{"id":49509,"date":"2025-05-29T13:47:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T20:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/?p=49509"},"modified":"2025-05-29T22:02:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T05:02:15","slug":"bainbridge-island-with-kids-fun-and-food-for-the-whole-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/bainbridge-island-with-kids-fun-and-food-for-the-whole-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Bainbridge Island with Kids: Fun and food for the whole family"},"content":{"rendered":"

For families who want an adventurous day trip without a long commute, Bainbridge Island is easily one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the island life in Puget Sound \u2014 even with kids in tow. After many of our own visits, it\u2019s become a little like a home away from home for my family. Read on for tips to make your own trip feel like the escape you need.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Getting there is part of the fun, and the ferry voyage to Bainbridge Island also offers great views of Seattle. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n

Ferries to Bainbridge Island depart right from the Seattle waterfront and kids ages 18 and under ride for free. Check <\/span>the online schedule<\/span><\/a> ahead of time and give yourself plenty of time to navigate waterfront construction and busy weekend evenings. Consider walking on the ferry for a virtually guaranteed spot and exploring downtown Winslow on foot. You can even use <\/span>BI Ride<\/span><\/a>, a ride-share service at the cost of a bus fare, to get around the island without a car.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternate itineraries include driving around the Kitsap Peninsula via Tacoma or taking the ferry from <\/span>Edmonds<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>Kingston<\/span><\/a>. Both routes will take you through the charming town of Poulsbo and near the <\/span>Suquamish Museum<\/span><\/a> (an excellent place to learn more about the Suquamish People who have stewarded our region since time immemorial, and to play on the lovely playground just behind the museum).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do<\/h4>\n

One thing we\u2019ve learned after nearly 25 (and counting!) visits to Bainbridge with kids is that there\u2019s something for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Kids Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island has both permanent features and rotating experiences. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Museums<\/strong><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Kids Discovery Museum<\/span><\/a> (aka KidiMu) is a can\u2019t-miss stop. Crowd favorites like a grocery store, bank and indoor treehouse are available throughout the year, but save time for the STEM-focused learning spaces that change regularly. The space shares a parking lot with the <\/span>Bainbridge Island Museum of Art<\/span><\/a> (which has free admission, so it\u2019s a risk-free way to introduce kids to art).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your February plans include a staycation, keep <\/span>Seattle Museum Month<\/span><\/a> in mind. Guests of participating Seattle hotels get a pass for 50% off admission at most Seattle-area museums for the entire month, which includes KidiMu!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island tells a sad and important story and also is an easily walkable outdoor attraction. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial: <\/span><\/a>While not technically a museum, this must-see memorial honors the many Bainbridge residents of Japanese descent who were incarcerated during World War II. Its outdoor location and easy walking path make it very family-friendly, while your heartstrings will feel a tug seeing the names of toddlers who were forcibly removed from their homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The KidsUp! Playground in Battle Point Park is an inclusive play space with a ferry as its centerpiece, plus a sand pit, swings, pickleball courts and more. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Playgrounds<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find noteworthy playgrounds throughout Bainbridge Island, but make sure you save time for at least one of our three favorites:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n