Having grown up in Oregon and now living outside Portland, I’m used to all the amazing Oregon Coast towns. I haven’t explored Washington beach towns nearly enough. I’m so glad I’ve stumbled across Seaview, Long Beach and the Long Beach Peninsula!

It’s not hard to see why.

One thing I love about Seaview and Long Beach, Washington—my favorite towns on the Long Beach Peninsula—is that they’re charming without being overdeveloped. You generally won’t have to fight big crowds, avoid annoying chains or struggle to find a place to stay. Much of the time—especially during the shoulder season, when I visited—you’ll experience sleepy towns with a laid-back vibe.

Plus, the beaches here are gorgeous. 28 miles of continuous coastline make for plenty of places to adventure!

Read on for the best things to do in Seaview and Long Beach, plus restaurant recommendations and where to stay.

Wait—Is It Seaview or Long Beach, Washington?

Both! Well, kind of.

Seaview and Long Beach, Washington run into each other. They’re both small beach towns in Washington, and nothing separates them.

I know, of course, that they’re distinct towns. But for the purposes of traveling to Seaview or Long Beach, they’re pretty interchangeable.

Next up: 9 fun things to do on the Long Beach Peninsula!

Things to Do in Seaview, WA

1. Bike the Discovery Trail

The 8.5-mile-long Discovery Trail begins in Long Beach, WA and extends south through Seaview and Cape Disappointment State Park. The paved bike trail ends in Ilwaco on Baker Bay, which is part of the Columbia River.

The stretch of the Discovery Trail in Long Beach runs parallel to the pedestrian boardwalk along the beach. It winds through gentle dunes and beautiful scenery. Keep an eye out for deer—I spotted several families when I visited!

2. Stroll the Long Beach Boardwalk

Didn’t bring your bike and not up for renting one? Take a walk along the Long Beach Boardwalk instead.

This wood-slat boardwalk runs parallel to the beach and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great option to see the gorgeous landscape without filling your shoes with sand.

The half-mile-long boardwalk is a favorite spot for locals as well as visitors. Pause in the evening to catch the sunset over the Pacific!

3. Visit Adrift Distillers

If you’re visiting Seaview without kids, or the littles are busy (and supervised) at the beach, stop by Adrift Distillers.

This craft distillery is just a block from the beach and makes truly delicious spirits. Housed in the same building as the Adrift Hotel, you can stop in and get the booze to recreate cocktails served at Pickled Fish. (See the below section on Seaview restaurants.)

I picked up a bottle of Adrift Distillers cranberry liqueur, made with local cranberries, to bring home.

4. See cranberry bogs

Speaking of cranberries—did you know that about a third of the cranberries in the U.S. are grown in Washington? You can learn this (and much, much more) at the Cranberry Museum in Long Beach, WA.

This small and homey museum is about a 5-minute drive from the main drag in Long Beach. You can walk among the cranberry bogs, which are test and research bogs operated by Washington State University.

It won’t take you long to see the extent of the Cranberry Museum (it’s quite small). Make sure to buy a bag of cranberries before you go (you might want to make cranberry-orange bread at home—my favorite!) and a scoop of cranberry ice cream. Yum!

If you visit Long Beach in October, definitely stop by the Cranberry Museum then. You might get to see the cranberry harvest. You’ll probably also spot pop-up roadside stands selling cranberries throughout the Long Beach Peninsula.

5. Browse Marsh’s Free Museum

Is it a museum? Is it a shop? Maybe a little of both, but it definitely is bizarre. Imagine a quirky great-aunt folks don’t really talk about opened up her weird attic to the public. Now you have a good sense of Marsh’s Free Museum.

Filled with curios, secondhand knickknacks, shells, touristy beach items and taxidermy, this odd Seaview thing to do should make your list. Just take a calming breath before you dive in. It’s a little overwhelming—and totally worth a visit.

6. Shop and sip at Bold Coffee Art & Framing

Beach towns in Washington need good cafes. After all, even during the summer the beaches can get chilly. You’ll definitely want to check out Bold Coffee Art & Framing when you need something warm to sip.

I love Bold Coffee not only for its cafe but also its gallery/gift shop. I enjoyed browsing the ceramics, art and prints by local artists. If you’re hunting for a unique souvenir or gift, skip the run-of-the-mill beach shops and head here instead.

7. See live music at the Sou’wester

Long Beach and Seaview, Washington aren’t exactly hopping in the nightlife department. So if you want to see live music, head to the Sou’wester Lodge.

This historic lodge and trailer glamping spot hosts live music most weekends. (Check their live music calendar first.) It’s a small, intimate venue, but it doesn’t serve drinks. That means kids are welcome, too!

8. Explore Cape Disappointment

Despite its name, Cape Disappointment State Park is anything but disappointing. Its gorgeous lighthouse, beautiful beach and hiking trails make this park one of the best things to do in Seaview.

Cape Disappointment is a 10-minute drive south of Seaview on the Long Beach Peninsula. I recommend spending a half-day here (though it also has great camping, including yurts, if you want to stay overnight!).

9. Marvel at the Long Beach Kite Festival

Whether you join in the high-flying fun or watch as a spectator, don’t miss the Long Beach Kite Festival. Technically called the Washington State International Kite Festival, this summer event draws everyone from kids to international kite-flying competitors to Long Beach.

The kite festival happens the third week of August. Know that Long Beach and Seaview are particularly busy and congested during the festival. This is not the time to go if you’re looking for a quiet beach vacation. That said, if you’re up for all the fun and excitement, book your lodging ASAP! Hotels and AirBnBs fill up quickly. (My favorite place to stay is the nearby Sou’wester Lodge, which includes a few lodge suites as well as more than 30 retrofitted vintage trailers. Check out my full review of the Sou’wester here.)

The winds coming off the Pacific Ocean make this area a prime kite-flying spot. So if you visit the Long Beach Peninsula the 51 weeks of the year that are not the Long Beach Kite Festival, you can still have fun! Didn’t bring your own kite? Buy one at the shops along Pacific Way (the main street through town). You can also bone up on your kite history at the World Kite Museum, a few steps away from the beach.

Long Beach & Seaview, Washington Restaurants

Word to the wise: Some Seaview restaurants close early, even on a weekend evening, in the off season. I visited Seaview, Washington in January—definitely not peak tourist time—and struggled to find dinner on a Saturday night. Many restaurants closed at 8 or were mysteriously shuttered, in spite of the hours listed on their website.

If you’re visiting Long Beach or Seaview, WA, plan ahead for dinner: You’ll need a reservation at the nicer restaurants (such as Pickled Fish). Regardless of where you go, aim to eat on the early side so you’re not left scrambling.

Pickled Fish

This upscale restaurant in the Adrift hotel specializes in local seafood as well as wood fired oven pizza. Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, you’ll want to check out Pickled Fish for its ocean views and killer cocktails. (There’s a rotating monthly benefit cocktail that supports a local nonprofit—delicious drinks for a cause!)

Historic Shelburne Hotel & Pub

On the main street leading through Seaview and Long Beach, Washington, you’ll spot an adorable historic hotel. The Shelburne was built in 1896 and retains many of its original features. My friend Snow and I ate a delicious lunch here. The stained glass windows in the Shelburne Pub are just stunning!

Lost Roo

This Australian-inspired sports pub is great for hearty pub fare. One night we needed a meal when most other spots were closed, and the Lost Roo came through! Expect the usual sports pub atmosphere, with TVs streaming games on every wall—as well as delicious food. I ordered a yummy fish taco dinner and was 100% happy. It also has a family-friendly kids’ menu.

Patty’s Fish Tacos

This local, small taco restaurant uses locally caught fish in ultra-fresh tacos. This Seaview restaurant isn’t anything fancy; you’ll get your tacos in a styrofoam to-go container. But you just can’t beat just-caught fish tacos!

Seaview Beach: Why’s it called “Long Beach”?

Have I mentioned the beach? Not nearly enough.

Seaview Beach is one part of the world’s longest continuous peninsula beach. You read that right—the longest in the world.

Stretching 28 miles, the beach of the Long Beach Peninsula is a lot of coastline. Some areas are peaceful and pristine; others (like Seaview Beach) allow cars and vehicles to drive on the sand.

No matter where you end up on this stretch of the Washington Coast, though, it’s beautiful.

Where to Stay on the Long Beach Peninsula

When I visited Seaview and Long Beach, Washington, I stayed at the Sou’wester. This lodge and vintage trailer property is the most unique lodging in the area: You can stay in a renovated bus or trailer!

This Seaview glamping spot is a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Plus, there’s plenty to do right on the Sou’wester property, from going shopping in the vintage shop (housed in a trailer, obvi) to steaming in the sauna to checking out art in their gallery.

If you’re curious about a totally unique place to stay in Seaview, read my full and honest review of the Sou’wester.

So how about you: Are you ready to check out Long Beach and Seaview, 2 adorable beach towns in Washington? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Charming Long Beach + Seaview, Washington: 9 fun things to do appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

This one-of-a-kind property includes a lodge with individual rooms, but the real draw is all the renovated buses and trailers. These are vintage trailers (think Airstreams from the 60s) and, yes, school buses converted into mini-apartments. They have everything you need for a weekend stay—or longer. These unique places to stay are unlike any other lodging you’ve booked!

The Sou’wester Lodge property also includes tons of other super-fun features. We loved the tea house, sauna, vintage shop and even a live concert.

