SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Summer Activities
A Family Guide to Skagit County
Whether your family thrives on outdoor thrills or prefers more structured learning experiences, Skagit County offers an array of activities to satisfy every age and interest. This guide will navigate you through the best of what summer has to offer, ensuring your visit is packed with cherished memories, from splashing in pools and lakes to cheering at local fairs and sending your kids on inspiring educational journeys. Get ready to explore, play, and connect in the heart of the Pacific Northwest!
Lest’s Dive In: Swimming Areas & Water Sports
Fidalgo Pool in Anacortes is a popular community hub that features an indoor pool for recreational swimming. Additionally, it offers lap lanes for
fitness enthusiasts, aquatic exercise classes, and a swim school, making it a versatile option for both play and fitness.
During summer, various Burlington City Parks, such as Maiben Park, come alive with interactive splash pads. These free outdoor water play areas are perfect for cooling off on a hot day, featuring jets, fountains, and other playful elements that delight younger children. So bring your sunscreen as these offer a simple, refreshing way to enjoy the warm weather.
Lakes, Rivers and Coastal Waters
For experienced kayakers, the coastal areas near Anacortes provide stunning sea kayaking opportunities. Consider booking a guided kayak tour with Anacortes Kayak Tours for an expertly led exploration of these beautiful waterways. Remember to always check water and current conditions, wear a life vest, and never swim alone in natural areas.
Whale Watching and Marine Excursions from Anacortes
Festivals and Family Fun
Blast From the Past
Kick off the summer while you step back in time at Sedro-Woolley’s “Blast from the Past” in June, a celebration of classic Americana, showcasing a stunning array of vintage cars that will delight auto enthusiasts of all ages. Live music fills the streets, while an eclectic mix of street vendors offer rare finds and delicious bites. It’s a nostalgic and entertaining outing for the whole family, capturing the spirit of a bygone era.
Skagit Valley Highland Games
Does Scottish or Irish blood run deep in your family? Why not immerse your family in rich Celtic heritage at the annual Skagit Valley Highland Games in July? Held at the fairgrounds in Mount Vernon, this lively festival features traditional athletic feats, such as caber tossing, toe-tapping pipe band music, and energetic Highland dancing competitions. Explore clan tents, browse specialty crafts, and savor authentic food, all contributing to a cultural experience that’s both educational and entertaining for the entire family.
Kids R Best Fest
Designed specifically for the younger crowd, Anacortes’s “Kids R Best Fest” happens the second weekend in July and is a whirlwind of pure fun. This festival dedicates itself to children’s entertainment, with a plethora of interactive games, engaging activities, and lively performances. From bouncy houses to craft stations and face painting, every corner is designed to spark joy and creativity, making it a must-visit for families with little ones.
Anacortes Arts Festival
Anacortes brings the party to town with its Arts Festival, held in early August, transforming downtown Anacortes into an outdoor gallery under the sun and performance space by the sea. While known for its incredible vendors and musical acts, families should explore its kid-friendly components, which often include interactive art activities, children’s
performance stages, and family zones. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy art, music, and local food on the shores of Cap Santé.
Skagit County Fair
The Skagit County Fair, held every August at the fairgrounds, is a quintessential summer highlight for families. This event buzzes with awe and excitement, offering thrilling carnival rides, captivating animal exhibits showcasing the Skagit Valley’s agriculture, and live entertainment on multiple stages. Indulge in classic fair food, from corn dogs to elephant ears to cotton candy. The fair’s welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere ensures a day of wholesome fun for all ages.
Seasonal Agricultural Events: Strawberry Picking & Farmer’s Markets
As an agricultural area, Skagit’s roots shine brightly in summer. Beginning in June, the delightful experience of strawberry picking gets underway at local farms like Schuh Farms, where families can gather their own sweet berries fresh from the fields. Or for a truly immersive experience, head straight to Silva Family Farms‘ u-pick blueberry fields.
Throughout the summer, farmers’ markets in Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and La Conner provide a bustling community hub. Here, you can find fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and often live music, offering a taste of Skagit Valley’s bounty.
Summer Camps: Learning and Adventure
Salish Sea School
The Salish Sea School offers immersive summer camps in Anacortes, focusing on marine conservation and environmental stewardship. Catering to children aged 6-18, their programs provide unparalleled hands-on learning experiences aboard boats and on local islands. Activities include whale watching excursions, guided kayaking adventures through diverse ecosystems, and in-depth lessons about the unique Salish Sea environment. This is a fantastic choice for any young explorer passionate about the ocean and its creatures.
Children’s Museum of Skagit County
The Children’s Museum of Skagit County in Mount Vernon hosts engaging summer camps specifically designed for younger children, typically ages 4-10. These camps emphasize play-based learning and hands-on activities, covering a diverse range of themes including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), creative arts, nature exploration, and engineering challenges. Each program encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and imaginative play in a fun and supportive environment, making learning an exciting summer adventure for little ones.
Other Notable Summer Camps in Skagit County
The Skagit Valley Family YMCA in Mount Vernon offers Camp Anderson, an outdoor adventure at Lake Sixteen, featuring archery and canoeing, alongside their Y Kids Summer Day Camp. This licensed program incorporates character development and field trips. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County provide a wide variety of activities, from STEM and arts to sports and engaging field trips, ensuring a diverse and enriching summer experience for children of all interests.
More Family Fun
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Summer in Skagit offers so many opportunities to get outdoors. Explore family-friendly hiking trails at Little Mountain Park in Mount Vernon, offering rewarding views, or stroll along accessible boardwalks at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, perfect for bird watching and spotting wildlife.
Unique Attractions: Lang’s Horse & Pony Farm & Heritage Flight Museum
Looking for a unique experience? Go beyond the usual in Skagit County with attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. At Lang’s Horse & Pony Farm in Mount Vernon, families can enjoy horseback riding, pony rides, and interact with various farm animals – a truly memorable experience for the animal lovers in your family. For aviation enthusiasts of all ages, the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington offers an impressive collection of historic aircraft and aviation artifacts, providing an educational and fascinating glimpse into the history of flight.
Practical Tips for Visiting Families
To maximize your Skagit County summer adventure, consider visiting in July or August for peak festival and fair experiences. Accommodation options abound, from family-friendly hotels with swimming pools, such as La Quinta in Burlington, to full amenities at Anaco Bay Inn in Anacortes, and charming vacation rentals and scenic campgrounds at Washington Park. While a car is recommended for exploring the county, most towns are walkable, with bike rentals available at Skagit Cycle in both Burlington and Anacortes. Paved trails and scenic backroads make great biking opportunities, allowing families to explore the beautiful landscape at their own pace.
Packing Essentials
When packing for your Skagit County summer trip, remember these essentials:
* Sunscreen: Protect against strong summer rays.
* Swimsuits: For lakes, pools, and splash pads.
* Comfortable shoes: Ideal for hiking, exploring festivals, and general sightseeing.
* Layers: Pacific Northwest weather can change, so bring light jackets or sweaters, especially for evening outings.
For unforgettable family summer fun, treat yourself to the magic of Skagit. From exhilarating water sports and refreshing swims to festivals and enriching summer camps, this valley offers an array of activities tailored for every age and interest. Begin making your memories with Skagit Valley.
MaryRose Denton
is a freelance travel writer who grew up in Seattle and now calls Skagit Valley her home. She enjoys writing about local culture, PNW history, and the state’s rich agriculture, along with sustainability and wellness adventures. Her work can be seen in Seatlle Refined, Edible Seattle, NW Travel & Life, State of Washington Tourism, Next Adventue Magazine, the Irish Independent, and her blog MerakiTravels.org