ML Interest Tag: paddle-boats

The Rio: Your Guide to All-Day Fun

by rtvictoriamason

Located in Gaithersburg, the Rio—known as the Rio Washingtonian Center—is a shopping and dining destination that isn’t for just the adult’s only crowd. This ever-expanding all-ages hot spot is filled with family fun. If you haven’t been to the picturesque hot spot, complete with its own lake, then it is time you and the kiddos check it out. Don’t be surprised when you find the hours slip away. You won’t be sorry, it is a day well-spent.

Have a Good Morning
Early morning risers are in for a treat when you take them for a stroll along the sidewalks and stop in at the Corner Bakery for a muffin and fresh-squeezed juice. The free parking at this sprawling outdoor mall makes it an easy a.m. transition.

Walk It Out
Whether you are chasing a toddler or pushing a carriage, a stroll around the lake (.9 miles) is just what the day ordered. The Rio has its own track that offers a gorgeous view, a chance to chase some geese or just feed them. Wellness tips along the way will keep you stepping.

Playdate Ready
Rio has a lakeside playground and a train that runs without a track. Take your time and do both! The train, the Washingtonian Express, runs all day (weather-permitting) and is located right next to California Pizza Kitchen—family-friendly noshing right around the corner. Run, skip or hop your way to the Adventure Playground for a swing, slide or climb. It’s highly interactive and a great way to pass the time. Wrap it all up with a ride on the new American-theme carousel. Dancing horses, two chariots and a many whimsical creatures offer seats for 30 tots and 38 adults to go for a spin.

Datenight Ready, Too
Love is in the air; better yet, on the water. Hop aboard a swan, pirate ship, dragon or pink flamingo paddle boat for an easy-going jaunt around the lake. The half-hour excursion begins by the patio near Guapo’s restaurant. Don’t worry if the weather has a chill or the rain falls down. The Rio has a Barnes & Noble and a Loew’s Cinema to duck into for a quiet moment.

 

Getting Hungry?
Before heading home, walk to dinner for a bite that is sure please everyone’s palate. The offerings include Mexican at Uncle Julio’s where tykes can see tortillas being made or crack a crab leg at Joe’s Crab Shack are a good bet.In addition to over a dozen eateries the Rio can handle any sugar attack. If a cupcake is in order Lilly Magilly can serve it up right. It’Sugar can compete with its giant array of sugary treats.

Do you have a favorite spot on the Rio in Gaithersburg? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 

Rio Washingtonian
231 Rio Blvd. (Gaithersburg, Md)
Open: 10 am-9 pm
Online: riowashingtonian.com

—Victoria Mason

Photos: Rio Washingtonian via Facebook and Lilly Magilly’s via Facebook

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Cuckoo for Cocoa: The Chocolate Factory Tour Kids Go Nuts Over

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

There’s nothing like the mention of a chocolate factory to bring the kid out of you. (Maybe it’s that Willy Wonka Effect). And lucky for D.C. natives and their broods, you don’t have to travel far to feel like Charlie…or Veruca Salt or an Oompa Loompa. Every weekend, Spagnvola Chocolatier in Gaithersburg, Md doles out free factory tours to visitors, highlighting the entire manufacturing process—from start to finish—in kid-friendly lingo. There may not be a goose laying golden eggs, but there are plenty of free tastings along the way.

Get Up Close and Personal with Your Cacao
The tour takes place right on the 1,000 square foot factory floor (p.s. online reservations are recommended). That’s where a guide breaks down everything from  the origin of cacao and the importance of proper farming techniques to the development of fine flavor luxury chocolate and the roasting process. Kids love to see the custom machines in action and trying to figure out how they work. Don’t worry about kiddo getting cacao-ed out—the tour is a quick 25 minutes long (and that’s if there are questions at the end. Hint: the tour guides love questions.

Time to Shop!
After the tour, visitors are lead back to the boutique where there is a full café of offerings, including all chocolate assortments, along with coffee, lattes and gelato. There’s plenty of seating available if you come with a large group, and if kiddo wants to learn more about chocolate making, there’s often a looped documentary playing on the shops TV. Word to the wise: You’ll regret not buying something sweet before hitting the road. Spagnvola’s Bon Bon’s have unique shapes and colors to the outside, which makes them a fave for the little ones. And coming in at a close second for the under-10 set are the chocolate-dipped marshmallows.


