There are all kinds of family-friendly attractions in Washington, and if you have little ones in your life, they’d probably be pretty happy to go on an adventure that was centered around their interests. With spring break on the horizon (and summer vacation not long after), perhaps it’s time to plan a road trip the entire family can enjoy.
This trip can be completed over the course of a few days, or you could add a few more stops and make a week (or more) of it. And as fun as these spots are for children, they’re also pretty great for kids at heart. The best part is, there isn’t all that much time on the road if you take this route, which will minimize the incessant “Are we there yet?” inquiries from the back seat.
Google Maps
Start by fueling up at Issaquah’s XXX Rootbeer Drive-In, which has a way of making you feel instantly nostalgic.
Chad White / Google This place is completely covered in memorabilia from the 1950s and 60s, and visiting feels like going back in time. Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
Every good road trip should start with an early lunch of burgers, shakes, and root beet floats.
TripleXXX Root Beer Drive In / Facebook If you have toddlers in tow, take some quarters for the rides near the entrance.
Next, cruise down south and check out the Tukwila Family Fun Center.
Tukwila Family Fun Center / Google It would be easy to spend the rest of your day inside this magical space, and truth be told, the kids will probably want to. Between all the games, rides, bowling, and other attractions, they’ll be hooked. Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle’s Restaurant, 7300 Fun Center Way, Tukwila, WA 98188, USA
Don’t miss the chance to take the family to the captivating Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium / Google Not only is this the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest, it’s been around since 1905—and it’s surrounded by the spectacular 700-acre Point Defiance Park. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA
The zoo and aquarium promote effective conservation on behalf of the world’s wildlife.
Isaac Daebelliehn / Google They’re all about conservation and sustainability here, so you can explore guilt-free.
This simply wouldn’t be a family-friendly road trip if we didn’t end at the beloved Great Wolf Lodge water park in Centralia.
Frank Wiles / Google This is the only Great Wolf Lodge in Washington, and as you can imagine, it’s a coveted place. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Grand Mound, 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531, USA
While there are plenty of things to do at Great Wolf Lodge, the indoor water park is definitely the highlight.
William Pederson / Google Meanwhile, you can have food and drinks delivered to your cabana and pretend you’re on a tropical island.
Washingtonians, what is your favorite in-state family vacation destination?
Google Maps
Chad White / Google
This place is completely covered in memorabilia from the 1950s and 60s, and visiting feels like going back in time.
Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
TripleXXX Root Beer Drive In / Facebook
If you have toddlers in tow, take some quarters for the rides near the entrance.
Tukwila Family Fun Center / Google
It would be easy to spend the rest of your day inside this magical space, and truth be told, the kids will probably want to. Between all the games, rides, bowling, and other attractions, they’ll be hooked.
Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle’s Restaurant, 7300 Fun Center Way, Tukwila, WA 98188, USA
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium / Google
Not only is this the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest, it’s been around since 1905—and it’s surrounded by the spectacular 700-acre Point Defiance Park.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA
Isaac Daebelliehn / Google
They’re all about conservation and sustainability here, so you can explore guilt-free.
Frank Wiles / Google
This is the only Great Wolf Lodge in Washington, and as you can imagine, it’s a coveted place.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Grand Mound, 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531, USA
William Pederson / Google
Meanwhile, you can have food and drinks delivered to your cabana and pretend you’re on a tropical island.
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