We just returned from a weekend camp out on the Olympic Peninsula, the Western area of Washington full of rain forests, coastlines, and Twilight fan gatherings. (The famous Twilight books are set in the town of Forks, a tiny town along Highway 101 — and yes we had to drive through to check it out!) Here are a few of the must-see places to go if you’re planning a trip with kids.
7 Things To Do On The Olympic Peninsula With Kids
1. The Hoh Rain Forest. One of the US’s largest temperate rainforests and a great place to hike, picnic and explore. The National Park Services Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center was under construction when we visited, but they’ve still got plenty of info on things to see. We loved the Hall of Mosses Trail (less than a mile long — super easy for the littlest hikers), and the boys had fun pointing out the trail markers and info guides. There’s a $15 fee for private vehicles (accurate at the time of posting – visit the website to determine current cost) to enter that area of the Olympic National Forest, or you can get in for free with an America the Beautiful Pass or an Olympic National Park Annual Pass. (Fees are increasing on June 1, 2015.) You can download the Hoh Rain Forest brochure (PDF) which includes a general map of the area including picnic areas, camping, and regulations.
2. The giant spruce tree. Just inside the Hoh rainforest is one of the biggest spruce trees on earth — but sadly, half of it was torn out in a big 2014 storm. You can still see the massive base of the tree and the huge section that fell — it’s pretty fun for kids to climb around the roots and logs at the base.
3. Fly kites at the beach. We camped at the Kalaloch Campgrounds, which has direct access to the beautiful, wooded Ruby beach. The kiddos loved taking their kites down to the sand and flying them around, or making sand castles or splashing in the waves. It was a little cool in May, but I don’t think our PNW coastlines ever get super warm even in the dead of summer, but we were fine playing in our sweatshirts. Make sure you pack enough warm, dry clothes to change into! Because this is a favorite park for many, it’s the only National Park Service campground in the Olympics that accepts online reservations for the summer months (this year that’s June 10 – September 20, 2015). It’s first come, first-served in the offseason. Before you go, check out the Kalaloch area brochure and campground status. There are also several easy hikes including the Kalaloch Nature Trail, which is an easy 1-mile loop through the coastal forest. Or take one of the seven beach trails that lead from Highway 101 to the ocean.
4. Visit the tide pools. Another section of the beach a few miles north of our campground, Beach 4, had some excellent tide pools! It’s a bit of a walk down to the beach, and even further to get to the tide pools once you reach the sand, but my boys loved exploring this area. We saw lots of starfish and anemones, collected shells and driftwood (it’s not always allowed to take driftwood from the beach, but this year it’s okay to do!) and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
5. Learn from a Ranger. Ranger talks are new to me — a lot of campsites do a nightly ranger presentation on local animals, plants, ecosystems and more. We went both nights, and my four-year-old was riveted to the presentations, spouting off facts about tsunamis, salmon, and flounders for days afterward. It was a pleasant way to end the day and get some education in too.
6. Forks, WA. If any of the adults are interested in seeing Bella’s hometown (made famous in the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer), the town is just a 40-minute drive from the Hoh Rain Forest visitor center. It’s pretty tiny, and most of the Twilight fan stores have closed down, but you can see a giant “Welcome to Forks” sign for a photo opp and stop at JT’s Sweet Stuffs for ice cream. The Forks Chamber of Commerce has a special Twilight-related page with pictures and information plus you can print your own Twilight Self-guided Tour Map as well as their Guys List of “MANLY” things to Around Forks that aren’t related to Twilight.
7. Explore! We let our boys explore the woods to their hearts’ content (within reason of course — they were always within view, but had the time of their lives thinking they were discovering uncharted forest lands and clearings). These kids had so much fun looking for caterpillars, climbing trees, throwing rocks into creeks and doing all sorts of other outdoorsy activities. I think it’s so good for kids to get outside and play in nature — camping gives an impressive 24/7 opportunity for just that.
Have you visited the Olympic Peninsula? What were your family’s favorite activities?
Choosing a sleeping bag for your child
The sleeping bags sold with the adorable character on them are perfect for sleepovers, but they provide little to no warmth and aren’t for use in camping situations. Children’s sleeping bags are sold like adults with ratings designating how well they work at different temperatures. Choose a bag that goes to your lowest average temperature.
Coleman Snug Bug 30 Degree Youth Sleeping Bag
Turn your kids’ next adventure into a luxury trip with the mummy-style Coleman Snug Bug 30 Youth Sleeping Bag that can help keep them warm in temperatures as low as 30 F
Kid-sized Envelope Sleeping Bags with Compression Storage Bag – Green
This two-tone green option is a 3-season lightweight sleeping bag by Semoo. It’s perfect for mild climates for spring, summer & fall.
