The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is more than just a spring tradition. It’s a vibrant thread woven into our region’s history, drawing families and travelers from around the world.
We caught up with Megan Richards, a Seattle mom of three, to talk about her favorite festival memories. She also shares tips to make your trip to the gardens extra special with kids and what makes this annual celebration so special.
Let’s meet Megan and get her insider info for your tulip festival visit!
Get To Know Megan
Megan’s history with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival reaches back to her childhood. Her parents took her regularly, along with any out-of-state family members who happened to be in town. What better way to showcase the Pacific Northwest?
She’s carried on the tradition in her own family. She takes her three kids each spring, introducing them to the cycle of vibrant blooms. “We now have a four-, six- and nine-year-old, and we take them…. It’s a really wonderful thing that we look forward to — kicking off the spring every year,” Megan explains.
Megan describes the change in scenery from Seattle to Skagit Valley: “When the ray of colors comes into view, it’s really special. But it starts even on the freeway! When it’s a clear day, and you’re like, ‘Oh, there’s the mountains!’ And then coming up to the farms, and you’re turning the corner, and you’re like, ‘Ah, look at all those colors!’”
The whole festival experience keeps Megan and her family coming back year after year. She particularly appreciates its flexibility — no hard commitments or hefty price tags. Day trip or overnight stay, the festival’s immersive dive into nature is key to her household’s annual visit.
If you're lucky, you'll get a sunny day — the open fields, the sun on your face and rows of tulips stretching before you. But I've also been there in the rain, bundled up in rain boots and jackets, splashing through puddles. It feels so quintessentially Northwest! The air is fresh and crisp, a mix of blooming flowers, sea breeze and damp earth. Surrounded by grasses and mud, it truly feels like you've escaped into another world.Megan Richards
Mom and Festivalgoer
Find attractions for family-friendly fun in Skagit Valley.
What the Festival Means to Megan
Having grown up in cities across Washington and now calling Seattle home, Megan sees the festival as a constant thread in her life. It’s more than just part of her heritage — it’s a cherished tradition and a breathtaking way to welcome spring.
And of course, being a mom is no small task! Finding events all your kids love can be a challenge. “We have a variety of ages, so it’s sometimes hard to find activities that are going to be suitable for the whole family, and this is definitely one of them,” Megan notes.
Her kids let their imaginations run wild at the festival. Meanwhile, they learn about tulip varieties, the bloom cycle and local agriculture. And they do so while having a blast!
“Walking into this stunning display of flowers, I don’t think my little ones knew what to expect. But their curiosity took over! They wanted to see every variety, read every label and learn the fun, whimsical names of the tulips that RoozenGaarde displays,” Megan says with a smile.
Alongside family-friendly fun, the festival’s unforgettably earthy energy is priceless to her. “It’s incredibly rich and stimulating and a really nice way to reconnect with nature and then kick off the summer, warm times. It’s like, ‘Okay, we’re coming out of winter, we’re going into this beautiful season,’ and that’s a great way to do it,” Megan says.
Did You Know? The official 2025 tulip festival poster is here!
Megan’s Special Festival Tips and Insights
Megan gave us a bevy of smart tips for both first-time visitors and regular attendees! Here are her recommendations to make your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival visit even more delightful:
- Bring rain boots. The Washington weather is unpredictable, but you (and your little ones) will be better prepared.
- Pack a blanket for dining on the grounds, or find delicious food at the gardens.
- Visit the Skagit Valley Food Co-op for snacks and drinks to pack in a picnic basket.”They have incredible food. We’ll even get our coffee. And then we get sandwiches made there and chips,” she advises.
- Explore nearby locales. Megan recommends Washington State gems like La Conner and Bow-Edison for lovely restaurants, bakeries and more. “There’s a cheese farm. So there are so many ways to make it a full day or full weekend, too!”
- Bring tulips home. Megan elaborates, “They’re fresh, they’re affordable — they’re right from the farm, freshly picked. Bringing that home with you is really special.”
- Visit during alternate or off times. You’re more likely to meet smaller crowds when you take a weekday, early morning or evening trip.
- Soak in the sensation. “Stepping into that burst of color and not just walking through the fields, but taking a moment to sit, soak it all in and truly appreciate the scenery — that’s an incredible experience,” describes Megan. And we can’t capture the tulip festival vibe any better than that.
Megan, a true Pacific Northwesterner, shares her best tips for a trip the whole family will love. (We also have our own list of things to bring.)
"I especially loved it because the tulip farm we visit — and I’m sure others do, too — has a great picnic area. We packed a lunch for the day, but they also have food available. We set down our blanket, enjoyed our meal with a view of the tulips and mountains, and watched the kids run around. It was such a perfect way for our family to get outside, take a break and enjoy a place that’s welcoming to all ages."Megan Richards
Mom and Festivalgoer
Did You Know? The annual 2025 Tulip Parade features an all-new KidZone!
Write Your Own Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Story
Make lasting memories that you’ll cherish for generations. Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring as it bursts to life, shaking off the chill of winter. Discover the unique charm of Skagit Valley — a place like no other.
Are you ready to craft your own Skagit Valley Tulip Festival story? Take it from Megan — it’s a countywide celebration that you and your family won’t forget!
We’re here to help you along the way. Explore events, attractions and our map and guide to plan your trip. Five gardens, hundreds of acres and tens of millions of tulip blooms await. Purchase tickets to the gardens you’d like to visit!
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