Riding the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry (Family-Friendly Day Trips near Seattle with Kids)

One of the most unique experiences in Seattle is the ferry boats, a fun and affordable afternoon excursion for Seattle families and tourists alike! Our family has a tradition every summer of driving over to Edmonds and catching the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry for an afternoon of fun. Its a short couple hours, easily accomplished in the afternoon. While your in Edmonds you could also explore the shops and grab lunch before or after your excursion. If you are looking for a bucket list Seattle area attraction, riding the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry is a must do family-friendly activity in the Seattle area that you absolutely must add to your families itinerary this year.

Costs to ride the ferry vary, you can check out the most up to date information on wait times and availability and prices here. We enjoy the pedestrian only walk-on ride because it is more affordable, and we love the walk on a sunny Seattle day! While you are in Edmonds there are also several cute spots to stop and take a family photo, shop, or grab lunch.

When you are on the ferry, you can do one of the puzzles that is sitting on the tables, or grab a snack, use the restroom, or just enjoy the view. You can stay inside or head to either outside deck for an even more amazing experience. The kids love going outside and dancing in the wind, watching the waves and soaking in the sun.

We departed from the Edmonds side, and visited the Kingston side for a couple hours. The Kingston side has a small strip of shops and eateries, and a waterfront area you can explore. Our family tradition is to walk over to the J’aime Les Crepes shop for some delicious ice cream cones, check out the shops, and play at the waterfront area. There is also an adorable little vintage store (one of my favorites!) that we shopped at for a while. My kids enjoy treasure hunting at vintage and antique stores with me so this is totally a bonus for us when we cross the ferry over to Kingston.

After a little exploring and a small treat, we head back home. On the trip back I usually buy the kids some popcorn, its a great snack to take on the car ride home when the car is full of tired kids.

Next time you are in the area (or if you just want to check it out) head to Edmonds and take the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry with your family – your kids will love it and you will make beautiful memories during this unique experience. It is worth the drive and cost to experience a Seattle ferry. Our family enjoys it so much we do it every year. We plan to check out some of the other ferries in the area soon, but in the meantime, this is one of our favorite summer bucket list activities and we definitely plan to go again this summer!

Check out more Seattle area adventures here!

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