Washington Vacations Travel Guide

General Information

Baby Equipment Rentals - companies in Washington that rent baby gear and equipment including car seats, strollers, cribs and more

Washington State Tourism - visitors information with maps, places to eat, accommodations, activities, what to see, calendar of events and more.

Zoos

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
11610 Trek Dr E
Eatonville, Washington 98328
Phone: (360) 832-6117
Since the park opened it has developed into an internationally recognized wildlife sanctuary and resource for valuable conservation education. The Northwest Trek educational experience is strengthened by exhibits and programs added through the help of park supporters. All of the exhibits, combined with the native flora and fauna, create a rare interactive atmosphere for learning and appreciating nature. The Hellyers and the staff have succeeded in making Northwest Trek a place of education, enjoyment and beauty for everyone.

Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59
Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: (206) 386-4300

Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Ave N
Seattle, Washington 98103
Phone: (206) 684-4800

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 North Pearl St
Tacoma, Washington 98407
Phone: (253) 591-5337
With the broad blue expanse of Puget Sound as a backdrop, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is not only one of the top zoos in the country, it is amongst the most beautiful. Nestled on the 29 acres inside the 700-acre Tacoma, Wash park, this zoo & aquarium brings you eye to eye with beluga whales, playful pachyderms, curious polar bear cubs, intriguing sharks, and brilliant reptiles.  The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium enjoys an exceptional reputation for its naturalistic exhibits, animal care and its commitment to wildlife conservation. While visiting, you'll encounter not one but two aquariums. The cold water North Pacific Aquarium features species native to the Pacific Northwest, whereas you'll meet an array of tropical fish in the South Pacific Aquarium.

National Parks

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
42218 NE Yale Bridge Road
Amboy, Washington 98601
Phone: (360) 247-3900
Visitors can drive to Windy Ridge, only 4 miles northeast of the crater. From this spectacular vantage point overlooking Spirit Lake, people see firsthand not only the awesome evidence of a volcano's destruction, but also the remarkable, gradual recovery of the land as revegetation proceeds and wildlife returns. A majestic Visitor Center was completed in December 1986 at Silver Lake, about 30 miles west of Mount St. Helens and five miles east of Interstate Highway 5.  Mountain climbing to the summit of the volcano has been allowed since 1986.

Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford, Washington
Phone: (360) 569-2211
Mount Rainier is an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. Whether hiking on its flanks, climbing its summit, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on its slopes, camping along its glacier-fed rivers, photographing wildflower displays in sub-alpine meadows, or just admiring the view, nearly two million people come to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Mount Rainier each year.  Mount Rainier National Park offers excellent opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountain climbing. Most roads are open from late May to early October--all provide stunning views and access to a variety of hiking trails and other sites.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Grand Coulee, Washington
Phone: (509) 738-6266
Named for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the lake is now the largest recreation feature in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, canoeing and visiting historic Fort Spokane and St. Paul's Mission.

Olympic National Park
Port Angeles, Washington
Phone: (360) 565-3130
Often referred to as "three parks in one", Olympic National Park encompasses three distinctly different ecosystems—rugged glacier capped mountains, over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth and temperate rain forest.

North Cascades National Park
Marblemount, Washington
Phone: (360) 856-5700
North Cascades National Park contains some of America's most beautiful scenery -- jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers -- within its 505,000 acres.  Activities include backcountry camping, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife and bird watching, scenery viewing, boating. Facilities include hiking trails, horse rentals nearby, small boat rentals, and professional guide, climbing, packtrain services.

Museums & Family Activities

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art
1116 108th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 455-1116
The Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art established in September, 1992 houses more than 3000 dolls on display as well as for sale. Since its inception it has become a "mecca" for doll collectors and enthusiasts.

Whatcom Children's Museum
227 Prospect St
Bellingham, Washington 98225
Phone: (360) 733-8769
The museum includes educational and career-oriented experiences through interactive exhibitions and programs.  Highlights include a a Storybook Theatre, the Puppet Playhouse, a toddler area and the Enrichment Center, which includes wonderboxes.

USS Turner Joy
Bremerton Historic Ships Association
300 Washington Beach Avenue
Bremerton, Washington 98337
Phone: (360) 792-2457
Tour the destroyer USS Turner Joy, which was the last Forrest Sherman class destroyer built. While some of these ships were later converted to guided missile destroyers, Turner Joy remains close to her original 1959 configuration. The destroyer has been restored to reflect the appearance during her active years between 1960 and 1982.

Dig It! The Fossil Workshop
1420 SE Everett Mall Way
Everett, Washington 98208
Phone: (425)423-8506
Dig it! The Fossil Workshop is a first-of-its-kind interactive family fun and learning center offering visitors of all ages a chance to learn about geology and paleontology in a one-of-a-kind workshop experience. Dig It! features more than 8,000 real fossil specimens and minerals from around the world. Children at Dig It! get to wear specialty smocks as they dig for fossils and collect items in their pockets. They then clean and prepare their items using tools at the workshop station. Guides throughout Dig It! are on-hand to answer questions and help kids learn about the minerals of the world. Dig It! also offers education programs and birthday party packages!

