Itching to take the kids on a memorable family vacation in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest? Well, one thing we can promise is that you will probably discover the perfect refuge in this selection of gorgeous family-friendly resorts in Washington state bound to please everyone from outdoor enthusiasts and adventure junkies to those much-needed relaxation seekers. Top-picked List of the Best Family Resorts in Washington State for 2024
Introduction: Exploring Family-Friendly Destinations in Washington
Families looking for a relaxing and exciting holiday will find it in Washington state. From the jagged coastline to the Royal Cascade Mountains, this state offers a multitude of landscapes and attractions for travelers young and old. From luxury family resorts Washington to budget escapes, these are the best family resorts in Washington.
However, there are a number of factors that weigh in the decision – location, activities for all ages, amenities, and dining options to name just a few; so we have recommended resorts—some almost guaranteed not-crowded—and home base picks based on budget-friendly choices. Want to stay near iconic destinations like Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park? Do the kids want ziplines, waterslides, and excitement at one of the family waterpark resorts in Washington, or nature programs that educate? Possibly, the parents are just dreaming of a spa day or wine tasting at one of the luxury family resorts Washington has to offer. There are many great family resorts in Washington that cater to families, so you can likely find the perfect fit for your family.
What Makes a Great Family Resort in Washington?
All of the top family resorts even provide some sort of kid’s/teen club that will guarantee your kids have an out-of-this-world experience too. They host a variety of accommodations to suit needs and budgets, with cozy cabins, sprawling suites, and plenty of age-appropriate activities, games, and events to keep the kiddos occupied.
For parents, this may include the option of cribs and baby gear, kid’s clubs for some adult alone time, family-friendly dining with good children’s menus. Extra points for family-friendly resorts Washington offers, with pools, play areas, sports courts, and proximity to local excursions. Excellent service is essential, with staff that love kids and want to help your family have a vacation that will make memories for years.
Top Family Resorts to Check Out on Your Luxury Escapes
Hitting the road for a really luxurious escape? Pay up to bed down in one of Washington’s luxury family resorts. Located in the beautiful North Cascades, Sun Mountain Lodge resides where luxury rustic lodging meets gourmet farm-to-table cuisine and a world-class spa. Children will adore the heated outdoor pool, game room, tennis courts, and horseback riding.
Campbell’s Resort: On the banks of Lake Chelan, this upscale choice for families offers chic guest rooms and suites, upscale waterfront dining options, a beach, and a pool with cabanas offering water sports activities (for an extra charge), as well as a full-service spa. Something as simple as water sports could keep the kids busy, and if all else fails, your family can enjoy outdoor movies—always a hit among children—or take a float plane tour across the crystal blue waters straight over vineyards.
For a full splurge, stay at Salish Lodge & Spa with rooms overlooking the majestic Snoqualmie Falls. With panoramic views of the river from guest rooms, some with fireplaces and jetted tubs as well, this landmark resort even treats visitors to its own Country Breakfast, complete with honey harvested straight from hives onsite. Most impressive for kids is the indoor pool, board games in your cabin or at Falls Branch waterfall (it’s just a short hike to get here), and milk & cookies delivered to your room before bed.
For the Whole Family: Economical Family Resorts in Washington
You do not have to spend a great deal of money in order for everyone in the family to enjoy playing, relaxing, and eating at an excellent resort. Below, you’ll find nine budget gems throughout Washington where comfortable lodging and enjoyable amenities come at a fraction of the luxury price.
Seabrook, a picturesque beach town resort located on the Olympic Peninsula, offers vacation rentals from small cottages to large family homes. You will enjoy the relaxed coastal feel of this historic opulence, complete with fire pits, parks, and a pool just for you; not to mention all the quirky shops and eateries. Learn how to surf, bike around the island, play games at the arcade, or roast marshmallows.
Shifting further south to Long Beach, Breakers Resort is a popular destination for families wanting an old-school beach break. This retro-chic hotel has a pool, game room, and free bike rentals near the bustling beach boardwalk. Kids will have fun making sandcastles, flying kites, horseback riding, and exploring the world-famous Jake The Alligator Man at Marsh’s Free Museum just up Fifth Street from this family beach resort in Washington.
