This is for my local readers here in the Pacific Northwest (Washington). I will be staying home with my kids this summer and some days I JUST WANT TO LEAVE THE HOUSE. Our Summer break doesn't start until June 24th. So we have a few weeks before our staycation can officially start. My crew are ages 9 and12 but many of the things listed are ageless.
Go to the Beach - Our favorites are Semiahmoo and Birch Bay State Park. Starting in July you will need a Discover Pass to park at State Parks. The yearly fee is $30 and daily fee is $10 starting July 1, 2011. Birch Bay does have evening Ranger talks so come early with your chair. You don't have to be a camper to enjoy these. The C-Shop is nearby and worth a visit for an ice cream cone.
Go Hiking - a good hike for kids 5 and up is Squires Lake. We did this with the group we affectionately called the adventure van crew. All of the Adventure Van Crew are of the age that going on a hike is possible.
Have an adventure. If you have a GPS discover geocaching. There are numerous caches in our area. Hey, it is blast finding Tupperware with million dollar satellites. I have a kids GPS that works good enough to do this. Don't have a GPS, give letterboxing a try. There are lots of these in our area too. Look up the clue and get ready to search for the treasure. Don't forget to sign the logbook. This activity is a little addicting.
ICE CREAM - No summer would be complete without a trip to Edaleen's Dairy in Lynden for a cone. Actually I don't think there is a season that this wouldn't be good in.
Summer Reading Programs through the Whatcom Library System also have programs. This year is One World Many Stories. In the past we have seen llamas/alpacas, SARDIS raptor rescue center, mini ponies through these programs. READ ON has more details on what each branch is offering. They also hold an annual Lego Exhibition at the Ferndale Library and you get to bring in your Lego Creation.
Parks - I like to hit a different one every week. We have so many in our county. Our favorites are Hovander Park in Ferndale especially in the summer when they have the bigger animals there. Close second is Lynden City Park with their awesome playground. Cornwall and Fairhaven parks in Bellingham in the summer for the spray parks. We love to take out of town visitors to Peace Arch State Park in Blaine.
Go for a Cruise. Take the Plover across Drayton Harbor. They even let the kids help steer the boat.
Hey, feel free to leave a comment of great places you have discovered in WHATCOM COUNTY! We live in a totally great place.
Wow! All great suggestions! I haven't visited Whatcom county for some time, but loved the two years I spent there when I was in college. You are so lucky to live in a beautiful place with a lot of outdoor fun!!
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