Suncadia Resort, located right off I-90 in the Wenatchee National Forest southeast of Snoqualamie, WA, is your quintessential four-season, multi-activity contemporary resort. We stopped by for two nights during a long summer road trip through Washington State, and compared it to Bend Oregon’s Sunriver Resort or Redmond Oregon’s Eagle Crest. Suncadia boosts the same offerings, including … [Read more...]
Where to stay on San Juan Island with kids
July 20, 2015 By
If you read our post last week, you're all set with your San Juan Island with kids itinerary! Now, where to stay on San Juan Island with kids: while it's true that the San Juan Islands are known as a destination for B&Bs, other options do exist. Read on for our top lodging experiences on San Juan Island, with a wide range of options for your family. Lakedale Resort: Kid-heaven … [Read more...]
Multi-day kayaking in the San Juan Islands
July 17, 2015 By
Families will always see more detail of the area they’re traveling by car rather than by plane, and even more by bicycle than by car. In the San Juan Islands, there’s no better way to explore this vast network of islands than by kayak. On our previous trips to the San Juan Islands, we arrived by ferry, then visited two islands: Orcas and San Juan. This time, we decided we were ready for the … [Read more...]
Visit Whidbey Island with kids: Exploring Coupeville
November 12, 2014 By
Whidbey Island may be small, but it's tall, as my sons have noted after a map study. When families come to visit Whidbey Island with kids, it's useful to stay in the center of the island, within easy access of attractions such as Deception Pass to the north, and the Clinton ferry landing to the south. The best home base: Coupeville. Coupeville WA is located within the boundaries of Ebey's … [Read more...]
Guide to Whidbey Island State Parks
November 10, 2014 By
Whidbey Island, Washington is known for its picturesque coastline and pastoral setting. It's true that Whidbey, located north of Seattle, offers abundant farm stands and a healthy agri-tourism trade, but many families --including mine!-- had no idea how many beautiful, exciting state parks fill this small island! We recommend coming to stay at least three days in order to experience most of … [Read more...]
Exploring Port Townsend with kids
November 7, 2014 By
Located at the very tip of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend has a lot to offer families. From the quaint waterfront town with its lively history to a storied military presence, exploring Port Townsend with kids includes hiking trails, fort batteries, ice cream shops, and touch tanks! Here's what's in store (and where to stay): Downtown Port Townsend: It's easy to see the … [Read more...]
Flying for the fun of it: Take a trip with San Juan Airlines
October 27, 2014 By
Yes, you read that right: flying can be fun! In an era when it's 99% hassle (even for kids!), I had a great time remembering what I love about flying when I spent a morning with San Juan Airlines. Check out my flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor, WA: Yes, I'm smiling. Actually, I grinned most of the flight. Why? On a small plane--in this case, a Cessna 172 three-seater--it's easy to remember … [Read more...]
Spokane family festivals: year-round family fun
August 28, 2014 By
Who says families need to go to Seattle or Portland to have a good time, see an up-and-coming band, or celebrate a quirky holiday? During the seven years we lived in Spokane, WA, we happily became family festival guinea pigs, trying out a little of everything. In the years since, here's what we deem worthy of a return visit. Spokane festivals worth the trip: Green Bluff Growers Apple … [Read more...]
New attractions at Great Wolf Lodge: play ShadowQuest and mini golf
October 1, 2013 By
The following is a guest post written by Northwest parent and travel writer Carrie Yu. When the weather in the Pacific Northwest turns to rain (and even when the sun is shining), families in the region love to head to Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington, for some serious fun. Just in time for indoor water fun this autumn and winter, new attractions at Great Wolf Lodge include … [Read more...]
No rain dance required: three soggy days on the Olympic Peninsula
March 13, 2013 By
According to the middle-aged waitress in Hoquiam, Washington's only coffee shop, it had already been raining on the Olympic Peninsula for two days straight when we drove through en route to nearby Lake Quinault Lodge. And the forecast was not promising to get any better. "Can't imagine why you're visiting in March," she observed, pouring my coffee into a brown ceramic mug. "It'll still be … [Read more...]