Curious about what it’s like to spend a weekend in a renovated bus or trailer? Want to try glamping trailers? Looking for unique accommodations on the Washington Coast? Read on, my friends! You, too, could live out your childhood converted school bus dreams!

A friend and I stayed at the Sou’wester Lodge for a discounted media rate. All opinions here are honest and my own.

100% Unique Places to Stay

The Sou’wester Lodge is home to more than 30 glamping trailers and renovated buses. Each one is different, with its own personality and accommodations. Honestly, I can’t think of a more unique place to stay when you’re in Seaview or exploring Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula.

My friend Snow and I stayed in the Blue Bird Bus, a converted school bus. (It was green, not blue—just one of this glamping bus’s many quirks!) I chose the Blue Bird Bus because it’s larger than many of the other two-person trailers.

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With a queen bed, a full kitchen, a couch, a toilet and a roomy bath, the retro bus had everything we needed for a weekend stay. The glamping bus is also dog-friendly so Snow’s pup, Twinkies, could join us!

I loved the personal touches throughout this funky bus. We played music on the record player (the lobby has a selection of vinyl guests can borrow!) and cooked dinner in the bus. Snow took a nice long bath while I painted. (I’ve been teaching myself to paint with acrylics!)

I found the Blue Bird Bus to be totally comfortable. We kept cozy with blankets and a heater, and we could pull down the blinds for privacy. The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed, including a fridge. It had more homey goodies than a hotel room and as many as an Airbnb.

Glamping Trailers in Washington

There are more than 30 unique accommodations to choose from at the Sou’wester. Pay close attention to the features of each glamping trailer: some are more rustic than others. For example, some include a toilet; others are more like camping in that you’ll need to use the group restroom on the property. The restroom includes flush toilets and hot showers. There is also an open-air group kitchen, where you can prepare meals. It even includes a microwave.

In my opinion, the best way to choose between all the glamping trailers is to narrow it down first by rustic or not rustic. Do you need a kitchen and restroom in the trailer to feel comfortable?

Next, consider how many people will be staying in your vintage trailer. Different trailers are outfitted with different bed setups. One of my best friends stayed in a Sou’wester glamping trailer with her husband, two daughters and two dogs. That’s a different setup than if you’re on a solo trip.

Once you have those criteria figured out, check out all the trailers! They’re so quirky and fun—if you’re like me, you’ll have a tough time choosing.

And if you want more traditional accommodations, you can always stay in the Sou’wester Lodge. The lodge is a converted home from the 1800s with four suites.

Sou’wester Lodge Property: All the cool activities

As you might expect with a unique place to stay, there are also unique things to do! One of the coolest parts about the Sou’wester Lodge is that the property is also full of quirky activities and tucked-away spots.

Note that some of these funky activities must be reserved in advance, and some require a booking fee.

Tea house: You can book a session in the tea house, a cozy cafe made out of a renovated trailer. The tea trailer is outfitted with dozens of loose leaf teas. Comfy cushioned seats surround a little trailer—perfect for a solo sip or a very small group of folks.

Sauna: Reserve the sauna in advance to sweat away your worries. This natural, wood-lined spa can be either dry or wet heat—your preference. The sauna is set up in a secluded little garden, complete with a cold plunge tub. Sauna sessions are private so you won’t be sharing it with strangers.

Vintage shop: My friend Snow and I both scored a few secondhand goodies at this vintage shop housed in—you guessed it!—a vintage trailer.

Live music: On weekends, check out live music at the Sou’wester Lodge. We were lucky to catch Portland artist Hayley Lynn during our stay. There was no admission or cover price; the show was included in our stay! (Music isn’t booked every weekend; check out the Sou’wester’s calendar for upcoming shows.)

Yoga + meditation trailer: You can reserve this gorgeously renovated vintage trailer for a private meditation or yoga session. Unfortunately it was booked out during our visit, but I’d love to plan farther ahead next time to snag an hour in here.

Art trailer gallery: Art shows rotate in and out in this unique art gallery. (Yes, it’s also in a trailer.)

Lobby: The lobby is where you’ll check in at the Sou’wester—and much more. You can also pick up groceries and wine or thumb through a collection of vinyl. Buy locally made gifts or spa supplies for a relaxing soak. Everything is paid for by the honor system: You can put purchases on your tab and settle up when you check out.

The Sou’wester: Unique accommodations in retro trailers

If hotels-as-usual aren’t cutting it, you might be ready for these unique accommodations. Glamping trailers aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I absolutely recommend them for folks looking for an unusual or unique place to stay on their next trip.

I’m excited to book another stay at the Sou’wester Lodge in Seaview, WA. My kids were bummed they didn’t get to join this trip and have been asking that we go back as a family. They’re also curious about all the fun things to do in Seaview and the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington. (Did I mention that the Sou’wester is just a few walkable blocks from the beach?)

Seaview is a 3-hour drive from Seattle and less than 2.5 hours from Portland. Now you know that area’s most unique place to stay.

Have you ever stayed in a glamping trailer? Would you spend a weekend in a converted school bus? Let me know in the comments!

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With so many things to do on Lake Wenatchee, you’ll stay busy hiking, kayaking, biking, SUPing and even horseback riding. You can also simply relax within Lake Wenatchee State Park. If you’re camping, wake up early to watch the fog roll across the glass-like surface of the lake.

If you’re looking for Lake Wenatchee info to come visit—and honestly, why wouldn’t you?—keep on reading. Below, you’ll learn about Lake Wenatchee camping, hiking, and the best ways to spend your time in the lake’s state park.

Lake Wenatchee camping

Ask pretty much anyone and they’ll agree: Washington is straight-up beautiful.

Camping is one of my favorite ways to explore the Evergreen State. Whether you go by RV, tent or backpacking, you’ll find plenty of Washington camping options.

What’s more, you can save a bundle (and stay among incredible scenery) if you’re open to camping near Leavenworth, WA. These campgrounds are just a half-hour from Leavenworth.

Lake Wenatchee Campground

Lake Wenatchee State Park includes two different campgrounds: North and South.

The South Campground offers about 100 campsites, including RV spots with hookups, near the lake’s beach. These campsites aren’t private. You’ll be able to spot what your neighbors are grilling for dinner, since there aren’t a lot of barriers that break up sight lines. Some campsites are also right off the main road that passes Lake Wenatchee.

Pay close attention to which campsite you choose so you don’t feel like you’re camping on the road (or in some stranger’s site).

The South Campground sites do have quite a bit of tree cover, so you’ll be shaded during hot days.

The North Campground at Lake Wenatchee is more remote. It also includes about 100 campsites but is tucked away from the day use area, so it feels less busy.

These North Campground sites are also off the road, so the crickets won’t compete with the sounds of passing cars.

Camping starts at $25 per night. You can make reservations here.

Nason Creek Campground

Right next to Lake Wenatchee State Park, you’ll find Nason Creek Campground. Actually, you’ll find three separate campgrounds under the same name.

(I know, confusing!)

As you turn onto Cedar Brae Road from Highway 207, you’ll first pass the North Loop on your right. You’ll find sites 29-49 here. South Loop is next, this time on your left. A little ways farther down Cedar Brae, you’ll spot West Loop on your right.

On a recent camping trip, we stayed at a first come first served campsite in the West Loop (sites 50-73). We had plenty of level ground to pitch tents and room to park two cars. It’s also an easy walk to the Lake Wenatchee State Park day use area.

The next time I’m camping near Lake Wenatchee, I’ll try to snag a spot in the South Loop (sites 1-28). This area seemed to have the prime access to Nason Creek, a chilly stream just begging to be splashed in.

Throughout Nason Creek Campground, you’ll find restrooms with running water, flush toilets and electrical outlets. (This last amenity came in handy when my sister realized she didn’t have the adapter needed to blow up her air mattress!)

Glacier View Campground

If you’re looking for a small, remote campground, drive a bit farther to Glacier View Campground.

The tricky part: All 23 sites are first come, first serve, so you are never 100% sure to snag a spot here.

But what Glacier View Campground lacks in reliability, it makes up in beauty. Most of the sites are right on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee. The campground has potable water, vault toilets and picnic tables. Keep in mind that parking is tight—most spots are just on the shoulder of the road—so I wouldn’t bring a trailer or any other kind of rig.

Sites cost $18/night.

Things to do on Lake Wenatchee

Water fun

If you’ve read much of this travel blog, you know I’m a huge fan of paddle boarding. So you won’t be surprised to learn that my favorite thing to do on Lake Wenatchee is to SUP!

The glacier- and snowmelt-fed lake is also popular to kayak.

Motorized boats are welcome on the lake, but speed restrictions are strictly enforced. Speed limits of 3mph in no-wake zones—within 100 feet of shore—protect the shoreline, docks, swimmers, kayakers and fragile habitat.

The water on Lake Wenatchee is cold but not as frigid as you might expect, at least on a hot day. Folks splash in the water, especially near the beach in the Lake Wenatchee State Park day use area.

If you have a kayak, stand up paddle board or even a tube, float over to Emerald Island near the day use beach. Explore this small island, build a fort with driftwood and hunt for sparkling rocks. (I don’t know the name of these—comment below if you do!)

State park day use

In addition to swimming, boating, kayaking and SUPing, you’ll find plenty to do in the state park day use area. Try your hand at horseshoes or pass-set-spike your way to victory on the sand volleyball court.

Hike or bike along 7 miles of trail, and check out an interpretive trail short enough for even little kidlets.

The facilities in the park day use area are much nicer than most. Flush toilets, running water and even showers are available near the beach. And during non-COVID times, you can even buy snacks and rent watercraft at the concession stand.

