It’s no secret that the rich natural diversity of Skagit County means that getting outdoors is one of the greatest highlights of life in the area. But it’s also well known that, as the days grow shorter, they also grow wetter and windier. Thankfully, we have plenty of attractions and activities in Skagit County that are kid-friendly and will get them out of the house while keeping them out of the rain. At a loss on how to chase away rainy-day boredom? Check out this list of indoor activities for kids in Skagit County.
Museums
Children’s Museum of Skagit County
432 Fashion Way, Burlington
360-757-8888
The Children’s Museum of Skagit County offers activities focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. Suitable for little ones in strollers up through elementary school age, kids will find a boat and semi-truck climb through as well as a miniature “main street” with little shops to explore. There are rooms devoted to reading, music, and art, and even a stage for your little actors. Looking for a dry place for a fun kid’s birthday party in Skagit County? Check out their Celebration Room.
Anacortes Museum
1305 8th Street, Anacortes
360- 293-1915
Part of the charm of the Anacortes Museum is that it is located in the historic Carnegie Library building. Probably best for kids who show an interest in history, there is an extensive collection of photographic exhibits. A must-see for those interested in seeing Anacortes develop over the years. With free admission, there’s no reason to no check it out.
Museum of Northwest Art
121 First Street, La Conner
360- 466-4446
MoNA hosts a permanent collection of local art, featuring colorful paintings and sculptures to capture the eyes of young ones. Admission is free, and they also offer art education, and schedule early enrichment programs, aimed at 2- to 5-year-olds. There are also temporary exhibits and events listed on their online schedule.
Heritage Flight Museum
15053 Crosswind Drive, Burlington
360- 424-5151
Kids of all ages will find something fascinating at Heritage Flight Museum. Attractions range from World War II to the moon, and everything in between. Airplane lovers will be thrilled to see an F-4 Corsair next to a P-51 Spitfire, but there is also plenty of history and adventure to discover. They occasionally host Fly Days, when a variety of aircraft take to the sky.
Sedro-Woolley Museum
725 Murdock Street, Sedro-Woolley
360- 855-2390
The Sedro-Woolley Museum offers little rooms filled with artifacts, memorabilia, and mannequins that let visitors step up to a bank, post office, blacksmith shop and more. Other rooms are full of tools, clothing and household items: Don’t miss the pillar of chainsaws reaching from floor to ceiling! The large model railroad layout is another popular draw.
Skagit County Historical Museum
501 South 4th, La Conner
360- 466-3365
Now in its 51st year, the Skagit County Historical Museum is a popular destination for school age kids. They offer educational exhibits ranging from the Native American settlement of Skagit countythrough the turn of the century. There are galleries that focus on schools, industry and European settlers as well.
Science and Nature
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
10441 Bayview-Edison Road, Mount Vernon
360-428-1558
An active research site, the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provides a peek into Padilla Bay, where salmon, crab and herring make their homes. The Breazeale Interpretive Center has three rooms including the aquarium and a hands-on collection of educational books and games. The doors and drawers room allows kids to open and explore a variety of exhibits for themselves. Admission is free, and classes are available.
Arts and Crafts
Tri-Dee Arts
215 South First Street, Mount Vernon
360- 336-6131
When Tri-Dee Arts renovated their space, they added Glazed, which is a hit with the younger crowd. They can select a piece of pottery, paint and personalize it to their heart’s desire, and send it into the kiln to be finished. A great place to hold a birthday party or other event.
Sports
Skagit Skate
Photo courtesy: Skagit Skate
390 Cedar Street, Burlington
360- 755-5001
The roller rink at Skagit Skate is a classic destination for kids of all ages. In addition to the open skating hours, they also have classes for those wanting to learn to skate, as well as seasonal events and themed parties. You can also hold your child’s birthday party at Skagit Skate.
Ground Zero Gymnastics
2201 Continental Place, Mount Vernon
360- 416-6623
Ground Zero Gymnastics is on a mission to channel kids’ energy towards fitness and gymnastic goals. They have open gym times, as well as a roster of classes from tumbling to trampolines, for beginners and advanced gymnasts. Their Ninja Classes promise to build strength and coordination through obstacle courses and tumbling moves.
Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center
1603 22nd Street, Anacortes
360- 293-0673
Kids can enjoy the Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center’s pool, and take advantage of swimming lessons. Take a look at their schedule for open pool times as well as a variety of classes. The facility is also home to a fitness center, and both the fitness room and the pool can be rented for special occasions.
Mt. Baker Gymnastics
1635 S Walnut Street, Burlington
360- 757-7565
Mt. Baker Gymnastics operates at the intersection of fitness and fun. In addition to coaching, their classes range from capoeira and dance to aerial skills. Nerf wars allow kids to jump on trampolines and into ball pits, as well as climb ropes and explore a bouncy house. Mt. Baker Gymnastics is a great place to hold a children’s birthday party in Skagit County or other occasion.
Fun and Games
Jungle Playland
2901 Martin Road, Mount Vernon
360- 848-6559
Jungle Playland fills three stories with all kinds of diversions. Perfect for any child that is walking to 12-years-old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult over 18-years-old. Activities include a ball pit, climbing wall, triple waterfall slide, arcade games, and the chance to ride a lion. Jungle Playland offers group rates and are happy to schedule a party.
San Juan Lanes
2821 Commercial Ave, Anacortes
360- 293-5185
San Juan Lanes, has everything you’d expect from a bowling alley, along with a restaurant that boasts award-winning fish and chips. Check the website for information on youth leagues and events. San Juan Lanes is another great place to host a child’s birthday party in Skagit County. and look into hosting your kid’s special event.
Phoenix Nest Classic Video Arcade
224 Stewart Road #115, Mount Vernon
360- 428-5808
Adults might have just as much fun as the kids at Phoenix Nest Classic Video Arcade. Show the little ones that we used to have get off the couch and stand in front of a full-size console to drive racecars and save the Earth from invading aliens. This collection of classic arcade games and pinball machines are a novelty to youngsters, and a nostalgic treat for the older crowd.
Riverside Lanes
225 Riverside Lane, Mount Vernon
360- 424-4221
If you’ve got a kid that likes to bowl, Riverside Lanes offers youth bowling leagues as well as classes for beginners. For those under 7-years-old, they offer bumpers that keeps the ball out of the gutters. There are special attractions like Wednesday’s Quarter Mania, where shoe rentals, games and beverages are 25 cents. Like many places on this list, Riverside Lanes is also a great place for a child’s birthday part in Skagit County.
