3 Ways to Spend the Day (& Stay) on Bainbridge Island

Beach, Berries & Bloedel Day

Morning
The north end of the island offers a little something for everyone in the fam. Start the day at the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre garden, featuring different landscapes to explore, like the woodlands, the glen, the reflecting pool and the Japanese Garden outside the guesthouse. Kids will love the freedom to explore the trails and the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Bloedel is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and timed tickets are required. After a peaceful start, take the kids berry picking. Raspberries are in season in late summer at Suyematsu Farms, and pickers can get their fill daily, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (psst… raspberry season usually ends the first week in August). Blueberries are another summer U-pick fave. Find them on the island at Bainbridge Island Blueberry Co. They should be ready in early July, but call the berry hotline at (206) 673-7812 to make sure things are up and running before you go.

Afternoon
The afternoon is all about parks; two to be exact. Bring lunch to Fay Bainbridge and pull up a picnic table with a killer view. Here you’ll find a new pirate-themed playground for kids to climb and slide on, and an expansive beach to explore, once lunch is done. End the day at Battle Point Park. Although the playground is out of commission, families can walk, bike or scooter along the paved trails that encircles the property, and the massive fields make it easy to play catch or Frisbee or kick a soccer ball with the kids. In late summer, it’s one of the island’s hot spots for blackberries (feel free to pick 'em!). Also in August, the park district will host drive-in movies at Battle Point on Friday nights. Sounds like a great start to a weekend getaway!

Where to Eat
You can find breakfast, lunch and dinner bites at Coppertop Park. No matter what time hunger strikes, Sweet Dahlia Baking has got a meal to match with curbside pick-up. Their family-style Dinner Club meals (served Thursdays and Fridays) are convenient if an overnight stay is on the menu. That’s a Some Pizza is another easy option to feed the crew, and both Fletcher Bay Winery and Bainbridge Island Brewing offer outdoor seating with a green light to outside food.

Market, Art & Playground Day

Morning
Whether it’s your first or fifteenth time on the island, a trip to Bainbridge wouldn’t be complete without spending time downtown. Even with coronavirus, this shopping district offers plenty of things for families to do. Start the day browsing the Farmer’s Market, held Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Winslow Town Square parking lot. Then it’s off to the Scrappy Art Lab to get those kid-creative juices flowing. Spend time making art in the lab, or take an art jar or grab bag home to enjoy later. Psst... they also have a kid drop-off program on Saturdays.

Afternoon
Spend the afternoon outside at Owen’s Playground in Rotary Park. This all-abilities playground is the stuff kid dreams are made of, with artistic equipment, a spot to experiment with sand and water and a butterfly garden that will delight toddlers and big kids alike. From there, head to Pritchard Park to enjoy easy forest walks, sandy beaches and a little bit of history. Looking back on Seattle from the viewpoint (or the beach) is worth the trip, as is spending time at the Japanese Exclusion Memorial. This small national park is a solemn place to reflect and learn about the 120,000 Japanese people who were put in camps during WWII. The wall lists the names of families exiled from Bainbridge, and the memorial serves as a reminder to “Nidoto Nai Yoni”…“let it not happen again.” Remember to have your junior rangers earn their badge when they visit. Families can download the ranger booklet online, work through the activities and then have a park ranger give the thumbs up Fridays through Sundays.

Where to Eat
When you're staying downtown, finding good eats is easy. Start the day with a baked good from Couquette, the cute cart parked in front of the Winslow Mall or Blackbird Bakery. Thuy’s is where it’s at for lunch, especially if pho or bahn mi is what you’re craving. Order takeout and then grab a seat under the umbrella tables just outside to enjoy your food. Follow it up with a scoop from Mora Iced Creamery. This local fave should not be missed, even on a chilly day. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the new offerings from Cafe Hitchcock. 

Pleasant Paddle & Waterfront Day

Morning
The best part of an island adventure? It’s got to be all the beachside activities. Start at Pleasant Beach Village, a sweet little shopping district on the water. There are a few ways to access the beach here. Use road end access to get to Lytle Beach, a sandy oasis where kids can dip their toes or go all in while watching the ferries travel between the city and Bremerton. Shel Chelb is another point of entry. Across from this small, natural playground, families can access the beach for swimming, rock throwing or sandcastle building. But if rocky shores are what your crew is after, head to Point White Pier, just down the road and park the car. Then enjoy views from the rocky beach across the street as you search for sea creatures under rocks at low tide.

Afternoon
Take the afternoon to explore Eagle Harbor by kayak or SUP. Bring your own from home or connect with Exotic Aquatics. They’re open for rentals and guided tours, and recommend that families make reservations for the trip.

Where to Eat
One of the reasons spending the day on the south end of the island is easy is because they’ve got eateries to match every appetite. Hammy’s is every burger lover’s dream. Enjoy it at a nearby beach or sit down outside to dig into your juicy burger. The Treehouse Café (open daily 4-9 p.m.) is currently seating at 50% capacity, and they have an outdoor patio where families can share a pizza and a salad. If sweets are what you’re after Island Cool Frozen Yogurt will chill you out, while Pleasant Beach Donuts will leave you wanting more. These donuts are all the rage on the island right now and the bakers should be back from spring break soon. Be sure to check their website for updates.

Make it a Weekend

With so many ways to spend time on the island, it’s easy to turn your daycation into a staycation. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we’ve got a few family-friendly options to consider. Because hotel pools are always a hit with kids, the Quality Inn & Suites is a good spot to start. It’s pet-friendly and just down the road from Strawberry Hill Park and Winslow. If having a small kitchen (sans stove) makes your stay easier, try the newly-renovated Marshall Suites.

For an upscale feel, check into the Inn at Pleasant Beach. Situated in the heart of Lynwood, next to beaches and dining, each suite has its own personality, and your stay includes access to the pool, complete with a kiddie wading area. For something totally different, try Wacky Nut Farm, a working horse farm where families will enjoy the amenities of home in a shared guesthouse. Tucked away, yet still close to downtown, this is a great option any time.