(Don’t forget that you need a Discover Pass to park at and use the Lake Wenatchee State Park day use area. You can buy one from an automated kiosk in the parking lot. You can buy a one-day pass for $10 or an annual pass for $30.)

Winter recreation

Much of Lake Wenatchee camping is closed during the winter, but you’ll find plenty to do during the day.

Lake Wenatchee commonly gets 100-150 inches of snow each winter, and even more than 200 inches on occasion. First snowfall varies but typically comes in November.

Within the park, you’ll find 25 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, plus designated snowshoe trails. A sled hill keeps littles entertained, too.

Hiking near Lake Wenatchee + Leavenworth

If you’re looking for great hiking trails in Washington, you’ve come to the right place. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest’s 4 million acres of land are crisscrossed with hikes.

These are my two favorite hikes near Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth, WA.

Hidden Lake Trail

About 4 miles past Lake Wenatchee State Park, you’ll find an easy hike to Hidden Lake. This trail takes you through a quiet forest of cedars and ponderosa pines.

The easy grade makes this an excellent trail for kids and folks with mobility limitations.

After less than a mile, you’ll reach Hidden Lake—a small lake of stunning blue. Keep an eye out for herons and frogs. Bring snacks for a picnic on the enormous rocks, balance as you cross the logs bridging a small creek or explore the shoreline along a rough trail.

Icicle Ridge Trail

In nearby Leavenworth, WA, hike Icicle Ridge Trail for stunning views of the Wenatchee River and town below.

This trail is steep but quite popular. On weekends, the trail fills—especially in the afternoon—so aim to set out in the morning.

After 3 miles and 1,800 feet elevation gain, you’ll reach the top of Icicle Ridge. Eat a snack and catch your breath as you take in the gorgeous vistas.

Things to do in nearby Leavenworth, WA

Lake Wenatchee is just a half-hour’s drive from Leavenworth, WA, the town with a Bavarian theme. There, everything—from the restaurants and hotels to shops and even Starbucks—is designed to look like a little German town.

Leavenworth, Washington is know for its beer halls, sausage restaurants and cute shopping district.

You’ll also find an open-air plaza where, during nice weather, artisans set up booths to sell photography, jewelry and souvenirs.

Lake Wenatchee info

The first people to live on and around Lake Wenatchee were the Wenatchi. This semi-nomadic tribe settled here as early as 4,000 years ago.

Centuries before that, advancing glaciers carved the basin of what is now Lake Wenatchee. The remnants of those glaciers continue to feed this chilly lake.

On clear days, look for the area’s peaks: Labyrinth Mountain and Dirtyface Mountain, which was named after the dirty snow on its incline.

The 5-mile-long lake now allows motorized boats, but you can safely paddle and swim along the shoreline.

Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash at all times.

So are you convinced? Are you ready to see if Lake Wenatchee lives up to your imaginings? Go ahead and take the trip—then come back and comment. I want to hear all about your experience!

The post Stunning Lake Wenatchee: camping, hikes + more in this WA state park appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

This stunning beach is a half-hour from Forks, WA and about 3 1/2 hours from Seattle. Ruby Beach is off Highway 101 pretty much in the middle of nowhere—and that’s part of its charm.

Whether the weather is moody or bright, this beach won’t disappoint. Its sea stacks, gnarled driftwood, swimming hole and dramatic views make Ruby Beach an unforgettable spot in Washington.

Exploring Ruby Beach, WA

Ruby Beach lies within the traditional Hoh and Quinault territories.

This Olympic National Park beach is best known for its rocky beach, dramatic sea stacks and tumbles of driftwood. You can climb into and onto rock formations throughout the beach.

(Edie, our mountain goat, wanted to climb to the tippy top of every rock she saw. Thankfully she listens when we tell her to come down. Mostly.)

When you first arrive at Ruby Beach, you’ll notice that Cedar Creek creates a kid-friendly swimming hole just past the trail access point. We saw kids full-on swimming here and floating on logs. This spot is not open to the Pacific Ocean, so kids don’t have to worry about waves.

Even if you forgot the swimming suits, the pool just begs to be waded through. Or try your hand at skipping rocks!

Speaking of rocks, look closely around rock formations at low tide for sea stars, sea anemones, crabs and other ocean life.

Out to sea, spot Abbey Island to the north. Sea stacks are what locals call the smaller rock outcroppings in the ocean. These rock formations offer habitat to the Olympic National Park’s wildlife. And they look positively eerie when emerging from the mist!

The short Ruby Beach hike

When you search online, you might come across articles on the Ruby Beach hike. In reality, the “hike” is a quarter-mile walk down to the beach.

The trail is paved but steep. (I carried 5-year-old Maxine the whole way up during one visit and was definitely out of breath at the top!) This hike is not an accessible trail, although there is an accessible view point at the very top.

The Ruby Beach trail is quite narrow, so you’ll come closer than 6 feet to other people when you pass. I found that the vast majority of people were respecting social distancing and mask wearing guidelines.

At the base of the short Ruby Beach hike, you’ll find two entries to the beach. The first access point requires you to scramble over quite a bit of driftwood. The second access point includes a little path carved around the wood, though you’ll still need to step over weather-bleached logs in a few places.

If you’re looking for a strenuous Olympic National Park hike, Ruby Beach isn’t for you. But if you want a short walk with a big reward, you’ll want to add this to your itinerary, especially if you need a place to stretch your legs on a road trip.

What to expect on this gem of a beach

Olympic National Park is the ninth most-visited national park in the US, drawing more than 3 million visitors in 2019. So when you head to Ruby Beach, don’t expect an empty stretch of coastline.

Even during COVID times, Ruby Beach becomes quite busy. The parking lot fills up and the short hike down to the beach is narrow. You’ll come into contact with other people so wear your mask.

That said, with so much space to spread out, you won’t feel crowded once you get down to the beach.

Mornings are less busy at Ruby Beach, so aim to arrive early to have a better chance of snagging a parking spot.

Vault toilets are available in the parking lot off Highway 101, and when we visited, they were well maintained. You’ll also find dog waste bags in a dispenser for your four-legged travel buddy. (Even if you don’t have a dog, take a bag and fill it with any garbage you find on the beach. Throw it in the trash on your way out.)

As this is a national park, know of a few additional rules:

• Drones are not allowed on Ruby Beach (or anywhere else in any national park).
• Do not take any souvenirs (rocks, driftwood, etc.) from the beach.
• You are also on traditional Native Nations land. Treat it respectfully.

Directions to Ruby Beach, Washington

Whether you’re taking an Olympic National Park road trip, camping nearby or making a day trip of your visit, directions to Ruby Beach, WA are straightforward.

If you’re coming from Seattle, Tacoma or Olympia, drive to Aberdeen and then head north on Highway 101. You’ll pass a few small towns but this is wilderness. Tall trees tower over the two-lane highway.

About 10 minutes north of Kalaloch Lodge, you’ll see a sign for Ruby Beach. The parking lot is on the west (ocean-side) of the highway, so you’ll need to cross oncoming traffic. If you reach the Hoh River, you’ve gone too far.

If you’re coming from the northern Olympic Peninsula, drive south on Highway 101. A half-hour south of Forks, you’ll find the Ruby Beach parking lot on your right. You’ll reach it about 10 minutes after crossing the Hoh River.

By the way, if you’re on an Olympic National Park road trip, you need my book Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids! The 33 fun, customizable games and free printables will keep you entertained along every mile! Simply click the image below and snag yourself a copy today.

Gorgeous Olympic National Park beaches

It’s impossible to pick the best beaches in Olympic National Park. If you were to make a list, though, Ruby Beach would be on it.

This extremely photogenic stop off Highway 101 won’t disappoint folks looking to take photos on the Olympic Peninsula.

If you’re looking for other Olympic National Park beaches, drive north past Forks, WA to Rialto Beach. Read everything you need to know about this spot (including a low tide-only hike!) in my full post on exploring Rialto Beach, WA.

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This stone and sand beach, with its eerie Tree Graveyard and massive collection of driftwood, is unlike anyplace else. And if you time your visit right, you can hike to Hole in the Wall. This unique rock formation at the end of the beach is only accessible at low tide, when you’ll also find tide pools and a path to a remote stretch of sand.

Some of my favorite features of Rialto Beach, WA:

• Tree Graveyard: line of standing bleached trees along the shore
• Driftwood: piles of twisted wood washed ashore
• Stone beach: a mix of agates (some as big as a fist) and volcanic rock (many perfect for skipping)
• Hole in the Wall: a majestic rock formation less crowded than the main Rialto Beach
• Sea stacks: offshore islands, called sea stacks, dot the horizon
• Wildlife: home to eagles, shorebirds, sea otters, sea lions and whales

Read on for all the details you need on visiting Rialto Beach, Washington. My post outlines the must-know info for the hike to Hole in the Wall, where to park at Rialto Beach, COVID-19 restrictions and Rialto Beach camping.

Background on Rialto Beach, WA

Rialto Beach is just north of La Push, WA, a town on Quileute Native land. (You can see La Push from Rialto Beach by looking south across the Quillayute River.)

As of this writing, all Native land in this area, including La Push, is closed to restrict the spread of coronavirus. That means no visitors at all. As a result, First Beach and Second Beach are inaccessible. Once we’ve moved past the worst of this virus, I’m excited to visit for La Push Days, a July event that celebrates Quileute culture.

Rialto Beach is about 20 minutes west of Forks, Washington. Forks has the most lodging, restaurants, cafes and grocery stores in this area if you need to stock up on anything.

