Ferry on Puget Sound

Treat the kids to a spring they’ll never forget in Puget Sound. Found in northwestern Washington, Puget Sound is a gathering of small, scenic islands just north of the Olympic National Park. Enjoy the adventures of seatowns like Friday Harbor and Tukwila, or explore the Washington metropolises of Tacoma and Seattle. Let the kids get a good view of Puget Sound from the Space Needle, or reward some recent good grades with a day at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Hundreds of Puget Sound activities await your family – like beaches, zoos and Washington parks – so get on your feet this spring in the Evergreen State.

Set your coordinates for Friday Harbor, a small Puget Sound town home to some incredible whale watching, kayaking, fishing, and any other aquatic adventure you can imagine. Let the kids run loose on the beach where they may collect shells and spot wildlife, or head over to the American Camp National Park for a family picnic. Visiting families are also welcome to the San Juan Golf & Country Club – where dad can get in a game of golf while mom and the kids hit the tennis courts. For the animal lover in your family, adopt a whale at the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, and grab a museum store t-shirt for the road.

Spend your spring in Seattle, and find your favorite kid-friendly spot in the Emerald City. Spend a morning amongst the prolific cherry blossoms of University of Washington, or let your little artist roam through the Seattle Art Museum in downtown Seatown. And to really get your sea legs, check out the Seattle Aquarium – open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and home to some incredible exhibits. Don’t miss the “Puget Sound Fish” display for some insight on the fascinating fish of the area – including an eelgrass exhibit. Challenge your fear of sharks at the “Searching for Sixgills” exhibit, or catch a feeding at the Seattle Aquarium’s underwater dome.

Just south of Seattle, Tukwila is an interesting town home to the Museum of Flight – a great place for the little ones – and many great city parks. Hungry? Grab lunch at the Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's Restaurant in Tukwila for everything from arcade games and prizes to go karts and bumper boats. Enjoy some time in the batting cages this spring – baseball season is almost here – or challenge a family member to a round of miniature golf.

South of Tukwila, Tacoma awaits your family with a day at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Open daily come March, Point Defiance features fascinating animal and aquatic exhibits – not to mention festivities like the 2012 Valentine's Day at the Zoo, and the not-to-be-missed 2012 Earth Day Weekend. Let your wild side free this spring in Puget Sound.

Highway to Walla Walla

Have a blooming good time in east Washington. Spend your spring east of the Wenatchee National Forest in cities like Chelan, and of course, Wenatchee, as the temperatures warm. This beautiful spot of eastern Washington offers everything from golf and fishing to kayaking and whitewater rafting. Stroll through Ohme Gardens, or skip around Squilchuck State Park – one of the many unforgettable parks of Washington. Yet another stunning spot in eastern Washington, the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a must-do during your time in Chelan this spring. Plan for a Sunday at the downtown Yakima Farmer’s Market, or mountain bike through Mount Rainier National Park. You can't beat spring in the Evergreen State.

An ideal way to experience spring is with a visit to Ohme Gardens – a staple of the Wenatchee experience. Open daily starting in mid April, the Ohme Gardens welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free parking and loads of activity. Strap on some comfortable walking shoes and trek down a mile-long stone pathway within Ohme Gardens, allowing amazing views of the Washington Cascades and in-house pools, vegetation and cliffs. Set at the confluence of US Highways 2 and 97A, Ohme Gardens is just three miles north of the Best Western hotel in Wenatchee – where you can rest your feet after a day in cultural Washington.

Set just outside of the Wenatchee National Forest, Chelan is a small and beautiful city found on Lake Chelan’s southeastern tip. Here, visitors may choose from leisurely activities like golf, shopping and wine tastings to adventures in the outdoor mecca that is Washington. You’re first stop, Lake Chelan. A total of 55-miles in length, Lake Chelan is an ideal spot for trout, family picnics, and nature photography. Enjoy your time at the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and check in to the Best Western hotel in Chelan – set right on the water south of Lakeside Park.

Found just southeast of Mount Rainier National Park, Yakima is a charming city known for local produce like apples, wine and hops – and springtime fun for you and your family. Get a taste of the local scene at the Yakima Farmer’s Market every Sunday starting in May in downtown Yakima, or enjoy hikes and bike rides through the stunning Yakima Valley.

As the temperatures rise in eastern Washington, head to the Mt. Rainier National Park – the best place for scenic drives come late May. Bring your mountain bike and hit the five-mile Mowich Lake Road, or zip down the Westside Road in the southwest corner of Mount Rainier. Strap on those boots and hit the park for day hiking – where you can set foot on one of 260 miles of trails like the scenic Shadow Lakes Trail in Sunrise. Get a spring in your step this year in eastern Washington.

