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Bellingham: Your Last-Minute Summer Escape for Seattle-Area Families

Just 90 minutes from Seattle, this outdoorsy town features fun parks, trails, ice cream and more

Published on: August 10, 2023

Bellingham: Your Last-Minute Summer Escape for Seattle-Area Families

Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash., a summer destination for Seattle-area families
Photo:
Western Washington University's Old Main building

Explore trees, a tower and rocks at Western Washington University

For a gentle nature walk in the city, visit the Sehome Hill Arboretum. Play in the rock tunnel and climb the lookout tower, which you can scale to get a view of the treetops and the city.

Next, head to the adjacent campus of Western Washington University. Western's campus holds an impressive collection of public sculptures. Traipse around and see what you can find — perhaps the Bigger Big Chair or the kid-favorite Rock Rings

Tip: You can walk directly to campus from the arboretum, or drive around and park closer (be sure to bring a few dollars for a parking permit). If classes are in session when you visit, try to keep the kids fairly quiet.

Next stop: Boulevard Park

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