And if any of these places or names sound familiar, it might be because you recognize them from the Twilight series. These books are set in Forks, WA and the surrounding area. Jacob Black and the other characters who can turn into werewolves are members of the Quileute Nation.

Exploring Rialto Beach, Washington

Rialto Beach is a gorgeous, easily accessible beach on the Olympic Peninsula. Unlike many other beaches in the area, you don’t have to hike at all to reach the shoreline. What’s more, an accessible sidewalk leads to a viewpoint that overlooks the beach.

Millions of round rocks cover the shore here. They’re primarily volcanic stone, their edges worn into smooth ovals after years and years. Keep an eye out for agates, too. We found some that were the size of my fist. (A reminder to leave everything you find, as this is part of a national park and marine sanctuary.)

From the Rialto Beach access point, you can walk a short ways south. Before long, though, you’ll reach Quileute land, which is currently closed to visitors.

When you turn north, though, you have more than 1.5 miles of beach to explore. The farther you walk, the fewer people you encounter.

Rialto Beach is part of the Olympic Peninsula so you need to be prepared for any kind of weather. One day we visited and the beach was blanketed in a thick fog. Another day I returned and saw nothing but sun; I ended up in my tank top. Even if it’s sunny and hot where you’re staying, the micro-climates along the Olympic Peninsula could cause a weird pocket of fog, rain or clouds.

As Rialto Beach is primarily rock, we left our sand toys in the car. I also recommend wearing sturdy shoes, not flimsy flip flops, as you’ll be walking over lots of rocks.

Finally, check out the sea stacks that rise out of the Pacific Ocean. These rock islands, or outcroppings, used to be part of the stone headlands where land met the sea. Over time, the ocean eroded the softer rock around what are now sea stacks, leaving them standing alone in the water.

Tree Graveyard and driftwood at Rialto Beach

One of the most striking features of Rialto Beach: the line of bleached tree skeletons lining the shore, nicknamed the Tree Graveyard. These eerie trees stand like sentinels watching the ocean. I like to imagine them staying on the lookout for pirates. (Maxine is all about playing pirates at the beach!)

These wind-battered sitka spruce trunks create a border between the beach and the green forest inland. They look a bit like rib bones sticking up from the shore.

Enormous piles of driftwood also draw visitors and professional photographers to Rialto Beach. We loved checking out the gnarled roots and splintered trunks that line the beach. Most of these are safe to climb or sit on, but be careful: You never know when one could shift.

Previous beach-goers built forts of driftwood, many of which are still standing. Maxine and Edie explored every one, creating imaginary games inside.

Tides and storms constantly reshape this beach, so it’s different every time you visit. I can’t wait to be surprised by the changes next time we go!

Hike to Hole in the Wall, WA

First and foremost: Hole in the Wall is accessible only at low tide. You’ll need to time your hike so you don’t get stranded with no way back until the next low tide.

Aim to arrive at Hole in the Wall about a half-hour before low tide. (Check tide charts here.) That will give you enough time to explore the rock formation and tide pools before heading back as the tide turns.

I needed less than 2 hours round-trip to do the Hole in the Wall hike. That said, I was walking very quickly (since low tide was shortly before sunset) and I didn’t have kids with me. You may need more time than I did.

About 1.5 miles north of the access point to Rialto Beach, you’ll find a dramatic rock formation called Hole in the Wall. Here, time and the constant push of the tides have carved an opening in the basalt cliff.

A quick moment to geek out: Geologists believe that this part of the Olympic Peninsula formed from the cooled eruption of undersea volcanoes. When volcanoes spewed lava far offshore, that lava hardened into basalt on the ocean floor. Then, as two tectonic plates slowly collided, this basalt buckled up—forming the cliffs we admire today.

So when you explore Hole in the Wall, you can impress everyone by explaining how they’re actually walking on cooled lava from more than 34 million years ago.

To get to Hole in the Wall, you’ll start at the main Rialto Beach access point. Take a right when you reach the beach. Walk north along the shore for about 1.5 miles, when you’ll arrive at Hole in the Wall.

Along the way, you’ll cross Ellen Creek at about the 0.8 mile mark. Dogs are not allowed past this point. (Our pup Finn stayed behind on this hike.)

As you hike, watch the waves—I spotted a few sea lions. I also counted at least four bald eagles soaring overhead.

The hike to Hole in the Wall is more of a beach stroll than a proper hike: There’s no elevation gain, and your “trail” is just the shoreline. That doesn’t diminish this area’s stunning beauty.

Accessibility: Hikers will have to cross Ellen Creek. When I hiked to Hole in the Wall, I was able to walk up and around the creek so didn’t get my feet wet, but conditions are always changing. You may need to scramble here.

Additionally, you can see Hole in the Wall a bit from the south. But to really experience it, you’ll need to climb over uneven rocks and slippery spots. This is not a good hike for people with mobility limitations.

Tide pools at Hole in the Wall

Once you arrive at Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach, you’ll want to explore. The outgoing tide leaves behind pools of water that collect in dips in the rocks. Sea anemones, sea stars, crabs and little fish all make their homes in these tide pools.

As you walk, be very careful. First of all, the seaweed that grows on the rocks is quite slick. Secondly, you’re walking over someone’s home. Watch where you step so you don’t crush a sea creature.

Remember that the tide pools are protected as part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Look but don’t disturb the animals or habitats in the tide pools.

The tide pools extend for yards and yards toward the sea. As you make your way around the tide pools, you’ll come to the north side of Hole in the Wall. Lots of people stop here to take a photo of themselves in the hole.

Remember, keep an eye on the time and the tides. You’ll need to head back when the tide turns. This area becomes cut off from the main Rialto Beach as the tide comes in.

Rialto Beach camping

We haven’t camped at Rialto Beach—yet—but are excited to try!

Many folks camp north of Ellen Creek and even on the stretch of sand past Hole in the Wall, which is accessible only at low tide.

Campers must buy an overnight permit for Rialto Beach camping. Permits can be found at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. *Coronavirus update: The WIC is closed for social distancing. As of now, you must reserve your wilderness camping permit online. Here are instructions to get your permit online.

Although camping here is rugged—there are no toilet facilities and few semi-established sites—it’s quite busy. You will be sharing the area with plenty of other campers. Rialto Beach’s popularity as a camping spot makes it even more important to stick to leave no trace principles: Pack out all garbage and bury waste far from water sources (i.e. Ellen Creek).

As this camping area is remote, you’ll need to pack in all food and supplies. You can purify the fresh water at Ellen Creek for drinking water. All food must be stored in a bear canister. This is a national park wilderness after all! The hardware store in Forks also sells a variety of bear canisters.

Dogs are not allowed on overnight stays. Plenty of trees make excellent spots to hang hammocks, though—bring one that’s compact and lightweight like this one, which stuffs into a little bag for easy transportation!

Must-know details to visit Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is within the Olympic National Park. That means you’re not able to collect rocks, driftwood or any other souvenirs from the beach.

Rialto Beach is even more popular now that access to First Beach and Second Beach is restricted. The parking lot is small and fills up quickly.

The shoulders along Mora Road have quite a lot of parking spots, though. Whenever I’ve visited Rialto Beach, I’ve had no trouble finding a parking spot on the side of the road, even during the summer. Note: All your wheels must be completely off the pavement or else you could get towed!

Safety reminder: If you park on the shoulder, you’ll need to walk on the road to reach the beach. (There is no sidewalk or trail.) You won’t be alone, and drivers move slowly on this stretch of road. That said, be extra-aware of your surroundings and move to the shoulder whenever cars pass. Hold onto children and keep dogs on a very short leash.

Rialto Beach maintains vault toilet facilities but bring your own TP and hand sanitizer in case it’s not well stocked.

Remember to wear your mask. You’ll pass plenty of people walking to and from the entrance to Rialto Beach. Once you get to the beach, you’ll be able to maintain social distance.

An unforgettable Olympic National Park beach

My family has officially fallen in love with the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Park. From the forests and the hikes to the beaches and rock formations, there’s simply so much to experience in this gorgeous corner of the country.

Our five days camping and exploring in this area felt cruelly short. But I’m a big believer in leaving something to look forward to the next time we visit. We have plenty of plans to return as soon as we’re able!

Something tells me you’re hankering for a trip to the Olympic Peninsula, too. When you go, stop at Rialto Beach and let me know what you think.

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The Campbell House mansion was built for a silver baron and his family in 1898. You probably can’t afford to have five live-in servants and deck out your tea room in silk and velvet (I know I definitely can’t!), but you can see how the Campbells did just that in this National Historic home.

Luckily for us non-millionaires, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) preserved the Campbell House in Spokane and opened it up for tours.

So if you’re looking for off the beaten path things to do in Spokane, WA, visit the Campbell House. (Just brush up on your silver baron poses and finishing school manners first!)

Quick history of the Campbell House

The Campbell House in Spokane was built in 1898 for Ohio-born Amasa Campbell, a high school dropout who made his fortune in mining. He hired the architect Kirtland Cutter to build the 13,000-square-foot home for just $30,000, where he lived with his wife, Grace, and daughter, Helen.

The house reflects the traditions of the time’s high social class. One of the mansion’s most stunning spots, the gold-and-pink reception room, was built entirely for Mrs. Campbell to receive visitors in 15-minute time slots. And the game room downstairs—like a 20th century millionaire’s man cave—was the only spot where Mr. Campbell was allowed to gamble and drink, given that his wife was involved in the Temperance movement.

