Seattle Family Calendar
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Island vibes
Here in western Washington, we’ve been blessed with myriad picturesque islands dotted throughout Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. Each island bursts with its own unique attractions, such as the lavender farms of San Juan and the quiet beaches of Vashon. If you’re ready for a family getaway that feels farther away than it truly is, read on. These islands have something for everyone, especially the kids!
Use the arrows above the photo to explore our idyllic island insiders’ guides.
San Juan Islands
Carved out by ancient glaciers, the San Juan Islands — including Lopez, Orcas and San Juan — are an idyllic mix of charming towns, rolling farmland and steep forestland. If your family loves to ride bikes, head to Lopez, the flattest and most bikeable of the main islands. On Orcas, explore the rugged and stunningly beautiful Moran State Park, which features panoramic views from the top of Mount Constitution. Looking for farm tours? Head to San Juan for lavender, alpaca encounters and more.
Read our full San Juan Islands guide here.
Lummi Island
Sustainable farms and artist studios are just two features of Lummi Island’s free-range lifestyle. This island isn’t usually featured in local guidebooks, making it the perfect secret getaway. For pristine protected habitats, be sure to explore the Lummi Island Heritage Trust’s multiple nature preserves.
Learn more about Lummi Island here.
Guemes Island
If your family’s goal is a sloooww pace, Guemes is just the ticket. Ride bikes, rent kayaks or spend your time beachcombing. Guemes is also a geocaching hot spot, so if your kids love scavenger hunts in nature, this island will be right up their alley.
Learn more about Guemes Island here.
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island has a bit of everything: hiking trails, walkable beaches, window-shop-worthy towns and more. If you haven’t taken your kids to Fort Casey, they’re in for a treat: This historical state park was once used as a military training facility and has some of the best abandoned bunkers in the area. Ready for a little civilization? The quaint seaside towns of Coupeville and Langley beckon with strollable streets, cute shops and amazing food.
Read our full Whidbey Island guide here.
Camano Island
If you live in Snohomish or Skagit counties, Camano Island State Park is an easy trip. Visit for a day or rent a cabin (or go camping) for an overnight getaway. Hike on forest loop trails, enjoy birding along the shoreline or search for shells along rocky beaches. Love being on a boat? Camano is also great for crabbing and saltwater fishing.
Learn more about Camano Island here.
Jetty Island
Jetty Island is a mere five-minute ferry ride from the Everett shoreline and features one of the very best beaches in Puget Sound. With 2 miles of sand abutting shallow, warm water, Jetty is a summer must, especially during low-tide days. Reserve your spot on the ferry and don’t forget to bring snacks plus a beach umbrella for additional sun protection.
Read our full Jetty Island guide here.
Bainbridge Island
If you want the luxuries of the city — museums, shopping and accessibility — but need a change of pace, head to Bainbridge Island. The fun starts on the 35-minute ferry crossing, during which you will enjoy beautiful views of the Seattle skyline. Once you disembark, wander over to the town of Winslow, which has a fabulous bookstore and toy shop. If your family loves a good museum, check out the beloved Kids Discovery Museum or the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. And don’t forget to visit Mora Iced Creamery for a cone before you hop on the ferry to head back home!
Read our full Bainbridge Island guide here.
Blake Island
Ringed with rocky beaches and covered in walkable forest, Blake Island, a marine state park, offers plenty of outdoor pleasures, though the main draws are two family-friendly programs offered at the Tillicum Longhouse: a cultural presentation on Coast Salish peoples and a guided nature walk through Blake’s second-growth forest. With its minimal crowds, Blake makes for a pandemic-proof getaway perfect for more cautious families.
Read our full Blake Island guide here.
Vashon Island
For families in West Seattle and South Sound, consider planning an easily accessible weekend day trip or overnight getaway to Vashon Island. Perfect for beachcombers, Vashon features 45 miles of gorgeous shoreline, with orca sightings happening year-round. Be sure to check out Vashon’s famous 1885 lighthouse for Instagram-worthy photos of the kids. When you’re ready for a bite, head into Vashon’s tiny town for local eats. And cross your fingers that the exciting Vashon Sheepdog Classic will be open to the public in 2022, because it’s quite the spectacle!
