Family Friendly

Bella Donna

Exceptional Needs

Adults Only

Whale watching

Sunday, May 5
Early spring provides a unique opportunity to view migratory gray whales in the calm, comfortable and protected waters of the Puget Sound. This three-hour boat trip on Sunday, May 5 provides plenty of opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. ($60; ages 13 and younger: $50) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Waterfall tour

Saturday, May 11
 Explore the greatest concentration of waterfalls in the continental U.S. Saturday, May 11. We’ll travel along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which has an abundance of small waterfalls viewable from the road. Bring your camera because we’ll stop at at least five major waterfalls, including the world-famous Multnomah Falls that plunges more than 620 feet. We’ll  stop in Hood River, Ore., for lunch (not included in trip price). ($65; ages 5–12: $40; ages 0–4: $15) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

May

Saturday, May 11
Northwest Adventure Center’s Open House  
Head over to this free event to see what the NAC has to offer! Get a peek inside the lakeside cabins, learn about equipment rental opportunities, check out the community yard sale and purchase discounted outdoor equipment (RV campers, tents, grills, kayaks, snowshoes and more). The event features a rock climbing wall, demonstrations, stocked “fish pond” for youth and more. It’s Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Have sport, yard and house items you want to get rid of? Rent a table at the Northwest Adventure Center’s Open House & Community Yard Sale for $10 and sell your gently loved items. To reserve a table for $10, register and pay at the NAC by Friday, May 10.
The NAC is located at 8050 NCO Beach Rd. at Lewis North. For more information, call 253-967-7744.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Sunday, May 12
  Take a soak at the Sol Duc Hot Springs in the Olympic National Forest Sunday, May 12. This Family-friendly trip is a great way to spend Mother’s Day! There are three mineral hot spring soaking pools and one freshwater pool. Temperatures vary between the pools, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you to relax in. Each mineral pool is drained and cleaned nightly for health and safety purposes. ($50; ages 4–12: $40; ages 0–3: $25) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Whitewater raft the Wenatchee

Sunday, May 12
Join the Outdoor Recreation adventure guides for a trip down the beautiful Wenatchee River Sunday, May 12. We’ll put in near the unique Bavarian town of Leavenworth and paddle through the many exciting class-III rapids. Gear, wetsuit, paddle shoes, gloves, instruction and transportation are included. No rafting experience is necessary — bring mom for an unforgettable Mother’s Day! Minimum age: 12 ($65) Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Saturday, May 18

Bungee jumping
Head to the base of Mount St. Helens to bungee jump off the highest bungee bridge in the country— it’s a full 20 stories high! If adrenaline is what you crave, you won’t be disappointed Saturday, May18. Fee includes two jumps and the coveted Dangerous Sports Club T-shirt (bragging rights are free). Minimum weight: 90 lbs. ($135)

Saturday, May 18

Armed Forces Day
Join the Outdoor Recreation program Saturday, May 18 at Armed Forces Day at Lewis Main. Talk to outdoor adventure guides and try out the climbing wall. For event details, see page 8.

Mountain bike single-track skills class

Sunday, May 19
If you’ve always wanted to go mountain biking, this is the trip for you! Come out Sunday, May 19 for an instructional guide designed for beginners looking to try something new. You’ll spend the day learning the basics, while getting plenty of time to work on your newfound skills. Bike, helmet, gloves and transportation are provided in the trip cost. Location will be determined based on conditions. Difficulty: easy; distance: 5–6 miles; ride time: 4 hours. Minimum age: 12 ($35) Popular Family trip

Seattle outlets and Tulalip Casino

Sunday, May 19
This Sunday, May 19 trip is for the serious bargain hunter! Spend the day shopping at the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall in Marysville at stores such as Oakley, Burberry, Calvin Klein and Chico’s. If you get tired of shopping, a short walk takes you to the Tulalip Resort Casino. Fee includes round-trip transportation. ($35) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Saturday, May 25

Whitewater raft the Wenatchee
Take a trip down the beautiful Wenatchee River Saturday, May 25. We’ll put in near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and paddle through the many exciting class-III rapids. No rafting experience is necessary. Minimum age: 12 ($65; group discounts available) Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Saturday, May 25
Westport bottom fishing
Get out on the open water and start hauling in fish Saturday, May 25. Take a chartered boat trip out of Westport where the rockfish are always plentiful and lingcod are real fighters. Dress in layers and bring lunch, snacks and rain gear. ($130)

Northwest Trek

Explore Northwest Trek on Sunday, May 26. The 723-acre park is home to more than 200 North American animals, a lake, trails and beautiful natural exhibits. You’ll see bighorn sheep, caribou, beavers and grizzly bears from the 55-minute tram tour. Enjoy hands-on experiences in the Discovery Center and Baker Research Cabin, or have lunch at the Fir Bough Café. ($40; ages 5–12: $35; ages 0–4: $20) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Sunday, May 26

Snoqualmie inflatable kayak trip
Go on an exciting inflatable kayak trip in the North Bend area Sunday, May 26. This easy-to-paddle trip puts in at Twin Falls and follows the Snoqualmie River to the town of North Bend. ($50)