Helen donated the family home to a local historical society in 1924 when she moved to the other side of the Spokane River, where it had become more fashionable to live. The MAC refurbished the home in the 1980s and 1990s, using historic photos and other records to recreate or buy similar furniture, fixtures and even wallpaper.

Tour the Campbell House in Spokane

The Campbell House is next door to the MAC and entry is included when you pay to enter the main museum. That said, you need to take a tour to visit the mansion, and tours are offered on the hour in the afternoons Tuesday through Friday and Sunday. (See full details below.)

My sister and I visited the MAC one recent afternoon not even intending to go into the Campbell House. The folks at the front desk mentioned the tour to us, though, and I’m so glad we took them up on it!

The Campbell House tour begins in the Campbell Carriage House, which formerly held the family’s carriage and, later, an electric automobile. (!!) Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, answered our many questions and made me laugh throughout the 45-minute tour.

One of the more fascinating parts of the Campbell House tour: the contrast between the family side and the servant side of the house.

Anyone who has watched Downton Abbey understands the concept of the upstairs/downstairs divide. It’s another thing to see that difference firsthand.

The family’s quarters were opulent, breathtaking. Rooms were full of souvenirs from their travels in Europe, expensive furnishings and enough cut crystal to make the whole house sparkle. (Also, is anyone else as obsessed with wallpaper as I am? I felt like such a weirdo oohing and ahhing over the wallpaper in every room!)

In contrast, the servant side of Campbell House was more practical and obviously designed to prioritize the family’s comfort. For example, the very layout of the house enabled servants to clean and take care of the guest bathroom—without using the main hallway or even being seen.

That said, the Campbells seemed fairly kind to the servants. They installed a modern bathroom in the basement so servants wouldn’t have to walk up three flights of stairs to use the facilities, and Mrs. Campbell sometimes acted as chaperone when one of the younger servants had a date!

March of modern times in 1920s Spokane

I didn’t know a lot about Spokane history. But as always, I find I absorb so much more when history is linked to personal stories (like those of the people who lived in the Tenement Museum in New York). Thanks to the Campbell House tour, I learned a ton about Spokane in the early 20th century.

The Campbells built and outfitted their home at a dynamic point in U.S. history. Workers were striking, demanding better pay and conditions. Women agitated for the right to vote. Prohibition outlawed alcohol.

On the Campbell House tour, we witnessed how these cultural changes played out in upper class families. For example, in the Campbells’ daughter’s room, a golf trophy was displayed. Competitive and athletic, young Helen was no prim and proper wallflower!

The Campbell House was also outfitted for modern technologies like electricity and the telephone. Mr. Campbell had private phone lines installed so he could call his business partner and lawyer in the houses next door so he could talk without the risk of a nosy operator listening in!)

Campbell House in Spokane: Details to visit

Campbell House address: 2316 W. 1st Ave. in Spokane, within the Browne’s Addition neighborhood

Admission: Admission for the Campbell House is included with MAC entry: $10 for adults, $5 for children, and children 5 and under are free. AAA members and active military members get $1 off admission. Entry may be more expensive during special exhibitions.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday. The MAC museum is closed Mondays, with the exception of some holidays. See the MAC hours page for more details.

Tours: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Tuesday – Friday and Sunday. Open house 12-4pm Saturdays.

Expect the tour to take about 45 minutes.

Accessibility: The Campbell House tour is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly. We walked up three flights of stairs, and there is no elevator.

Spokane history at the Campbell House

I’m thrilled my sister and I toured the Campbell House in Spokane. I don’t know much about architecture and am not a history buff, but I still absolutely enjoyed this unique thing to do in Spokane.

My sister has lived in Spokane for almost 10 years altogether and had never visited the Campbell House. (See, it’s a hidden gem even for Spokane residents!) I’m so glad we finally explored this gorgeous historic home in Spokane.

Question: How do you find hidden gems when you travel?

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Both Bingen and White Salmon, WA were originally blue collar towns. They’ve both added hotels, shops and restaurants that cater to visitors, especially for nearby Portland, Oregon.

Both towns are also terrific launchpads to see the Gorgeo’s natural beauty. Hiking and white river rafting are only minutes away.

So if you’re looking to visit Bingen, WA ad White Salmon, WA, this post has all the details you need: the best restaurants, hotels, hikes and other things to do in Bingen and White Salmon, Washington.

Things to do in Bingen and White Salmon, WA

Bingen and White Salmon lie just a few minutes for each other along Highway 14 in Washington, directly across from the Hood River Bridge.

Both towns are small—population 2,200 for White Salmon and just 700 in Bingen—so you can cover most of the things to do in the White Salmon, WA area pretty efficiently.

Here are my favorite activities.

Wine tasting in the Columbia River Gorge

Ok, so wine tasting in the Columbia River Gorge is not in Bingen or White Salmon themselves. But you can find excellent—and scenic—wineries within a short drive.

My favorite is Syncline Winery, just a 10 minute drive east from Bingen, WA. In my opinion, it’s the prettiest place to taste wine in the fall in the area. The turning trees, campfires and, of course, stellar wine make Syncline my top recommendation of where to go wine tasting in Washington in the Columbia River Gorge.

(Don’t miss tasting their Subduction Red. Most restaurants in White Salmon serve it, and for good reason: It’s a crowd pleaser.)

Antique shopping in Bingen, WA

I love a good antique store, and they always seem to be the best in small towns. Antiques & Oddities, the shop in Bingen, WA, is no exception. It’s large and well organized, with entire sections dedicated to dishware, vintage cowboy boots and Asian artifacts.

I snagged a few finds at the antique store in Bingen for what I felt was a reasonable price. I’ll definitely return to this antique store the next time I’m in the Gorge.

Maryhill Museum of Art in the Gorge

A half-hour drive east from Bingen, Maryhill Museum of Art perches on the ridge of the Gorge. This beautiful art museum not only offers an unparalleled view of the Columbia River, it also exhibits impressive art and Native American artifacts.

Inside the museum, a mansion more than 100 years old, you’ll see European and North American fine art, decorative arts and miniatures of high fashion. My favorite section highlights Native American baskets, collected from tribes around the Pacific Northwest.

Cross your fingers for good weather when you visit the Maryhill Museum because you’ll definitely want to see its outdoor sculpture garden. Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks wandering among the Rodins.

Know that the Maryhill Museum of Art closes between November 16 – March 14.

Hikes near White Salmon, WA

The Columbia River Gorge has only this problem with hikes: With so many options, it can be hard to choose one!

The Oregon side of the Gorge has most of the waterfalls, so if that’s what you’re going for, simply cross the Columbia. Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls are all terrific, nearby waterfall hikes.

On the Washington side, you’ll get expansive views of the Columbia River. The area around White Salmon and Bingen is also more characterized by sage and wildflowers rather than the evergreen forests more common on the Oregon side.

These are my two favorite hikes on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge near Bingen and White Salmon:

Catherine Creek Hike, Washington

The Catherine Creek hike leads you up rolling hills overlooking the Columbia River. It’s a fairly gradual uphill climb, nothing too strenuous. (For context, I’ve hiked this trail with pregnant friends and women wearing babies in carriers.)

My favorite part of the Catherine Creek hike (besides its awesome name, obvi) is seeing Mt. Hood from a fresh perspective. I consider Mt. Hood my home mountain, and we see it every day from our house. I rarely see its back, though, and cherish my favorite mountain from every angle.

Catherine Creek also blooms with wildflowers every spring. I’ve never hiked it at this time of year. If you do, know it’ll be busy: hikers from Portland and beyond come to see the short-lived monkey-flower, redstem storksbill, honeysuckle and other wildflowers.

Beacon Rock hike, Washington

If you’re looking for a hike on your way back to Portland from White Salmon, WA, Beacon Rock is a great bet. This short but rewarding hike is about halfway between White Salmon and Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia.

Beacon Rock is a hunk of cooled magma that Lewis & Clark named on their expedition in the early 1800s. Crisscrossed by switchbacks, the mile-long trail takes you to its summit, where you can see the Columbia stretch to the east and west.

I wouldn’t bring your children to hike Beacon Rock, though. The drop offs along the trail are simply too steep and dangerous. The potential of an accident is too great to risk bringing my kids, ages 4 and 6.

To hike Beacon Rock, you’ll need a Discover Pass ($10 for one day).

Restaurants in White Salmon and Bingen, Washington

One of the good things about exploring small towns is you’re not overwhelmed by options. And luckily, those options of restaurants in White Salmon and Bingen are delicious.

For lunch, head to North Shore in White Salmon, WA. This local cafe serves healthy, filling bowls, sandwiches, salads and omelets as well as coffee, tea and pastries. North Shore also has a large table for groups as well as games and books for children.

For a drink and appetizers, try out Feast Market & Delicatessen in White Salmon. This Northwest-inspired restaurant and deli welcomes diners stopping in to share a few small plates, and the service is excellent.

Feast also has a deli counter, which serves salads and other packable food. That, plus its small shop selling cheese, wine and other goodies, make it this area’s go-to spot for stocking up on picnic supplies.

For a casual dinner in White Salmon, hit up Everybody’s Brewing. This brew pub serves its own beer as well as a full menu. Everybody’s Brewing is terrific for straightforward pub fare and they were more than happy to accommodate our group’s modifications for dietary restrictions. Plus, the brewery’s huge booths can fit large groups.

