Top 3 Kid Friendly Resorts Washington
Obviously vacationing is one of my favorite pastimes…who’s isn’t am I right? But finding destinations that are kid friendly and don’t require a flight as a part of the journey can be phenomenal. Washington state is one of the most beautiful states in the union in my humble opinion. The pacific northwest is truly an incredible place to live. You have everything at your fingertips, from mountains for hiking and skiing, to lakes and oceans just a hop, skip and a jump away. From where we live both the ocean and the mountains are less than 30 minutes in either direction. It’s something I never take for granted, and I hope LBB doesn’t either. Nature is a healing property for the soul, and we get plenty of chances for healing in the Evergreen State. But back to the fun bit from my psa… vaca. Here are 3 amazing kid friendly resorts in our own home state that shouldn’t be more than a 3 hour drive from the Seattle area to zip out to in both the summer and winter months:
Panoramic view from the back of the Suncadia Lodge.
Suncadia Resort & Spa, Cle Elum, WA: This resort is amazing year round. We’ve stayed in both the spring/summer and winter months. There is always something to do, and pre-planned activities through the lodge that you can enduldge in while you visit. It’s only an hour from our house, even though it feels like you’re in another part of the world when you arrive. It’s a planned community with everything from vacation homes, and townhomes to condo’s and hotel rooms. You can’t go wrong with whatever accommodation you choose. We typically opt for a home (even though the Lodge hotel rooms have kitchens in some floorplans), just so that we have the space to spread out, invite family and friends over and if we’re lucky get a spot with a private fire pit and hot tub. We’ve never stayed at the same house twice, but every home has been well equipped with everything you need for either a quick trip or extended stay. We’ve come with other families and all stayed in the same spot, and also come with large groups and stayed in multiple areas but met up for the same activities. Seriously, this place is so perfect for kids. They have several pools and spa amenities, so always come prepared with a swimsuit. The main gym and swim rec center has both an indoor and outdoor pool, so you can swim year round. This rec center also has a steam and dry sauna, as well as indoor waterslides. So all members of the family can enjoy a little relaxation and fun. Nextdoor to this rec center is the rental hut, where you can rent bikes, vespas, canoe’s and ice skates in the winter. We’ve definitely rented the vespas before to zip around the property for an hour. It’s a blast! Within the last few years the Nelson Farm Pool opened up, which is only available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It has a splash pad, beach entry and lazy river… which is my personal favorite. You can rent private cabanas with TV’s and lounge chairs if you’re into that sort of thing! Plus, they have a cafe there so you can grab a snack if you don’t feel like cooking back at the house. If swimming isn’t your thing there are plenty of other activities on the property. There is an 18 hole golf course, tons of walking trails, and the 1,000 stairs just outside of the Lodge if you’re needing a solid burn of the buns. If planned activities is your thing, we’ve done everything from axe throwing, to tie-die shirts, build a bears, and even bingo! There are several tasty restaurants as well… Swift Water Cellars has outdoor seating on the golf course, and the lodge restaurant has beautiful mountain views and fun cocktails. If you’re looking for more to do, there are several playgrounds scattered throughout the different communities with tennis courts and pickleball courts to boot. Honestly, there really is something for everyone here. If I’m lucky I can have my husband watch Florence for the afternoon and book a massage at the spa and utilize their adult outdoor sauna and pools. You can do a scandi cycle to hot, cold and rest inside by the fireplace. I’d highly recommend it to a friend. Something else we haven’t done yet, but is on our list of things to do is book a stay around Christmas time, I’ve heard you can book ‘Santa’s Elves’ to come and tuck your kids in to bed the night before Christmas. HOW CUTE?! So the next time you’re looking for a weekend getaway, or a week away with the family, do yourself a favor and go here!
Sunset from the cliffs of Seabrook Resort.
Seabrook Resort, Ocean Shores, WA: Another planned community that is absolutely darling, nestled on the cliffs of Ocean Shores is Seabrook. This is a little longer drive than Suncadia for us, coming in at about a two and half hour zip from end to end, but worth it! I’d say this is more of a summer destination than a winter destination, although we have stayed here in the off season for a discounted price. The homes remind me of Nantucket, with a variety of coastal cottages to choose from. It is much smaller than Suncadia, with fewer amenities on site, but they are still building and expanding as we speak. They do have a small indoor pool if you aren’t looking for a sandy beach day or are staying off season, and they also have a few planned activities to keep you busy during your stay. They typically have summer concerts during the weekends, and some fun fairs that go on around 4th of July. But of course the main draw is the beach… There is a rental facility on site to get surf boards, bougie boards and other water toys so you don’t have to tow them along, and there is a small town with restaurants, coffee shops and a few retail stores to stroll around during your visit which is great! Plus, a small general store if you forgot any essentials on your drive over. It’s the perfect spot to stay with family and friends to cook, relax, and enjoy each others company. One of the fun things to do in Ocean Shores is driving on the beach! There is an entrance about 10 mins south of Seabrook to drive on, so you can just sit back, pop open your trunk, and watch the waves roll in. It’s so peaceful!
Beach View from Oyhut Wildlife Reserve.
Oyhut Bay Resort, Ocean Shores, WA: This was our first family vacation with LBB just 3 months after she was born. So we have very fond memories of Oyhut. It’s much, much smaller than both Seabrook and Suncadia, but packs a great punch for a family getaway. I’d say majority of homes are one to two bedroom cottages, and from what I remember, and there is no planned activities or pool on site. Although some homes come with a hot tub if you’re into that sort of thing. It is sitting on a nature reserve, so it’s a very nice, flat walk to the beach, only about 5 minutes from the main drag, which I can appreciate given that Seabrook’s beach access is only via cliff stairs. There is also still quite a bit of construction here at this resort, so I’m sure once it is completed it will be a hustling and bustling spot for a weekend away. Just note that this location does not have a restaurant (or at least it was not open when we were staying here last), but it does have small coffee shop and small general store. There is a nice open area with a net for beach volleyball, and life sized chess for a morning out if you’re not headed to the beach. A nice sleepy stay to relax and enjoy the beach!
