Friday Harbor is a beautiful, historic town located on San Juan Island in Washington. The town is known for its incredible views, quaint shops, and great restaurants. There is also a lot for families to do in Friday Harbor. The San Juan Islands are home to a variety of marine life, and there are plenty of opportunities to go whale watching, kayaking, and fishing. Kids will love exploring the island on bike or foot, and there are also several parks and playgrounds in town. The San Juan Islands are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and Friday Harbor is the perfect base for exploring everything this region has to offer.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Friday Harbor, Washington
1. Visit the San Juan Islands National Monument
The San Juan Islands National Monument is located in the northwest corner of Washington state and is made up of more than 400 islands. Families can explore the islands by boat, kayak, or foot and discover tide pools, sandy beaches, and old-growth forests. There are also a variety of wildlife to see including orcas, bald eagles, and seals.
2. Take a scenic ferry ride
Friday Harbor is located on San Juan Island, which can be reached by ferry from Anacortes, Washington. The ferry ride itself is scenic and takes about an hour and a half. Once in Friday Harbor, families can explore the town, visit the harbor, and go on a variety of different boat tours.
3. Go whale watching
The San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. There are a variety of tour companies that offer boat tours, and families can also go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to try to see the whales up close.
4. Visit the Whale Museum
Located in Friday Harbor, the Whale Museum is dedicated to educating the public about whales and their environment. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits as well as a research center and library.
5. paddleboarding or kayaking
There are a variety of places to go paddleboarding or kayaking in the San Juan Islands. Families can explore the islands and see a variety of wildlife including seals, bald eagles, and orcas.
6. Visit the San Juan Island Historical Park
The San Juan Island Historical Park is located in Friday Harbor and is made up of a variety of historical buildings and sites. Families can take a self-guided tour of the park and learn about the history of the San Juan Islands.
7. Go on a beach scavenger hunt
There are a number of beaches in the San Juan Islands that are perfect for a beach scavenger hunt. Families can look for shells, sand dollars, and a variety of other treasures.
8. Have a picnic
Families can pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the many parks or beaches in the San Juan Islands. Or, they can purchase lunch from one of the many local restaurants and enjoy it al fresco.
9. Go hiking
There are a number of hiking trails in the San Juan Islands that offer stunning views of the islands and the nearby water. Families can find a trail that is perfect for their skill level and enjoy a day of hiking.
10. Go camping
Families can pitch a tent or rent a cabin and go camping at one of the many campgrounds in the San Juan Islands. Or, they can go backpacking and camp in one of the island’s many backcountry sites.
