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A Day Trip to Lummi Island
Something that I look forward to each summer is an annual bike ride around Lummi Island. Just about a mile off of Gooseberry Point, Lummi Island is the most northeasterly island of the San Juan Islands. A day trip on Lummi Island is a great experience for local families and visitors alike, no matter your age, and the price can't be beat. Half the fun of visiting this neighbor across the bay is simply getting there!
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Animal Attractions in the Northwest
With all that free time kids are going to have in the next few weeks, it’s a great time to organize a day trip to an out of Bellingham location (if the icy roads don’t scare you off). If your kids love animals, check out one of the following animal attractions. They’re all less than two hours (not including traffic delays and border-crossing), and offer a variety of exhibits, whether you’re interested in animals of the land, sea, or air.
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Learn about Bellingham's Sister Cities
If you want to help your kids develop an interest in geography and other cultures in the world, you might want to start by investigating one of Bellingham’s Sister Cities. President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proposed the idea for this “people-to-people” program, now known as Sister Cities International, in 1956. Bellingham has participated in the program since 1958 and currently maintains “sister city” status with five cities around the world.
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The Museum of Flight in Seattle
If the weather is looking less than inspiring to you, try taking a day trip to Seattle’s Museum of Flight for some indoor entertainment and a history lesson. November is Aviation History Month, and the Museum of Flight is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the history of flight. The museum provides interactive displays with something for everyone, even the very young, although elementary-aged kids and older will get the most out of it.
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Family Tent Camping Season
We began tent camping when our sons were preschoolers. Through trial and error, a variety of family rituals were established. Now that our sons are grown, those traditions are the basis of cherished memories. For others, camping may be a new and welcome option as gas prices continue to rise and vacation budgets are impacted. Following are some of the ways camping became a central part of our family experience.
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Explore the Wonders of Padilla Bay
If the kids start complaining "We're bored!" this week, make a day trip to the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where you can explore the mudflats and learn about the importance of estuaries to our community. The Breazeale Interpretive Center also has exhibits, fish tanks, and a library. Plus, they offer some great programs just for kids who are eager to learn about the critters that live along the bay.
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Skiing on the Mt. Baker Highway
Winter seems to be fading in the Northwest, but there is still plenty of snow to enjoy if you search higher ground. If you’re looking for a fun day out with your kids, why not try skiing before the season ends? The kids will have a blast in the snow and skiing is great exercise for everyone. Joanna Nesbit recommends taking a drive along the Mt. Baker Highway, where you'll find some great opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing that the whole family can enjoy.
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A Day Trip to White Rock, British Columbia
Although it takes about two hours to get from Bellingham to downtown Seattle, it’s only 24 miles to the Peace Arch Border Crossing to Canada. Just two more miles takes you to the seaside community of White Rock, British Columbia. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, a day trip to White Rock with the kids might be just the thing your family needs. Here's some useful information about White Rock attractions and what you can expect when crossing the border.