The Ultimate PNW Summer Bucket List for Families: Favorite Activities from Two Local Moms
My friend, Alexis, has two kiddos, ages 4.5 + 7.5, and she is a *master* of enjoying everything our area has to offer! She graciously offered to collaborate on this post with me and share their highlights, tips and bucket lists! I hope this can inspire you to get out and enjoy our area with your family! What are some of your favorite activities in the PNW? Share in comments!
Meredith’s Summer Favorites with Toddlers (Ages 1.5 + 3.5)
As a mama of two littles, I’m always on the lookout for activities that balance easy and adventurous. Here’s what our summer looks like:
🚴♂️ Pump Track at Torguson Park (North Bend)
We loved watching Fitz fly around the pump track while VA practiced on her strider! Plus, there are lots of places in the area for add-on hikes, treats, and playgrounds.
⛺ Family Camping Adventures
Whether we’re road-tripping to the North Cascades or pitching a tent in the backyard, camping is a big hit. Favorites include:
Fort Ebey (Whidbey Island)
Marble Creek Campground (North Cascades)
Pro tip: Backyard camping is a great trial run with little ones!
🥾 Toddler-Friendly Hikes Near Seattle
The PNW is a hiking paradise! A few favorites:
Discovery Park (located in the city + beach access at the end)
Franklin Falls (waterfalls = toddler wow-factor!)
🍔 Picnic + Play at the Park
Summer evenings don’t get better than this:
Picnic dinner at Golden Gardens, followed by ice cream at Little Coney or Kite Cafe
Grab Dick’s Burgers and eat at Carkeek Park—then let the kids run wild on the playground
More Seattle Summer Fun with Young Kids
These activities never fail us:
Woodland Park Zoo 🦁
Seattle Aquarium + new Waterfront Park 🐠
Beach days at Golden Gardens or Alki ☀️
Ferry rides (hello, mini adventure!) ⛴️
Splash pads + wading pools (check out Ballard Commons + Soundview)
Frankie & Jo’s for plant-based ice cream 🍦
Summer concerts like ZooTunes 🎶
Mariner’s game or catching a little league match ⚾
Rattlesnake Lake, Lake Sammamish, or a trip to Remlinger Farms 🍓
And if you ever need a low-key day (or AC!), check out programming at The Heybrook!
📸 Bonus tip: Want to capture your family's summer joy? Book a family photo session with me—I'd love to document your crew in this season of life!
Alexis’ Summer Bucket List with Big Kids (Ages 4.5 + 7.5)
We’ve created a summer bucket list the last few years, and it’s been a game-changer. It helps us be intentional, listen to what the kids care about, and savor both the big and small moments.
And just a reminder—every family’s summer looks different. Whether you have full-time care, camp schedules, or Camp Mom vibes like us, your version of summer is valid and enough. (PS: Follow Alexis on Instagram @alexisgentrylcsw)!
🧁 Simple Summer Joys (Written by the Kids)
Eat ice cream 50 times (can anyone guess who wrote this one?)
Local favorites for us are Frankie and Jo’s and the shaved ice at the Shorehouse Coffee in Ballard paired with a trip to Secret Beach.
Make homemade sherbert or ice cream- we love our Ninja creami but you can do this with frozen fruit and a blender. We also love making popsicles!
Get up when we want to and eat a lot of snacks.
🌊 Water Adventures
Jetty Island for sandy beach days (this little ferry ride!)
Seattle’s spray parks + wading pools (schedule here!)
Try Wild Waves waterpark (wish me luck!)
Swim in Lake Sammamish + Rattlesnake Lake
Daily swims at Magnolia Pool starting June 23
🧙♂️ Unique Outings
Visit the Thomas Dambo Trolls (they’re all over the Seattle area + Portalnd!)
Ferry to Bainbridge or Vashon Island
Watch fish at the Ballard Locks and attend storytime
Go berry picking at local U-pick farms
Day out with Thomas - coming 3 weekends in July to the Snoqualmie Train Station. This is a fun way to ride the train for Thomas fans.
🌇 City Fun & Hidden Gems
Alki Beach: ride a 4-person bike + ice cream
Seattle Center: monorail + playground
Green Lake: bikes, pedal boats, and park vibes
Ballard FC games for a local sports thrill, or Mariners - there are a few days each season when the kids get to run the bases after a game. It is included in the price of the ticket and so fun for all ages
Mini Golf at Rainbow Run + Interbay
High Trek Ropes Course in Everett (great for Father’s Day!)
Pack the “Summer Adventure Bag”
Alexis swears by keeping a pre-packed “go” bag in the car. Here’s what’s inside:
Beach blanket + sand toys
Swimsuits + towels
Change of clothes
Non-melty snacks
Hats, sunscreen + rain jackets (because: Seattle)
This little trick makes spontaneous outings way easier—and often more fun!
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Summer
Whether you’re hiking the Cascades or watching your kids play in the sprinkler for the fifth day in a row, this summer belongs to your family. Take what works from this list, leave what doesn’t, and remember: the best memories are often the simplest.
Wishing you slow mornings, sandy toes, and just enough adventure. ❤️