Washington State offered more than just misty mountains and techy skylines—it gave us the perfect blend of nature, imagination, and hands-on fun. Traveling with kids meant we were always on the lookout for places that would spark curiosity and let little hands touch, climb, or crawl their way through a new experience. And Washington delivered, again and again.
These were the spots that made us laugh, learn, and slow down—where wonder outpaced screen time and the whole family left smiling.
Best Things to Do in Washington State with Kids
Getting Up Close with Crawlers at theBremerton Bug and Reptile Museum
The Bremerton Bug and Reptile Museum felt like a cozy little curiosity cabinet where everything wiggled, slithered, or blinked at you from behind glass. It’s tucked into a strip mall next to a bike shop—which made me lower my expectations at first. But as soon as we stepped inside, I thought, "Okay… this place is weird and wonderful."
Kids ran from tank to tank, marveling at tarantulas, stick bugs, and colorful frogs. There were beetles in plexiglass mazes, snakes coiled in tree branches, and even a giant robotic bug ride that made us laugh out loud. It was low-budget, sure—but packed with personality. Best of all, it was free (though donations are welcome), which made it an easy yes on our list.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Café, a quirky little diner with funky decor and great pancakes. I had a veggie scramble, and the kids split a cinnamon roll the size of a frisbee. It was one of those local gems that feels like part of the trip, not just a stop along the way.
Where We Stayed: We booked a night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Bremerton. It was clean, convenient, and walking distance to the waterfront—a great base for exploring the area without feeling rushed.
Bremerton Bug and Reptile Museum At a Glance
- Location: 1118 Charleston Beach Rd W, Bremerton, WA 98312
- Vibe: Quirky, hands-on, a little odd in the best way
- Highlights: Live bugs and reptiles, robotic bug ride, free admission
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning before the small space gets crowded
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring hand sanitizer and let the kids take their time—there’s more to see than it seems
Seeing Color Come Alive at Chihuly Garden and Glass
We weren’t sure how the kids would do at an art installation, but the moment we stepped into Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, their jaws dropped—and mine did too. Surrounded by swirls of blown glass in impossible shapes and colors, I thought, "This feels like stepping into a dream."
Inside, the Glasshouse glowed with a 100-foot-long sculpture in fiery oranges and reds, and the galleries were filled with seaforms, chandeliers, and floating glass balls that seemed to shimmer midair. The garden outside was just as magical—giant glass blooms nestled among real ones. The kids played “find your favorite shape” while I snapped a hundred photos trying to capture the light.
Afterward, we walked over to the Armory Food & Event Hall at Seattle Center, where we grabbed teriyaki bowls and fresh lemonade. It was casual, quick, and easy for everyone to find something they liked.
Where We Stayed: We spent the night at The Maxwell Hotel nearby. With its playful pineapple theme, bunk beds in some rooms, and complimentary bikes, it was perfect for families—and the location made city exploring a breeze.
Chihuly Garden and Glass At a Glance
- Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Vibe: Surreal, vibrant, inspiring
- Highlights: Glasshouse, outdoor garden sculptures, intricate art displays
- Best Time to Visit: Morning on a sunny day—the glass glows in natural light
- Cost: $35 adults, $21 youth (ages 5–12), free under 4
- Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
- Tip: Pair your visit with the Space Needle next door for a fun half-day combo
Playing Freely at the Children's Museum of Tacoma
We found the Children’s Museum of Tacoma on a rainy afternoon, and it ended up being one of the best surprises of the trip. As soon as we walked in and saw the giant water table, treehouse loft, and oversized foam building blocks, I thought, "This is the kind of place that lets kids lead the way."
The museum has a “pay as you will” model, which made it feel incredibly welcoming. There were themed zones for imaginative play—like a construction site, theater corner, and cozy reading nooks. The kids bounced from one space to the next, building, splashing, dressing up, and pretending to run their own town. I sat with a coffee, watching them completely absorbed.
For lunch, we popped over to Metropolitan Market nearby for gourmet grilled cheese, fresh fruit, and chocolate chip cookies the size of their heads. Everyone was happy.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at Hotel Murano, which doubles as a glass art gallery. It was sleek but kid-friendly, and just a short walk from the museum. That night, the kids drew pictures of their favorite exhibits—I loved seeing how the day stuck with them.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma At a Glance
- Location: 1501 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Vibe: Playful, interactive, inclusive
- Highlights: Open-ended play zones, water table, “pay as you will” admission
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
- Cost: Pay what you can
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring an extra set of clothes—kids often get soaked at the water exhibit
Imagination in Motion at the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla
The Children’s Museum of Walla Walla felt like a giant playground of creativity. It was smaller than the bigger-city museums we’d been to, but that made it even better—less crowded, more freedom to roam. As the kids darted off toward a kid-sized grocery store and a real fire truck cab, I thought, "This is what childhood should feel like."