For a more upscale dinner in White Salmon, Henni’s Kitchen & Bar is the most recommended restaurant. Seven friends and I ate dinner here on a recent trip to White Salmon, WA, and the food was excellent. Vegetarians will find only a few menu options, though.

While we devoured pretty much every single morsel of food at Henni’s, I was surprised by several hiccups at the nicest restaurant in White Salmon. At 6:30 on a Saturday night, they had entirely run out of bread and steak, which featured heavily on the menu and in the specials. Although the night didn’t seem particularly busy, we waited an hour and a half for our food. And my meal—a salad—arrived 20 minutes after everyone else’s. I was pretty disappointed, but maybe Henni’s was just having an off night.

Finally, if you’re really, really hungry, you can’t beat the portions of Ayutlense in Bingen, WA. This family-owned Mexican restaurant in Bingen serves delicious dishes in sizes that could probably feed half the town. Unless you’re sharing (or starving), order off the chico combinations menu. I ordered tortilla soup with a side of beans and rice and still took half my meal home.

Hotels in Bingen, WA

If you’re staying in this area of the Columbia River Gorge, I so strongly recommend the Society Hotel in Bingen, WA. This beautiful hotel renovated an old schoolhouse and retained much of its century-old charm. For example, the hotel kept the school’s gym intact, adding Pendleton pillows for the bleachers and games like foosball and cornhole for guests.

The Society Hotel in Bingen’s most famous feature is its sauna and spa. With an outdoor hot tub, a warm tub, a cold pool for polar bear dunking and a dry sauna, you have plenty of choices for luxuriating. I loved that I could also order wine, sparkling water and snacks in the beautiful bath house.

This hotel in Bingen is also unconventional in its room options. You can rent one of the cabins that surround the bath house. Or in the main building, you can stay in rooms named for classes (Science, French, etc.) or in high-end, hostel-like bunks. These three-high bunks are nicer than any hostel where I’ve stayed, but at rates starting at $37 a night, including access to the bath house. It’s hard to beat that price and I’m already planning my return stay at the Society Hotel, probably next month!

Exploring White Salmon and Bingen, WA

By now, you can tell that Bingen and White Salmon, WA are small but mighty when it comes to things to do. With the nearby hikes, antique shopping, wine tasting and art museum, you’ll stay plenty busy.

And once you’re done exploring, all the restaurants in White Salmon will warm and fill your belly.

Are you convinced? I’m betting you are. In that case, I may just see you there because I can’t wait to go back.

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Riverfront Park in Spokane is a hundred-acre park downtown. My girls loved every minute exploring the expansive park, in part because it has so much to offer families. So when you visit Riverfront Park in Spokane with kids, hit up all these kid-friendly activities!

Below, find details about parking and logistics of Riverfront Park and what to do in Spokane with kids. In fact, I detail everything in a half-day itinerary so you’ll hit all the highlights.

Bang for your buck: Riverfront Park in Spokane with kids

Here’s everything you need to know about Riverfront Park, plus a half-day itinerary of what to do with kids in Spokane.

Park safely and caffeinate

Downtown Spokane is fairly safe, but $8 for attended all-day parking is worth the peace of mind for me. That’s why we parked in the lot behind Atticus Coffee & Gifts in downtown Spokane. And since we were there, we of course had to fuel up: The girls each got a hot cocoa and split a delicious orange-chocolate scone. I got a chai latte and bought the most decadent candles that smell just like Christmas.

Now that you’re toasty and caffeinated, walk across the street toward the river for your first stop in the Riverfront Park in Spokane!

The biggest red wagon in the world

When you’re in Spokane with kids, you simply have to visit one of the most recognizable landmarks of Riverfront Park in Spokane: the enormous Radio Flyer wagon and slide! This 12-foot-high interactive sculpture has stairs kids can climb, then they can slide down the handle. My kids couldn’t get enough of this, in spite of the ice on the slide!

The Radio Flyer in Spokane was built in 1990 by sculptor Ken Spiering, and it’s attracted families in Spokane ever since.

While you’re at the Radio Flyer in Spokane, you’ll see another interactive sculpture that honors childhood: alphabet blocks that spell out “City” and “Spokane.”

Walk to the waterfall

Next, walk past the Looff Carousel and continue on the park trail, toward the river. You’ll take a right when the train dead-ends, then take a left onto the bridge. You’ll walk over the Spokane River and the Upper Falls.

It’s a gorgeous view from up here!

Stop for a snack

When you cross the bridge, take a left and walk to My Fresh Basket, about 10 minutes away. This Whole Foods-like grocery store has tons of ready-to-eat options, a salad bar, custom sandwiches and more. The food was almost all good, but skip the sub-par miso soup. (Meh.)

Level 10 travel tip: Eat upstairs or—better yet—on the spacious outdoor patio, if weather allows. There are also clean restrooms upstairs!

(If you need more ideas on how to turn a grocery store into the most kid-friendly restaurant ever, click over to my post!)

If you’re not hungry yet, grab some food to go. Riverfront Park in Spokane is also a great spot for picnics!

Spot the Lower Falls

Next, walk down to the north side of Spokane River to see the Lower Falls. You’ll find the best viewing spot directly under the bridge at Monroe Street.

You’ll probably get sprayed just a teeny bit, but that gives you a taste of the falls’ power!

Level 10 travel tip: Take a close look at the whirlpool created by the waterfall on the north bank of the river. Can your kids spot anything inside it? Over the weekend we visited Spokane with kids, we saw the same basketball swirling around for several days!

Get a bird’s eye view

When you’re ready, walk back across the river over Post Street. At the entrance of Riverfront Park, you’ll see the Spokane SkyRide, a gondola that takes you high above the park.

Buy your tickets inside then come back out to wait in line. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the girls and I had to wait about 2 minutes—it was super-easy! Kids under 2 are free; kids 2-12 are $5.75, and adults are $7.75.

Level 10 travel tip: Buy your tickets to the carousel at the same time as the SkyRide tickets. You’ll save time since you won’t have to wait in line again.

The SkyRide takes about 15-20 minutes to circle you up over Riverfront Park and then over the Lower Falls. Know that you’ll pause along the way, giving you time to take a good look. I am afraid of heights but actually felt really secure. The gondolas don’t swing back and forth like a ferris wheel compartment, and everything is enclosed in glass so I had to fear of kids falling out. I totally recommend this one-of-a-kind family-friendly activity in Spokane.

Ride the carousel

If your kids are like mine, they’ll want to ride the carousel in Spokane as their first activity, but it doesn’t open until 10 or 11 (depending on the season—check the Looff Carousel website for hours). So now that you’ve explored the rest of Riverfront Park with kids, it’s time to reward the littles’ patience!

Tickets to the carousel are $2, or you can get a day pass for $5. Kids under 2 are free.

The historic carousel used to be outside, but the city refurbished it and moved it into a beautiful building of all windows. Your kids can choose one of 54 bejeweled horses (or one of the other animals, like a tiger or dragon).

Once the carousel in Spokane begins, those of you on the outside edge (and those of you with long enough arms) can reach up and grab little rings from a contraption outside the carousel. Then as you circle around, toss the rings into a picture of a goat. If you get the ring in, you win a free ride on the carousel!

Level 10 travel tip: If your kids are young, they won’t be able to reach the rings as they ride around. But the carousel employees are quite friendly, and if you ask, they’ll give your child a ring after the ride is finished.

Skate your heart out

When we visited Spokane with kids, the city’s skate park was closed. But when you’re looking for what to do in Spokane with kids most of the rest of the year, definitely check to see if it’s open—it looked so fun! The Ribbon is aptly named: Instead of a skate rink like the ones I grew up with, The Ribbon is a winding path, kind of like a lazy river.

During the summer, it’s open for roller skates, scooters and rollerblades, and in the winter it’s open for ice skates. We just happened to arrive when they were busy converting it from concrete to ice.

You can rent skates here, and safety equipment is free. It looked like a total blast—we’ll definitely try this out the next time we visit in Spokane with kids.

Level 10 travel tip: Bring cash. In the plaza outside the carousel, you’ll find street performers and people making animal balloons. The girls loved their balloon puppies!

That’s it—you’ve just explored the best of Riverfront Park with kids!

More family-friendly activities in Riverfront Park, Spokane

Spokane is serious about attracting families. That’s why it makes so much sense to visit Riverfront Park in Spokane with kids, especially when you factor in the free family-friendly activities.

Depending on when you visit Spokane, look for these weekly activities at Riverfront Park:

Food trucks & music

On Tuesday afternoons from 11-2, food trucks sell street food while musicians play. Head to the Orange Bridge to find them, but really you can’t miss ’em!

Trivia & food trucks

Ok, so beer and wine tastings are more an attraction for grown-ups, but kids love the scene at these Friday night gatherings, too. Bring the whole family down for food truck fare—hey, you won’t have to cook! Fridays from 5-8.

Free scooter and skate rentals

On Sundays from 1-3, kids can rent scooters and skates for free. The area around the Looff Carousel is well paved and has only a gentle rise, so it’s a safe place for even beginners. Rather have fun without wheels? Other kid-friendly activities, like chalk and giant bubbles, often make an appearance during this time.

Summer splash pad

During Spokane’s hot summer months, the plaza between the Looff Carousel and the SkyRide becomes a splash pad. It’s the perfect way for families to cool off in Spokane’s hot weather!

Even more family-friendly activities in Spokane

Check out Riverfront Park’s events list for other family-friendly ideas of what to do in Spokane with kids. Recent days included a parkour clinic, a chalk art competition and a fall-themed portrait spot set up in front of Spokane’s clock tower.

