90 minutes north of Seattle, 45 minutes south of Vancouver, BC, in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Baker, Bellingham is the beautiful and wild barefoot little sister of Seattle. With all the fantastic parks and trails to explore in the area, expect to spend a lot of time outdoors when you visit Bellingham with kids.
Bellingham is the largest city in Whatcom County, and 13th largest in the state, but it doesn’t have a big city vibe and I nearly left it off my list of family friendly US cities because I never think of it as a city. We visit frequently to shop at Target and Trader Joe’s, get lunch and try a new beer at Aslan Brewing Co. Their roasted yam tacos are to die for. We’re also frequent fliers out of Bellingham International Airport, and at a fraction of the price of the airfares out of Vancouver.
Outdoor Fun in Bellingham With Kids
Lake Padden Park – make your way around the lake on a 2.6 mile smooth gravel loop path, and explore the shorter trails at the east end of the park. There are kayak and paddle boat rentals available, and there are no motorboats allowed, so it’s safe for kids to swim. Bring your inflatable rafts, or pick some up at Target. There’s also a nice playground and good washrooms/showers.
Cornwall Park – We met up here with friends who were visiting from the desert and the kids had a terrific time at the spray park and on the playground. We didn’t get to explore the rest of the park but there are trails, a creek to explore, tennis courts, disc golf, horseshoes,
Whatcom Falls Park – a 241-acre park with falls on Whatcom Creek, which leads from Lake Whatcom to Bellingham Bay. The park has four sets of waterfalls and several miles of well maintained walking trails. There’s also a fishing pond for kids 14 and under.
Fairhaven Historic District – Bellingham’s historic south side at the north end of scenic Chuckanut Drive. We go for ice cream, toy stores, and sometimes live music in Boulevard Park. If you’re in town Nov. 23 – Dec. 22 check out Fairhaven Winterfest which culminates in a district-wide caroling competition!
Whale Watching Trip – take a boat ride out into the Salish Sea to view family groups of orcas. You may also see minke, gray and humpback whales, Dall’s and harbor porpoises, harbor seals and Steller’s sea lions.
Other Bellingham Attractions:
The Marine Life Center – This Port Of Bellingham owned attraction is small (and free) and showcases local Washington Coast marine life and habitat – Bellingham Bay, Puget Sound. Kids will love the touch pool for an up close and personal experience. Since you’re here, check out the marina at Squalicum Harbor and Zuanich Point Park, a great place for kite flying.
Whatcom Museum of History and Artand the Family Interactive Gallery -Check their websites to see what the current exhibits are, and for kids programming.
Spark Museum of Electrical Invention – an amazing interactive museum offering fun and educational experiences for all ages. Their galleries and public programs illustrate the development electricity, it’s use, radio and other related inventions that brought in the modern age. The museum’s collection showcases four centuries of human innovation from 1580 into the 1950s!
Mindport – a unique blend of fine art and hand-built interactive exhibits designed to spark your awareness and stimulate your imagination.
Bellingham Railway Museum – features model trail layouts, artifacts and displays that chronicle the history of Whatcom County through its railroads.
That looks like a great way to hang out with the kids. I love taking trips with them; they bring me so much joy.
My 9 year old loves it. Bellingham, like so many places in the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer kids and active adults.
Wow! Thank you for introducing me to this unique location. I’d never heard of it before now. I love that there are so many things to see and do there. I’d love to hit the road and visit Bellingham!
It’s a great stop on a road trip between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada.
This is the first time that I’ve heard of Bellingham. The place looks gorgeous. It would be fun to explore it, for sure. One day, I hope we get to go there.
Bellingham is outstanding, but often overshadowed by the more well-known Seattle.
These are all beautiful places to visit! A trip to Bellingham would be so relaxing and fun!
I have never heard of this place until now. However, OMG it is so gorgeous. Definitely has earned a spot on my bucket list thanks to your amazing photos.
The PNW is gorgeous and well worth a visit.
Wow! Looks like you had a really wonderful and fun time with the kids. This place is outstanding. Wish I could visit soon.
Your photos are stunning! I can’t imagine living where whale watching was so “easy.” So much outdoor beauty, too.
Wow it looks like there’s so much to see and do here. I love that museum because it looks fun and educational for kids.
I would adore this trip. I am loving all things nature these days. Our world is so beautiful!
We have always wanted to travel to the Northwest, most notably Washington state. Your post really helps pinpoint a fantastic location for us to visit. It’s so beautiful and it looks so peaceful there.
Oh wow what an amazing sounding place to go and visit. I have to admit I would love to go whale watching myself one day I think that would be incredible.
As a family travel blogger myself we are always looking for fun + beautiful places to enjoy with our kiddo and i’m SO glad I found this post. This place looks charming and i cant wait to visit!
This looks like a great place to visit! I’m always looking for new spots to take my family. We’d enjoy the whale watching trip.
I love exploring parks with my family, and Bellingham sounds like it has some really amazing ones to check out. I am definitely going to have to put it on our travel bucket list!
I would love to see a whale up close and the pacific northwest is so beautiful. I am not planning any trip but Bellingham is a little known treasure to be seen.
Wow! This seriously sounds like a great area for a family getaway. I’d be excited to go whale watching!
Wow. Your photos are gorgeous. I have always wanted to visit the north west, and you make it sound like a must do trip, I was going to go from Seattle to Vancouver, and now I see I must stop in Bellingham! For me as much as the kids, I could watch those Orcas all day long!