Family Friendly Kayak Trips
If you're searching for family friendly things to do in Bellingham, look no further than the water! At Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures, we offer half-day and multi-day kayak trips that are perfect for kids and adults alike. With calm, protected waters and fascinating intertidal life, our tours combine outdoor adventure with hands-on learning — all just a short drive from downtown Bellingham.
Why Kayaking is One of the Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Bellingham
Bellingham is surrounded by natural beauty, from forested trails to coastal waters. One of the best ways for families to explore this stunning area is by kayak. Our tours are designed with families in mind — safe, educational, and full of opportunities for discovery.
Whether you're visiting Bellingham for the weekend or you're a local looking for a fun day outdoors, kayaking offers an exciting and memorable activity that gets everyone out on the water together.
Half-Day Kayak Trips: A Perfect Introduction
Our half-day kayak tours are a fantastic option for families with younger kids or first-time paddlers. These shorter excursions are designed to be accessible and engaging, with plenty of time to explore the coastline without feeling rushed.
One of the highlights? The incredible intertidal zone. During low tide, kids love peeking into tide pools and discovering sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more. Our knowledgeable guides bring these miniature worlds to life with stories and science that spark curiosity and wonder.
The routes we take are along calm, protected waters, offering a safe and peaceful environment for families to paddle together.No experience is needed, and we provide all the gear — including kid-sized paddles and PFDs (life jackets). It’s one of the most accessible family friendly things to do in Bellingham that gets you up close with the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Multi-Day Kayak Camping Trips
Our Cypress Island 3-Day Trip is one of the best options for families looking to dive into a multi-day kayak experience that’s exciting but approachable. Located just off the coast near Bellingham, Cypress Island offers calm crossings, sheltered coves, and incredible access to pristine wilderness — with no ferry traffic and far fewer crowds than other islands.
These trips are ideal for kids who love camping, wildlife, and a bit of adventure. Each day brings a new chance to spot seals, eagles, and perhaps even porpoises — not to mention more time to explore tide pools, beaches, and forests.
Parents often tell us how much their kids grow in confidence and curiosity over the course of a trip. From learning how to paddle as a team to helping set up camp and cook meals, it’s a hands-on adventure that fosters independence and family bonding
What Makes Our Family Kayak Trips So Special?
🛶 Calm, Protected Waters – Ideal for beginners and younger paddlers
🦀 Fascinating Intertidal Life – Tide pools full of sea creatures to discover
📚 Educational and Fun – Guides make marine ecology come alive for kids
⛺ Flexible Options – Choose from half-day or multi-day trips
🧒 Family-Friendly Gear – We provide everything you need, including kid-sized equipment
Ready to paddle?
Explore our upcoming tours or contact us to find the perfect trip for your crew!
The Moondance
The Moondance won best sea kayaking film of 2021 in the World Paddling Film Festival
Back in 2020, when Covid slowed tourism to a halt, we found ourselves in a rare moment of stillness. The usual rhythm of our days—packing dry bags, launching kayaks into glassy waters, and guiding guests through the winding channels of the San Juan Islands—was suddenly put on pause. Like so many others, we faced uncertainty. But instead of waiting for normalcy to return, we decided to turn our energy toward something new: capturing the magic of kayak camping in a way that could be shared far beyond the islands.
Without the steady flow of trips launching from shore, we had time to reflect on what made our experiences so special. It wasn’t just the breathtaking scenery—the rugged shorelines dotted with madronas, the misty mornings where harbor seals bobbed curiously beside our boats, or the sunsets that set the water ablaze with gold and pink. It was the way being out there made us feel. The way a slow morning, coffee in hand, gazing at an undisturbed horizon, could bring a deep sense of peace. The way laughter rang through camp after a long day of paddling, stories unfolding under the glow of headlamps and campfire embers.
We knew that feeling was something worth sharing.
We picked up some cameras and began documenting what it means to live in rhythm with the tides. We wanted to showcase not just the adventure, but the simple joys of kayak camping—setting up camp on a remote beach, cooking delicious meals over a camp stove, waking up to the sound of eagles overhead.
Now, looking back, we’re grateful for that unexpected pause. It allowed us to create something lasting—a way for others to feel the magic of the San Juans even from afar. And more than that, it reminded us why we do what we do. Leading trips isn’t just about showing people a beautiful place. It’s about inviting them into an experience that lingers long after they’ve packed up their tent and paddled back to shore.
And as we continue guiding, we carry that reminder with us: that the real magic of the San Juans isn’t just in the landscape—it’s in the moments we share, the connections we make, and the way these islands stay with us long after we leave.
Recommended Accommodations In Whatcom County
Where to Stay in Whatcom County
Where Should I stay when visiting Whatcom County?
There are a ton of options when thinking about where to stay in Bellingham. Below we’ve listed 4 of our favorite more traditional places to stay. Don’t forget to check out the endless list of Airbnb options here as well.
Hotels
Chrysalis Inn & Spa | 360-756-1005 or 888-808-0005 | info@thechrysalisinn.com
804 10th Street, Bellingham
Each of our 43 guest rooms overlooks a spectacular Northwest seascape. Our spacious rooms all feature a window seat, fireplace, down comforters, luxury amenities, and a 2-person bath elegantly set in natural slate. Full service spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, make-up, spray tan services, and manicures & pedicures.
Heliotrope Hotel | 360-220-7932
2419 Elm Street, Bellingham
Heliotrope hotel offers modern lodging for the PNW adventurer. Close to breweries, cafes, restaurants, bars, mountains, lakes, and the sea, the Heliotrope is positioned in the center of all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Local ownership is dedicated to providing a modern and comfortable stay to all that visit – with public indoor and outdoor amenities. Bring your bike, your furry friend, your family, and let us be your guide to the adventure that awaits.
Hotel Bellwether | 360-392-3100 or 877-411-1200 | info@hotelbellwether.com
1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham
With guestrooms overlooking Mt. Baker and the Bellingham Bay, Hotel Bellwether is an unforgettable luxury hotel experience. Cozy up by the fireplace or enjoy an event in the hotel’s spectacular waterfront venues.
Home2 Suites by Hilton | 360-734-3111 | home2suitesbellingham@gmail.com
805 Home Lane, Bellingham
Located just two miles from Bellingham Airport and just minutes from downtown Bellingham and the Canadian border. An ideal base for business and leisure travelers. Our all-suite Bellingham hotel is also conveniently located next to Bellis Fair Mall and several popular restaurants. Remember to pack the dog bowl and leash – your pet is more than welcome!
Camping
Larrabee State Park | Reservations Required
245 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229
Set on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham, Larrabee State Park is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. Come enjoy this 2,748-acre camping park and explore 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline. It's no wonder that this iconic outdoor locale was established as Washington's first state park. Noise warning: Railroad tracks
Be prepared for railroad noise when visiting the park. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak actively use the Burlington Northern railroad track that runs through the park day and night. The track runs through the park and bisects the main day-use and camping area. The noisiest areas are sites 42-49, group camp (G1) and walk-in sites W1-W8.
Birch Bay State Park | Reservations Required
5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, WA 98230 (25 minutes north of Bellingham)
Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park gives you a private and secluded feel without being too far from urban life.