Friday Harbor, a charming town on the shores of San Juan Island, feels like it was made for family adventures, especially in the quieter winter months. With fewer crowds, easy access to nature, and that friendly small-town charm that you crave during this busy time of year, the San Juan Islands offer families the rare opportunity to slow down and really enjoy time together. If you’re looking for unique family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor that offer convenience, space, and that personalized attention you crave from a well-crafted getaway, the Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites is hard to beat.
Of course, relaxing, family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor are only part of the equation. You’ll need ways to burn off some of that energy, too! Families will find plenty of things to do on San Juan Island this time of year. The Whale Museum is always a hit with kids, offering a fascinating look at local marine life. A visit to Lime Kiln Point State Park gives families a chance to spot seals, porpoises, or even whales from the shore. You can explore the island’s history at the San Juan Island National Historical Park, take a stroll through the quaint shops in downtown Friday Harbor, or grab hot cocoa before hopping on a winter wildlife or scenic tour.
With plenty of cozy restaurants and local art galleries, there’s something for every age and interest. But there’s nothing like coming home at the end of the day, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites. Our lodging stands out among family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor. We offer spacious suites and cottages perfect for families, along with thoughtful touches like full kitchens, breakfast baskets, and friendly service that make you feel right at home. From this ideal home base, you can easily explore all the best things to do in Friday Harbor for families and enjoy the kind of getaway that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, will remember fondly. Book your family trip today!
The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Friday Harbor
Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor. But we’re so much more than that, too. We’re a true home away from home, where families can strike the right balance between togetherness and privacy. Here, everyone will feel at ease from the moment they arrive, which is a big part of why you’ve come to the San Juan Islands in the first place!
Unlike some other family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor, our Inn is just a short walk from the waterfront and downtown. We offer a range of spacious and multi-bedroom suites and private vacation cottages that are perfect for families to spread out and relax. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or teens, or maybe even bringing the grandparents along with you, there’s room for everyone. Beyond just giving you space, though, what makes us one of the best family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor is the attention to detail you’ll find here.
Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed with both style and practicality in mind, featuring cozy living areas, fireplaces, and kitchens or kitchenettes stocked with everything you need for easy family meals. The innkeepers go out of their way to make every stay special, offering everything from complimentary breakfast baskets to freshly baked cookies in the afternoon. It’s this combination of personal touches and genuine hospitality that makes the Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites one of the best hotels in Friday Harbor.
Families also appreciate the wide range of amenities that make travel simple and enjoyable. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi for streaming family movie nights, pet-friendly options for those bringing furry friends, and even bicycles for exploring town together. We also offer a unique Family Fun Adventure Package to help you make the most of your time on San Juan Island. This package includes:
- Admission to the Whale Museum
- 3-4 hour whale and wildlife viewing trip (March – October)
- Admission to Climb San Juan
- San Juan Bakery Margarita or Pepperoni Pizza
- Quart of Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream
What’s better than heading out for a hike or a little adventure around the island, and coming home to an experience capped off by pizza and ice cream? Your kids will surely love it, and we know it’s rare for other family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor to think of little details like this. It’s just one of the many things that make us unique.
The Best Things to Do on San Juan Island for Families
Staying at one of the best family-friendly hotels in Friday Harbor is one small (but important) part of your getaway. We also know getting out for adventures, whether big or small, is essential for those memory-making moments. From wildlife watching and outdoor adventures to cozy evenings by the fire, it’s easy to create memories on San Juan Island. Below, you’ll find a list of some of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island with kids.
Top San Juan Island Activities For Families
- Visit The Whale Museum in downtown Friday Harbor. It offers a fascinating place where families can learn about orcas and the marine life that call the Salish Sea home. It’s one of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island on a rainy day.
- Head out to Lime Kiln Point State Park. It’s a great place to hike and enjoy gorgeous water views, not to mention a historic lighthouse worth seeing. But it’s also known as one of the best places in the world to spot whales and other marine wildlife from shore.
- Take a hike and sneak in a history lesson at San Juan Island National Historical Park. Both American and English Camps have easy walking trails and open fields perfect for kids to roam. It’s one of the most scenic things to do on San Juan Island.
- Give yourself plenty of time to explore Downtown Friday Harbor. Wander through local shops, art galleries, and cafes for a fun and relaxed afternoon together.
- There are plenty of hidden gems and unique things to do on San Juan Island with kids. One of them is visiting Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, where you can meet friendly alpacas and shop for cozy handmade gifts at this family-friendly island favorite.
- Head to Roche Harbor for the day. While you’re there, you can enjoy the views, grab lunch, and watch boats come and go.
- On your way to Roche Harbor, make a pit stop at the San Juan Island Sculpture Park. It’s a unique outdoor art experience with over 150 sculptures spread across peaceful meadows and walking paths, and it’s one of the many great things to do on San Juan Island with kids.
- Another great spot to visit on your adventure around the island is the McMillin Mausoleum. It’s a short little hike up there, but it’s a hidden piece of San Juan Island history that’s fun to do with (or without!) kids.
- Head to the San Juan Community Theatre, where you can catch a family-friendly show or concert at this local gem, offering entertainment all year long.
- We always recommend kayaking and wildlife tours. It’s one of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island, and we never get tired of it. Join a guided adventure to see seals, eagles, and maybe even whales while paddling along the calm island waters. With kids, we recommend the trips with San Juan Safaris. It’s included in our Family Fun Adventure Package!
If you’re ready to see what staying at one of the best hotels in Friday Harbor for families is all about, we’d love to welcome you and help you make the most out of your stay. Book your family adventure today!
