Families planning a Pacific Northwest trip often default to Seattle. But Seattle with kids means high hotel prices, downtown crowds, expensive parking, and a city-pace that is not always restful. Everett, 35 minutes north, offers a completely different experience: genuinely great kids activities, far more affordable accommodation, and access to the same natural beauty without the urban intensity.
Here is how to plan a family trip to Everett that everyone in your group will remember.
Best Kids Activities in Everett
Imagine Children's Museum
The best rainy-day destination in Snohomish County, and one of the finest children's museums in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for kids up to age 12, with an indoor forest, wildlife rescue lab, water play area, climbing structures, and rotating exhibits. Plan to stay at least two to three hours.
Free community access nights on the third Thursday of each month.
Address: 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201
Jetty Island (Summer)
During Jetty Island Days (July 8 to September 6, 2026), the seasonal ferry takes families to a two-mile sandy beach with warm, shallow water that is ideal for young children. The calm, protected shoreline means toddlers can splash safely while parents actually sit down. Ferry reservations required; book early as weekend slots fill up fast.
See our full Jetty Island guide for everything you need to know.
Boeing Factory Tour
Kids who are into planes, or who are about to discover they are into planes, will not forget this. Walking through the largest building on Earth and watching a 777 being assembled is genuinely awe-inspiring. The tour has a minimum height requirement for the factory floor; check the current policy before booking if you have young children.
Tip: Arrive early to spend time on the Sky Deck, where you can watch aircraft take off and land from the runway. Kids love it.
Funko HQ
The flagship store of the Funko Pop figure company is guarded by enormous Pop replicas on the outside (Hagrid, Elsa, Luke Skywalker) and contains 17,000 square feet of collectibles inside. Kids go absolutely wild. Parents usually find something for themselves too. Budget accordingly.
Address: 2802 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA 98201
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
When you need to burn energy (every day), Flying Squirrel has wall-to-wall trampolines, climbing walls, a battle beam, and space for kids to run for an hour while you watch and drink coffee. Genuinely fun for adults too.
Address: 1325 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98208
Forest Park Animal Farm
During summer months, Forest Park runs a small animal farm where kids can see and feed farm animals. The park itself is large, forested, and great for a morning walk. There is also an indoor swim center on site.
Address: 802 E Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA 98203
AquaSox Baseball
The Everett AquaSox, a Seattle Mariners minor league affiliate, play home games at a waterfront-adjacent stadium. Tickets are affordable, the atmosphere is friendly, and minor league baseball with kids is legitimately one of the best summer evening activities. Check the Everett events calendar for upcoming games.
Outback Kangaroo Farm
About 25 minutes north of Everett in Arlington, the Outback Kangaroo Farm lets you feed and interact with actual kangaroos and wallabies. Open March through October. Advance tickets recommended.
What to Do on a Rainy Day
Everett is in the Pacific Northwest. Rain happens. Here are the best indoor options:
- Imagine Children's Museum: the obvious choice for younger kids
- Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park: works for any age
- Funko HQ: shopping-as-activity for pop culture fans
- Summit Everett Climbing Gym: indoor climbing for ages 5 and up
- Future of Flight Aviation Center: the museum portion (without the factory tour) is engaging and fully indoor
Where to Stay with Your Family in Everett
Timber & Tide is specifically set up for family travel:
- Two king suites plus a secret camp-themed attic room (queen bed): three real bedrooms sleeping up to 6, so parents get their own room and kids get theirs
- Full kitchen for breakfasts and dinners, which makes a real budget difference over a week of restaurant meals
- Private indoor sauna: something the kids will talk about for years
- Pet-friendly: the dog comes too
- Game loft: for the evenings when everyone needs to wind down
- Covered outdoor patio with dining for six: meals outside whenever the weather cooperates
- Digital guidebook: the website you're reading is maintained by your hosts with up-to-date local recommendations
Timber & Tide is 7 minutes from the Imagine Children's Museum, 8 minutes from Funko HQ, and 8 minutes from the Boeing Factory Tour.
Book direct for the best rate with no OTA service fees.
Sample Three-Day Itinerary for Families
Day 1: Arrive, walk to Howarth Park beach (10 minutes on foot), waterfront dinner at the marina.
Day 2: Boeing Factory Tour in the morning. Funko HQ in the afternoon. Sauna in the evening.
Day 3 (summer): Jetty Island. Full day. Pack a cooler the night before. Reserve ferry tickets in advance.
Day 3 (off-season): Imagine Children's Museum in the morning. Forest Park in the afternoon. AquaSox game in the evening (spring through fall).
Practical Tips for Families in Everett
Parking is free. Everywhere. Do not stress about this the way you would in Seattle.
Driving distances are short. Nearly every activity on this list is within 15 minutes of Timber & Tide.
Summer vs. off-season. Jetty Island is only open summer. The Boeing tour, museum, and indoor activities are year-round. Summer gets the most out of the destination.
Reservations matter. Book the Boeing tour and Jetty Island ferry as early as possible. Both sell out.