tulip_festival_activities_for_kids

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Activities for Kids – 2014

Guest Post By Stephanie Lynn of Skagit Kid Insider

tulip_festival_activities_for_kids Should I bring my kids to the Tulip Festival?  Would they be bored?  What would I do with them?  Those are great questions, and I think I can help!  With a little planning, your stay will be enjoyable for all members of your family. The tulip fields are an amazing place for kids to explore, and there are many Tulip Festival activities for kids!

My number one rule is to dress for the weather AND for the tulip fields.  Tulip fields are full of dirt.  Dirt loves children!  BE OK with that fact before you leave, and don’t forget to pack boots, umbrellas and a change of clothes.

Tulip Festival Activities for Kids – Camera…Action!

Kids are inspired by color. Let them bring a camera – or borrow yours!  Go on a “photo safari”.  See who can take the most interesting pictures of tulips!  Lay on the ground and taking pictures of the tulips above you with a blue sky background.  Take a picture of the inside of a tulip, a petal, the stem, a bug.  How many different tulip varieties and colors can you photograph?  Hold a family photo contest.  Be creative and DON’T FORGET to pose for your 2014 holiday cards!

Tulip Festival Activities for Kids – Let Them Run and Explore!

I would recommend stopping by Tulip Town.  Ride the trolley through the tulip fields for a “sky high” view.  Tulip Town plants some really cool patterns in their fields.  See a replica of a Dutch windmill and bring along your kite to fly in their field, or buy a new kite while you’re there.  The entry fee is $5.

Does your family love to explore museums?  Then you’re in luck!  The Skagit County Historical Museum is just a short walk up the hill from downtown La Conner.  In their exhibits kids can experience the early history of Skagit County.  Learn about the Native Americans who lived here, early transportation and industries, and also the day-to-day life of our early families and settlers.  Museum admission is $10 for families.

Tulip Festival Activities for Kids – Feed Me!

Hungry?  La Conner is ready for you and your family.  There are many restaurants to choose from, even for picky eaters.  Looking for a sweet treat?  Kids will love the ice cream at the La Conner Ice Cream Tower or some sweets from the La Conner Sweet Shoppe.  The Calico Cupboard has great kid food and AMAZING cookies! Print out these La Conner coloring pages for a fun activity while you are waiting for your lunch. Wipe their sticky hands, and head over to Bears N’ Friends for the stuffed animal lover in your family.  Nasty Jacks Antiques has cool stuff to look at and an old time photography studio.  Finally, walk down to the docks and onto the new boardwalk and look at the boats and wildlife on the channel.  Kids LOVE boats and spotting seals and herons (and so do adults)! You can also pick up a La Conner sculpture walking tour map and point out the art along the way.  If your family loves history, be sure to print out the La Conner Walking Tour of Historical Sites guide before you visit.

If an outdoor picnic is more your speed, head towards the Rainbow Bridge where you will find Pioneer Park.  It’s a great place to picnic and has covered shelters with tables.  You and the kids can also explore the marked trails that wind through the park.  The view over the water is AMAZING (holiday card photo op)!

Now, it’s time to head back to the fields for more tulip viewing and picture taking.  When you’ve had your fill, as if that could ever happen, get the wiggles out!  Younger kids can play to their hearts content at the John Hammer Playground on Moore Street.  Do you have a skate board lover in the family?  Head to the La Conner Skateboard Park.  Or, if you’re headed out of town and need an indoor play space, swing by the Children’s Museum of Skagit County and play in their semi-truck or the fishing boat, use the overhead crane then dress-up for an impromptu play on the stage.  Kids always come up with amazing ways to use their imagination when you let them!

Yes – you can bring your kids to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!  Marvel at the tulips.  Play in the dirt.  Eat great food.  Explore the parks. Take pictures.  Most of all… MAKE MEMORIES.

Tulip Festival Activities for Kids – Plan Ahead

If you are planning ahead (good for you!), here are some not-to-miss events you can incorporate into your itinerary:

April 5th-27thKiwanis BBQ – Raises money for children’s organizations in Skagit County

April 6th – 28th Annual Tulip Run – Kids 14 and under FREE

April 6th – La Conner Institute of Performing Arts Emerging Artists Concert

April 12th – Not-So-Impromptu Tulip Parade

April 19thTulip Pedal 

April 19th – State Parks Free Day – No Discover Pass Required (http://adventureawaits.com/2014/01/2014-state-park-free-days/)

April 22ndState Parks Free Day – No Discover Pass Required

April 25th-27thMount Vernon Street Fair 

Easter Events – Check out the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Pioneer Park in La Conner sponsored by the La Conner Volunteer Firefighter’s Association.  Multi-age kids categories for the golden egg hunt with prizes.  There are activities AND yummy hot chocolate and treats!

Finally, you can always check the Skagit Kid Insider events calendar for local family-friendly events and activities and check out the 101+ Things to Do in La Conner.  Thinking of visiting during a different season? Take a look at our Visit La Conner on a Return Trip page to learn more about what’s fun and engaging during each of our four seasons.

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply