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The Pacific Northwest state of Washington has everything a family could want in a vacation.
Its natural beauty makes it a great state to explore a state park or learn about the forests and wildlife in the area. There’s a lot to do and see there, but this list has some more popular destinations for families exploring the great state of Washington. 16 Cheap Family Activities to Do in Washington State
1. Space Needle, Seattle
Some might say a trip to Seattle is incomplete without visiting the iconic Space Needle. Built for the World Fair in 1962, it has since become a fixture in the Seattle skyline and a staple stop for tourists.
You won’t beat the views from the top of the Needle. The 360-degree lookout provides epic views of Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Don’t miss out on getting a picture of you and your family at the top for a souvenir of your trip.
2. The Museum of Flight, Seattle
Seattle’s Museum of Flight is the planet’s largest air and space museum and was built around the original Boeing factory. Visitors will learn all about the history of flying, from the Wright Brothers to space exploration.
The museum is home to some of the most unique and fascinating aircraft. While attending the museum, you can walk the aisle of JFK’s Air Force One, sit in the cockpit of the fastest jet on Earth, or fly in a simulator while you learn how to barrel roll a fighter plane and land on the moon.
3. Kerry Park, Seattle
Looking for a picture-perfect spot for a picnic overlooking the Seattle skyline? Kerry Park is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the majestic views of Mount Rainier behind downtown Seattle.
Locals recommend visiting in the evening to catch the sunset and watch the ferries coming and going on the water.
4. T-Mobile Park, Seattle
The Seattle Mariners call T-Mobile Park home and plan to excite their fans this year. Grab some hot dogs, and cheer on your favorite players. If you and your family are baseball fans, you will want to check out this beautiful stadium.
5. Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle
The Museum of Pop Culture offers a unique look at some of the most famous legendary pop culture artifacts. From video games to music to film and television, this museum has something exciting for everyone in the family.
Be sure to test your DJ skills at the SoundLab or check out the halls of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Dedicate a couple of hours to this exhibit. You will want to explore everything this place has to offer.
6. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
For over 120 years, the Woodland Park Zoo has been educating visitors on the importance of educating, protecting, and conserving the world’s animals. The 92-acre zoo in the heart of the Pacific Northwest is home to 900 different animals from environments including Australia, Africa, Asia, and local habitats.
Visitors to the park can learn about some of the planet’s most exotic animals. This park will leave lasting memories from rhinos to grizzly bears to penguins and bald eagles.
7. Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned ride on a giant Ferris wheel? Hopefully, you aren’t afraid of heights because the ride will take you 175 feet in the sky, making it the highest Ferris wheel on the West Coast.
Sitting right on the Miner’s Landing Pier, riders brave enough will be rewarded with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
8. Seattle’s Underground Tour, Seattle
Did you know that in 1889, a fire wiped out most of modern-day Seattle? In the aftermath, the new city was built directly on top of the old one, leaving eerie underground walkways and corridors.
Nowadays, these corridors are reminders of the past and are fascinating to explore. The famous Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour will take you through the mazes and educate tourists on the city’s remarkable history.
9. Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie
Washington State is home to some of the most beautiful forests in the country. An easy hike in Snoqualmie leads to a fantastic 270-foot waterfall. If you travel with younger children, an antique train will take you up to the top of the falls for a different view of the scenic landscape.
10. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Leavenworth
No matter what time of year, visiting the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm will make you feel like you are counting down the days until Christmas. Visitors can get up close and personal with these magical creatures at the farm.
Visitors to the farm can get their picture taken in Santa’s sleigh, meet the herd, and learn about these northern creatures. It is sure to be an experience they will never forget. Only a few people can say they have been able to hand-feed Santa’s reindeer!
11. Olympic National Park, Port Angeles
Olympic National Park is located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, filled with lush forests and a temperate rainforest. Visitors to the park will experience an unforgettable outdoor adventure filled with camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, and participating in junior ranger programs. During the wintertime, visitors can go on ranger-led snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing, or riding snowmobiles.
12. Visit Bainbridge Island
Hop on board a ferry for a fun ride across the bay to the picturesque town of Bainbridge Island. The charming main street is lined with little shops and restaurants where you can check out and try some delicious local seafood.
There are also a couple of waterfront parks, like Waterfront Park and Fay Bainbridge Park, where you can have a picnic or rent bikes to stroll around town. Afterward, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the tree-lined shore.
13. Hands-on Children’s Museum, Olympia
The Hands-On Children’s Museum has over 150 interactive exhibits, allowing kids to build, climb, or craft. Visitors will learn about the Puget Sound forest, the local sea life, and how to captain a cargo ship on the 8-foot replica ship kids can climb aboard.
The highlight of the museum might be the Tides to Tree Climber. This giant makeshift eagle nest allows kids to climb through the roped tunnels 20 feet in the air.
14. The Whale Museum, San Juan Island
Take a trip to San Juan Island to learn about the location’s special relationship with the giant underwater mammals that call it home. Here, you can explore exhibits with models, skeletons, and artifacts about whales, specifically the orcas.
15. The Outback Kangaroo Farm, Arlington
Did you know you can travel from the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the dry Outback of Australia just by driving north of Seattle? This Australian sanctuary is a must-stop for animal lovers.
Here, you will find exotic animals unique to the Outback, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, mini donkeys, peacocks, and parrots. Unless you plan a visit down under in the future, you won’t want to miss this experience.
16. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
Next time you are in Tacoma, experience the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. This combined zoo and aquarium is the only one of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors will have up-close encounters with hammerhead sharks, polar bears, walruses, tigers, wolves, and penguins. This unique exhibit allows kids to learn about animals on land and in the sea!
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