Burn Off the Sugar Rush
Spagnvola is located within the kid-complementing Kentlands community of Gaithersburg. There are no less than four parks within walking distance of the chocolate factory, and you’re just a quick car ride away from the Rio, a fam-friendly lakefront destination with walking paths, a large playground, a carousel, train and paddle boats. If kiddo had one too many tour samples, let them run wild at one of these spots before heading home.

Spagnvola Chocolatier
360 Main St. (Gaithersburg, Md)
240-654-6972
Online: spagnvola.com

Have you and your kids been on this chocolate factory tour yet? Tell us about your experience in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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7 Ways to Enjoy “Winter” in LA

by Shannon Guyton

Many La-La-Landers say they want more “winter weather” for the holidays. Well, this year we’ve had a taste of the wet stuff and got to wear our cute rain gear, but now it’s gone—not exactly the makings of a White Christmas. Don’t pout, rejoice, because the lack of cold, snow, sleet and ice means you can do these fun things with your kids you couldn’t do anywhere else this time of year. Just don’t brag too hard on Facebook.

Bumper-Boats

photo credit: Eugene via flickr

Blast Each Other on Bumper Boats
With sunny days still in the 70’s in December, family fun centers still run bumper boats which will shoot water and not icicles (that would be deadly). Water play in the winter rules!

Where to go:
Mountasia Family Fun Center in Santa Clarita
Golf ‘n Stuff in Norwalk and Valencia

boy-girl-eating-ice-cream-frozen-yogurt-bench

photo credit: Eric Peacock via flickr

Indulge in Ice Cream
It’s never too frigid here to indulge in creamy, cold treats. Load up your self-serve froyo bowl (we won’t judge), gelato cup or grab a cone from some of these favorite spots. We can’t help you on the brain freeze, though.

Where to go:
Lucky you, we rounded up the hottest new ice cream spots in town this summer. Have you tried them all?

Castaic-Lake-Hills

photo credit: Lady Ducayne via flickr

Take a Walk at the Lake
Enjoy a water view that’s actually not frozen solid. Sure, we can’t ice skate on them (hello, that’s what nice, safe rinks are for) but you can fish off the pier, picnic, kayak, play frisbee, paddle boat or just hike around these picturesque, evergreen beauties year-round.

Where to go:
Castaic Lake in Castiac (near Santa Barbara)
Lake Balboa in Van Nuys
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area in Baldwin Hills
Echo Park Lake in Echo Park
Lake Hollywood in Hollywood

sandcastle-boy-beach

photo credit: Robert Patton via Flickr

Build a Sandman or Sandcastle at the Beach
Winter is a wonderful time to go the beach—higher waves are mesmerizing to watch and the crowds of summer are long gone. Bring a sweater for quick cool-offs in the evening. Also, lifeguards warn against digging big holes ; kids over this past summer have been getting stuck in collapsed ones. Stick to above ground sand play.

Where to go:
Santa Monica Beach
Malibu Beach
Manhattan Beach

 

Sand-Sledding-woman-mom

photo: Susánica Tam via Flickr

Go Sand Sledding
No mittens and snow boots needed to sled down the awesome slopes erected at multiple beaches around LA. Feel free to follow it up with hot cocoa anyway, though. Kids of all ages will have a ball getting their need for speed quenched without the long, wet day trip to the mountains. Watch for whales when you hit these best berms in town.

Where to go:
Venice Beach
Marina del Rey
South End of Dockweiler State Beach

Girl-on-top-of-rocks-hike-vasquez-rocks

photo credit: Shannon Guyton

Take a Hike
Winter is a most gorgeous times of the year to take your kids hiking. Streams and waterfalls are running (finally, after seasons of a trickle, our waterfalls are all back!), trails are uncrowded, hills are turning green, and you won’t get fried to a crisp. Take advantage of stroller-friendly hikes in the area, and enjoy the cooler weather to take some non-shady hikes you avoided in summer.  Due to the recent rains, check with the ranger station at your local park before you go, to make sure trails aren’t closed from mud slides.

Where to go:
Vasquez Rocks
Solstice Canyon
Will Rogers State Park

Disneyland-Sleeping-Beauty-Castle-Flowers

photo credit: Andy Castro via flickr

Get Right on the Rides
Winter has the best weather and crowd avoidance strategy for going to L.A.’s amusement parks. Take in the holiday displays, sip some cocoa and enjoy more rides per hour than in summer months.  Best time to go is after New Year’s, when the vacationing folk from colder climes have to head home and leave LA to the natives.

Where to go:
Disneyland
Legoland
Universal Studios Hollywood
Magic Mountain
Knott’s Berry Farm

-Shannon Guyton

What “Only in LA” winter activities are your fave? Share with us in the comment section, below.

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Fishing, Camping and Playing: A Guide to Santee Lakes

by Cherie Gough

Beautiful Santee Lakes offers a piece of serenity mere minutes from San Diego. Santee Lakes is the perfect spot for a picnic, a great place to feed ducks, pedal a boat, fish or even camp in a beautiful floating cabin. Visitors will love the seven spacious serene lakes, big leafy trees to lounge beneath, and play spaces big enough and well-equipped for family get togethers. Get ready to leave your busy life behind and savor a lazy day at Santee Lakes.

Photo Credit: Cherie Gough

Where to Play
Near the park entrance, you’ll find a towering play structure that offers quite a climb (and view!) for bigger kids as well as twisty slides that lead to shady trees for parents to relax beneath. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible playground and fishing pier with ramps to make play fun for any kid. Colorful ramps lead to an innovative playground that is fun for all. An adjacent scent garden with roses, herbs and plentiful benches is interesting to explore with little ones.

Santee is known for it’s warmer temperatures. So be sure to hit up the Spraygrounds to cool down. The splash park is open year-round and is a mere $2 per kiddo. Little ones can enjoy as much time as they’d like splashing on a clean, well-maintained splash pad.

Make time to check out the boulder island further on in the park. Cross a bridge and try climbing across various “boulders” that give the feeling of accomplishment in the great outdoors. Older kiddos will enjoy the challenge of this unusual play area.

Photo Courtesy of Santee Lakes

Boat, Bike and Beyond
Rent a pedal boat for a fun family experience. Even those who have never paddled a boat are sure to enjoy pedaling around the lake for an hour since these boats are very easy to maneuver. Little ones can watch ducks follow along as they toss crumbs overboard to pass the time. Bags of duck food are available to purchase at the general store. Your family will likely see birds such as egrets and heron as you enjoy a lazy day on the lake. Life jackets for those 11 and under are provided with your rental. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, kayak and canoe rentals are also available.

The lake is the perfect place to bike as a family. Families can pedal alongside the lakes and stop at a playground during a short trip. Don’t have a bike at home? No problem. You can rent a surrey bike at the Lake. Keep in mind that although most of the ride around the lake is flat, there are a few hilly spots. So you’ll need to put some muscle into your bike ride.

Photo Credit: Kim C via Yelp 

Go Fish!
Kids love the adventure of trying something, so about introducing them to fishing? This park is a great place to fish since it doesn’t require a state fishing license. A permit for the day and bait can be purchased at the park’s general store. Day permits cost $6 for kids and $9 for adults. The adventurous can even try night fishing on select dates in August.

Do You Wanna See a Movie?
Santee Lakes offers free summer movies to the public. Bring your picnic and cozy around family and friends on a blanket near the lake. There are games and contests to keep kids busy until showtime. The movie begins at 8 p.m. at the amphitheater on Lake 5. Remaining shows this summer include Despicable Me 2 on Aug. 8, and Planes on Aug. 22. Parking is $8 per car on movie nights.

Photo Credit: Joselyn S. Via Yelp 

Camping We Will Go!
With ten cabins that offer the comforts of home and are only a short drive from the city, Santee Lakes may be the perfect introduction to camping for families who are just getting their feet wet. You’ll find fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and even wi-fi in all cabins. Floating cabins offer a beautiful deck and your own paddle boat to use whenever you please.

There are over 100 RV spots along the lakes to choose from. Camping at Santee Lakes includes many perks such as a pool and a clubhouse with weekly potlucks, coffee and donuts, and family nights. Cabin reservations for weekends go fast. If possible, try reserving the floating cabins 6 months in advance for a weekend.

