1. HR MACMILLAN SPACE CENTRE VANCOUVER
-located in Vancouver, BC, you can book educational programs or visit on your own, according to their website they also hold astronomy shows on Saturday nights http://www.spacecentre.ca/,
-located next door to the Space Centre is the GMS OBSERVATORY, open at 8pm on Saturdays
2. WESTERN'S PLANETARIUM
-private group presentations are available http://www.wwu.edu/skywise/
3. SMATE AT WESTERN
-Their Learning Resource Center is open to the public. Contact Jamie Harrington at 650-3647 or email Jamie.Harrington@wwu.edu for more information.
4. VANCOUVER SCIENCE CENTER
I don't know much about this science center but it looks similar to the one in Seattle. Check out their website at: http://www.scienceworld.ca/
5. SPACE NEEDLE
Take a self-guided trip up the elevator to the observation deck. We've gone during the day, but visiting at night to see the city lights would also be fascinating. http://www.spaceneedle.com/visit/index.html
Or you can go to SkySchool. Check here for more information: http://www.spaceneedle.com/skyschool/plan.html
6. PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER
My kids love the science center. There are so many hands-on activities.
http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/
7. MT BAKER FOREST CENTER AND MT BAKER
The Learning Center offers a ton. http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mbs/learning
I didn't realize they offered so many activities. Check them out here.
The North Cascades Institutes holds numerous classes throughout the year. Use this link to find a class that fits your family. http://ncascades.org/signup
-Skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, Mt Baker offers so much year round fun. Have you been to Artist Point or Picture Lake? Sledding can be a summer or winter sport. Some of our best memories are sledding in our tank tops and shorts!
8. RED BARN LAVENDER FARM
-Located in Ferndale, WA. To learn more about the lavender fields or take a craft class (wreath or wand), visit their website. http://www.redbarnlavender.com/
9. SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FARMS
-The prime time to visit is in April. Don't forget your camera! I also always bring an extra change of clothes for the kids if it has been a wet spring. The fields can be very slippery and muddy!
10. NOOKSACK FALLS
11. BOULEVARD PARK
-A great park to go for a stroll or check out the animal life on the bay. Kids can also play on the boat play structure.
12. MOUNT RAINIER
-So many activities for your family...here are some to get you started!
13. MOUNT ST. HELENS
There are so many websites and things to do around Mt. St. Helens.
Visit the Forest Learning Center or the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
These sites might also be helpful http://mountsthelens.com/ and http://www.mt-st-helens.com/
14. BIG FOUR ICE CAVES
-I have not hiked up to these caves and from what I read they can be very dangerous. Please read up on this before visiting to see if this trip would be suitable for your family. http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves
15. GINKGO PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK
Located on the Columbia River in Vantage, WA, this is a fossil forest. Camping is available.
http://www.stateparks.com/ginkgo_petrified_forest.html
16. STONEROSE INTERPRETIVE CENTER AND FOSSIL SITE
-In Republic, WA, go fossil hunting or take a group field trip. http://www.stonerosefossil.org/
17. CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
-Last year we visited the Hovde Christmas Tree Farm in the spring and we were given a glimpse of all the work that happens year-round to maintain a Christmas tree farm. We visited this particular farm because of family connections but other farms would be interesting as well. Just give them a call.
18. VAN WINGERDENS
-A fascinating field trip out near Blaine, WA ! We learned about how they water their greenhouses and how they use machines to plant plugs and seeds. Best time to visit would be in early Spring. Christmas is also a great time to visit to see their greenhouses full of poinsettias! http://vanwingerden.com/ Give them a call to set up a time to visit 360-366-3906
19. NORTH WHATCOM TRAIL
20. PADILLA BAY MUD FLAT SAFARI
-Out at Padilla Bay you can take one of their scheduled classes and presentations. Or you can get a group together and pick a class that fits your needs. http://www.padillabay.gov/calendarofevents.asp
21. WHATCOM FALLS
-Play at the playground, take a hike, visit the hatchery..at Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham.
-22. MILLION SMILES, LYNDEN CITY PARK
-A favorite place of my kids. They love to play at the playgrounds, play pooh sticks in the stream and take a walk on the path. More pictures and info, here .
23. CORNWALL PARK
-playground, disc golf, large field, and more. Look here.
24. TENANT LAKE
-Pond dipping, walking the boardwalk through the wetlands, watching birds, climbing the tower and walking through the fragrance garden are all fun activities out at Tenant Lake. The Parks Department also use to have interpretive programs for the kids but had to cut them due to funding. http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/tennantlake/ Don't forget to check out Hovander Park while you are there.
25. SILVER LAKE
-The three things my kids like the best about Silver Lake are renting paddle boats, fishing and looking for tadpoles. http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/silverlake/silverlake.jsp
26. SEMIAHMOO
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/semiahmoo/semiahmoo.jsp
27. POINT WHITEHORN MARINE RESERVE
From the Whatcom County Parks Department Website: " Interpretive signs are placed along the trail to tell the story of the forest, wildlife, and marine ecology of the area. Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve provides access and protection for one of the most significant marine areas of Whatcom County, the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve, recognized for its kelp forests, herring spawning, and importance to fisheries.
28. FRAGRANCE LAKE
A great starter day hike for your family. The trailhead is close to Larrabee Park. Here's a link to a website that gives a good description of Fragrance Lake.
29. MARINE PARK
-a sandy beach in Fairhaven near the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, find link here.
30. LOCUST OR WHIRLWIND BEACH
-Bellingham has newly acquired this beach. When the tide is high, you can watch kiteboarders and skimboarders.
Directions: Exit Interstate 5 toward Bellingham International Airport. Turn left on Bennett Drive, right on McAlpine Road, then left on Locust Avenue. A trail on the right side of the end of Locust Avenue leads to a staircase to the beach.
31. Craters of the Moon: Idaho
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