Imagine Children's Museum
1502 Wall Street
Everett, Washington 98201
Phone: (425) 258-1006
Enjoy hands-on exhibits for kids ages 12 months to 12 years and their family, school group or other organizations. Great place to have FUN rain or shine with exhibits inside and outdoors on the rooftop. Also enjoy birthday parties, enrichment classes, activities and special events.

Naval Undersea Museum
610 Dowell Street
Keyport, Washington 98345
Phone: (360) 396-4148
The Naval Undersea Museum combines naval history, operations, and undersea technology to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors.  The modern building offers visitors more than 20,000 square feet of exhibits and has the largest collection of naval undersea artifacts in the United States.

Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
8415 Paine Field Blvd
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Phone: 1-800-464-1476
The 73,000-square-foot Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour is one of Western Washington's major attractions with the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America. You can explore a 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery with interactive exhibits and displays - and digitally design your own airplane. Take the expanded Boeing Tour at the nearby assembly plant where 747, 767, 777 and 787 airplanes are assembled - you won't believe how fast these jets go together! Watch a dramatic, time-lapse film of a Boeing 777 being assembled in the new 240-seat theater.

Hands On Museum
106 11th Ave SW
Olympia, Washington 98507
Phone: (360)956-0818
Great hands on exhibits of all types for all ages infants to preschoolers.

The Microsoft Museum
4420 148th AVE NE, Building 127
Redmond, Washington
Phone:  (425) 703-6214
The Microsoft Museum first opened in September 1995. Its primary purpose was to document, preserve, and commemorate the history and ongoing accomplishments of this remarkable company.

The Children's Museum
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, Washington 98109
Phone: (206)441-1768
Great hands on exhibits that everyone in the family, especially the children will enjoy.

The Museum of History and Industry
2700 24th Avenue E.
Seattle, Washington 98112
Phone: (206) 324-1126
The museum's collections -- everything from ship's wheels to evening gowns, gramophones to baby carriages, time clocks to crosscut saws -- give visitors glimpses of life in Puget Sound from the 1780s to the present day.

Pacific Science Center
200 Second Avenue North
Seattle, Washington 98109
Phone: (206) 443-2001
Hands on exhibits, IMAX theater, planetarium, light shows and fun for the whole family.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Wild Waves & Enchanted Village
36201 Enchanted Parkway South
Federal Way, Washington 98003
Phone: (253) 661-8000
Wild Waves is the Northwest's largest and most complete waterpark experience. Ride the Konga River, barrel down the speed slides or surf in the gigantic wave pool. Plus, enjoy unlimited use of all rides and attractions at Enchanted Village with 30 acres of family entertainment.

Icicle Junction Family Fun Center
565 Highway 2
Leavenworth, Washington 98826
Phone: (509) 548-2400; Toll Free: 800-558-2438
There’s a great Bavarian-themed 18-hole miniature golf course, wild and wet Bumper Boat Pond, Climbing Pinnacle, Junction Cinema playing first run hit movies, and Replica Excursion Train Ride around the park & over the ponds with Koi fish to feed! Enjoy the batting cage and game room that includes “Jumpshot Basketball,” pool tables, air hockey, video games, snack bar, and prizes! Spend a whole day with your family or bring a group for planned events and Birthdays! Located in the Icicle Inn Resort at the west entrance to Leavenworth.

The Fair (Puyallup Fairgrounds)
110 9th Avenue SW
Puyallup, Washington 98371
Phone: (253) 841-5045
Rides, exhibits, shopping, rodeos and more.  Their mission is to respond to thier communities' needs by producing a dynamic Fair, in a year-round facility, that serves an ever-expanding circle of peoples.  They will showcase excellence in the traditions of the Past, the products of the Present and the vision of the Future in the areas of Agriculture, Trade and Industry.  They Value: Family, Fun, People, Learning, Entertainment, Safety, Responsiveness, Financial Strength, Cleanliness and Flexibility. 

Fun Forest Amusements
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, Washington 98109
Phone: (206) 728-1586
Fun Forest Amusement Park, with games and 19 rides for kids and thrill seekers alike, is a playground for all ages. You can get an adrenaline rush on our roller coaster, attempt a prize-winning throw or enjoy the calliope of the carousel. The Fun Forest also features the Entertainment Pavilion, open daily year-round with three rides, laser tag, mini-golf, prize games and a full video arcade.

Spokane's Riverfront Park
Downtown Spokane, Washington
Phone: (800) 336-PARK
Rides, Imax theater, sculptures, ice skating and more.

Family Activities

Bryant Blueberry Farm & Nursery, LLC
5628 Grandview Road
Arlington, WA 98223
Phone: (360) 474-8424
U-pick or We pick. Flavorful, plump berries are grown using sustainable, ecologically sound practices. Call us or visit our web-site for regular updates. Your kids will love our playground, or feeding our goats and ducks. Pack a lunch and relax in our shaded picnic area, among a garden of blueberry plants. Plenty of parking; wheel chair accessible. Large groups welcome; self guided tour for kids! Picking buckets and boxes provided. Free Admission.

