Skagit Valley is full of art, nature and extraordinary new adventures. It’s home to numerous galleries, theaters, escapes into nature such as the Anacortes City Forest Lands and North Cascades National Park. There is no shortage of excitement here. Looking for a bucket list of things to do in 2020? The following is a list of 20 activities in Skagit County you and your kids can enjoy together, expanding your appreciation of the beautiful place we call home.
Samish Flower Farm
(meet at Community of Christ Church)
11507 Scott Road, Bow
360-428-7878
On February 1, you and the kids can be a part of Skagit Valley history when you help plant native species that will bloom in springtime at the Samish Flower Farm. Hosted by Skagit Land Trust, the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tools and training are provided. For more information, visit the Skagit Land Trust website.
Canopy Tours NW Zipline Adventures
332 NE Camano Drive, Camano Island
360-387-5807
Take a tour through the treetops of our beautiful forests at this exhilarating zipline course. Canopy Tours has six ziplines, a log bridge, foot trail, and a 47-foot final descent that will make everyone yell, “Weeeeee!” Learn more and book your adventure at the Canopy Tours NW website.
Riverstone Climbing Gym
1625 South Walnut, Unit D, Burlington
360-610-7474
Challenge yourself and your kids to achieve new heights, climbing the rock walls of the Riverstone Climbing Gym. With this sport being introduced in the next summer Olympics, it’s a great time to give it a try. Find rates and hours at the Riverstone Climbing Gym website.
Ride the Tommy Thompson Trail
11th Street, and Q Avenue to March’s Point Road, Anacortes
Dust off the family bikes and go for a ride on what is quite possibly the most scenic ride in Anacortes. Through a nicely paved trail that was previously a railroad line, and over a bridge that crosses Padilla Bay, you’ll encounter many opportunities to view wildlife. Fine a trail map at this TrailLink website.
Audition for a play at Theater Arts Guild
Mount Vernon
360-770-1742
Ever dreamed of being on stage? Have a child that is destined for the spotlight? Here’s the perfect opportunity to test the waters together! Learn more about audition opportunities at Theater Arts Guild’s website.
Explore the Anacortes City Forest Lands
Anacortes
With over 2,800 acres and 50 miles of trails located inside the city limits of Anacortes, this is a perfect place to be in nature, almost literally, in your backyard. Find trail maps at the Anacortes City Forest Lands website.
Lake McMurray Fishing
Lake McMurray Lane, Mount Vernon
Teach your kids to fish and feed them for life. Stocked with two different kinds of trout, bass and perch, this is a great opportunity to bond in nature with your child. Find directions to Lake McMurray at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Anacortes Kayak Tours
2009 Skyline Way, Anacortes
360-588-1117
Experience Skagit Valley by sea. Choose from a variety of options for day or overnight trips with this experienced outfitter. Rates, schedules and more at the Anacortes Kayak Tours website.
Taylor Shellfish Farm
2182 Chuckanut Drive, Bow
360-766-6002
Bring the whole family and learn more about the bivalves that inhabit the tide flats of Skagit Valley. The friendly staff at Taylor Shellfish Farm will tell you about the history, how they farm oysters and even show you how to shuck them. Put your knowledge into action and try some oysters, too! For more information, visit the Taylor Shellfish Farm website.
Birdwatching at Padilla Bay/Breazeale Interpretive Center
10441 Bayview Edison Road, Mount Vernon
360-428-1558
Bring your binoculars, a notepad and a hunger for knowledge. Explore the nature exhibit at the Breazeale Interpretive Center, then take a short walk to Padilla Bay where you’ll discover many species of birds. Find information at the Department of Ecology website.
Meerkerk Gardens
3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, Whidbey Island
360.222.0121
Share the beauty of the spring bloom with your child at Meerkerk Gardens, renowned for its collection of colorful Rhododendrons. Find more information at Meerkerk’s website.
North Cascades Institute Family Getaways
360-854-2599
Enjoy a weekend in the mountains and on the shores of Diablo Lake, learning about nature and connecting with your kids. Food and accommodations provided by North Cascades Institute. Book your reservation at the North Cascades Institute website.
Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-engaged devices. You and your child navigate, using coordinates, to find caches at each location. Learn about local geocaching adventures at the City of Mount Vernon website.
Skagit Seedlings Mommy, Daddy & Me Dance Class
1909 South Second Street, Mount Vernon
425-238-6286
Dance to your heart’s desire with child! Newborns to five-year-olds are welcome at this month-long class starting in January. Additional classes may begin seasonally. Enroll at Skagit Seedling’s website.
Parent/Child Valentines Workshop
Tower Art Studio
5425 South Shore Drive, Guemes Island
On Saturday, February 8, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., you and your child can learn basic hand-building techniques with clay from artist, Sue Roberts. Price and reservation at the Tower Art Studio website.
King Arthur Flour Baking School
The Bread Lab
11768 Westar Lane, Burlington
360-707-4640
One Friday per month The Bread Lab, sponsored by Washington State University, at the King Arthur Flour Baking School, hosts a class devoted to baking with kids. Source your inner Julia Childs and learn with your whole family. The $95 usually covers one adult and child. Find out more at the King Arthur Flour website.
Beach Naturalists Program
Deception Pass National Park, Whidbey Island
360-675-3767
Provided by the Deception Pass Park Foundation, this program promotes the interpretation and conservation of tide pools and beaches. If you and your kids are interested in marine life, check out the Deception Pass Park Foundation’s website for more information.
Skagit Guided Adventures
360-474-7479
From wild geese tours to snowshoeing adventures, this outfitter in Skagit Valley is ready to connect you and your child with nature. Find all of their outdoor offerings at the Skagit Guided Adventures website.
White Water Rafting with Alpine Adventures
221 Croft Avenue, Gold Bar
800-723-8386
Get your hearts pounding with a rafting adventure on the Skagit River! Trips start at the end of June and run through Labor Day. Find out more at Alpine Adventures website.
Heritage Flight Museum
15053 Crosswind Drive, Burlington
360-424-5151
If you have an airplane lover in your family, this surely will be a hit. Explore fighter, trainer and interceptor planes. Find out more at the Heritage Flight Museum website.