9310 Fanita Pkwy
Santee, Ca 92117
619-596-3141
Online: santeelakes.com

Parking fee: $3/car weekdays; $5/car weekends.

Have you been to Santee Lakes? What’s your favorite activity? Tell us in the comments below!

-Cherie Gough

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21 Things Parents in D.C. Absolutely Love

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Picture your perfect day with the kids in D.C. What does it entail? A stroll down the National Mall? An exhibit at the Smithsonian? Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin? While the District has its fair share of headaches (traffic, anyone?) there are so many more things to dig-to-pieces about this family-friendly city. Here are just a handful of those things.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Theater via Facebook

#1 Discovery Theater
A theater completely devoted to kids and their imaginations. What’s not to love?

#2 Museums are free
It’s easy to take this for granted, but don’t. With some of the best museums in the country right here in the heart of the city, the fact that they are free should make us all full-time tourists.

#3 Lazy afternoons on the National Mall
Soccer, kites, hotdogs, and carousel rides—need we say more? This wide-open green space is a free-for-all of fun.

#4 Mini-golf at East Potomac Golf Course
The mini-golf course here is actually on the National Register of Historic Places, and features terrific views of the city and Hains Point. Combine this with a tour of the cherry blossoms for a fabulous family outing.

Photo courtesy of THX0477 via Creative Commons

#5 Hanging out with the butterflies
Flutter by, butterflies! Yes, hundreds of them. This awe-inspiring experience is part of the Smithsonian National Museum and kids absolutely love it. Bonus: It’s free to be with the butterflies on Tuesdays.

#6 There are Cherry Blossoms…and lots of them
When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, Hains Point Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Take a paddle boat out into the Tidal Basin for an even better view.

#7 Rock Creek Park
Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, the ebb and flow of Rock Creek, and it’s all smack dab in the middle of the city.

#8 Rock Creek Park’s planetarium
As if Rock Creek Park wasn’t awesome enough. The park’s planetarium is the real star of the show!

Photo courtesy of Messay Shoakena

#9 Watching airplanes at Gravelly Point Park
Located just off of George Washington Parkway, it’s not the quietest place to be, but nowhere else can you get this up-close-and-personal with a flying airplane unless you’re on it.

#10 Comet Ping Pong
Finally! A place where you can have a beer whilst rocking your kid to sleep. Comet Ping Pong is tasty pizzeria/ping pong spot draws an eclectic crowd—from urban hipsters and Capitol Hill politicians to families-of-four and tourists. The best part: everyone (even your raucous 2-year-old) is welcomed with open arms.

#11 The National Air and Space Museum
Speaking of airplanes…. Our very own National Air and Space Museum holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Did we mention the cost to get in? Yep, free.

#12 Seeing how money is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
There’s something about money… You can watch millions of dollars being printed at this money museum as you walk along a gallery overlooking the production floor. It’s mesmerizing for grown-ups and minis alike.

#13 Great Falls Park
Just minutes from concrete-laden downtown and you’re in the center of nature, with beautiful views of the Potomac spilling over a series of steep, jagged rocks. For Great Falls Park, you’ll want to bring your camera.

#14 Flying kites at the Washington Monument
A windy day means a heavenly sky swarming with colorful kites. Insider secret: Bring a blanket and let your babe do tummy time at the Washington Monument—she just might do her first rollover while trying to sneak a peek at the kites above.

 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake via Facebook

#15 CUPCAKES!
Kids love cupcakes, but D.C. kids (and their parents) looooooooove cupcakes. And we’ve got dozens of different bakeries (plus a food truck) that specialize in the sweet treat to prove it. With all of these options, birthday parties are, well, a piece of cake.

#16 That there are panda bears in our backyard
Pandas are only one of the many cool creatures you can scope at the National Zoo, and, like the museums, it’s free.

#17 Fireworks on the National Mall
Full of patriotism and awe, this spectacular show lights up the sky above the Washington Monument.

Photo courtesy of Harsh1.0 via Creative Commons

#18 The monuments at night
Taking an evening stroll around the landmarks—especially the D.C. War Memorial—is super-pretty and super-chill (the heavy tourist crowds have moved on by 5 pm). Let the kids bring their flashlights and they’ll think they’re on a scavenger hunt.