Seattle Skyline

It's spring in Seattle, which means the temperatures are rising and festivals, sporting events, and cultural centers await your visit. Explore cultural Washington with a visit to the Space Needle, take the kids to the Seattle Aquarium, or enjoy a cherry blossom-filled tour of the beautiful University of Washington campus. See what exhibits are on display for the spring season at the Seattle Art Museum, or check out the Bellingham Railway Museum for a little industrial history. Enjoy a stunning springtime motorcycle ride through northern Washington, stop by one of Washington’s many parks, or enjoy walking tours of historic Emerald City – all happening this spring in Seattle.

This spring, head to the Seattle Art Museum in downtown Seatown for incredible displays like “SAM Next: Mika Tajima” and “American Art in the 1930s and 1940s.” Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, the Seattle Art Museum Downtown is currently featuring “Gauguin and Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise” from February 9th through April 29th. Discover life in Polynesia in the SAM Simonyi Special Exhibition Galleries, featuring artwork, sculpture and content on famed artist Paul Gauguin. Explore the rest of SAM through a self-guided tour, or enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle gorgeous spring weather.

As winter passes and spring sets in this year in Seattle, experience the Emerald City with unforgettable walking tours of its historic districts. Get your picture in front of the Pioneer Square Totem on your Pioneer Square walking tour, grab a delicious lunch during your International District stroll, or load up on gifts and snacks at the Pike Place Market. Other historic districts ideal for self-guided tours include Ballard – home to Marvin’s Garden Park – and Columbia City, so get on your feet this spring in Seattle.

A scenic drive up Interstate 5 takes Washington visitors to the town of Bellingham – home to the Bellingham Railway Museum and the LinuxFest Northwest. Enjoy a family hike up to Upper Falls in Whatcom Falls Park, or visit in April for the Bellingham Farmers Market – happening every Saturday in downtown Bellingham. A collection of more than 50 vendors, the Bellingham Farmers Market is celebrating its 20th season in 2012. Check out Kids Vending Days on the last Saturday of the month, or discover the Wednesday Market in nearby Fairhaven if you can’t make it on Saturdays.

Just inland of Seattle past the Wenatchee National Forest, the delightful town of Ellensburg also awaits your spring visit. We know you’re not sick of farmers markets, so check out the Kittitas County Farmers Market in downtown Ellensburg, happening each Saturday come May. Located on 4th Avenue in Historic Downtown Ellensburg, the Kittitas County Farmers Market features everything from herbs and produce to jewelry and even dog treats. Unload your market finds at a Best Western hotel in the Seattle area, and enjoy the rest of your spring in northern Washington.

Olympic National Park
Washington Coast

Vancouver, Washington USA – not to be confused with the neighboring northern city which sharing the same name, is on the north shore of the Columbia River. Anchoring Southwest Washington, Vancouver Washington was established nearly 30 years prior to its northern namesake. Across the Columbia River from Portland, Vancouver is the commercial, economic and cultural hub for southwest Washington. With a rich history, heritage and culture, Vancouver is Washington State’s oldest city. The original settlement of Fort Vancouver is now Fort Vancouver National Site, a must see destination for visitors to southwest Washington. A gateway to the Columbia River Gorge and other destinations, the Vancouver area makes a great getaway.

Holidays in Vancouver are delightful. Take a step back to holidays past at Fort Vancouver. Take a Lantern Tour through the Fort’s buildings experiencing what an evening while you carry your own lantern. Visit Fort Vancouver on December 10th for the 2011 Christmas at the Fort. Experience the holiday as it was in the 1840s with carols, toy making and demonstrations – a visit to Fort Vancouver makes a wonderful family activity.

From December 3rd through the 20th, the 2011 Christmas Ship Parade fills the Columbia River. Each night up to 60 boats twinkling and decorated for the season, parade down the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The Parade can be seen from various locations along the river – check the schedule near your Vancouver location. The Christmas Ship Parade celebrates its 57th year in 2011.

Kelso, north of Vancouver on Interstate 5, is a gateway to Olympic National Park, the town of Tumwater offers visitors another spectacular outdoor paradise. Less than three miles from Olympia, the Washington State Capitol, visitors have a diversity of options for fun. From the Casinos of Lucky Eagle, Red Wind and Little Creek to Madsen Family Cellars and Northwest Mountain Winery, travelers to Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey have good choices for entertainment.

Ocean Shores on Washington’s coast extends along the 6-miles peninsula to the mouth of Grays Harbor. Fall and winter visitors are treated to the sight of magnificent coastal storms, beautiful Washington Coast sunsets and prime habitat for digging razor clams. A year-round destination, check the calendar for the Beachcombers Fun Fair and Razor Clam Festival in March or Antique and Arts shows in February and April. Winter is a different and dramatic experience in Ocean Shores.