JJ Jump
2 locations:
9057 SE Jannsen Rd
Clackamas, OR 97015
(503) 723-3602

7500 NE 16th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 213-1308
Come join the fun at JJ Jump, an indoor inflatable playground filled with inflatable slides, bouncers, obstacle courses, and fun interactive games. JJ Jump has two locations - one in Clackamas and one in Vancouver. Families can enjoy open play almost everyday and can contact either location for exact times. Parties and corporate groups will love to rent the arena for a little hands on fun and team building exercise. Children ages 2-12 will love to bounce away some energy making this the perfect play spot!

If you know of a family activity in Washington, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Whidbey & Camano Islands - Beaches, golfing, shopping, parks, historic areas and much more.  Click here for a list of all the areas attractions.

Ocean Shores, Washington - All the family activities that you can think of and more!

Orcas, Island - Hiking, biking, whale watching, golfing, museums, shopping, great food and much more for the entire family.

Long Beach, Washington - Beaches, canoeing, hiking, biking, scenic areas, museums, shopping, great food, horseback riding and much more.

Pacific Beach, Washington - Great beaches and more.

Potholes Reservoir - Boating, fishing and camping.  Potholes State Park is located along the southern shoreline. Located on I 90 a mile south of Moses Lake.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake - Boating, fishing and camping.  More than 24 recreational sites provide camping along this section of the Columbia River and runs more than 100 miles from the Grand Coulee Dam to Canada.

Ross Lake - Boating, fishing and camping.  Ross Lake is a very scenic lake that runs from Canada 18 miles south to Washington State Route 20 all in the Ross Lake National Recreational Area.

Lake Washington - Boating, fishing, picnicking and other daytime activities.  State Parks with Picnic facilities are located in both the northern and southern portions of the lake.

Puget Sound - This inlet from the Pacific contains many islands, straits and canals and extends from the Pacific to as far south as Olympia. It is also a popular recreational area featuring more than 25 state parks; some on their own islands and most with camping facilities. Major cities along Puget Sound include Tacoma, Seattle.

Banks Lake - Boating, fishing and camping.  Steamboat Rock State Park is located along the northern section. This lake is located along the Columbia River in northern Washington on U.S. 2 at Coulee City.

Zoos, Museums, National Parks, Amusement & Water Parks and during summer months some of  the Winter Park links below will show you summer activities that are available at the parks.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

49° North
Chewelah Peak Mountain Resort
3311 Flowery Trail Road
Chewelah, Washington 99109
Phone: (509) 935-6649
Continually voted the region's best family resort, 49º North Mountain Resort truly offers adventures for everyone. This traditional Northwest resort is blessed with wide-open groomed runs, moguls, desert dried powder, and hundreds of acres of legendary tree skiing. Surrounding the 1,265 acres of skiable terrain is the incredible Colville National Forest. From the summit of Chewelah Peak there are views of such natural wonders as the Kettle Range, Pend Oreille River Valley, the Upper Selkirk Range, and nearly 1,900 vertical feet below you'll find the base area and lodge facilities.

Crystal Mountain
33914 Crystal Mtn. Blvd.
Crystal Mountain, Washington 98022
Phone: (360) 663-2265
1,300 acres lift serviced, 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain; 50 named runs; Advanced/Expert - 30%; Intermediate - 57%; Beginner - 13%; skiing, snowboarding and ski schools.

Bluewood
P.O. Box 88
Dayton, Washington 99328
Phone: (509) 382-4725
Bluewood has the second highest base elevation in Washington State and is renowned for its clear skies and dry powder, while receiving an average snowfall of more the 300 inches anually. If you would like to visit a ski and snowboard area this season where you can enjoy short lift lines, uncrowded slopes, unlimited powder, some of the best tree skiing/riding in the northwest, and a wide variety of terrain, then escape to Bluewood.

Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation
Box 1686
Omak, Washington 98841
Phone: (509) 826-2720
Skiing, snowboarding, night skiing.

Summit Stevens Pass
US Hwy 2
Skykomish, Washington 98288
Phone: (206) 812-4510
Skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

The Summit at Snoqualmie
1001 State Route 906
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington 98068
Phone: (206) 236-1600
The Summit consists of six base areas and offers the most night skiing/riding acreage in the United States. Considered one of the best areas to learn how to ski or ride, the Summit has a vast variety of terrain that accommodates all abilities and disciplines.  The Summit also has many summer activities.

Mt Spokane Ski Area
29500 N MT Spokane Park Drive
Spokane, Washington 99021
Phone: (509) 238-2220

Mission Ridge
P.O. Box 1668
7500 Mission Ridge Rd.
Wenatchee, Washington 98807
Phone: (509) 663-6543
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ski schools, child daycare and more.

White Pass Ski Area
White Pass, WA 98937
Phone: (509) 672-3101 / (509) 672-3100

Zoos, Museums, National Parks, Amusement & Water Parks and Summer vacation hot spots listed above.

Helpful websites and services

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Washington, let us know and we will add it here.

Travel Specials & Vacation Packages