{"id":94713,"date":"2025-04-24T07:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T14:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/?p=94713"},"modified":"2025-04-24T09:34:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T16:34:59","slug":"adventure-awaits-a-perfect-family-day-trip-to-north-bend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/adventure-awaits-a-perfect-family-day-trip-to-north-bend\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventure Awaits: A perfect family day trip to North Bend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Awe-inspiring mountain vistas, a quaint downtown, lively dining options, and adventures around every turn \u2013 these are just a few reasons to add North Bend to your next Seattle day trip<\/a> itinerary. A quick 30-mile drive from Seattle will bring your family to this outdoor oasis. Read on for tips to make the most of a kid-friendly day in North Bend.<\/p>\n

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Rattlesnake Lake (Image: Jessica Estes)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Morning<\/h4>\n

While there are many options in North Bend to get your caffeine fix, make a beeline for Arete coffee Bar<\/a>, located inside Pro Ski and Mountain Service at 112 W 2nd St Ste C, North Bend). While you peruse the menu, kids will enjoy checking out the latest ski and mountain gear, watching ski films on the big screen opposite the coffee counter, and playing with toys and books stashed in the shop\u2019s seating area. A full menu of drinks and food (including vegan and gluten-free options) is available all day. If you need another coffee and a change of scenery, Arete has a second location in North Bend located inside The Line Experience bike shop.<\/p>\n

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Arete Coffee (Image: Allison Peterson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you have babies or toddlers in tow, schedule time in your morning for a visit at The Village Project<\/a>. This indoor playspace and community hub was designed to foster play and imagination for children ages 0 months-4 years old. Take advantage of The Village Project\u2019s \u201cStay and Play\u201d where caregivers stay to enjoy playtime with their children, or join in for special events like Dads + Donuts or Saturday morning Music & Me. Another option is to register for The Village Project\u2019s flexible Playcare where you can drop off the kiddos with licensed childcare providers for up to two hours. Take advantage of your kid-free time to go for a hike, mountain bike ride, or enjoy a relaxing stroll through town.<\/p>\n

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The Village Project (Image courtesy Janine Soltman Photography)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Afternoon<\/h4>\n

Next, head over to Torguson Park<\/a> to get some wiggles out. Bring along your wheels of choice for some unique play spaces in this metropolitan park. Bike riders can head over to the 35,000 square foot bike pump track where all ages and abilities will find trails to suit their level of adventure. A separate strider track is available for young riders so an adult can walk alongside them to help. If scooters or skateboards are more your speed, check out the 13,000 square foot skate park that features exciting elements for all skill levels. Even if you don\u2019t have wheels, kids will enjoy the park\u2019s other features including a playground, a 3-story rock climbing wall, paved trails, picnic shelters, and sports fields.<\/p>\n

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Torguson Park playground (Image: Allison Peterson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

After your busy morning, it\u2019s time for lunch! Hop in the car and take the short drive across I-90 to the top-rated casual restaurant, South Fork<\/a>. Families will appreciate the kid-centric children\u2019s menu, clean family-friendly restrooms, a large outdoor covered sandbox, play fields (including tetherball and a giant tennis ball slingshot for dogs), and seasonal fire pits. The menu features fresh hand-crafted meals, beers and ciders on tap, an espresso bar, and outdoor BBQ\u2019s in the summer. Wrap up your meal with tableside s\u2019mores, and you\u2019re sure to leave South Fork with happy tummies and lasting memories.<\/p>\n

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South Fork sandbox (credit: Allison Peterson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Begin your afternoon adventures with a visit to the Northwest Railway Museum<\/a>. Train-lovers and history buffs will enjoy exploring the train shed where you can see real trains and learn about the history of rail travel. For an immersive experience, purchase tickets for train excursions where you can take a 2-hour ride on a historic train (available Saturdays and Sundays April-October) \u2014 train ride tickets include admission to the museum\u2019s Train Shed Exhibit Hall.<\/p>\n

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Northwest Railway Museum (Image: Allison Peterson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Evening<\/h4>\n

Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to Tollgate Farm Park<\/a>. Kids of all ages will enjoy the scenic playground at the base of Mt. Si and the huge grassy meadows (bring some balls or frisbees for a game of catch!). A stroller-friendly gravel path leads from the playground on a one-mile loop that passes by the park\u2019s namesake, Tollgate Farm. Stop at the farm for a fence-side visit with the farm\u2019s resident animals that include cows, goats, alpacas and rabbits. On your way back to the playground, stop to read the interpretive signs along the path that describe the area\u2019s history in fascinating detail.<\/p>\n

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Animals at Tollgate Farm Park (credit: Allison Peterson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Finish your day in North Bend at the family-friendly Volition Brewing Co<\/a>. Grab a casual meal or a snack for the road from one of the brewery\u2019s scheduled food trucks, or pick up giant corn dogs, sandwiches, or salads from neighboring Falling River Meats<\/a>. Kids will enjoy playing Voliton\u2019s pinball machines or exploring the outdoor patios. Check Volition\u2019s calendar for a schedule of live music and events to add even more fun to your experience.<\/p>\n

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Pinball machines at Volition Brewing (Image: Allison Peterson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

With so many adventures to explore, a trip to North Bend is the perfect way to spend a day\u2026or more!<\/p>\n

More ways to explore North Bend:<\/strong><\/p>\n