Hear that? It’s the sound of the last school bells washing away by the perfect waves on the 28-mile shore of Long Beach. There’s something magical about our evergreen coastline in the summer months. Temperatures are mild, creating pristine conditions for the confetti of activities all over the region. With the gentle climate, our small towns are a mosaic of vibrant colors, lively events, and stunning natural wonders perfect for cherished moments. Load up the dogs, the kids, and all the adults, and get ready to create a holiday adventure you’ll return to year after year. Let’s dive in and plan some activities for your perfect family summer vacation in Washington!
Perfect Family Fun Summer Holiday Activities
Leisurely fun and small-town experiences are abundant in Pacific County. Fill your days with family-friendly activities designed to capture the simple joy of spending summertime by the shore. Strolling through our coastal towns is a sensory delight: the sound of laughter from the arcades, the scent of waffle cones in the air, and the sight of colorful kites dotting the sky wash over you in a symphony of happiness. These moments are the essence of a perfect family summer vacation in Washington. With hundreds of joyful things to do, see, and eat, you can create a new adventure each time you visit.
Funland Family Fun Center
One of your first stops should be a fun center. Is there anything more delightful than a classic arcade by the beach? Enjoy the charm of the Funland Family Fun Center in the heart of Long Beach. This entertainment complex has classic games and laser tag for the inner child in all of us. There will be giggles galore as you compete against each other to earn the most prize points. Win a stuffie for your loved one and take home bragging rights.
Thrills at Fun Beach Speedway
Speaking of bragging rights, get ready to put the pedal to the metal. Just a stone’s throw away from Funland lies Fun Beach Speedway. Find your need for speed with their thrilling go-karts. As you race your family around the track, you’ll feel the wind in your hair. There are double karts available for children too young to drive. If you’re looking for a swinging good time, add a game of mini golf on the neighboring course.
Take a Family Bike Ride
Image Courtesy of: Walter Dorsett
If you’d rather be on two wheels, the towns of Pacific County are a bike-friendly bonanza. Every city, from Long Beach to Raymond, has places to pedal. The meandering roads can take you along the tempestuous Pacific Coast or the dreamy Willapa Valley. For a leisurely ride, ride through downtown in any one of our cities. Forget your bike at home? Don’t sweat it! Bike rental locations are all around town.
Summer Vacation Family Movie Night
Image Courtesy of: Danelle Dodds
Not all thrills are behind or on the wheels. Sometimes, your perfect family summer vacation in Washington calls for a movie night. Catch blockbusters at the Neptune Movie House in the center of Long Beach. The turquoise theater is close to everything, and the popcorn is constantly popping. If you’re looking for something with more history, keep your eyes on the Raymond Theatre’s line-up. The retro theatre, built in 1928 in downtown Raymond, occasionally plays celluloid classics that you can enjoy in a historical environment.
Go Fly a Kite!
Image Courtesy of: WSIKF
Our windswept coastline is famous for its gusts, which explains why we’re home to the annual Washington State International Kite Festival and the World Kite Museum. Enjoy the gusty fun by flying kites with your loved ones on our breezy shores. Visit Stormin’ Norman’s or Wind World Kites to buy the latest wind toys and start flying!
Coffee and Crafts at the Kraken Kafe
Image Courtesy of: Danelle Dodds
If you’re feeling a little more artistic, visit the Kraken Kafe. Located on Pacific Ave in Long Beach, this enchanting shop is part coffee café, ice cream shop, and crafty corner. The aroma of rich coffee and sweet treats will greet you the second you open the door of their cheerfully pink building. A full drink menu of coffee beverages, smoothies, and refreshers is waiting to wet your whistle. Delectable snacks, local candies, and creamy ice cream are on hand for your snacking pleasure. But it’s their crafting corner that makes it an ideal activity for your perfect family summer vacation in Washington. Peruse their gallery for your desired craft and settle in while you paint, bedazzle, and art your way into your new creation. The fun times will keep you occupied for hours. Sip and enjoy time together as the foot traffic ambles by the picture windows.
Memory-Making Museums
For a cultural activity, look no further than the local art and history displayed in the myriads of museums scattered across Pacific County. From kites to culture, our museum’s rich history and captivating exhibits make them the ideal outing for your perfect family summer vacation in Washington.
Get carried away at the Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond. Their more than 60 meticulous vehicles transport you to a bygone era of beautifully restored horse-drawn carriages and wagons. In Ilwaco, the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum offers a fascinating dive into the maritime and cultural legacy of the Columbia-Pacific’s diverse heritage. Meanwhile, the Appelo Archives Center in Naselle serves as a cozy treasure trove of local history, celebrating the Finnish-American experience. Immerse yourself in the coastal culture of the Shoalwater Bay Museum in Tokeland. While technically not a museum, it wouldn’t be a perfect holiday without a visit to Marsh’s Free Museum. Home to vintage arcade games, freaky taxidermy creations, curiosity gifts, and the infamous Jake the Alligator Man, Marsh’s is a wild way to spend a few hours together.
Our charming museums educate and enchant you, adding a delightful dimension to your perfect family summer vacation in Washington.
Get Out in the Great Outdoors
With seven state parks in our region, there are plenty of places to find natural wonder during your visit to our coastline. Embark on family-friendly hikes that meander through forests, along marshes, and over the dunes. Take trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, hidden coves, and historic lighthouses. Keep an eye out for wildlife; you might spot bald eagles, deer, and even the occasional whale off the coast. Try your hand at fishing or clamming for even more fun. The tranquility and natural splendor of our evergreen coast are essential elements of the perfect family summer vacation in Washington.
Summertime Snacks by the Shore
All of these activities are bound to make you hungry. Snacking by the shore on regional treats should be mandatory on your perfect family summer vacation in Washington. Stopping for yummies while you stroll around town is a heavenly way to enjoy your holiday.
Snag a waffle cone of creamy delights at Scooper’s Market. Load up on the wild flavors of saltwater taffy from the Long Beach Candy Company. Grab molasses cookies from Sadie and Josie’s Bakery. Lucky for us, we have no shortage of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Image Courtesy of: Danelle Dodds
Order a pizza or calzone at Serious Pizza + in Ilwaco if you’re in a savory mood. Their hearty menu includes incredible gluten-free and vegan options for your dietary-restricted family members. Snag anything from frybread tacos to coastal crepes at the food truck corner off Sid Snyder Drive in Long Beach.
If you’d rather sit down and slow down, bring the crew to the Lost Roo for a family-fun atmosphere and food specials. Or load up on freshly-made sandwiches, salads, and treats perfect for a beachside picnic from V’s Coastal Market & Deli.
Capturing the Spirit of a Perfect Family Summer Vacation in Washington
Pacific County’s diverse offerings ensure that every member of your family can find something to love. No matter what you choose, each activity will add a new memory to your scrapbook of your perfect family summer vacation in Washington. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready to spend your vacation at the shore.
By: Danelle Dodds
Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.