By Members of the WNPF Board of Directors
Washington’s national parks are the perfect place to make memories for your kids of all ages. Whether you’ve got a stroller, a curious middle-schooler, or a teen who’s up for a challenge, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks offer unforgettable experiences for every stage of their youth.
Below we list nine unique activities, including personal picks from WNPF board members who know a thing or two about adventuring with the whole family! Three iconic national parks, three activities each – let’s dive in!
1. Naches Peak Loop Trail
This 3.5-mile loop is a favorite for families thanks to its gentle terrain and sweeping views. It’s recommended to hike it in the clockwise direction for the best mountain views!
“Our favorite time to visit is a clear, crisp fall morning before sunrise. The whole mountain turns pink from the parking lot. It’s magical.” — Sunil, WNPF Board Member
2. Junior Ranger Program (in any park)
Pick up a free booklet at any of the park’s visitor centers and earn a badge by completing fun nature activities. Great for elementary-age kids, but park visitors of any age can get their Junior Ranger badge!
It’s worth mentioning that junior ranger programs are available at all three parks in Washington, so be sure to add this to your to-do list in all your park visits!
3. Burroughs Mountain Trail
This hike offers front-row glacier views and has several turnaround points depending on how far you would like to go. The First Burroughs is ideal for sunrise chasers; continuing to the Third Burroughs is the perfect challenge for your energetic teenager.
“Burroughs Mountain Trail is a hike that our whole family enjoys tremendously. You can see the gaping crevasses right from the “comfort” of the mountain top. Beware that there is no shade on the trail, so it feels particularly hot during the later part of the day. We’ve seen marmots, goats, even pika. And watching the alpenglow from the First Burroughs is unforgettable.” — Sunil
4. Spruce Nature Trail at the Hoh Rain Forest
This 1.2-mile loop through moss-draped trees feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s a great trail for young kids to get their legs moving and imagination going. This trail and any trail in the Hoh Rain Forest area offers the perfect setting for peace and quiet, something parents should relish in after several hours in a car!
Have you heard of the 4th Grade Pass? Your student can get a FREE park pass for their 4th grade year. Visit this page for details.
5. Tidepooling at Kalaloch Beach
Discover sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs during low tide. With 73 miles of wilderness coast, this is a unique national park experience that you shouldn’t pass up. Bring water shoes and a sense of adventure—this is a hands-on way to learn marine science! Visit the park’s page to learn more about tidepooling.
6. Ranger-Led Programs
In summer, join a ranger talk or evening program. Inquire at the visitor center to see what’s available during your visit. In the last few years, WNPF has helped fund the night sky program at Hurricane Ridge, where visitors can explore the park after dark and learn about the importance of dark skies.
7. Boatpacking on Ross Lake
Boatpacking is a great alternative to traditional backpacking. You can bring many of the amenities of car camping without having to haul it all on your back while trekking with your kids. The logistics for boating on Ross Lake might take some time to plan, but it packs the perfect amount of adventure for everyone on board. Learn more about boating on Ross Lake.
“One of my best camping trips ever was boatpacking on Ross Lake with a barely-walking 2 year old. Being able to pack everything on a boat (we may have brought a pack n play) was a really helpful way to get into the middle of nowhere but still have some luxuries. And he LOVED boating around. We even made it to the top of Desolation Peak – he still remembers it!” — Kelly, WNPF Board Member
8. River Loop Trail
After spending time at the Newhalem visitor center on the west side of SR20 or if you’re staying at the Newhalem Creek Campground, this trail is the perfect getaway for your young hikers. This 1.8 mile loop has peaceful river access and storybook benches along the trail to immerse you into the forest.
9. Bear Essentials Ranger Program
This is a program that we recommend for anyone recreating in the park, regardless of your age! Participants learn about bear behavior and habitat, how to recreate safely, and ask all the questions your curious mind might have about these furry inhabitants of the park. Check in with the visitor center for an up to date schedule. Find out how our donors helped make this program possible and the positive impacts it has made!
Whether you’re toting toddlers through a mossy forest, catching a pink sunrise over a glacier, or watching your teen hike their first summit, the memories you make in Washington’s national parks are ones your kids will carry forever. Consider making a gift to the places that hold so many of your family’s memories and traditions. Your gift can support programs like trail maintenance, ranger programs, and more!
Want even more trip ideas? Explore our resources in these blogs:
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Your donations fund projects like Junior Ranger programs, trail improvements, volunteer and internship opportunities, and more. Support the next generation of nature lovers by donating today.
Cover photo by Taylor Newlun, WNPF Creative Partner