orcas Island

You don’t need to choose between farm fun and a beach vacay at waterfront Pebble Cove Farm on Orcas Island. Set on a private strip of beach with its own cove, which is perfect for combing for seashells, Pebble Cove also offers kayaks, rowboats and a paddleboard as part of a farm stay. On top of those pursuits, save time for stargazing and roasting s’more.

This farm also operates as an animal sanctuary. Cuddly miniature horses, sheep, pigs and others are all rescue critters ready to be lavished with affection. Gorge on seasonal fruit at the organic U-pick garden and orchard, take a dip in the outdoor hot tub, or enjoy the kids’ swing set and playhouse.

Various lodging options are available, including a cottage, suites and two off-site homes in the town of Eastsound. All lodgings come with amenities that include satellite TV, a lending library of games and movies, and an assortment of tasty breakfast treats and snacks. One thing you won’t find, though, is dairy. As part of the farm’s stand against animal cruelty, Pebble Cove serves only soy or coconut milk with its homemade granola. The farm doesn’t collect eggs from the free-roaming chickens for the same reason.

Up next: Paca Pride

3. Paca Pride Guest Ranch, Granite Falls

Step aside, cows and goats: The fluffy stars of the show at Paca Pride Guest Ranch, just outside Granite Falls, are Huacaya alpacas. A herd of 20 of these cuddly camelids roams the hills that surround the farm. Guests here learn all about the practice of sustainable alpaca ranching with a guided tour, and they get to partake in petting and treat-feeding galore. You might get to help move the herds, or if time your visit right, you could even catch the annual shearing event, which takes place midsummer.

The accommodations are part of the fun. Families can glamp it up with a stay at the übercool heated guest yurt or rough it with tent camping on the grounds. Tents are even available for rent if you don’t have your own. Restrooms and showers are available right outside the main building, and an additional guest room inside sleeps two, ideal for bringing the grandparents along. A covered outdoor kitchen area with a cooktop stove, sink and grills make family cookouts easy. The ranch makes the perfect base camp to explore the history-rich gold rush region, from railroad tunnels and old mining towns to waterfalls and hunting for Sasquatch. Be sure to pick up some warm alpaca-wool souvenirs from the farm store before you leave.

Up next: Nettles Farm

4. Nettles Farm, Lummi Island

Got some budding chefs or fishing enthusiasts on your crew? A stay at Lummi Island’s Nettles Farm will suit these interests and perhaps inspire some new ones. Come ready for some serious cooking here. You’ll find gourmet kitchens stocked with a wood-burning stove and everything you need for a home-cooked country breakfast. There is also a covered outdoor eating area, a grill and a dedicated kitchen garden. Pick your own fresh greens, herbs and veggies. Your kids will swoon over the outdoor pizza oven, and even the pickiest eaters will get in on the game.

Grab a prepacked pizza kit or sign up for one of the cooking workshops (better suited for the grown-ups and teens) to make your own dough, learn to cure salmon roe and more. Lodging options include the Farmhouse, with three bedrooms, a deck and a scented steam shower; and The Farmhouse Suite, which sleeps two. There are additional overflow rooms available for larger groups.

Don’t miss the awesome kids’ play cubby, stocked with toys and games. For even more excitement, look into the reef-netting tours run by the Salish Center for Sustainable Fishing Methods for a firsthand look at commercial salmon fishing.

Up next: Wildwood Farm

5. Wildwood Farm Bed & Breakfast, Oak Harbor

Got a horse-obsessed little one? You’ll find their idea of paradise at Wildwood Farm Bed & Breakfast on Whidbey Island. On this farm near Oak Harbor, horse enthusiasts, from pony lovers to seasoned riders, will find their groove. And there is still lots of fun to be had if horses aren’t your number-one interest.

Nestled in a serene private valley, 80-acre Wildwood spans rolling hills, lush pastures and wooded trails. Opportunities for spotting wildlife abound. You might see deer and bald eagles, or the loons and kingfishers that frequent the pond.

At the center of the farm is its equestrian facility. More than 50 horses hang out at the stables, and guests can partake in a variety of lessons, trail rides and other activities. You don’t need to saddle up to enjoy the sweet animals’ company, either. Observe them cantering through the fields or munching hay in their stalls, or watch professional trainers perform tricks with them. The bed and breakfast has two family suites, each sleeping four. The cool 1914 wood-lined bunkhouse for three will appeal to kids; note that restroom and shower facilities are separate from the bunkhouse. 

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated for 2024.