90-minutes north of Seattle, you will find yourself in the northwest corner of Washington State. Known for its unique and local museums, shops, galleries, breweries, and restaurants, Bellingham is a must-see town when visiting the West Coast with kids. Here is a list of family-friendly travel ideas in and around Bellingham, WA.
This 62 acre apple farm is full of family-friendly activities. Explore the orchard and 10 Mile Creek before heading inside for fresh apple pie at Bellewood Cafe. Also, check their events calendar for fun seasonal activities such as Easter egg hunts and pumpkin patch visits.
The Bellingham Bells are known to cater to kids and families throughout the summer, but there's never a bad day for a family outing to Joe Martin Field. The Bells offer a variety of family-friendly activities including "Run the bases with Dinger," the Bell's mascot, during the middle of the fifth inning.
View their game schedule here.
The Bellingham Farmers Market is a local favorite and a must-do for visitors. It is hosted every Saturday (April-December) in the Depot Market Square in Downtown Bellingham with over 100 vendors selling local produce, hot food, and artisan crafts. There is also live music, street performances, special events, and more.
This gem is located right on Bellingham bay and along the South Bay Trail that runs from Historic Fairhaven Village to downtown Bellingham. A pirate-themed playground and sandy beach area are perfect for the kids, and parents will appreciate The Woods Coffee located in the park. Also, a great place to watch the trains go by.
Located in the Whatcom Museum's Lightcatcher Building, The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) offers hands-on learning for all ages. With exhibits and experiences to help keep little hands and minds busy, spend the day learning and exploring as a family.
Hovander Park was established in 1971 to preserve the rich history of Ferndale's pioneer farms and is the perfect spot for an entire day of fun activities. You will find a 65-foot red barn, farm animals, a forest-themed playground, the historic Hovander house, and acres of grass to run and play on.
Travel Tip: Top 5 Parks for Kids in Bellingham and Whatcom County
Looking for some exciting, scenic time spent in nature? Head to Lake Padden Park! In addition to the lake, golf course, dog park, basketball courts, and 3 mile trail around the lake, Padden has picnic shelters, kayak rentals and a playground available for families. Pack a lunch and spend the day playing outside!
If your kids have ever been disappointed about not being able to touch the exhibits in a museum or art gallery, Mindport is for you! It is highly encouraged for everyone, young or old, to get up close to explore their interactive science and art exhibits with all your senses.
For a look into the mysterious deep of Bellingham Bay and the Salish Sea, look no further than the Marine Life Center. Visitors can literally “get a feel for marine life." The center’s touch tank is a main attraction, allowing all ages to feel a sea cucumber or identify with a sea urchin.
Also known as Lynden’s City Park, Million Smiles is known for having the “best playground ever.” The playground features a tot lot, climbing wall, swings, jungle gym, a castle maze, and a 35-foot-tall tree house with a slide. Many children have left their handprints in the playground and families and business left their names etched into a picket fence marking a memory of fun for generations to come.
Portal Putt is part of the Portal Container Village on Bellingham’s budding waterfront. An 18-hole, seasonal miniature golf course designed for both fun and challenge for all ages. Located adjacent to the bike pump track, beer garden, food vendors, and more, it is the place to be for outdoor family fun in Bellingham, Washington!
Explore the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea during a half or whole day whale watching trip with San Juan Cruises. The Salish Sea is home to orca whales, humpback whales, harbor seals, and porpoises. There's no telling what your kids are going to discover!
Travel Tip: Cruise to Sucia Island in the San Juans
This interactive museum offers fun, educational, and "electrical" experiences for all ages! Learn about the history of electricity through interactive exhibits before the hands-on demonstration with the MegaZapper!
Only a half-mile from the beach, Station 49 is a great addition to all the family fun in Birch Bay. Stop by and play a round of golf, ride a miniature train through 10 acres of forest, or race go-karts. There's also live music and dancing on select weekend nights and a NEW family bar area that offers beer/malt beverages for parents!
Waypoint Park is one of the latest additions to Bellingham's redeveloped waterfront. The park is home to a "huge metallic globe" installation known as "Waypoint", a unique playground, beach access, and an all-ages pump track.
Travel Tip: Check out our blog Waypoint Park: The Perfect Place to Start Your Waterfront Adventure in Bellingham to learn more about visiting downtown Bellingham with kids!
Best known for its namesake waterfall, this 241-acre park has something for everyone. Bring your bikes and explore over 5 miles of trails or head to Whatcom Creek to check out the fish hatchery and feed some ducks.
The little ones love the lower half of the park where the playground for their size is located and the hatchery ponds are a hop, skip, and a jump away. The upper playground is appropriate for older kids as well, plus everyone flocks to the large boulder next to the playground.
Travel Tip: Check out our blog Exploring the Hidden Treasures in Whatcom Falls Park for the inside scoop!
