There's so much for families to do in the islands, from rock climbing to whale watching, to making art and going to the County Fair. Here are some of our favorite fun activities:
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 if you’re feeling energetic, or cast a fishing line off the dock. Visit the salmon hatchery at the lake’s day-use area. Take a little hike and see a waterfall, circle around to hug an old-growth tree or go horseback riding through the woods.
Call ahead to schedule a personalized tour of Once in a Blue Moon Farm—feed chickens, alpacas, llamas, horses, goats and sheep. You can also gather eggs, collect flowers and herbs to take with you, sample fruit and help groom farm animals.
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. The Funhouse Commons provides fun and educational activities and classes for children.
Tranquil Lopez Island is the perfect place for families to spend quality time together. Hiking, kayaking and biking are great ways to get outdoors together.
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. The charming Lopez Island Public Library is just down the street, with ongoing events for kids and adults. The Family Resource Centre in Lopez Village offers a dynamic range of courses, activities and day camps throughout the year. Families can pick from a broad selection including sailing, kayaking and creative arts.
Step outside of your comfort zone and spend an afternoon at Climb San Juan — a climbing gym that's ready to show you the ropes! Open to seasoned climbers and beginners alike, Climb San Juan is located inside San Juan Island Fitness and Aquatics where you'll also find a cafe, pool, hot tub, sauna, and weight room. The perfect activity for families, couples, or adrenaline-seekers, rock climbing at Climb San Juan is a perfect family activity!
A visit to the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is a great way to see art in the great outdoors. With more than 125 sculptures situated on 20 gorgeous acres at Roche Harbor. Kids love to walk around these amazing sculptures and let their imaginations roam free. Have a picnic or watch the birds and butterflies flit about, while enjoying one of the best outdoor art experiences anywhere. Another fun activity, and a great way to enjoy nature, is to go horseback riding through the woods on San Juan Island.
There are three pools to cool off in on San Juan Island, one at Earthbox Inn & Spa, one at the San Juan Fitness Club, and an outdoor, seasonal pool at Roche Harbor Resort. There are also two pools on Orcas Island; Rosario Resort has an indoor lap pool at the spa, and two outdoor pools, one at the Marina, and one near the Mansion (21-and-over), where you can sit and sip a cocktail by the water.
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.
