Bring Your ‘Minis’ to Miniature World in Birch Bay

The seaside village of Birch Bay, WA comes alive during the summer. Vacationers and day-trippers come to play in the surf, visit the water slides or enjoy a treat at the iconic C Shop.

Miniature World Family Fun Center is only about a half-mile from the beach, and makes a great addition to a visit to Birch Bay. Here, families can play a round of mini golf, ride a miniature train and race go-karts. It all adds up to an afternoon of family fun.

The train ride winds through a wooded area where you’ll see some of your favorite storybook and cartoon characters, including Snow White and the dwarves as well as Scooby Doo and the gang.

Passengers sit straddle style on the seats, which I mention because an especially wiggly toddler might not be suited for this ride unless a grown up is willing to wrangle them. In general, though, it is suitable for all ages.

Here's a sample of the train ride:

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Next, we tried our hand at the miniature golf, an 18-hole, 72 par course (if you’re keeping score).

You’ll get a birds’ eye view of the course as you cross the bridge over the train tracks to reach the first hole. Wave to the train as it passes by.

The holes get progressively challenging, with a water trap on the 18th. If you’re there on a hot day, you may find your kids purposely hitting their balls into the water for the brief chance to cool off as they retrieve them. (I know my kids did.)

After golfing, we took a break for ice cream from the cooler back in the pro shop.

Miniature World also offers an indoor arcade and plenty of seating, both inside and out, for enjoying a snack.

Finally, we headed for what was undoubtedly the grand finale: the go-kart track.

When we were all strapped in to our colorful karts, the light turned green and away we went, zipping around the track for our four-minute turn. For little ones not yet tall enough to drive on their own (54 inches), double karts are available for adults 18 and older to chauffeur young racers.

Everyone came away with big grins as we left the track. I think the kids would have been happy riding the go-karts over and over again.

In fact, I’ve promised them next time they can do just that.

Know before you go:

• Each activity has its own price point. If you plan on doing any one activity more than once, you may want to consider purchasing a wristband good for five activities for $25.95.
• Train rides take place on the hour during the week, and every half hour on weekends. Plan accordingly.
• Online reviews mention that during the busiest times there can be a wait for the double go-karts. While we didn’t have trouble the afternoon we visited, be prepared to manage younger kids’ expectations.

Miniature World Family Fun Center 

4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road

Birch Bay, WA  98230

Open 7 days a week during the summer

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

360-371-7700