Family members of every age will enjoy visiting Issaquah Washington. Below are 3-day, 2-night inspirational itineraries geared towards families with littles and those traveling with tweens and teens. No whining or eyerolls with these fun ideas! Every moment in Issaquah is designed to delight and entertain, promising a whirlwind of laughter, learning, and endless fun. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!

Family Fun with Young Children

Salmon Hatchery viewing window with kids1_Visit Issaquah 2024Day 1 – Explore Downtown Issaquah

  • Morning: Start your adventure at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. Feed the fish, watch a short film about salmon in the Pacific Northwest, and take a behind-the-scenes tour. Enjoy exploring the public art installations and the indigenous native plant garden. See if you can spot other wildlife in and around the creek. Fun is guaranteed with every splash!
  • Lunch: Treat your little adventurers to the tasty delights at Blazing Bagels, located right next to the hatchery – every bite is savory deliciousness!
  • Afternoon: Stroll through historic old town Issaquah and discover the whimsical Jakob Two Trees the Troll. Next, hop over to the Issaquah History Museum train depot for a journey back in time. Finally, unwind at Confluence Park, where adventure and relaxation await!
  • Evening: Wrap up the day with a magical visit to Boehm’s Candies – watch chocolates being made and purchase some scrumptious treats! Finally, embark on a tasty adventure at Burgermaster for a delicious, kid-friendly dinner to end your night on a high note with burgers, fries, and milkshakes – yum! Then, check in at the Fairfield Inn for a comfortable stay with adjoining rooms. Before bedtime, maybe indulge in one more delightful piece of chocolate, savoring the sweet end to a fun-filled day.

Girl with lemurDay 2 – More Outdoors

  • Morning: Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the Fairfield Inn to fuel up for the day. Then, head to Cougar Mountain Zoo for an exciting morning discovering exotic animals like cougars, lemurs, and sloths while engaging in interactive exhibits.
  • Lunch: Spread out a picnic at Lake Sammamish State Park with delightful foods from PCC Market, conveniently located across the street from Fairfield Inn – sandwiches, salads, and snacks never tasted this good!
  • Afternoon: Play the day away with zip lines, slides, and sandy beaches at Lake Sammamish State Park. Explore the wooded trails, observe the vibrant wildlife, and engage in some exciting birdwatching. Keep an eye out for majestic eagles soaring above the trees.
  • Evening: Freshen up at the Fairfield Inn and head to Jenny Pho, a cozy spot known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine and flavorful pho located within walking distance across from the hotel in Pickering Place Shopping Center. If you still have room, treat yourself to a delicious dessert at Happy Lemon Bubble Tea.

Mudhouse Pottery painting_Visit Issaquah WADay 3 – Morning at Gilman Village

  • Morning: Unleash your inner artist at Mudhouse Pottery Painting at Gilman Village and create a colorful keepsake to remember your trip!
  • Family brunch: Gather the family for a scrumptious brunch at The Egg and Us – where every bite is a delight!
  • Shopping: Stroll through the charming boutiques before ordering delicious coffee and a treat from Issaquah Coffee Company for the road before heading home or to the airport with a car full of smiles.

How to Surprise and Delight the Tween/Teen Traveler

Treehouse PointDay 1

  • Morning: Explore the historic downtown, strike a pose in front of the amazing wall murals, visit the fascinating salmon hatchery, and check out Jakob Two Trees, the 12ft tall troll lurking along the Rainier Trail.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a late lunch at Levitate Gastropub, a quintessential Pacific Northwest dining experience in downtown Issaquah—it’s the perfect spot to refuel and relax.
  • Check in to the modern and conveniently located Springhill Suites by Marriott.
  • Afternoon: Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Tree House Point. Imagine climbing into the coolest treehouses ever, nestled high up in the trees next to a raging river, each with its own unique design. It’s like living in your own secret hideout in the middle of the forest, where you can explore, take amazing photos, and feel like you’re in a real-life fairy tale. Advanced reservations highly recommended.
  • Evening: Spend the evening shopping at Gilman Village where you will find an array of unique boutiques, from vinyl record and plant shops to trendy fashion and mod décor stores, and Issaquah-branded gifts and apparel. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at Masa Mexican Kitchen & Cantina.

Watching paragliders from poo poo point pc yelpDay 2

  • Morning: Kick off your day with a sugar rush at Top Pot Donuts, located across the street from the Springhill Suites. Burn off those calories with an epic hike up the Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Point – a top spot for paragliders from around the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try tandem paragliding? Just imagine soaring high above with stunning views below. Don’t forget to pack snacks and plenty of water to fuel your adventure.
  • Afternoon/Evening: After conquering the hike, a rest and probably a shower, head to Arena Sports Family Fun Center and dive into non-stop fun with arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, and sport simulators. Refuel with some delicious sharables, pizza, and hand-pressed burgers at Moe’s Kitchen & Bar, right on site. It’s the perfect way to end a day full of excitement!

 

SlothDay 3

  • Morning: Head over to Issaquah Cafe for a laid-back brunch with awesome pancakes, omelets, and all your breakfast favorites to fuel up for the day.  Full from a hearty breakfast you might feel like a sloth, and you can see TWO when you visit Cougar Mountain Zoo. You can also get up close to exotic animals like cougars, wolves, and tigers, and maybe even feed a few!
  • Afternoon: Go behind the scenes at Boehm’s Candies for a sweet tour of how delicious chocolates are made. You will even get to sample freshly made treats! With hand-selected candy in the bag, savor the flavors and memories made as you make your way home by road or by air.
  • Don’t forget to #VisitIssaquah when you share your trip pics with friends!

 

Concerts on the Green Crowd_City of IssaquahThere are special events happening year-round! As you plan your trip using the inspirational ideas above be sure to scan the Events Calendar for the dates you plan to visit.

Issaquah, Washington, the ultimate playground for families with young children and teens craving thrilling adventures and heartwarming memories!