Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

No Travel Spring Break in Bellingham

by Jim Schmotzer4/1/2010 12:20:51 PM

Tom Otterness' Feats of Strength at WWU
Photo by Theresa Carpine

Spring break is near. Concerns about time away from work, cost, lack of energy, or other family issues may keep you at home this year. And that's at home with restless kids.

Here are some ideas for special activities at home in Bellingham that will keep your children entertained during the week of Spring Break.

Daytime Adventures

• Take a Ride on the Bus – The Whatcom Transportation Authority isn't just a great way to get from here to there; it's a great way to explore our community. Plus, you don’t have to drive or find parking. Don't even worry about the destination. Go to new parts of town and just look out the window. The loop through Sudden Valley provides great scenery. Educational opportunities include gaining a sense of the community, practicing geography skills, and learning how to use the bus system.

Village Books in Fairhaven
Photo by Theresa Carpine

• Look for Books – Village Books in Fairhaven and local libraries are great places where kids can learn and explore. Whether you bring books home, read them there, or start a "To Read" list for your kids, you can help your kids learn the value of books, and knowledge, at an early age.


• Downtown Animals – Clark Feed & Seed and Hohl Feed & Seed both provide a reminder of a time in the past when Railroad Avenue was a hub of farming supplies for an agriculturally driven community. Now, both shops have small animals for kids to view and, hopefully, to purchase. Clark has a wide variety of tropical and other specialty fish. At Hohl, you’ll find numerous furry creatures and feathered friends. If you get a chance to meet Parker at Hohl, his love for both animals and kids will make your visit extra special.


• Go to a New Park – Everybody has a favorite Bellingham park, often Boulevard Park or Whatcom Falls Park. The popular parks can get pretty crowded on sunny days, so make an effort to check out to a few parks that you haven't visited with your kids. Parks offer opportunities to learn local history, explore nature, and—of course—play! Cornwall Park on the north side of town provides a disc golf course, horseshoe pits, trails, and Squalicum Creek cuts through the park by the children's play area. Another option is the Sehome Hill Arboretum, which offers great trails and an observation tower to explore.

Bruce Nauman's Stadium Piece at WWU
Photo by Theresa Carpine

• Explore Higher Education – Spend some time on campus at Western Washington University to visit the school's Outdoor Sculpture Collection. While the deeper meaning of the artwork may eclipse some kids, the outdoor setting is inviting and many art pieces have a fun and interactive quality. Kids can climb through, up, and over many of the sculptures too.


• Step into Back in Time – Take an opportunity to get to know more about our community and our city's story with a walk through Bellingham's historic Old Town District.


• Do Something for Others – Your family can volunteer together to help meet the needs of others in our community. Whatcom Volunteer Center is a good resource to help your family connect with volunteer possibilities.

Mom and daughter at a grocery store.

Evening Opportunities

• Make a Special Dinner – Kids can learn about meal preparation by helping to plan the menu, shop for groceries, cook, serve, and clean-up the kitchen and dining room for your evening meal. Inviting grandparents or some family friends will help them experience the joys of hospitality too.


• Welcome Your Neighbors – Hold an open house for neighbors, both those you already know and those you haven’t met yet. Do it in a family-friendly way with fun refreshments for kids and get-to-know-you activities.


• Get (Re) Acquainted – Spend an evening reviewing family memorabilia and sharing stories. Activities could include making a family tree or calling relatives that you don't see very often. Modern technology also allows you to Skype (video chat) over the Internet.

A family at Mallard Ice Cream.
Photo by Theresa Carpine

• Go Out for Dessert – Mallard Ice Cream, located in downtown Bellingham, continues to be a local favorite and is always a place that kids enjoy. With a bookshelf of board games for all ages, a fireplace, and lots of tables and seating, Mallard Ice Cream provides a nice setting for relaxed conversation and a special evening treat.


• A Night to Remember – More options of your unlimited choices include: watching a movie together, playing games, having an indoor camp-out, performing a musical concert or a play, or doing craft projects.

These ideas will hopefully provide a positive beginning to make Spring Break a special time without leaving home. One thing to remember: these are simply suggestions; no one is expected to do them all. Find the ones that best fit your family and enjoy!

What ideas do you have for family activities during a Bellingham staycation?

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.