Things to do with kids in WA (Seattle, Spokane: spring break, hotel)

[klpeake]

We are going to do a tour of WA on spring break. I would like to get some ideas of things to do in the various areas of Spokane, Tri Cities, Yakima & Seattle. Also we will be driving, so we could pass through some smaller cities like Sunnyside, Toppenish, Ellensburg Cle Elum, Sammamish, etc. if you know of fun things to do there.

Also, we would like to go to one of the volcanos. Do you just get to drive by or is there a specific visitors area? I noticed that there is a hotel called the Paradise Inn in Rainier National park, that might make a nice stop over.

Thanks in advance,

Karol

[MichaelinWA]

I was sorry to read a few months ago that the US Forest Service planned to close the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center at Mt. St. Helens for good this winter.

There are other centers, and its definitely an interesting and educational visit for kids and adults.

[mayfair]

Olmstead State Park in Ellensburg is nice- they have a historic homestead. I don't know if it's staffed all year round, but tour guides are on site during the summer.

The wild horse monument near Vantage on the Columbia is awesome- you can hike up to the wild horse sculptures on top of the hill. You might like Gingko Petrified Forest Park near Vantage with ancient petroglyphs and petrified trees, too.

(I assume you'd be travelling I-90 since you mentioned Spokane, Ellensburg and Seattle).

Check the status of the roads if you're heading up to Mt. Ranier- some were closed after last year's storms.

[sean98125]

The Paradise Inn is closed for remodeling. Paradise and Mount Rainier are worth a stop, but be prepared for snow there. Keep in mind that Hwy 410 is closed for the season, along with the road from Paradise to Ohanepecosh, so you won't be able to drive across the Park even if it looks like you can on a road map. The only visitor's centers open at Mount Rainier are at Longmire and Paradise. The roads usually open in early May.

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by klpeake

We are going to do a tour of WA on spring break. I would like to get some ideas of things to do in the various areas of Spokane, Tri Cities, Yakima & Seattle. Also we will be driving, so we could pass through some smaller cities like Sunnyside, Toppenish, Ellensburg Cle Elum, Sammamish, etc. if you know of fun things to do there.

Here is a website with lots of great ideas: Seattle Attractions: Kid's Activities

There is also an awesome books with lots of ideas - many of which are even free - for things to do in the area with kids. My kids and I are working our way through the book. Here's the link on amazon.com:
Around Seattle with Kids

Originally Posted by klpeake

Also, we would like to go to one of the volcanos. Do you just get to drive by or is there a specific visitors area? I noticed that there is a hotel called the Paradise Inn in Rainier National park, that might make a nice stop over.

The Paradise Inn is supposed to reopen in May of 2008 according to the website.

And this website has info on visiting "Volcano Country" ... Even if you don't want to go on an official tour, you can check their itineraries to get some ideas. I would try to come back during the Summer or very early fall... with kids, it might be a bit tricky in the Spring unless you are used to snow and sometimes bizarre sort of weather and roads. Just be careful and be prepared for all kinds of weather and conditions.

[klpeake]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I hadn't thought about the road or the parks being closed. We shifted our plan around and now we are going to fly into Seattle and travel south, hitting the new great wolf lodge in Grand Mound on the way down the portland to go to OMSI. Then we will take off out of Portland. I know that DH will get a real woody from going to the Boeing museum! :-D

[MichaelinWA]

I hadn't even heard of the new Great Wolf Lodge until the mention here. I saw this subsequently in the paper:

Great Wolf Lodge opens today near Centralia with sprawling waterpark, 398 rooms | Seattle Times Newspaper

Sounds like a huge place! Hopefully Centralia is getting past that awful flood they experienced.

Originally Posted by klpeake

Thanks to everyone for the info. I hadn't thought about the road or the parks being closed. We shifted our plan around and now we are going to fly into Seattle and travel south, hitting the new great wolf lodge in Grand Mound on the way down the portland to go to OMSI. Then we will take off out of Portland. I know that DH will get a real woody from going to the Boeing museum! :-D

[detroitmama]

Here's a link to recent article from Family Fun magazine, where a family took a 4 day trip around western Washington. There might be some new ideas there.

FamilyFun: One Family's Northwest Adventure - and More Family Fun

[wildmaven]

Originally Posted by MichaelinWA

I hadn't even heard of the new Great Wolf Lodge until the mention here. I saw this subsequently in the paper:

Great Wolf Lodge opens today near Centralia with sprawling waterpark, 398 rooms | Seattle Times Newspaper

Sounds like a huge place! Hopefully Centralia is getting past that awful flood they experienced.

The prices of rooms at the new lodge are REALLY HIGH.

There are tons of other places for kids. Check out Northwest Trek, The Olympic Game Farm, Point Defiance Park and Zoo, and Woodland Park Zoo.