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Day Trips Outside Whatcom County

by Jim Schmotzer3/25/2010 1:48:59 PM

A child's always energy increases as Spring Break draws near. While some Whatcom County families plan to leave town for the week, others may need to stay close to home due to work, financial restraints, or other reasons.

For a flexible Spring Break experience, consider taking the family on a day trip. A day trip allows for a balance of getting away without an overscheduled agenda, the expense of a hotel, or a wasted day of driving. A family may choose to do any number of the activities suggested below as they mesh with interests and opportunities.

Idea 1 – Walk-On for a Ferry Ride

Friday Harbor
Public Domain Photo

Drive to Anacortes (about an hour from Bellingham) and take a Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. You can save money by leaving your car in Anacortes for the day, as many attractions in Friday Harbor are within walking distance of the dock. A walk-on fare is only $10.10 for adults and $8.10 for kids ages 6 to 18, while the fare for a vehicle (with driver) is $35.05, plus extra for additional passengers.

The ferry ride itself is a wonderful experience. You can enjoy the beauty of the north Puget Sound region and islands from on the ferry’s deck or, depending on the weather, from inside. Bring a backpack with snacks, books, and games for shared family-bonding time along the way.

Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal
Public Domain Photo

Once in Friday Harbor, you can walk through town to visit local shops, enjoy meals at restaurants, and get dessert at ice cream shops. If a family movie is playing, film fans might want to visit the historic Palace Theatre (c. 1914); call (360) 370-5666 for show times.

Another attraction for history buffs is the small storefront for San Juan National Park. At this downtown location, you can learn about the history the island and its unique role in the British and American settlement of the area.

Up the hill from the ferry dock is The Whale Museum, which provides great opportunities for learning about the marine life of Puget Sound.

Idea 2 – Cross the Border to Visit Canada

Blaine Peace Arch
Public Domain Photo

As the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games reminded us, the Canadian border is only about a 30 minute drive from Bellingham. A day trip to some British Columbia towns is an easy achievement for a Whatcom County family, as long as everyone has a passport.

Newton Wave Pool in Surrey is a great place to spend a rainy Spring Break day. Kids will love the wild waves, slides, and deck games, and adults can relax in the hot tub or even check out the exercise facility.

After a long day in the pool, you can enjoy a movie at Colossus Langley. A trip to the movies is always a treat, but kids will really like visiting this multiplex that is shaped like an alien spaceship. The Colossus has 3D and IMAX capabilities, as well as party rooms and a food court-style eatery.

Idea 3 – Cross the Border to Visit...the U.S.?

While Point Roberts is an unincorporated community of Whatcom County, it is bordered by Canada and Boundary Bay. A car trip to Point Roberts will involve traveling across the United States and Canadian border four times (don’t forget the passports), so you’ll have plenty of time on your drive to learn about the history of this geographic anomaly.

Point Roberts, WA
United States Geological Survey

Visit your local Bellingham Library or Whatcom County Library to get Point Roberts, U.S.A by Richard Eugene Clark or Historical Atlas of the Pacific Northwest by Derek Hayes for information about the area.

In Point Roberts, you’ll find Lighthouse Marine Park, which is part of the Whatcom County Park System and can provide an excellent place for exploration or a picnic. If the weather cooperates, you could even attempt an overnight camping experience.

Idea 4 – Drive to the Island

Leave Bellingham by heading south on the historic and beautiful Chuckanut Drive, then jump over to Highway 20 to reach Whidbey Island.

Canoe Pass and Deception Pass Bridges
Library of Congress

Spend some time enjoying the view from Deception Pass Bridge and exploring Deception Pass State Park before continuing to Fort Casey, located just south of Oak Harbor.

Fort Casey provides expansive views of the Sound, unique local history and a great play space for kids. The fort itself offers hours of fun playing variations of hide-and-seek, and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse encourages learning about the military history of the Puget Sound.

Hopefully these options will provide some family building opportunities that fit the schedule, and pocketbook, of those looking for something special to do during the coming school Spring Break.

What day trips outside of Whatcom County will you family make over Spring Break? Leave a comment to share your suggestion.

A Note About the Author: Jim Schmotzer

Jim Schmotzer has been educating kids, adults, and college students for over 20 years. His hobbies include running, reading, and writing fiction as The Faithful Skeptic. Jim and his wife Connie have two grown sons and four grandkids.