#19 Crystal City Shops on a rainy day
There isn’t anything super special about the stores and restaurants in this underground shopping center, but there is a long corridor for kids to frolic back and forth through. Crystal City Shops are also great for impromptu walking/stroller workouts. Trust us—you won’t be the only parent there.

#20 Glen Echo Park
Dancing, puppetry, drama, and all forms of art, Glen Echo Park is a mecca for D.C.’s liveliest visual and performing arts.

What do you absolutely love about D.C.? Tel us in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

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Little Things, Big Rewards

by Erin Lem

We all know that sometimes it’s the little things that bring everyday health and happiness to our families.  So some of our mom friends who work at Blue Shield of California gave us their simple, yet thoughtful ideas to finding fun in their daily lives.

Ideas for You
Start a Book Club:  A story is always better when you have someone to share it with.  “Start a book club with moms who have similar interests.  Reading keeps your mind sharp and the club builds relationships” ~Shira

Girls Night!  Letting your hair down with your galpals every once and awhile is a surefire way to stay sane.  “Take some girls’ nights out, business trips, or even weekends away. The kids learn to rely on themselves and their other parent, while you get some downtime.” ~Marcia

Ideas for your Kids
Ritual of Reading:  Enrich their little minds and your family bond.  “Read to your kids. I’ve made it a morning ritual with my toddler.  It’s a chance to bond and develop at the same time.” ~Melisa

What’s that Vegetable? Shared time in the kitchen form lasting memories.  “I try to involve my kids in the grocery shopping and cooking process.  It’s a good chance to teach them a few things without it being a lecture and way more interactive and fun! ” ~Kathy 

Ideas for Your Family
Family Meal Time:  The statistics are clear – kids who dine with the folks are healthier, happier and better students.  Time to bring the tradition back.  “Sit down and eat dinner together.” ~Andria

Fresh Air:  Getting outdoors rejuvenates the spirit and fuels the imagination.  “Do something fun and physical -try out something like a local hike or rent paddle boats.  Schedule regular activities to bond and be active together.” ~Kathy

Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield of California.
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Take a Day Trip to the Russian River

by Erin Lem

In the heat of the summer, there is nothing like a canoeing day trip on the Russian River. Leave early and drive up to Guerneville, a small town along the river in Sonoma County. Visions of swimming and frolicking in the river, picnicking on a sandbar and most of all, enjoying a family day doing something fun, new and active will keep you motivated during the drive from the city.

When to go: In the summer or spring, when you want to escape the fog, the city, or both.

Approximate travel time: Guerneville is located 75 miles north of San Francisco, about an hour and a half drive.

What to see/do: One company named Burke’s Canoe Trips does half-day adventures. This outfit is a great idea if you have bigger kids, who are ready to paddle, but not with the wee ones. Johnson’s Beach is an option that accommodates smaller children. It’s a quaint spot where you can rent canoes by the hour, perfect for short attention spans. If you are not sure how your child will react to the vessel or activity, better not to invest too much energy or spend too much money.

Johnson’s Beach is a sweet little beach, reminiscent of spots in New England in the 70’s, a little lost in time, but that is part of the appeal. The locale and pace is slow, relatively easy to negotiate and an antidote to the foggy San Francisco summer. It is really low tech, really friendly and family run. It’s not fancy, but that too is what makes it special. You can rent an umbrella and someone will even come over and pound it into the sand for you. The snack bar serves soft serve for a dollar and you can rent inner tubes to float along if you don’t want to paddle. A popular area is the roped off kiddies pool and many folks just hang on the beach with a cooler and a good book.

In a canoe, an hour is a bit short, but enough for a paddle around. If you want to go down the river, away from the crowds, pack a picnic and plan on a three-hour tour. Once you get into a canoeing rhythm you can stop often to swim and hang on the shore, passing many other folks out for a paddle. If you head further down the river, you’ll be surrounded by calming peace and quiet!

Check out all the homes with docks and tables and setups along the banks. It is a leisurely way to introduce canoeing to little ones, who like to act as coxman, if they are not into paddling. The return trip takes slightly longer so make sure to plan out your journey.

