10 things to do with kids in Snohomish County this winter
Who else’s kids are asking “where did the sun go?” Mine asks every day when he wakes up at 7am, and it is still dark. So, what do you do with toddlers and young kids in overcast, rainy Western Washington when it feels like it’s constantly raining and dark longer than it’s light? I usually prefer to get out of our house when I have our little guy home with me and have a few go-to activities and destinations around Snohomish County to keep him active and happy. Here are a few of my favorites. These are not exclusively indoor ideas since we all seem to be used to bundling up and going with the rainy weather. Also, I’ve noted which ones make for cool family photo opportunities.
Round-Trip Ferry Ride out of Mukilteo Terminal
Taking the Mukilteo Ferry to Clinton on Whidbey Island may sound like a chilly, outside activity during the winter months, but riding the ferry boat and watching the water pass from the inside is super cozy. You can explore the lower decks for a different perspective while still partly sheltered. If you like the feel of the wind in your hair, you can explore the upper decks and hide out under one of the outside coverings! There is nothing to do right at Clinton’s terminal, so unless you took your car, I suggest staying on the boat to sail back. Crossing time is just 20 minutes one-way.
If you want a longer, outside adventure, try the Edmonds to Kingston Ferry. Both cities have really cute, walkable towns with coffee shops, ice cream places, and bars that you can stroll to from the terminal.
This is a family photo favorite of mine!
Hang Time Cafe, Arlington, WA
Hang Time Play Cafe is an indoor play space that just opened, and it’s our new indoor go-to spot. There is a calm, enclosed play area for kids ages 0-6 where parents and older siblings can play alongside them. But there is also seating around the play area where you can keep an eye on your kiddo and enjoy a coffee or lotus drink from their cafe. I also just love the thoughtful touch of having the toddler toilet seat attachment.
Imagine Museum
This can be a pricey one if you do not have a membership, but Everett’s Imagine Museum offers what feels like endless rooms of thoughtful spaces for kids to play make-believe and learn. There is something for everyone throughout the museum - water tables, an outside playground, an airplane, a distribution center, a paper airplane launcher, a BOAT! It’s so cool. We usually spend 2-3 hours here, and the time flies. I think the next time we go, we’ll try out The Ice Cream Bar.
The Enchanted Forest BookShop in Snohomish
A friend suggested we check out The Enchanted Forest Bookshop’s free story time, and I fell in love with this children’s book store. Their story time is a half hour and includes free activities like coloring. Afterwards, I enjoyed walking around the store shopping for a few books and games.
Chick-fil-A in Lake Stevens
One time after an Elevate Music Class, my friend and I went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch in Lake Stevens and saw for ourselves their indoor playground. It was the most relaxing lunch we’ve had in ages! The staff is super friendly, food is great with lots of options for the kids, the space is clean, the bathrooms are readily available (can you tell we’re potty training?), and the kids entertained each other in the play area while we sat chatting. The afternoon flew by!
Paint Pottery
Painting Pottery is one on my own list to try with our son! I found these spots: The Pottery Nook Art Studio in Arlington and Stuffington’s Ceramics in Everett. At both places, you pay by the piece, which range from $10 to $400 (obviously, I’ll be steering him toward the $10 pieces).
Lime Kiln Trail in Granite Falls
If you’re not feeling going all the way up to the Mountain Loop trails, Lime Kiln Trail right outside of the Granite Falls downtown area is a favorite hike of ours. It has some decent inclines that get the heart rate up so you feel like you’ve gotten a workout (especially with a kid on your front or back!). It’s also a pretty forest hike with lots of ferns and evergreens. If you go far enough to get to the lime kiln, you’ll walk along the river. Just to note, this isn’t a great hike if it’s pouring rain since there are some open patches with no trees covering you, and it gets a bit slick and slippery in some spots.
This is a family photo favorite of mine!
Walk around Downtown Arlington, WA
When I started to get myself acquainted with Arlington, WA, to make myself feel more at home here, a stroller walk through downtown and the surrounding area became a frequent afternoon activity with our kiddo. He and I both loved checking out the houses around the neighborhood, watching school buses pick up kids at dismissal, and grabbing a treat at Hammond Bread Co. or sitting down for an iced tea at Moe’s.
Our family also just loves an afternoon sitting together getting “beers” (juice for the kiddo, if that wasn’t clear) at In The Shadow while playing games, coloring, eating snacks, and sticking stickers. It’s both kid and dog-friendly, has great brews, wine, and non-alcoholic options, the owners are super nice, and we’ve met a few other families while hanging out there. We love popping by there after running errands to chill before heading home.
This is a family photo favorite of mine!
Walk around downtown Snohomish, WA
Another downtown that’s fun to walk around is Snohomish. We like to get coffee at Snohomish Coffee Co, eat frozen yogurt at Top It! and explore the games and toys at Snapdoodle Toys.
This is a dream family photo location for me!
Edmonds Beach
Easy to get to with lots of free parking, Marina Beach Park is pretty even on a rainy day. You can explore the tide pools, throw rocks into the sound, play on the playground, eat at Anthony’s, walk around the boardwalk, and check out the boats and trains. If you’re really trying to take up some time, take a ferry ride from Edmonds to Kingston!
This is a family photo favorite of mine!