In the mountains, Lake Wenatchee State Park cabins and yurts are a budget-friendly splurge. During the days, you can swim, go for a paddle in your kayak, or even just explore one of the island’s many hiking trails and be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife before gathering around under stars by night. The Junior Ranger activity book is for kids, and they can participate in daily educational ranger programs.
Adventures and Activities: Action-Packed Family Resorts in Washington
The best family resorts are the ones that put everyone together, with a full itinerary of adventures and events for all ages and interests. Basketball, biking and hiking trails (over 40 miles), golf on two championship courses, tennis, pickleball, archery, or even ax throwing—you make the call at Suncadia Resort, nestled lushly into Washington State’s Cascades region. During the winter, try ice skating, tubing, and cross-country skiing, or warm up with a hot cocoa by the fire.
Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound is an indoor waterpark with slides, pools, and places to splash that kids will love. On dry land, the fun never stops—with meeting characters, PJ parties, a ropes course on the top deck, a bowling alley, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and MagiQuest fantasy scavenger hunts. Let parents be a part of the excitement or maybe have them relax at some R&R in the spa.
For an eco-adventurous trip, check out what Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort has to offer in Leavenworth. Families have the option of hiking with a naturalist in Icicle Canyon, horseback riding, fly fishing, and stargazing at the Observatory. The resort features an organic garden and serves sustainable, local meals.
Wellness and Relaxation: Spa Family Resorts in Washington
It is important that parents get pampered as well. Choose resorts that have their own built-in spas, wellness programs, and more family-appropriate ways to spend your free time with the fam. The Seattle-based Alderbrook Resort & Spa at Hood Canal in neighboring Washington features a magical spa with a saltwater pool, sauna, and treatments using 100% locally sourced ingredients such as pine oils from evergreens or maple scrub. Enjoy a waterfront beach walk, play a round of golf, go clamming/crabbing, or sit by a bonfire with S’mores on the beach.
For wine-loving parents, the Cave B Inn & Spa at Sage Cliffe in Washington’s Columbia River Gorge ranks high. Explore the vineyards on site and drop by the tasting room to enjoy some of the fine wines grown here, or tuck in at the gourmet Tendrils restaurant. Children can paddle in the pool, enjoy the Cavern Club play area, and participate in cliff-top outdoor concerts.
Lakeside Lodge and Suites in Chelan offers breathtaking vistas from their infinity pool, relaxing hot tubs, kayaking off your private beach and dock, or group stargazing around community fire pits. This family-friendly resort in Washington features suites with full kitchens for meals and game nights, and you can enjoy boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the glacier-fed waters.
Dining Options: On-Site Restaurants and Kid-Friendly Menus in Washington
Good food is an essential element of any vacation worth its salt. Onsite dining at Washington’s best family resorts pleases the pickiest eaters and foodie parents alike. Try either the upscale PNW fare at Cascade Dining Room or down-home dining options at Greenside Grill—both located on property at Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge. Children will enjoy the exciting themed buffets and complimentary ice cream bars.
At Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Packers Oyster Bar is a casual waterfront dining spot that serves coastal cuisine inspired by local farms, ranches, and fisheries. The children’s menus offer familiar and healthy favorites. Swing by #SemiahooDeli for a picnic to eat on the beach or take advantage of one of our Seahawks Kids Club cooking classes.
Foodie families will find a lot to like at Willows Lodge in the Woodinville Wine Country. Chef Bobby Moore’s family meals include charcuterie boards of local cheeses, fresh berries, and a kid-friendly weekend Brunch in Barking Frog restaurant, where children under 12 eat free.
Tips for Choosing the Right Family Resort in Washington
It’s important to research the facilities to determine the overall atmosphere, meal packages, and lodging costs before choosing a resort. If traveling with young kids, family-friendly resorts in Washington may offer complimentary babysitting services or kids’ activity clubs. Before planning your vacation, consider your family’s interests and what activities you would like to do while on vacation. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown family waterpark resort in Washington or a quieter, relaxing spa resort, you are sure to find one that suits your family best in this region.
