Planning a family getaway that everyone enjoys doesn’t have to be complicated. During tulip season, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival transforms the region into a rewarding destination filled with outdoor fun, vibrant color and low-stress activities perfect for kids.
With wide-open spaces, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of room to explore, it’s an ideal spring break or weekend escape.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, grade-schoolers, or teens, this flexible 2-day itinerary helps you make the most of your visit.
Purchase tulip garden tickets early to secure your spot among the blooms.
Day 1: Tulips, Animals & Small-Town Fun
Your first day in Skagit Valley is all about easing into the festival experience with your kids. Expect colorful fields, hands-on activities, and plenty of stops where little legs (and grown-ups) can take a break.
In spring, Skagit Valley becomes a destination that balances toddler-friendly wonder with plenty of “main character” energy for your preteens’ social feeds.
Most attractions are close together, keeping drive times short and strain low. Throughout the day, you’ll find restrooms at all official tulip gardens. Several gardens feature stroller-friendly paths and gift shops with kid-friendly souvenirs, from plush animals to tulip-themed treats.
Morning: Tulip Gardens & Festival Fun
Start your morning at one of the official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival gardens: RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Garden Rosalyn, or Tulip Valley Farms.
Every tulip garden is kid-friendly and fun for families, offering open spaces for kids to explore and photo ops galore. Most gardens also have food vendors, picnic tables, and gift shops where kids can pick out small keepsakes.
Keep an eye out for parrot-variety tulips with their ruffled, feathery edges or “ice cream” tulips that look like scoops of vanilla. Challenge your kids to find a purple-black variety for photo ops straight out of a gothic fairytale.
Arriving early not only helps you beat the crowds but also gives your kids more freedom to move around.
Check the Bloom Tracker to see the tulips’ real-time status.
Afternoon: Beaks, Noses & Bills Petting Farm or Skagit Skate
After lunch, head to Beaks, Noses & Bills Petting Farm at Tulip Valley Farms, a longtime family favorite.
Kids can meet cute farm animals in a safe, hands-on environment, making it a great break from walking the fields. Restrooms are available on-site, and the relaxed pace is perfect for younger children. While younger kids love the petting farm, your older kids will likely be there for the mini highland cows.
If your crew prefers something more active, swap in Skagit Skate for the afternoon. This indoor skate rink is a hit with older kids and teens and makes a great rainy-day or cool-weather option during tulip season.
Evening: Dinner & Ice Cream at Snow Goose Produce
Wind down your first day with a casual, family-friendly dinner nearby, then treat everyone to ice cream at Snow Goose Produce.
Snow Goose’s ice cream counter is a must-stop for families, and kids love choosing a sweet reward after a full day of adventuring. The shop’s famous for its massive towers of ice cream that require a serious strategy (and plenty of napkins) to finish. Their outdoor seating makes it easy to relax while the kids finish burning off energy.
Look for family-friendly lodging in Mount Vernon or Burlington. Many of these hotels are located right off I-5, making it easy to hit the bloom trail first thing in the morning without navigating city traffic. Plus, a variety of places offer larger rooms, pools, and easy parking, ideal after a long day outdoors.
Explore more family-friendly attractions in Skagit Valley.
Day 2: Downtown Events, Parades & Festival Favorites
Your second day mixes tulip season charm with lively community events and classic festival moments. Depending on the weekend you visit, you may catch some of the tulip festival’s most beloved, kid-friendly celebrations.
Like with day one, downtown areas and festival venues offer public restrooms, and many shops and attractions are stroller accessible. Downtown gift shops are especially great for finding kid-friendly souvenirs and local artisan treats.
Morning: Tulip Festival Parade & KidZone in La Conner
Start your morning in downtown La Conner with one of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival’s most cherished family traditions.
The Annual Tulip Festival Parade, presented by Savi and powered by Harborstone Credit Union, is an essential event filled with colorful vintage cars, music, and community spirit.
Families especially appreciate the free KidZone, presented by Global Credit Union, Quantum Construction, Ziply Fiber and King Arthur Baking School.
This free kid-friendly space opens at 10AM and gives kids a chance to play and enjoy activities before the parade begins at 12PM. Nearby restrooms, walkable streets, and plenty of snack options make La Conner an easy, comfortable stop for parents with kids of all ages.
While the parade is classic fun, preteens appreciate the quirky local shops along the La Conner boardwalk. They can find anything from vintage vinyl to handmade jewelry.
Afternoon: Tulip Festival Street Fair in Mount Vernon
After the parade, head to downtown Mount Vernon for the Tulip Festival Street Fair, hosted by the Mount Vernon Downtown Association. This lively afternoon stop is perfect for families. You’ll find food vendors, countless artisan booths, entertainment, and plenty of visual excitement that engages kids.
Younger kids will love hunting for one-of-a-kind treasures, while preteens grab “aesthetic” pics of the historic brick-lined First Street. Be sure to catch the live music at the Tulip Tunes stage in Pine Square, which offers a lively backdrop for the festivities.
Downtown Mount Vernon provides public restrooms and simple access to casual dining. It’s a great place to refuel and relax after a busy, festive morning.
Pro tip. Pause for a family photo at the “From These Waters” mural, a massive, colorful landmark on First Street that features dozens of hidden references to valley history.
Evening: Delightful Dinner & Sunset Stroll
Wrap up your trip with dinner in Mount Vernon, choosing an inviting restaurant where kids are welcome.
Check out family-friendly District Brewing for delectable wood-fired pizzas. The industrial-cool atmosphere and river views provide the perfect setting for a final celebratory family dinner in the valley.
A short sunset stroll along the riverfront is a calm, scenic way to end your tulip festival journey before heading home.
Check out Skagit Valley travel tips for affordable, outstanding fun.
Top Tulip Festival Tips for Families Visiting Skagit Valley
A little preparation ensures your family trip is more about making memories and less about managing sighs, boredom, or minor meltdowns. Use these tips to help navigate the festival with a diverse group:
- Book family lodging early. Choose hotels with larger rooms, suites or complimentary breakfast to make mornings easier with kids.
- Aim for quieter days. Visit on weekdays when crowds, lines and wait times are shorter for little legs and preteens.
- Reserve big experiences ahead. Book classes, tours, and other special events early so no one’s disappointed.
- Plan around the crowds. Consider a Tuesday or Wednesday visit to enjoy more garden space and shorter garden (and ice cream) lines.
- Pack the essentials. Bring waterproof boots, layers, and a portable power bank to keep kids happy and devices charged.
- Use official maps. Rely on our interactive map and guide to find restrooms, picnic spots, parking, and family-friendly routes.
- Build in downtime. Schedule snack breaks, playground stops, or quiet hotel time so kids can reset between activities.
Explore our Plan Your Trip page to kick-start your family’s visit, from events to lodging to dining.
Buy Tulip Garden Tickets for the Festival
Purchase tulip garden tickets in advance, and make your family-focused trip unforgettable. Whether you’re locals or a family traveling from afar, early lodging and ticket booking takes the snags out of planning.
Sign up for the festival newsletter for special offers and family-friendly ideas, as well as more itineraries, tips and resources to help you create the ideal spring getaway.
This itinerary and all ‘Plan Your Trip’ content are proudly powered by Puget Sound Energy, helping you make the most of your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival experience.
