Things to Do on Your Bainbridge Island Vacation

Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

Bainbridge Island, just a half-hour ferry ride from Seattle, is a family-friendly vacation destination surrounded by beautiful nature, offering plenty of fun activities and attractions for all ages in the Pacific Northwest.

The charming island is the perfect place for families to enjoy a relaxing getaway while providing access to adventurous outdoor activities and educational experiences surrounding the island’s rich history.

If you’re bringing your little ones along to your next Bainbridge Island family vacation, here are some great kid-friendly activities to fill your days.

Outdoor Activities for Families 

Bainbridge Island is famed for its stunning natural beauty. From the sparkling blue waters of Puget Sound to the grassy rolling hills and forests, the island is a nature lover’s paradise. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures here, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, to keep the whole family busy.

Hiking on Bainbridge Island

One of the most popular hiking spots on Bainbridge Island is the Grand Forest, a 600-acre preserve that offers miles of trails for all skill levels – and the pups are welcome too. This is an excellent spot for families with younger children, as there are several short, easy hikes that provide picture-perfect views of the island’s natural beauty. For example, the 3.5km Grand Forest Park Trail loop is completed in an average of 55 minutes. 

Battle Point Park is another lovely outdoor space for families, with a playground, sports fields, and plenty of picnic areas. Bainbridge Island is known for its delicious farm-to-table food scene, so come prepared with a mouthwatering spread purchased straight from the Heyday Farm store.

Water-Based Activities on Bainbridge Island 

When it comes to water-based activities, Bainbridge Island has plenty to offer. Kayaking and paddleboarding are both popular options, and there are several shops on the island where you can rent equipment and receive instruction if needed – we recommend popping into Exotic Aquatics Scuba & Kayaking, or you can book online.

Eagle Harbor and Blakely Harbor are both sublime spots for kayaking, with calm waters and plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for, like bald eagles, sea lions, and occasionally, orcas.

Exploring the Island by Bike 

If you and your family enjoy biking, Bainbridge Island is the place for it. Several rental shops on the island, like Classic Cycle, offer bikes for all ages. Plus, the island’s pleasant bike-friendly roads and trails make it easy for the whole family to peddle around and explore. 

Stop at local farms and wineries along the way, or head to the island’s buzzy downtown area to browse the shops and restaurants.

Downtown Bainbridge Island Attractions 

Speaking of downtown Bainbridge Island, there are plenty of family attractions to enjoy. Here are a few of them.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art 

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art hosts a variety of art exhibitions from around the Pacific Northwest, with rotating displays that change throughout the year. There are also films to watch, workshops to participate in, and presentations to observe.

While this one may appeal more to the adults, the museum is housed in a modern building that is both beautiful and welcoming to visitors of all ages. 

Admission: Free

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm 

Kids Discovery Museum

The Kids Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum that is designed for little ones of all ages. The exhibits are fun, interactive, and engaging, and there are plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about science, art, and culture. 

Plus, the museum also offers a variety of classes and workshops for children and families throughout the year.

Admission: Infants (under 12 months) free, adults and children $9, grandparents and seniors  $8

Opening hours: Monday and Friday, 1 pm to 5 pm, and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum 

If your family is interested in history, be sure to check out the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. This museum provides a glimpse into the island’s past, with exhibits on the region’s Native American history, early settlers, and the impact of World War II on the island. 

The museum also offers guided walking tours of the island’s historic downtown, which helps you all get to know the area better.

Admission: Free
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm

Head to Bainbridge Island for Your Next Family Vacation

Bainbridge Island is a fantastic vacation destination for families, with a ton of outdoor activities, museums, and attractions to keep everyone busy and entertained. 

Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, learn about its fascinating history, or simply relax and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, Bainbridge Island has something for everyone.

And if you need somewhere to stay for your next family trip, we’ve got you covered with our range of stylish Bainbridge Island vacation rentals. Each Bainbridge Island vacation rental has plenty of space, modern amenities, and a cozy atmosphere. And the pups are more than welcome too!