When there isn’t enough time for a full weekend getaway, but you’re dying to get away from home, a day trip is the perfect option! And if you live in Washington, there are countless day trips to keep you busy. Here are some of our favorites!
Bellingham
Located in the northwest corner of the state, Bellingham is tucked up next to the Canadian border and is the perfect spot to day trip! There are countless things for families to do in Bellingham and the surrounding area — from exploring the newly remodeled children’s museum to hiking at Larrabee State Park to riding bikes on the path that runs along Bellingham Bay. You’ll be hard pressed to squeeze it all in!
Location: From Seattle, take I-5 Northbound approximately 90-miles to Bellingham.
Phone: Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism at 360-671-3990
Website: bellingham.org
Suncadia Resort
One of the most popular family destinations in the state of Washington, Suncadia Resort can also easily be a fun day trip. Located just 90-minutes from Seattle, Suncadia is fun all year round, offering everything from bike riding, horseback riding and water sports in the summer to horse-drawn carriage rides in the snow, ice skating and snowshoeing in the winter. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, where you can purchase day-use passes for a nominal fee.
Location: 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Phone: 509-649-6400
Website: suncadiaresort.coma
Whidbey Island
Closer for most families than traveling to San Juan Island for just a day trip, Whidbey Island is a quick, 20-minute ferry ride from Mukilteo, Washington, which lands you right on the island and ready to explore. Make your first stop Useless Bay, a huge sandy bay where the shallow tide goes out for a mile on low-tide days, giving you and your kids the entire beach to explore all day long. Langley and Coupeville are other popular little beach side towns to discover.
Location: From Seattle, take the ferry from Mukilteo, WA to Clinton, WA or drive through Deception Pass at the north side of Whidbey Island to avoid taking the ferry.
Phone: Central Whidbey Island Chamber of Commerce at 360-678-3454
Website: centralwhidbeychamber.com
Seattle
If you don’t already live in Seattle, it’s the perfect destination for a family-friendly day trip! And even if your family has been to Seattle a million times, the best thing about going there is that you can always find something new to explore. Start with classics such as the Space Needle, Pikes Place Market and the International Fountain, then move on to attractions that the locals love such as University Village, Green Lake and Discovery Park.
Location: Seattle’s not hard to find! Hit I-5 Northbound or Southbound, depending on where you live, or if you’re coming from the east side of the state, get to Seattle via I-90.
Phone: 206-684-CITY
Website: seattle.gov/visiting
Bainbridge Island
For those who do live in Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a family-friendly day trip that should be on your must-try list! Head down to the Seattle waterfront and walk on the ferry to get to Bainbridge (you can skip the car lines that way!) and take the quick ride across the water. The ferry will let you off in a quaint little town with shops, kid-friendly restaurants, easily-accessible beaches and even a children’s museum! Don’t miss the super fun playground while you’re on Bainbridge — Battlepoint Park Playground.
Location: From Seattle, take the ferry from the Seattle waterfront at 801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52, Seattle, WA 98104.
Phone: 206-842-2982
Website: bainbridgedowntown.org
More Washington attractions
Seattle’s kid-friendly zoo
Seattle Children’s Museum: Wonders around every corner
Family-friendly Seattle restaurants
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