Sponsored by Visit Issaquah
About the sponsor: Visit Issaquah is the city’s official Destination Marketing Organization, working to showcase Issaquah’s vibrant arts and cultural events, outdoor recreation activities, and scenic beauty.
Family members of all ages will enjoy a visit to Issaquah, Washington. Whether traveling with littles or tweens and teens, there’ll be no whining or eyerolls to be found. Every moment is designed to delight and entertain, promising a whirlwind of laughter, learning, and endless fun. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure.
Family Adventures in Issaquah
From visiting a 12-foot-tall troll sculpture to tasting delicious chocolates, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained in Issaquah. Here are just a few ideas for family fun.
Outdoors & Nature
Feed the fish, watch a short film about salmon in the Pacific Northwest, and take a behind-the-scenes tour. Explore public art installations and the native plant garden, and watch for wildlife in and around the creek. Tip: Time your visit during spawning season from late August through November for the best chance to see fish in the rearing ponds. Fun is guaranteed with every splash.
Stroll through historic old town and down the forested Rainier Trail to discover the whimsical, 12-foot-tall Jakob Two Trees troll. The wooden sculpture is part of an installation by artist Thomas Dambo.
Discover animals like cougars, lemurs, and sloths while engaging in interactive exhibits while learning about endangered species and conservation efforts.
Play the day away with ziplines, slides, and sandy beaches. Explore wooded trails, observe wildlife, and engage in some exciting birdwatching. Keep an eye out for majestic eagles soaring above the trees. Designed with accessibility in mind, you’ll find an adaptive cycling outpost, adaptive playground, and more.
Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Point
This scenic trail leads to the top spot to view paragliders launching into the sky from the top of Tiger Mountain. Don’t forget to pack snacks and plenty of water to fuel your adventure.
Soar high above the forest with stunning views of the valley below during a tandem flight with Seattle Paragliding. All ages and abilities welcome.
Imagine climbing into a treehouse nestled high above the ground next to a raging river. It’s like living in your own secret hideout in the middle of the forest, where you can explore, take amazing photos, and feel like you’re in a real-life fairy tale. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Shops and Indoor Fun
Watch chocolates being made inside a Swiss Chalet and get to sample freshly made treats. Take a tour of the property and learn why this iconic candy factory is located in Issaquah.
Issaquah History Museum Train Depot
Journey back in time to the city’s beginning and learn about everything from coal mining and timber harvesting to dairy and hops farming. When the train made it to Issaquah, it changed everything!
Strike a pose in front of the amazing wall murals and historic and charming architecture, or pop into local shops.
Find an array of unique boutiques in a historic setting, from record and plant shops to trendy fashion and mod décor stores. Kids can create colorful keepsakes at Mudhouse Pottery Painting, and adults can fuel up at Issaquah Coffee Company.
Arena Sports Family Fun Center
Dive into non-stop fun with arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, and sports simulators before refueling with delicious pizza or hand-pressed burgers from Moe’s Kitchen & Bar.
Attend an Event
Issaquah holds exciting events all year round. As you plan your trip, be sure to check out the Events Calendar for the dates you plan to visit. During the first week of October, you can celebrate the return of the salmon at this two-day festival. More than 150,000 visitors flock to downtown and the salmon hatchery grounds to take in artist booths, enjoy live entertainment, and watch the salmon action at the fish ladder.
Family-Friendly Dining
Whether you’re craving donuts or burgers, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly places to eat. Head to Burgermaster for classic diner options like burgers and fries with a milkshake, or enjoy a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience in historic downtown Issaquah at Levitate Gastropub. For a sweet treat, make your way to Top Pot, a funky café serving handcrafted doughnuts and excellent coffee.
Featured image credit: Seattle Paragliding