Pink Slumberjack 40 Degree Kids Sleeping Bag
Girls 40-degree bag by Slumberjack in pink.
When the temperatures are getting cool, and you need a sleeping bag for your child’s next camping trip, the Backyard Mummy will keep them warm and happy
Coleman Kid Camo 45 Degree Youth Sleeping Bag
Keep your child comfortable while they sleep under the stars with the Coleman Kid Camo 45 Youth Sleeping Bag even when it’s 45 F outside
Coleman Coleman Kids 50 Degree Sleeping Bag
Keep the kids comfortable as they sleep under the stars with the Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag even when it’s 50 F outside …
Wenzel Moose Boys 40-Degree Sleeping Bag, Blue
A fun sleeping bag for your littlest ones next big adventure out in woods or over at their friends
A well-built moderate-weather sleeping bag perfect for car and cabin camping backyard excursions and sleepovers …
Coleman Illumi-Bug 45 Degree Youth Sleeping Bag
Keep the kids comfortable, even when it’s 45 F outside, as they sleep under the stars, with the Coleman Illumi-Bug 45 Youth Sleeping Bag
Coleman Coleman Kids 50 Degree Sleeping Bag
Keep your child snuggly warm as she sleeps under the stars, even when it’s 50 F outside, with the Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag
Coleman Kid’s 50 Degree Sleeping Bag, Pink, 60 x 26-Inch
Keep the children warm and comfy in the tent or under the stars with the Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag even when it’s 50 F outside
Wenzel Summer Camp 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
The perfect bag for your child’s next trip to camp, family camping, or a sleepover at a friend’s house
Kelty Big Dipper 30 Degree Kids Sleeping Bag – Purple
The perfect bag for the young backpacker in training
Kelty Woobie 30 Degree Kids Sleeping Bag – Hot Pink
Designed to keep your toddler cozy warm on their first overnight adventures the Woobie is the perfect starter bag
Coleman Plum Fun 45 Degree Youth Sleeping Bag
Keep the kids comfortable as they sleep under the stars with the Coleman Plum Fun 45 Youth Sleeping Bag even when it s 45 F outside …
The Lucky Bums Muir Sleeping Bag is perfect 40 F (5 C) rated envelope style sleeping bag for kids to stay comfortable during cool nights under the stars backyard camp outs and indoors sleepovers …
SOLID CAMP CHAIRS FOR CHILDREN
Ozark Trail Kids’ Folding Camp Chair (Light Blue)
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Kelty Kids Camp Chair, Smoke/Paradise Blue
Kelty kid s chair gives them a seat of their own …
Built-in Cup Holder Kid’s Folding Camp Chair, Pink
Relax in comfort wherever you go with this Ozark Trail Kid s Armchair …
Kids Folding Camp Chair – Just their size (Orange)
This fun functional kid-sized chair is a must for your next camping trip game picnic or backyard barbecue …
Redmon For Kids Beach Baby ALL-SEASON Umbrella Chair with Matching Shoulder Bag, Aqua
Beach Baby ALL-SEASON Umbrella Chair with Matching Shoulder Bag …
Protect your little one from the elements with the Kelsyus Kids Canopy Chair …
Redmon For Kids Beach Baby Umbrella Camp Chair, Purple
Beach baby kids camp chair with a removable umbrella and matching tote bag …
Redmon Beach Baby Kids Hot Pink Camp Chair with Carrying Case, Umbrella
Beach baby kids camp chair with a removable umbrella and matching tote bag …
Lucky Bums Quick Camp Chair, Blue
The Lucky Bums Kids Camp Chair is perfect for any outdoor or indoor setting …
Redmon For Kids Kids Folding Camp Chair, Blue
Your child will love to take their very own Kids Folding Camp Chair to the beach camping picnics sporting events and family outings …
Lucky Bums Moon Camp Chair, Green – Large
Your little one can rest comfortably and easily wherever your adventures take you with the help of the c
Chair One Mini Camp Chair – Child Size (Black)
Lightweight folding kid s camp or backpacking chair …
Arctic Monsoon Camp Foldable Saucer Moon Chairs for Kids Youth Camping
Arctic Monsoon camping chair CP1 – the best companion with its folding portable and lightweight feature ideal choice for fishing family outing camping boating traveling relaxing or more …
S&D John Deere Child Camp Chair – Pink
This officially licensed John Deere folding camp chair is perfect for your pint-sized John Deere fan Made of durable materials …
PRINT CAMP CHAIRS FOR KIDS – CHARACTERS, SPORTS & CUTSIE
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Flex Octopus Folding Beach Chair for Kids
With vibrant colors and adorable Flex Octopus artwork this portable chair has style to spare It opens to reveal a comfy seat and handy cup holder then folds easily to store in the matching cinch-close pouch …
This Ozark Trail Kids Chair is great for your little outdoor enthusiast …
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Happy Giddy Outdoor Folding Lawn and Camping Chair