Every room offered something different: art corners, pretend play spaces, STEM tables, and soft areas for toddlers. One moment they were playing veterinarians, the next they were building tracks for racecars. It was cozy and local in the best way—built for play, not performance.
We grabbed lunch afterward at Maple Counter Café, where I had a spinach and mushroom omelet, and the kids shared pancakes with real maple syrup. It was friendly, filling, and full of small-town charm.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, a historic gem right downtown. With big comfy beds and a vintage vibe, it was a perfect mix of grown-up comfort and kid-friendly ease.
Children’s Museum of Walla Walla At a Glance
- Location: 77 Wainwright Dr, Walla Walla, WA 99362
- Vibe: Welcoming, hands-on, small-town sweet
- Highlights: Pretend play exhibits, STEM areas, art and building corners
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early weekends for fewer crowds
- Cost: $8 per person (under 12 months free)
- Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 12pm–4pm
- Tip: Ask for the scavenger hunt—it kept our kids engaged for longer
Playing With Possibility at Mobius Science Center
Spokane’s Mobius Science Center was one of those places where every "don’t touch" instinct gets replaced with “go ahead—try it.” From the moment we walked in and saw a giant light wall, a wind tunnel, and a make-your-own-racecar zone, I thought, "This is how science wins kids over."
The exhibits blended fun and learning seamlessly. The kids learned how pulleys worked by lifting themselves off the ground, designed their own bridges, and played with robots that followed colored lines across the floor. Everything was hands-on and designed to spark “whoa” moments—for them and for me.
After all the exploring, we headed to Rocket Bakery for pastries and smoothies. I had a flaky ham and cheese croissant, and the kids split a giant chocolate muffin. It gave us all a second wind before heading out again.
Where We Stayed: We checked into The Davenport Tower, which had safari-themed decor that the kids thought was wild and fun. The pool and city views sealed the deal—it was a hit for all of us.
Mobius Science Center At a Glance
- Location: 331 N Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
- Vibe: Energetic, educational, full of “aha” moments
- Highlights: Engineering labs, physics experiments, robots, creative play
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings, especially in summer when it gets busy
- Cost: $10 adults, $10 kids (under 1 free)
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 11am–5pm
- Tip: Pair with a visit to Mobius Children’s Museum nearby if you have younger kids
Finding Big Wonder at Mount Rainier National Park
Driving up toward Mount Rainier, the trees got taller, the air got cooler, and the kids got quieter—watching the snowy peak appear between the pines. We stopped at the visitor center in Paradise, and as we stepped out into the crisp alpine air, I thought, "This is the kind of wild that stays with you."
The park had something for everyone—short trails to waterfalls for little legs, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and even patches of snow in summer that the kids couldn’t resist stomping through. We hiked the Nisqually Vista Trail, easy and breathtaking, with mountain views so close they didn’t seem real. They called it a “kid hike,” but honestly, it took my breath away.
After the hike, we stopped at Paradise Inn Dining Room for a rustic lunch of chili and cornbread, eaten by a big stone fireplace. It felt like a scene out of a storybook—cozy, quiet, and completely timeless.
Where We Stayed: We booked a night at National Park Inn in Longmire, one of the only in-park lodging options. No TV, no distractions—just family games, early bedtimes, and windows cracked open to let the mountain night in. That night, I thought, "The best souvenirs are the ones you carry inside."
Mount Rainier National Park At a Glance
- Location: Southwest of Seattle, main entrance via Ashford, WA
- Vibe: Majestic, peaceful, grounding
- Highlights: Family-friendly trails, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, visitor centers
- Best Time to Visit: July–September for snow-free hiking and blooms
- Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)
- Hours: Open year-round, but some roads and areas close in winter
- Tip: Bring layers—weather changes fast, even in summer
Conclusion
Washington State gave us a trip that was part discovery, part recharge, and all heart. From bug museums tucked into strip malls to glass gardens glowing with color, every stop gave the kids something new to touch, see, and feel—and reminded me how much magic there is in slowing down to explore it with them.
If you're planning a family trip, don’t overlook Washington. It's where science becomes play, mountains become playgrounds, and curiosity gets to run wild. Just pack snacks, layers, and plenty of wonder—you’ll need them all.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Getting Up Close with Crawlers at theBremerton Bug and Reptile Museum
- • Seeing Color Come Alive at Chihuly Garden and Glass
- • Playing Freely at the Children's Museum of Tacoma
- • Imagination in Motion at the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla
- • Playing With Possibility at Mobius Science Center
- • Finding Big Wonder at Mount Rainier National Park