If you’re driving to Spokane, make sure to read my post about what to do, eat and see between Spokane and Portland. It’s the must-see guide for family road trips between Spokane and Portland!

How about you—have you ever been to Spokane? Do you have any recommendations on what to do in Spokane with kids?

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What you’ll get visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest

This 1.3 million-acre national forest surrounding Mt. St. Helens is an absolute treasure. Visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a slam-dunk sure-bet for stunning views, gorgeous hikes, nature play and family-friendly camping.

From views of snow-capped mountains to second-growth forest (since some of this area was decimated during the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens), from pristine creeks to kid-friendly hikes, I can’t wait to revisit Gifford Pinchot National Forest with kids.

Explore, play, discover in Gifford Pinchot

With 1.3 million acres, it’s tough to write an exhaustive list on visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest with kids, so I won’t even try. What I will do is share a few highlights.

Camping at Gifford Pinchot

We stayed at the Iron Creek Campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which is about a 20-minute drive from Randle, Washington. The campground is large—it has just under 100 sites—but sites felt roomy. The campsites are divided between four loops, and we couldn’t even see our neighbors from our spot.

Campsites are shaded and are tucked in the forest, which means you don’t get hot, direct sunlight as soon as dawn comes. In fact, one morning the girls slept until 8 am!

The family-friendly campground in Washington includes flat, paved roads for bike riding and a 1.5-mile loop trail that winds along the Cispus River and around the entire campground. It was easy terrain for our kids to hike, and there were plenty of downed logs to climb on along the way. We also stopped at a river bank to throw rocks in the river, of course!

Note that the only restroom facilities are vault toilets. (The kids mostly peed outside anyway, abiding by my dear Uncle Dick’s rule to never miss an opportunity to pee outside!!)

Level 10 travel tip: You can get ice (or ice cream!) in Randle if you run out.

Hikes and waterfalls in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

At the recommendation of one of the campground hosts, we hiked to Covel Creek Falls, about a 10-mile drive from Iron Creek Campground. Park in front of the Cispus Learning Center (46.4399° N, 121.8486° W) then cross the road to catch the trail.

You’ll hike through old-growth fir and spruce forest and along Covel Creek. The intensity and variety of green hues had us stopping to marvel throughout the 3-mile kid-friendly hike. The girls loved crossing logs and climbing onto tree stumps—they’re like little forest fairies!

Note that signage isn’t great along the trail, and two bridges are out. That just means there are two places you have to scramble a bit, but we were far from the only family who managed. I helped Kiwi (aged almost 3) up and down some of the embankments, and Peeper (aged almost 5) managed on her own. “Obstacle conquered!” Peeper shouted each time, and she was so proud!

IMG_6576 from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

The real payoff is Covel Creek Falls, a gorgeous waterfall you can hike behind. The final ascent just before the waterfall is steep, but Peeper managed it. (By this time I was wearing Kiwi. Hey, she made it most of the way up!) We very carefully walked down behind the waterfall, and it was an unforgettable experience for the girls.

Level 10 travel tip: When it gets steep, you’ll be tempted to turn around if your kids start to complain. About halfway up the steep section there’s a level spot with fallen logs that’s perfect for a snack break. Power up here then tackle the rest of the ascent—you won’t be disappointed in Covel Creek Falls!

Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center

If you’re driving to Gifford Pinchot from Portland, make sure to stop at the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center at the base of the volcano. For us on our road trip from Portland, it was exactly halfway to our destination in Gifford Pinchot and so was a perfect opportunity to use the bathroom (I have the world’s smallest bladder!) and stretch our legs. The Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center is almost exactly one hour from Portland.

Inside the visitor center, you’ll find an information desk that was more like a hotel concierge. The park staff were incredibly helpful in recommending kid-friendly trails around Mt. St. Helens and telling us about road closures. (Even in late May, several passes on Mt. St. Helens were still closed due to snow.)

We also walked through the interpretive displays ($5 admission for adults). My kiddos were much to antsy to wait while I read the (sometimes long) explanations so I didn’t get to learn as much as I’d like about the eruption, but they did enjoy some of the interactive parts of the exhibit—mostly pushing buttons and walking underneath a model of the volcano. There is also a short video that plays twice an hour at :05 and :35, but we didn’t watch it: The last thing I wanted for my kids after a road trip was to sit down!

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re pressed for time, feel free to skip the interpretive displays. We only spent about 10 minutes walking through, but I don’t mind spending the admission fee for such a short time: I figure it’s my way of supporting the park, since parking here is free.

Hiking Silver Lake at Mt. St. Helens

From the Mt. St. Helens interpretive center, you can access a 0.6-mile hike around Silver Lake—an ultimately kid-friendly and accessible trail. This short hike is entirely flat, goes through forest as well as wetlands, and has bridges—which are pretty much my kids’ favorite things on the planet.

(Our conversations about kid-friendly hikes go something like this: Me: “We’re going on a new hike today!” Kids: “Yeah but are there bridges?” Me: “…”)

We listened to the distinctive call of red-winged blackbirds, which nest in the cattails growing in the wetlands here. The girls also chased butterflies and loved looking for other wildlife. Thousands of migratory birds pause at Silver Lake, making it an excellent spot for bird-watching. Also, a fascinating bit of trivia: Silver Lake is also home to the Bladderwort aquatic plant, which is carnivorous! When insects brush against it, a piece of the plant closes around the unsuspecting bug and is slowly digested. Feed me, Seymour!

Stopping at Silver Lake is the perfect hike and way to stretch your legs when you’re traveling to Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Exploring Gifford Pinchot National Forest with kids

There’s so much to see in Gifford Pinchot National Forest—it’s like nature’s playground.

So much of kids’ lives today are scripted, scheduled and constrained, so I cherish time my girls spend outside. As we kept repeating all weekend, “We have no agenda.” So if the girls wanted to hold a centipede for five minutes, cross the same stretch of creek 10 times or get “lost” in the woods behind our campsite, it was all good. We had no place to be except present.

Covel Creek, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

That’s the true treasure of going to a place like Gifford Pinchot National Forest with kids: It’s off the grid. It’s beautiful. It’s quiet. It’s the perfect environment to reconnect with each other and with nature.

We’ll be heading back to Gifford Pinchot, Washington again soon. There’s still so much to explore! See you out there!

PS – Don’t miss my post all about the Best Camping Hacks!

The post Stunning Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Camping, Waterfall Trails + More appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

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The Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia is our go-to spot!

We’ve been to the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia many times, and we’re always planning our next visit before we even leave. The curious kid’s paradise is one of my favorite family-friendly activities in the Pacific Northwest in part because it’s fun for a wide range of ages.

For example, when we go, we meet up with my nephew, who will turn 7 this summer. My girls can’t get enough of the museum, either. We started going when my younger daughter hadn’t even turned 1 yet—so the Hands-On Museum in Olympia is great for babies through elementary aged kids.

Even though we’ve been many times, we continue to discover new activities, features and spots. Before you go, get excited! I’ll preview some of the best features of this Washington children’s museum that will build kids’ creativity, curiosity and joy of experiencing STEAM.

A Washington children’s museum that parents don’t hate

When you have kids, you end up checking out every kid-friendly destination within driving distance. That means I’ve been to a lot of duds, people. (Pretty sure you have been, too.) Scuzzy play structures, ball pits you’re sure are petri dishes, outdated displays—I’ve seen a lot of supposedly family-friendly museums and attractions that make me want to run away as quickly as I can.

The Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia puts those poor excuses of a family-friendly destination to shame, partly because parents love this Washington children’s museum just as much as their kids do. And that’s not only because their kids are having fun; parents get in on the action, too!

The best parts of the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia

One of the things about exploring a great children’s museum is discovering the place for yourself. Kids in particular love to find their own way around a new destination, but I won’t say anything if you guide them to the most fun parts of the children’s museum.

Ball lifter

At one point, I lost track of my older daughter, but I didn’t panic—I was about 99% sure I’d find her at this museum exhibit. (I was right.) I don’t blame her for wanting to come back to this part of the children’s museum time and time again—it is so fun to snag a ball from the water, pop it into the tube and watch it shoot into the air!

This exhibit also has a section that blows fog out of a tube. Kids can engineer complex systems diverting the fog here and there with short sections of pipe.

Without even knowing it, kids are learning engineering—and the joy of STEAM education.

Outdoor discovery center

Generally, I avoid going to children’s museums on nice days because I’d rather spend time outside. The Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia gets around this problem by including a huge outdoor space that has just as many fun opportunities for exploration as the indoor exhibits.

When we first step outside at the museum, the girls don’t even know what to do with themselves. They run from activity to activity because they’re all so amazing. Our favorites include the tricycle track, the gardening center (which has a cool space for water play), the dinosaur/bulldozer rock zone, and the waterfall.

Level 10 travel tip: Bring a spare change of clothes for your kids. They’ll likely get all wet in the water features in the outdoor discovery center or the gigantic water table inside near the Emergency! exhibit. And if they’re not wet, they’ll likely be dirty from the sand box or the mud pie kitchen!

Tides to trees climber

Why take the stairs when you can climb a massive tree-like play structure to get to the museum’s second floor? In the ultimate proof point that the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia was designed for kids, the tides to trees climber lets children scurry up, up and up—all the way to an eagle’s aerie!

The climber has platforms and bridges where kids can peek down below them—and wave at their parents. The height also gives them a different perspective on the other areas of the museum. For example, the girls got a totally different look at the ball lifter from inside the climber, so they had a new POV on what happened to the balls when they shot into the air.

