Things to Do in Everett, Washington

Stroll through Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, a natural highlight of Washington that shows off the ecological beauty of the Northwest region in its numerous plants and flowers. The arboretum was founded in 1963 and today includes 3.5 acres of territory spanning ten distinct garden areas.

Some examples of these themed gardens are the Northwest Native Plant Trail, the Rock Garden, the Viewing Mound, and the Japanese Maple Grove. Winding among them are sculpture-lined paths accessible to all, even children and people with limited mobility. Because of its commitment to teaching visitors about its flora, Evergreen regularly schedules tours and educational programs.

Address: 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett, WA 98201, Phone: 425-257-8597

Schack Art Center adds some visual culture to downtown Everett in a facility packed with a diverse set of exhibits. Like other galleries, it displays works from local, regional, and international artists, specifically highlighting young craftsmen. Collections featuring a number of different mediums and styles rotate regularly, meaning there is always something new on at the Schack.

The center also stands out thanks to its state-of-the-art open glassblowing studio, in which patrons can see artists at work on new projects. And, in addition to its function as a museum and gallery, Schack Art Center also serves as an educational venue; art classes are regularly offered for both children and adults.

Address: 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA 98201, Phone: 425-259-5050

The Imagine Children's Museum is a highly rated children's museum that focuses on supporting child development through both guided and free play. The museum was founded in 1991 as part of a local effort to create a space where children and families could play and learn with one another.

The exhibits are varied in nature and include a water play area, an art studio, a model farm, an imagined restaurant, and a zone exclusively for children aged 3 and under. The roof of the museum is also set up for fun, with paleontology and music sections to be enjoyed when the weather permits.

Address: 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201, Phone: 425-258-1006

Although many associate fishing trips with warmer climes, salmon charters are a popular way to enjoy the outdoors around Everett, Washington. Go fishing with All Star Fishing Charters which specializes in salmon fishing trips, taking guests out on the calm, beautiful waters of the Puget Sound.

The company offers trips all year round, canceling only when the weather makes the water unsafe for boats. Outside of salmon season, All Star fishes for the best species in a given year and charters to river destinations are also available. In addition to catching dinner, All Star Fishing Charters patrons also have the chance to spot whales, porpoise, seals, sea lions, and a number of bird species that live out near the water. Phone: 425-252-4188

Carleton Farms, conveniently located a mere 5 miles outside Everett, is a family farm with plenty of fun for children and adults alike. Carleton Farms originally specialized in dairy production, but today the farm uses sustainable techniques to produce a range of crops, many of which are available at its on-site farmers market.

In the fall, the farm comes alive with festivities such as hay rides, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes as well as more adventurous pursuits like zombie paintball, a pumpkin cannon, and zip-lining. A kitchen here serves home-style refreshments and the farm also provides venues for children's birthday parties and weddings.

Address: 630 Sunnyside Blvd SE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258, Phone: 425-334-2297

The Flying Heritage Collection is a unique assemblage of historical aircraft and related items from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, and Germany. Although the collection is privately owned by business mogul and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, it has been open to the public since 2004.

To accommodate its more sizeable pieces, the Flying Heritage Collection has been placed in two airplane hangars. The first of these focuses on the role of the United States and other major players in World War II and the aviation technologies they employed in the fight, while the second delves more deeply into how aircraft faced different environmental and battle conditions during the war.

Address: 3407 109th Street SW, Everett, WA 98204, Phone: 877-FHC-3404

The Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour in Mukilteo is the first stop on an exciting tour of the Boeing factory, where some of the world's most famous aircraft are produced. The museum opened at the end of 2005 and since then has housed interesting exhibits on modern aviation, including working airplane engines, video presentations, an observation deck, and an area where visitors can design their own planes.

From here, the tour continues to the Boeing production site itself, where the 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner lines are manufactured. At the factory, the tour covers the entire construction and testing process for these commercial planes.

Address: 8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo, WA 98275, Phone: 425-438-8100

Learn about history at Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum facility that aims to educate the public about the history, traditions, and beliefs of the Tulalip tribes. These people, who are the successors to a group of tribes that signed the Treaty of Point Elliott, make their home on a 22,000-acre reservation north of Everett.

The cultural center itself covers 50 acres of territory and its exhibits highlight the lands historically settled by the Tulalip people, their reverence for the cedar tree, and the bases of many of their spiritual values. The museum's Canoe Hall includes archaeological artifacts and canoes from throughout the history of the tribes.

Address: 6410 23rd Avenue NE, Tulalip, WA 98271, Phone: 360-716-2600