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!

What To do Before or After my Half-Day Kayak Tour?

Pairing a half-day kayak tour with a full day of fun!

Our Half-Day Kayak Tours are 3 hours which is perfect if you are trying to fit in a bit of everything! 

Here are some idea’s of what to do before and/or after you join us…

EAT YOUR HEART OUT:

On your way to Wildcat Cove, pick up a coffee + pastry from Cafe Blue or Iron Rooster in Historic Fairhaven. Sip, snack and enjoy the scenery down Chuckanut Drive. Paddle with a Moondance Guide from 10:00am – 1:00pm. After your paddle adventure head to Taylor Shellfish Farm to shuck fresh oysters, grill mussels, sip on a glass of wine, or enjoy a baguette and butter right on the beach. Still hungry? Head back to downtown Bellingham and check out one of Bellingham’s many amazing restaurants to have dinner or catch an outdoor concert. Cheers to a day of exploration and eating. After all you earned it!

SEA TO SUMMIT ADVENTURE:  

Fuel up, it’s gonna be a big day. Head into our local food Co-Op for a lunch to go and a hot bar breakfast. After your kayaking tour enjoy your lunch on the beach or take it on the trail with you to enjoy along the way. Choose a bigger hike like Oyster Dome, where you will get sweeping views of the San Juan Islands. Or something that already starts high with a view, but is a stair stepper, Jurassic Park feeling trail, like the Rock Trail. Want to keep it simple and slow and wander down the Clayton beach trail for a relatively flat walk that the whole family can enjoy. After your day of kayaking and hiking head back to Bellingham to raise a pint at the family friendly, organic, Aslan Brewery and restaurant.

For a true Sea to Summit experience, check out what it takes to summit Mt. Baker with one of the local guide companies Mount Baker Guides or Alpine Institute. After spending a few days summiting Mount Baker come on down to where the glacier melts into the sea and experience a true Sea to Summit experience!

There are so many great ways to spend the afternoon, share your stories of days spend kayaking and adventuring with us by tagging #moondancekayak to share the fun!

Recommended Accommodations 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.