Build it!

The Build it! section of the Hands-On Children’s Museum is tucked away on the second floor, and we didn’t even find it until our third visit. My younger daughter had so much fun trying on construction safety equipment and building kid-sized buildings that we’ll definitely make it back on our next trip.

Take a peek and you’ll agree: It’s a solid bet this section of the museum is inspiring future architects, contractors, DIYers and other builders.

Scarf wall

This is my second-favorite part of the entire museum (after the ball lifter). You (or your kids—ha!) can stick silk scarves and other light materials into the vast system of clear tubing and watch the items get whooshed away in a current of air.

If your kids are fascinated by making things move, a little ways away on the second floor they’ll find a spot where they can engineer parachutes and other flying contraptions, then test them out in an air blaster. My older daughter loved making tiny versions of hot air balloons and watching them fly into the air!

Maker Space

Upstairs kids will find an enormous maker space. Different tables have an array of supplies, from clay to pens and paper to materials to make an LED light circuit.

Museum staff and volunteers are on hand to help kids—but they’re also welcome to tinker and craft, following their imagination and inspiration wherever it leads.

Something for every age (including babies!)

I don’t love that a lot of children’s museums are designed with only older kids in mind. Thankfully, the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia breaks that mold.

Upstairs, families with young children can safely and comfortably play in the Snug Harbor. This area is meant only for kids under 4 years. There’s even a padded section set into the ground where crawlers and new walkers can get their wiggles out safely (without escaping!).

I particularly liked this section of the museum when my littlest was a baby. I didn’t have to worry about her getting run over by larger kids, and the activities in there—from cuddly stuffed animals to a safe play structure shaped like a boat—are perfect for tinies.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re breastfeeding, there are comfortable and low-distraction seating spots in the Snug Harbor. If you want more privacy, ask a museum employee or volunteer—they’ll take you somewhere more secluded.

Kids on the young end will also like the make-believe section at the entrance of the children’s museum. There, they can sell each other groceries in the play store, harvest apples and go for a ride in a pretend car. Little ones also find plenty to do outside, from climbing in the waterfall to digging in the sand. Imaginative play is welcome here!

Visiting the children’s museum for families with special needs

On a regular day, children’s museums are overwhelming for me—I’m sure that environment feels even more chaotic for children with an intellectual disability or processing disorder. Luckily, this Washington children’s museum offers sensory-friendly days and other accommodations.

Look on the museum’s web site for upcoming sensory-friendly events. These include mornings where the museum opens early, so kids who are sensitive to noise and crowds can explore the exhibits before the rush of visitors. These mornings offer discounted admission, and local organizations offer resources and ways to connect with other families living similar experiences.

What’s more, visiting the Hands-On Children’s Museum during sensory-friendly events allows kids and their families to enjoy the museum without feeling judged.

That said, children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory needs are always welcome at the museum. The front desk offers noise-canceling headphones anytime, for free.

7 ways to make the most of your visit to the Hands On Children’s Museum

1. Look for kid-friendly activities

On a recent day, my younger daughter and I worked with a museum employee to build a bird nest supplies catcher. We later hung it on a tree branch in front of our window, where we watch native birds take the yarn and alpaca wool to line their nests. Another day at the museum, costumed super heroes wandered the building and high-fived kids. There was also a workshop on making comic books that was included in the museum admission.

2. Pause for snacks

We travel to the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia from Portland two hours away, so to make the most of our visit, we stay for hours. The girls (and we adults!) pause partway through our stay to fuel up at the Play Day Cafe, which sells snacks and kid-friendly food. You can also bring food from home; just make sure to eat only in the cafe area, not in the exhibits.

Level 10 travel tip: When you and your kids have had enough to eat, challenge them to find a teeny-tiny animal family living somewhere in the Play Day Cafe. (Hint: Look for critters that live in the tree!)

3. Climb up the Lighthouse

The lighthouse, which is in the outdoor area of the museum, doesn’t look like much from the outside—but it provides an incredible view. Not only can you scope out the other outdoor activities you want to play in; you can also see the dome of the capital building off in the distance!

4. Get your music on

Throughout this Washington children’s museum, your kids will find ways to experiment with sound and music. Even before you get inside, there are enormous percussion instruments three or four kids can play at a time. Outside near the greenhouse kids can start a band with the instruments set out next to the giant hand chairs. And upstairs onstage, kids can create their own silly songs and perform a show while a friend hits buttons to make sound effects.

5. Tinker

Throughout this Washington children’s museum, kids will find opportunities to tinker. Stations are set up to spark an idea or project—such as an insect hotel or fairy house—and kids are encouraged to bring their own ideas to the table. Tinkering is a wonderful STEAM concept that encourages problem-solving, a growth mindset and grit as they try new things.

6. Look for special guests

Check out the museum’s web site to plan your visit around guests making a special appearance. On a given day, kids might be able to meet Bat Girl, learn how to weave from a natural fibers expert or read to a specially trained dog.

7. Join an early education class

Throughout the week, early education experts lead classes for parents and their young children at the museum. Classes are free with admission or membership and include an activity, story time and an art project.

Visiting the Hands-On Children’s Museum in

Olympia: The nitty-gritty details

• Admission to the museum runs from $13-15, though babies are free and there are discounts for seniors, military members and EBT cardholders.
• Membership pays for itself in three visits, so if you come often, this is definitely your best choice.
• A parking lot directly next to the museum is just $1 per hour but often fills up, so you might need to find street parking.

If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Olympia, Washington or elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, make sure this children’s museum makes it onto your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed, and your kids will be talking about it for weeks!

PS – If you’re looking for another family-friendly museum in Washington, check out my post on the totally off-the-beaten-path Burke Museum in Seattle, which includes dinosaur bones!

Have you ever been to the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia, another Washington children’s museum, or another family-friendly museum in the Northwest? Tell me about it!

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We look at it every day, so when we planned to visit Seattle’s Burke Museum of Natural History with kids, my little dinosaur lovers were beyond excited.

Despite my own fascination with dinosaurs and fossils, I’d never been to the Burke Museum in Seattle. Heck, I’ve been to Seattle dozens of times, but I’d never even heard of the Burke Museum until I started researching kid-friendly things to do in Seattle.

Most people haven’t, either—but that makes this gem much less crowded than other family-friendly spots in Seattle.

So when I came across this natural history museum that had a dinosaur exhibit in Seattle, I put it on our list of activities. (I don’t plan an itinerary or set anything in stone when doing family vacations—I prefer to allow for lots of flexibility, which means less disappointment in the end.)

And we definitely weren’t disappointed. We were all excited to see dinosaur bones—and we ended up getting even more than we hoped for.

Exploring the Dinosaur Museum, Seattle

Complete skeletons of prehistoric animals populate the Seattle dinosaur exhibit that you’ll first see at the Burke Museum of Natural History’s entrance. I was especially partial to the fossils of the mammoth, with its enormous tusks.

Can you imagine meeting one of those in the wild?! Clearly, the girls were excited to see this big guy, too!

Why the Burke Museum is a great place for kids

There are plenty of fossils and dinosaur skeletons in Burke Museum of Natural History and it’s no wonder people often refer to it as the Seattle dinosaur museum! Kids have a great time looking at them and it makes for a fun outing in the city.

What’s more, hands-on activities—like feeling a cast of a dinosaur’s footprint—help little ones engage with natural history.

I love that the Burke Museum also addresses the science behind evolution in a kid-friendly way. One entire wall is covered in a tree of evolution that shows how different animals share a common ancestor. And right after that display, a dinosaur skeleton that looks remarkably like a bird hints at the connection to modern-day avians.

In addition to the main dinosaur exhibit, you can see scientists working on several projects—including uncovering a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull.

Admittedly, I was more interested in watching them work than my kids were (“Look, girls, a real-live paleontologist!!!” #fangirl), but it did give them a chance to see how the fossils get to look museum-perfect.

More than fossils at the Seattle Natural History Museum

The entire bottom floor of the Burke Museum of Natural History is dedicated to Native American artifacts and other cultures. The section featured textiles, masks, carvings, and other beautiful relics from Pacific Northwest Tribes.

I admired how the Burke Museum treated the sometimes dubious history of how collectors got some of the artifacts.

One carving, for example, had been stolen from the roof of a Native American building a century ago. The Burke Museum reached an agreement with the tribe to keep the carving for a short time longer before it will return it.

While we were at the Burke Museum, they also featured an exhibit of home shrines from around the world.

Visiting Seattle’s Burke Museum of Natural History for kids: What you need to know

• The Burke Museum of Natural History is housed on the northwest corner of the University of Washington campus.
• Entrance fee for kids under 5 is free; older children and adults have a $22 entry fee.
• Coat check is free. Wahoo!
• Parking can be tight around the University of Washington. Instead of driving around, you can pay for your parking at the UW kiosk at the university entrance; they’ll tell you where you can find an open space.
• In the main dinosaur exhibit, there’s a section in the back with a bunch of plastic dinosaurs for kids to play with. It’s a great opportunity for little ones to do what they do best: play!
• Kids will need 1-2 hours to explore the dinosaur museum. You can see all the exhibits in that time.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Seattle with kids—especially if your children love dinosaurs—the Burke Museum is an easy win, free of crowds and an inexpensive but memorable visit. Enjoy, and ROAR!

What do you do in Seattle with kids? What is your favorite family-friendly activity, destination or restaurant in Seattle?

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