Bold stripes and big bug eyes provide a unique seat when your busy child needs to take a break …
Wilcor Kids Black Bear Folding Camp Chair with Cup Holder and Carry Bag
This adorable black bear folding camp chair for kids is made of high strength durable steel frame and a comfortable strong nylon material and includes armrests and a cup holder …
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Bella Butterfly Outdoor Folding Lawn and Camping Chair
Your child will be sitting pretty with Bella in this delightful folding chair with its brightly striped and sturdy metal frame …
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Cutie Pie Butterfly Folding Lawn and Camping Chair
Your child will be sitting pretty with Cutie Pie in this delightful folding chair with its brightly colored fabric and sturdy metal frame …
Ozark Trail Durable Polyester Fabric Kids’ Chair, Pink
Your little one can sit back and relax comfortably wherever you are with the Ozark Trail Kids Chair …
NFL Seattle Seahawks Tween Camp Chair
Support your favorite NFL team with the NFL Tween Camp Chair The chair is perfect for any Seattle Seahawks fan …
NFL Green Bay Packers Tween Camp Chair
Support your favorite NFL team with the NFL Tween Camp Chair The chair is perfect for any Green Bay Packers fan …
NCAA Mississippi Old Miss Rebels Toddler Chair
This chair is designed for the Junior Fans …
NFL Denver Broncos Tween Camp Chair
Support your favorite NFL team with the NFL Tween Camp Chair The chair is perfect for any Denver Broncos fan …
NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Tween Camp Chair
Support your favorite NFL team with the NFL Tween Camp Chair The chair is perfect for any Pittsburgh Steelers fan …
The ideal easy to carry chair for camping picnics sporting event and more This lightweight folding chair has a material seat and back emblazoned with Paw Patrol Ages 3-10 Maximum weight 50 kgs 110 lbs …
Disney Frozen Solid Camp Chair w/Arms
Your little Frozen fan can kick back and relax with the family in this cute and convenient Disney Frozen folding armchair …
The ideal easy to carry chair for camping picnics sporting event and more This lightweight folding chair has a material seat and back emblazoned with Paw Patrol Ages 3-10 Maximum weight 50 kgs 110 lbs …
Spiderman Youth Folding Chair with Armrest and Cup Holder
Sit in a chair that fits your size every kid will enjoy using this around the campfire or just in the play room …
Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron Kids Folding Chair w/ Cup Holder and Carry Bag
Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron folding armchair is perfect for toddlers and small children …
DreamWorks Trolls Poppy Fold N Go Chair – Kids
DreamWorks Trolls folding armchair is perfect for any toddler or small child …
Dreamworks Kids Trolls Camp Chair, Purple
Dream works trolls kids camp chair features a durable steel frame armrests and a cup holder …
Disney Doc McStuffins Folding Lounge Chair
Whether it’s sitting on the beach or watching TV at home your child will love sitting in his or her Doc McStuffins Lounge Chair
Nickelodeon Kids Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Camp Chair
Tiny Turtles fans can take their favorite group of teenage ninjas anywhere with them using this camp chair …
CAMPING GAMES – BOARD GAMES, CARD GAMES, PHYSICAL GAMES AND MORE
Toasted or Roasted is an offensive/defensive game where to win, players must start their fire and toast three marshmallows while trying to prevent others from doing the same.
With four levels of questions, Fishing Camp will challenge a 4-year-old as well as a 70-year-old
Camp is a fun board game where both children & adults can play & learn fun facts about the great outdoors
The Travel Edition of the award-winning CAMP game is very compact and mobile with a unique design
UNO is on a new adventure in the great outdoors This classic card game of matching numbers and colors now has a fun wilderness theme
Karibou camp has players taking on the role of camp counselors on a nature hike
Spot It! Gone Camping Card Game
Spot it is a one-of-a-kind card game for every generation
S Mores the Card game that’s fun for the whole family
Compact Travel Edition Why Knot? Camper’s Knot Tying Kit/Game
Learn the Art of Knot Tying with the original Knot Tying Kit Game by Ramco Games for Scouts Climbers Hikers Campers and Outdoor lovers
The game involves multiple realistic toy parts creating a unique pretend play with mock pan stove lantern utensil set as well as real tent made of cloth in a creative playtime the best welcome gift for kids of age 3 and more
Learning Resources LER9247 New Sprouts 10 Piece Camp Out Play Set
Develop imaginative play while camping out in the comforts of home or keep them busy while you set up camp.
