Fun Family & Kids Activities In The San Juans
The San Juan Islands offer endless opportunities for family fun, from kayaking, whale watching, and biking to local art, farmers markets, and the San Juan County Fair. Explore the list below to find some of our favorite family activities across the islands.
Outdoor Adventures
- Whale & wildlife watching: The San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to see orca whales in their natural environment, and your best chance to see them is on a whale & wildlife tour.
- Kayaking around the islands' coves and beaches makes for an unforgettable family day. Or canoeing or paddle-boating on a still lake.
- Seasonal farmers markets are a great way to experience local flavor. Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and artisan foods while enjoying live music.
- In August, visit the old-fashioned San Juan County Fair in Friday Harbor to see farm animals, ride carnival rides and eat elephant ears.
- Take a guided hike with goats! Just outside Friday Harbor, the Women Who Stare at Goats Collective offers forage walks and hikes, cuddly goat grams & more.
Orcas Island
Mini golf is a fun, family-friendly activity everyone can enjoy. This 18-hole course celebrates the charm of the San Juan Islands and Orcas Island, featuring playful elements like boats, bridges, a ferry, spinning propeller, and even orca whales.
Moran State Park’s five fresh-water lakes include Cascade Lake, with special appeal for families—a sandy beach and designated swimming and play area. Rent a paddle boat, visit the salmon hatchery, or enjoy easy hikes to a waterfall or towering old-growth trees.
Orcas Center is a hub for family-friendly arts on Orcas Island, offering plays, concerts, films, and community events. With multiple performance spaces and a welcoming gallery, it’s a great place to experience local culture.
Call ahead to schedule a personalized tour of Once in a Blue Moon Farm—feed chickens, alpacas, llamas, horses, goats and sheep. You can gather eggs, collect flowers and herbs to take with you, sample fruit and help groom farm animals. Guests can also help groom the animals and enjoy a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at daily life on the farm.
Step back in time at the Orcas Island Historical Museum, where they have a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits that focus on different aspects of Orcas Island history. The unique construction of the Museum - a series of six cabins, additional display rooms, and a large Main Gallery - create a dynamic space and a feeling of being truly immersed in history.
Orcas Island’s biggest village is the takeoff point for nearby beaches to explore—Crescent Beach, Waterfront Park, or North Beach—and at Eastsound’s Buck Park kids will find a 15,000-square-foot, world-class skate park. The town’s bakeries, good library, and gift shops appeal to kids, and consider taking your lunch to the Village Green and relaxing in the shade of fruit trees.
Lopez Island
Explore the island at your own pace by renting bikes or kayaks from Edenwild Boutique Inn. It’s a great way for families to enjoy quiet roads, scenic shoreline, and time out on the water.
The Lopez Center for Community and the Arts offers family-friendly performances, films, and events throughout the year. It’s a welcoming space to experience local creativity.
Do your kids like to skateboard? There's a cool skate park right in Lopez Village, just across the street from Blossom Grocery, where you can pick up lunch, then sit and watch the action.
Stop for lunch or dinner at Blue Heron Bistro, located in the heart of Lopez Village. Enjoy fresh, scratch-made comfort food featuring local ingredients in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Shark Reef Sanctuary is a hidden gem, tucked away on the west side of Lopez Island. A short 10-minute walk through a forest will lead to a rocky shoreline with stunning views and an almost certain seal (and perhaps sea lion and otter) sighting.
Head to Odlin County Park for a picnic on the sandy beach and easy shoreline walks. Open grassy areas and calm waters make it perfect for a low-key family day.
San Juan Island
Located just two blocks from the ferry landing, you can rent a scoot coupe from Susie's Mopeds, a fun and easy way to explore the island. Cruise scenic roads, stop at beaches, and enjoy the freedom of a self-guided adventure.
The Whale Museum, in Friday Harbor, is a fun way to see and hear the whales up close and learn about the Salish Sea marine environment. Hear whalesong over the hydrophone, see whale skeletons and learn about beautiful art and ancient legends about whales and other sea life.
Wander through open meadows and wooded trails at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, where art and nature come together. Kids will love spotting unique sculptures along the paths in this free, family-friendly outdoor space.
Get up close with gentle alpacas at Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm. Families can meet the animals, learn about alpacas, explore the gift shop,and enjoy a setting that’s both fun and educational.
Discover creativity together at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, featuring rotating exhibits and engaging programs. It’s an inspiring indoor activity perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to spot orca whales from shore. Easy trails, rocky beaches, and a historic lighthouse make it a memorable stop for all ages.