Saturday, June 1

Ape Cave adventure
Travel to Mount St. Helens to explore the largest continuous lava tube in the Western Hemisphere Saturday, June 1. Go deep into the underside of a 2,000-year-old lava flow to climb over volcanic formations. In this subterranean environment, the average year-round temperature is a constant 45 degrees, so dress appropriately. Difficulty: easy; distance: 3 miles; elevation gain: 250 feet. Minimum age: 12 ($40)

Saturday, June 1

Heybrook Lookout hike
Short and sweet and a tad bit steep, the hike to the restored Heybrook Lookout makes for a great day trip! Scan the scenic Skykomish Valley from the lookout’s lofty 67-foot high balcony, relish the rugged beauty of Ragged Ridge and stand impressed by Mount Index’s imposing facade. Join us Saturday, June 1. Difficulty: moderate; distance: 2.6 miles; elevation gain: 850 feet; time: 4 hours. Minimum age: 7 ($45)

Woodland Park Zoo family day

Saturday, June 1
Head to the Woodland Park Zoo with your Family Saturday, June 1. Lions and tigers and bears aren’t the only things you’ll see during this interactive zoo experience. You’re sure to love the Zoomazium, just one of the award-winning exhibits Woodland Park Zoo has to offer. ($35; ages 3–12: $28; ages 0–2: $15) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Visit Pike Place Market/Ride the Ducks

Sunday, June 20
You haven’t seen Seattle until you’ve seen it from a Duck! Coast Guard-certified maritime captains will take you on a land-and-water tour of the Emerald City Sunday, June 2. From aboard amphibious World War II–vehicles, you’ll see downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and Fremont before splashing into Lake Union for a spectacular view of the city skyline, luxurious yachts and Sleepless in Seattle houseboats. You’ll have time to walk around Pike Place Market for some wonderful shopping and great food, too. ($45; ages 3–12: $35; ages 0–2: $30) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Saturday, June 8

Nisqually inflatable kayak trip
Explore this local treasure from an exciting-but-easy-to-paddle inflatable kayak Saturday, June 8. ($45)

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Saturday, June 8
Take a soak at the Sol Duc Hot Springs in the Olympic National Forest Saturday, June 8. The pools — three mineral hot spring soaking pools and the freshwater pool — vary in temperature, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for relaxing in. Each mineral pool is drained and cleaned nightly for health and safety. ($50; ages 4–12: $40; ages 0–3: $25) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Saturday, June 8

Hike Tolmie Peak
Tolmie Peak is a day hiker’s special, and you can try it Saturday, June 8. It’s just the right distance and offers the right touch of outdoor magic — an old fire lookout cabin still stands atop the ridge knoll west of the true summit of Tolmie Peak. We might still find a volunteer at the lookout cabin. Once there, we’ll take the time to have lunch and, if open, check out the historic old work room. Difficulty: Moderate; distance: 7.5 miles; elevation gain: 1,100 feet; time: 4 hours. Minimum age: 12 ($40)

Sunday, June 9

Mountain bike Capitol Forest
If you have a mountain bike but aren’t sure where to ride it, head out with us Sunday, June 9. We’ll head to Capitol Forest near Olympia, home to hundreds of miles of some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. This trip is a great chance to meet other bikers and start riding again. Difficulty: moderate; distance: 10 miles; time: 4 hours. Minimum age: 12 ($35)

Sunday, June 9

Hope Island kayak
Join us Sunday, June 9 for a paddle and walk around Hope Island’s beaches and tide pools. Home to wildlife, the island offers the chance to see bald eagles, harbor seals and starfish. Paddle distance: approximately 6 miles. Minimum age: 15 ($40)

Saturday, June 15

ATV adventure in Capitol Forest
Join us for an exciting ride through 91,650-acre Capitol Forest Saturday, June 15. You’ll learn the basics of safe ATV riding while taking a guided ride through the miles of trails Capitol Forest has to offer. Transportation, ATV, helmet and goggles are provided. Difficulty: beginner; distance: 15+ miles; ride time: 3–4 hours. Minimum age: 16 ($125)

Waterfall tour

Explore the greatest concentration of waterfalls in the continental U.S. Saturday, June 15. Traveling along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which has an abundance of small waterfalls viewable from the road, we’ll stop at at least five major waterfalls to include the world famous Multnomah Falls (it plunges more than 620 feet from its origins). We’ll break for lunch in Hood River, Ore. Trip fee includes round-trip transportation. ($65; ages 5–12: $40; ages 0–4: $15) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Explore Victoria, B.C.

Sunday, June 16
Hop on the ferry and spend the day exploring Victoria, B.C., Sunday, June 16. Downtown Victoria has everything from antique shops to artisan chocolate shops. You may also stop in at the Royal B.C. Museum or watch a thrilling IMAX film. The trip fee includes walk-on round-trip ferry ticket. A passport is required. ($100; ages 5–11: $85; ages 0–4: $55) Popular Family trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs

Sunday, June 16

Whitewater raft the Wenatchee
Take a trip down the beautiful Wenatchee River Sunday, June 16. We’ll put in near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and paddle through the many exciting class-III rapids. No rafting experience is necessary. Minimum age: 12 ($65; group discounts available) Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.