Possible lunch spots: Once you have returned your canoe, head over to Flavors Unlimited for a simply divine and well deserved cone or shake. For a truly classic day, stop at In and Out for a burger and fries in Petaluma or Mill Valley, and then head home.

How to dress: Summer gear! Don’t forget the swimsuits, towels, hats and sunscreen and a change of clothes for the way back.

Cost: For the price of a ½ tank of gas and about $50, you can have a full day adventure! The beach offers canoes, kayaks and paddle-boats for rent ($30 day or $10 hour), as well as umbrellas ($6 day), low beach chairs ($5 day), and inner tubes ($5 day).

Need to know: This year because of the snowmelt, the river is higher than usual and the current stronger. Everyone needs to wear life preservers and safety first, always. Ask for a little refresher, children will listen to the experts about not standing up in a canoe.

– Darya Mead

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San Juan Island Travel Guide

by writerredtri

It’s Island Time!
With 247 sunny days per year, San Juan Island is a perfect Seattle family get-away. While the rest of us are sporting Gore-Tex in the city, San Juan island resides in the “rain shadow” and can frequently be rain-free. There are a plethora of things to keep adults and children occupied during all seasons.  In the summer, there are places to hike, bike, and kayak. Winter brings a Santa Ship and Teddy Bear Tea to San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor. During “Whale season”, you’d be hard pressed to go there and NOT see Orcas swimming up and down the west side of the island. Plus, there are festivals, farmers markets, shops, beaches, and tons of fun animals to get to know. It’s close enough to be accessed fairly easily, but far enough away to make you feel like you’ve truly had a vacation.

Getting There
San Juan Island is accessible by plane (seaplane through Kenmore air or a small plane from Boeing field or Anacortes). Frequently you can find deals on flights if you’re vigilant in looking.

Most people take a ferry which leaves from Anacortes. The drive to Anacortes takes about 1-1.5 hours from Seattle. The cost varies by the amount of people in your car (kids under 5 are free), and season (summer is pricier). Generally, you can get a minivan with 2 adults to the island for around $60.  If you’d prefer to park and walk on the ferry, there is a daily charge to leave your car in the lot during summer season ($10 per day) and free during the off-season.  The ferry ride takes about an hour if you get on the direct crossing and up to 1.5 hours if it stops at one or more additional islands.  A word to the wise: the ferry system takes a bit of patience.  They are frequently running late and the busy times can fill up an hour or more before the launch time.  If you’re heading out on a Friday or a 3-day weekend, make sure you get there at least two hours in advance.  Additionally, the return ferry from San Juan on a busy weekend can fill up hours before you’d like to leave.  It’s a good idea to head down there, get your car in line and then shop, see a movie, read a book, etc.  While there is a snack bar on the ferry,  it can be closed in the late and early runs…so pack snacks for the kids.  One bonus is that the ferry is free heading back to the mainland!  Take a deep breath and remember you’re on island time!

You can also get to the island by the Victoria Clipper. Although the Clipper only lands there during summer season.  Or, you can take your own boat and moor it in one of the marinas.

Stay
Try “Glamping” (aka: Glam Camping) at Lakedale Resort.  Actually Lakedale Resort offers it all: stay in their lodge, rent a cabin, rent a canvas cabin (complete with beds and pull-out couches), stay in an Airstream camper, or pitch your own tent.  This resort lies on 82 acres in the middle of the island central to both Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor.  There are three lakes to swim, paddle boat, or fish.  There is a general store on site, tons of kid-friendly activities run by the Lakedale Resort staff and even an ice cream sundae bar.

Earthbox Motel & Spa Right in the heart of Friday Harbor is this funky “motel”. With 72 modern rooms (think ipod docking stations) a spa, and free use of the beach cruiser bikes, you’ll be re-thinking your previous ideas on motels. They have a heated indoor pool (open year-round), large family rooms, and kids under 12 stay free.

Roche Harbor Lodging On the other side of the island, you can find many family friendly rentals. Roche Harbor offers cottages (near the playground and pool), condos, townhomes, and “village homes”. They all are within walking distance to all Roche Harbor has to offer. Many offer BBQ’s, kid activities, lawn activities, etc.

