# Pacific Northwest weekend getaways with kids

Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/weekend-getaways/pacific-northwest/

> Seattle, Portland and Spokane. Portland is about three and a half hours south of Seattle on I-5. Spokane is about five hours east of Seattle across the Cascades on I-90, so check the pass before you go in winter. Here's the best weekend trip in the region for each of the next 6 weekends, and what to do once you get there.

Last checked: 2026-10-29. Every event links to its official page.

## Weekend of Oct 30–Nov 1

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 6–8

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 13–15

**Pick: Seattle.** WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo, 4 to 9pm with last entry at 8:30. Tickets are dated, so pick your night before you drive over.

- **WildLanterns**, Fri Nov 13, 4–9pm (last entry 8:30pm), Woodland Park Zoo. Dated tickets; price on the ticket page. Opens 11/13; runs through 01/17. Low Sensory Nights are Nov 15, Dec 1 and Jan 10. Official page: https://zoo.org/wildlanterns/

## Weekend of Nov 20–22

**Pick: Seattle.** Santa is at the Seattle Christmas Market in Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. Weekend hours run from 11:30am, so you can go before nap.

- **Santa at the Seattle Christmas Market**, Fri Nov 20, Weekdays 4–9pm and weekends 11:30am–9pm through Dec 13; Dec 24 10am–7pm, Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion. Market ticket required; price on the ticket page. Opens 11/20; runs through 12/24. Official page: https://www.seattlechristmasmarket.com/

## Weekend of Nov 27–29

**Pick: Seattle.** The Winterfest train and village at the Seattle Center Armory is free, 10am to 6pm, and Snowflake Lane runs in Bellevue at 7pm.

- **Cookies with Santa on the Christmas Ship**, Fri Nov 27, 2pm sailings, Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship. Cruise ticket; price on the booking page. Opens 11/27; runs through 12/23. Kids on 2pm sailings get cookies with Santa. Every sailing has a choir and Santa reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Official page: https://www.argosycruises.com/christmas-ship-festival/
- **Snowflake Lane**, Fri Nov 27, 7pm (about 25 minutes), Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 8th. Free; parking is free in Bellevue Collection garages. Opens 11/27; runs through 12/24. A free holiday show on Bellevue Way every night at 7. On Friday through Sunday, get there about an hour early. Official page: https://bellevuecollection.com/snowflakelane/
- **Winterfest Winter Train and Village**, Fri Nov 27, 10am–6pm, Seattle Center Armory. Free; donations accepted. Opens 11/27; runs through 12/31. A model train and holiday village inside the Armory. Kids can take a turn running the train between 10:30am and 5:30pm. Official page: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest

## Weekend of Dec 4–6

**Pick: Seattle.** Seattle Center's Winterfest Winter Train and Village is free and open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., a daytime outing that fits around naps.

- **Winterfest Winter Train and Village**, Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, 10am–6pm, Seattle Center Armory. Free; donations accepted. Opens 11/27; runs through 12/31. A model train and holiday village inside the Armory. Kids can take a turn running the train between 10:30am and 5:30pm. Official page: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest

## FAQ

**Which Pacific Northwest city is best for a weekend with little kids?**
It changes every weekend. Over the next 6 weekends our picks are Seattle, chosen for what's on: zoo events, holiday lights and shows with dates we checked on the official pages.

**How long are the drives?**
Seattle, Portland and Spokane. Portland is about three and a half hours south of Seattle on I-5. Spokane is about five hours east of Seattle across the Cascades on I-90, so check the pass before you go in winter. Drive times on this page are normal driving times without traffic.

**What if a weekend says “No standout yet”?**
It means we couldn't confirm anything worth the drive. We'd rather leave the slot empty than fill it with filler. Check back after the Thursday refresh.

**Are the prices right?**
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap the official link before you buy, since venues change hours and prices.