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Camp Set
This 9-piece realistic camp set encourages independent or collaborative play
Field games like races can make a child s birthday party a backyard barbecue a family reunion or a day at the park a whole lot more fun but getting ready for them can be a hassle
Triumph Sports 2-in-1: 3-Hole Bag and 3-Hole Washer Toss
Have hours of fun with two classic lawn games in one – Triumph Sports 3-Hole Tournament Bag Toss and 3-Hole Washer Toss With washer toss each player takes a turn throwing three washers towards the opposite team’s board
Indoor Outdoor Horseshoes Game Set With Travel Bag Camping Fun
Tell family and friends that you’ll bring the chicken to your next family gathering Flicking Chicken is a crazy new yard game played with rubber chickens
The Elite Sportz Equipment Ring Toss Game Set is a complete game set that can be used outdoors or indoors
CAMPING EDUCATIONAL TOYS
DESCRIPTION These are not toy binoculars BESPIN has developed these with the concept that a child should be able to enjoy learning about the wonders of the outdoors.
CAMPING ACTIVITY AND COLORING BOOKS
Camping Activity Book for Families: The Kid-Tested Guide to Fun in the Outdoors
Camping Activity Book for Families offers up a wide variety of activities games crafts songs and good old-fashioned fun for parents and children to share in the wonders of the outdoors
Camping Fun Sticker Activity Book (Dover Little Activity Books Stickers)
Help this BUSY, fun-loving family of five set up camp in the great outdoors
12 magnetic board games that will keep your kids endlessly entertained
Crazy Camping Critters Sticker Activity Book (Dover Little Activity Books Stickers)
Bring along these nutty animals on your next trip to decorate your camping journal. 52 reusable stickers include rabbits, frogs, birds and other critters enjoying their campsite.
Peppa Pig and the Camping Trip
Let your little one relive their camping trip or plan for their first with this adorable book. Peppa Pig packs up the sleeping bags for a camping trip complete with a camper van full of surprises
Camping: Merit Badge Series – Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America s Merit Badge Series pamphlet for Camping
Printable Camping Games Pack [Download]
Printable Camping Games – a pack of seven kids activities for camping, Rainy Day games, Camp-Tastic Mad Libs, Cute Critters Trivia, Camping Olympics Tent Charades and much more
Education Outdoors Camp Activity Book
48 pages of content this activity book for kids that will help educate and stimulate your children’s excitement about the great outdoors
The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book of Campfire Fun (Family Fun)
This book in the Family Fun series has everything you need to know about having a fun and safe campfire
Games-2-Go: 6 Game Activity Book with Picture Changing Cover
Six games perfect for the car, train, or plane rides are camping.
Wow. That is a big tree! Sad though that it was damaged. I did not know there is so much to do at the Olympic Peninsula! We’d seriously consider a trip there. I love those sleeping bags too. I may get two of them for my boys. They are always out somewhere with their friends camping, hiking, or exploring virgin beaches.
Those sleeping bags all look so comfy. It has been a long time since we went out camping as a family. The kids are a grown up now and are busy with other stuff. Maybe we can organize a road trip to the Olympic Peninsula. A weekend of hiking and camping. Just like old times. 🙂
This is an amazing list. I don’t have kids but I would love to do all these things myself!
Of course, our favorite thing ever is to explore. My kids never get enough of it.
That’s really nice! I think it’s great to take the kids here. It wouldn’t just be fun but also a good learning experience for them.
There really is so much to enjoy in the Olympic Peninsula. I think it’s awesome that you can do so much with the kids. We’re in need of sum catching up and some quality time together and this looks like the place to be!
I love these camping gears! Looks like we need to go out camping soon and visit Olympic National Park! Thanks for your tips!
One of our favorite things to do together as a family is be outdoors. I need to plan a quick trip for Father’s Day, but your shopping suggestions will make getting ready easy.
What a great way to spend time with the family! We also love doing things outside.
What a great vacation idea! And thanks for all the info on the accoutrements! We use some of that stuff when we sent the kid to sleep away camp!
These all seem like awesome outdoor activities to do with kids! Of course, my mind went to Twilight when I read the one about Forks!
That bear camping chair is so cute. I wish it came in a bigger size so I could get one myself.
These all sound like fun activities. I would love to fly kites at the beach or check out the tide pools.
Olympic National Park would be so much fun to see with the kids! There’s so much amazing stuff there!
Oh wow! That tree is huge! I love to explore forests like that. We love getting out and enjoying nature.
It has been a long time since I have been to the west side of Washington State, but it looks like a lot of fun to take the family to see the Olympic Peninsula. I want to go there and see it again! The sites are gorgeous and fun to see.