Play
Beaches: Pack a picnic (easily bought at Kings Market in Friday Harbor) and head to Lime Kiln State Park on the west side of the island, facing Vancouver Island.  Park the car and take a short “hike” to the light house (about a half mile or less, we’d recommend a backpack over a stroller, and PS: you don’t actually go IN the light house).  There are tide pools to explore along the way and you can often catch a glimpse of one of the resident Orca Pods. Your best bet for viewing them is from Lime Kiln Park during the summer months, but there might still be a few lingering around in the fall.  If you’re lucky, you’ll see them frolicking and swimming close to shore (sometimes so close you can see them blink!) You can also catch a whale-watching boat trip from Anacortes, Friday Harbor, or Roche Harbor.

If driftwood, long beaches, and fort building are your thing, head to American Camp near Friday Harbor and visit South Beach. At American Camp, you can also ride bikes, or head down to see a large family of seals.

Flowers: The Pelindaba Lavender Farm in the center of the island is worth a visit. Do NOT forget your camera!  In addition to the gorgeous rows of organically grown lavender, there are large sculptures throughout (one is of Pi) the area. The farm store sells all-things-lavender…be sure to try the lavender lemonade (your kids will love it!) If your little one is potty-training, be aware the farm only has sani-cans. Also, people with bee allergies should be prepared as there are many bees amongst all those flowers.

Animal spotting: If your family loves animals, whales aren’t the only animal in town.  In addition to local farm animals viewable from the roadside, you can visit the alpaca farm in the heart of the island. On the main pier in Friday Harbor, head down to the fresh seafood market, look down into the water, and you might see “Popeye” the friendly seal.  He’s hard to miss as one of his eyes is milky. And, if your trip takes you on a drive over to Roche Harbor, you’ll pass by “Mona” the camel. She’s extremely friendly and loves snacks (like apples and carrots). She lives across from the San Juan Winery (which is also worth a look…and taste) and once you pull your car off the road, she usually trots up for a slobbery kiss.

Visit Roche Harbor: Roche Harbor is like stepping into the past…with all of the modern conveniences we love. It has that “resort town” feel and the combination of yachters, locals, and vacationers means everyone is happy all the time. Kids will have fun at the pool (with a shallow kid pool in addition to the larger pool), playground, and the huge lawn where they can run around. The resort offers a scavenger hunt for kids (complete with an ice cream cone at the end), kayak rentals, a day spa, and great food (Lime Kiln Café makes their own donuts and is perfect for breakfast). Be sure to stay until 10 minutes before sunset for the nightly COLORS ceremony on the docks (when they lower the flags to music)…all of the boaters emerge from their boats and it’s a festive mood.

Friday Harbor: If you’re interested in being entertained, the San Juan Community Theater has been receiving high praise. There is also a movie theater, a bowling alley and two children’s stores in town. The Toy Box is toys only, and Osito’s has clothing in addition to toys (think Plan Toys, Corolle, Melissa and Doug, etc). Kings Market can handle all of your food needs and hosts a clothing and gear store upstairs (think REI). Daisy Bloom and Crème Brulee (across from Kings) offer a small selection of Shabby Chic children’s clothing and blankets as well as upscale furnishings and clothing for mom. The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor has interactive activities for kids, education about the mammals, and even an opportunity to “adopt” a whale.

Eat
Maloula Overlooking the marina, this organic, Mediterranean restaurant is in the heart of Friday Harbor. During the summer months, the owners lead tours in Syria; so unfortunately, it’s a seasonal restaurant. The gyros are to die for and appear very unique when added with pickles. Kids will lap up the hummus and pita. Maloula also offers a children’s menu.

Duck Soup Inn If you’re traveling with another family, if possible, trade babysitting and hit this spot for dinner without the kids. However, brunch would be a nice way to enjoy this delicious restaurant with the family. Nestled on a small lake in the center of the island, Duck Soup offers local, organic, and amazing Northwest meals.

Farmer’s market On Saturdays right in Friday Harbor the city holds it’s very own Farmer’s Market. In addition to shopping for jewelry and fresh produce, you can grab delicious lunch items. Our pick: fresh tamales. Note: The Farmer’s Market will be moving to the Brickworks Plaza starting September 10th!

With so much to do and see on San Juan Island, we’re confident you and your kiddos will have a great time. Leave us a comment below letting us know your favorite spots and activities on San Juan Island.

-Joia Poort

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