Activities in Anacortes, Washington for Kids

Parks

Anacortes features a saltwater shoreline, four freshwater lakes, and 3,200 acres of city-owned forests and parks (cityofanacortes.org). Its 20 parks within the city limits, includes the Ben Root Memorial Skate Park, Mount Erie Park, and the 220-acre Washington Park. Mount Erie Park offers stunning views from a 1,270-foot peak. Washington Park boasts boat launches, overnight camping sites, picnic sites and beach access along the western shoreline. Originating at 4th Street, the Tommy Thompson Parkway Trail offers a scenic paved trail along the rail bed of the former Burlington Northern Railroad.

Held during the first weekend in August, the Anacortes Arts Festival (anacortesartsfestival.com) features activities and crafts for children. A dedicated stage just for families offers music, fiddling, drumming, ethnic dance, a puppet show and youth performances. According to the City of Anacortes, the street festival attracts over 100,000 people each year. Held in May, the Anacortes Waterfront Festival (anacortes.org) features exhibits and demonstrations for visitors to learn about boating and boat building. The festival's attractions includes a childrens' area with free and pay-for-play activities, as well as free boat rides.

Whale watching is a popular attraction among the San Juan Islands and a fun activity for children and their families. Based in Anacortes, Island Adventures (island-adventures.com) offers gray wale tours from March to May, orca whale tours from May to October, and tours to view humpback, orca and minke whales from early October to late November. Mystic Sea Charters (mysticseacharters.com) also provides whale watching tours from Anacortes between May and October.

The waters off Anacortes attract boaters and all marinas in the community offer laundry and bath facilities. Families can travel to Anacortes by boat, or rent one to explore the San Juan Islands. The Cap Sante marina features fuel, groceries, affordable restaurants, retailers and lodging within walking distance. Kayakers give the waters a workout around the San Juan Islands and Deception Pass. Sea Kayak Shop (seakayakshop) in Anacortes offers kayaking lessons for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, as well as boat rentals and other supplies. It also provides beginner to advanced excursions on single and double kayaks.