The San Juan Islands are particularly family-friendly and one of the best places to unplug! Your weekend getaways in Washington with kids in tow can be filled with long (or short) hikes, treasure hunting on the beach, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and so much more. Friday Harbor is a great home base on San Juan Island that is close to restaurants and the ferry landing while only being a quick drive to the best attractions on the island.
For those coming from Seattle or other major metropolitan areas, the San Juan Islands offer a wealth of outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and wildlife viewing. Your family will find so many ways to reconnect away from screens, if that’s your goal, and out into the fresh island air. From whale watching to beachcombing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a weekend getaway to this scenic island paradise.
The first component for your weekend getaways in Washington will be your accommodations, which are even more important when traveling with kids, older family members, or pets! Our Friday Harbor lodging property has a variety of choices for all scenarios, including multi-room suites, vacation cottage rentals, and cozy rooms for one or two. Many offer full kitchens, which can be key to a stress-free getaway when the kids are with you. We’ll deliver a fresh breakfast to your door each morning as well, one less thing to worry about! Book your Friday Harbor lodging today!
Weekend Getaways in Washington: Best Things to do with Kids
Sometimes, the best family-friendly weekend getaways in Washington include getting outside together, away from our phones and computers, and the San Juan Islands offer the perfect pristine nature combined with fun adventures for families of all ages to enjoy. Your days can be filled with hikes and beach walks, and your evenings can be cozy for a family night back at our Inn.
Here are the best things to do with kids on your weekend getaways in Washington:
- The Best Family-Friendly Hikes on San Juan Island: There are so many great hikes on San Juan Island. Meander through forests, along our rocky shorelines, and up along beautiful bluffs. Kids will love hiking at Lime Kiln State Park, American Camp, and English Camp.
- Shallow Beach Areas Great for Kids: While the crisp waters around the San Juan Islands are 50 degrees year-round, there are a few shallow beaches at Granny’s Cove and Eagle’s Cove at American Camp National Park that warm during the summer months to provide a safe place wading and playing in the waves.
- Explore the Sculpture Park: This open-air art gallery is fantastic to explore with a multi-aged group. The maintained trails are easy to navigate to the beautiful sculptures, and there’s even a hands-on area for kids to create their own works.
- Head to the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor: The mission at this local museum is to promote the stewardship of wild whales in the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research programs. Kids will love hearing the whale songs and learning more about these stunning marine mammals.
- A Guided Whale-Watching Boat Tour: The best weekend getaways in Washington include getting out on the water. There’s a great selection of local companies offering guided tours for wildlife viewing, including whale watching.
- Head to Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm: Meet the resident alpacas and buy some soft yarn for knitting sweaters or for those family and friends who do!
- Horseback Riding Excursions: Horseshu Farms offers guided horseback tours through the meadows and valleys of San Juan Island Island. Horseshu also offers a Mini Forest loop and Pony Rides for children under eight.
- Things for Teens to Do: If you’re traveling with older kids on your weekend getaways in Washington, there are a few activities to get them excited, too. Try the Roche Harbor Disc Golf Course, the San Juan Skate Park, or Paradise Lanes bowling Alley in Friday Harbor.
As a guest at our Friday Harbor lodging property, we offer a fantastic, family-friendly package to add to your weekend getaways in Washington. It takes the guesswork out of planning!
Family-Friendly Friday Harbor Lodging in the San Juan Islands
Our accommodations range from cozy guest rooms to spacious suites and cottages, perfect for anyone traveling with kids, pets, or guests (maybe the grandparents are tagging along on the adventure?) who might like more room and added privacy. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll enjoy plenty of beautiful amenities throughout your weekend getaways in Washington.
In the morning, we’ll start your day on the right foot with one of the most delicious breakfasts delivered hot and fresh to your room. In addition to the daily entreé of the day, you’ll be treated to our acclaimed house-made granola and yogurt. Everything we serve is made in-house, including our yummy afternoon cookies, and we always feature locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly space for dinner, Coho Restaurant is just a block from our Friday Harbor lodging property. It’s one of the best restaurants in Friday Harbor and again emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. While Coho does have a more refined dining atmosphere, families are always welcome. We also offer an extensive wine list and lovely cocktails for the grown-ups! We recommend you make reservations at the time of your booking to ensure you enjoy one of the best Friday Harbor Restaurants during your stay. Start planning your weekend getaways in Washington, and book your stay today!