Spokane Clock Tower

A Spokane spring is just what you need. A fixture of eastern Washington, Spokane is the largest city in the county, and not far from the Idaho border and city of Coeur d’Alene. Traveling families may hit fascinating cultural centers like the Armed Forces and Aerospace Museum, while vacationing couples may explore the wine country that is Kennewick. Head to the nearby Toyota Center for spring shows like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in late February, and Rain – a tribute to The Beatles – in mid March. Check out the 2012 Spring Festival in Moses Lake come May, or enjoy a hike in Ephrata – an excellent way to experience outdoor Washington this spring.

Spokane is a beautiful spring destination thanks to the region’s plant life – dubbing the town "Lilac City." This May, catch the 2012 Lilac Festival – home of the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade – or register yourself in the 2012 Lilac Bloomsday Run. A Spokane tradition since 1977, this 12-kilometer race features over 40,000 runners and starts in downtown Spokane – ending at the Spokane County Courthouse after a trip up the Doomsday Hill.

Not that you’ll be spending too much time indoors this spring in Spokane, but when you do, visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture – home of the Historic Campbell House. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the MAC features exhibits like “Seeing Impressionism: Europe, America and the Northwest” until late February, and “DIG IT! The Secrets of Soil” starting in early February. Don’t miss your chance to tour the Historic Campbell House, best followed by lunch at Café MAC. No matter when you visit, you can always catch museum collections of American Indian, Regional and Fine Art, during your time at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Kennewick makes spring look good. A member of the Tri-Cities of Washington, Kennewick is a perfect day trip for visitors to Spokane – just a scenic, three-hour drive away. Kennewick is a staple of Washington wine country – acting as the epicenter to more than 150 wineries within 60 miles. Visit the vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms of Columbia Valley like the 360 Cellars Estate, open Thursday through Sunday – or the Badger Mountain Vineyard & Powers Winery and Barnard Griffin Winery, both open daily.

Spring’s your chance to head to Moses Lake for the 2012 Spring Festival – happening in late May. That Saturday night, make your way to downtown Moses Lake for the 32nd Annual Kiddie Parade, followed by the 2012 Moses Lake Grand Moonlight Parade. Try your hand in the Lip Sync Contest, or leave it to the professionals during 2012's headliner performances. Cut loose in the Spring Festival Carnival, or check out the Spring Festival Car Show – hosted by the Moses Lake Classic Car Club. Make your Memorial Day Weekend count in Moses Lake during your spring in eastern Washington.

Cascades National Park

Spring comes alive in the Washington Cascades. Visitors to the Evergreen State may choose from spring festivals, historic sites and the famed Bavarian Village during a getaway to the Cascades of the northwest. Head to Moses Lake in late May for the 2012 Spring Festival over Memorial Day Weekend, or take a hike through one of the stunning state and national parks of Washington. Enjoy a motorcycle ride down a scenic byway, or take a stroll through museums and art galleries for a look at Washington’s cultural side. Set yourself free in the Cascades, and see how they put the “green” in Evergreen State this spring.

Known as the City of Subdued Excitement, Bellingham is set on the Bellingham Bay – just an hour and a half north of the Seattle metro area. History buffs, enjoy your morning at the Bellingham Railway Museum – just one mile away from a Best Western hotel in Bellingham – or check out the quirky 2012 Bellingham Wig Out in late May.

What’s that on your head? A wig! Happening each Friday before Memorial Day, the spring-welcoming 2012 Bellingham Wig Out – a celebration of National Wig Out Day – features parades, contests, and shopping all in downtown Bellingham. See who’s crowned the Wee Wigster, enjoy yourself at the Wig Out Party, and follow the party to the Ski to Sea Parade at the end of the weekend.

Set on the border of the Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth is beautiful city and fixture of the Washington Cascade region. A suburb of the Wenatchee metro area, Leavenworth is better known as the Bavarian Village. Rich in German culture, Leavenworth features everything from antique shopping and traditional German cuisine to festivals and outdoor recreation.

Get festive this spring in Leavenworth. Spend a romantic Valentine’s Day at the 2012 Leavenworth Wine & Chocolate Festival – starting February 10th – or welcome the spring with the 2012 Spring Sensation celebrating Leavenworth’s pear culture throughout April. Sample your way through downtown at the Taste of Leavenworth in early April, and wash it down with the 2012 Ale-Fest at Festhalle later that month. Sign up for the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest happening in late May, or wait till June for the Leavenworth Wine Walk – a day of galleries, grapes and good times in downtown Leavenworth.

Set in the southern half of the Washington Cascades, the city of Vancouver awaits your spring visit with a trip to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. History buffs rejoice with guided tours of this national park and nearby McLoughlin House. Take a spring stroll down a historic pathway, sign up for an audio tour of Fort Vancouver, or enjoy a ranger-led lantern tour of the fort with the family – at night. Make your spring count this year in the Washington Cascades.