Family events in Whidbey Island, WA

Take a relaxing sailing trip on Penn Cove aboard the historic 1925 wooden pilot house schooner SUVA. During the cruise, the sails will be hoisted and the engine turned off as you enjoy scenic views of Penn Cove, Mount Baker, and the Cascade Range. This is a gentle, family-friendly outing that typically lasts about 2 hours, with routes that may go past Snakelum Point or by the Penn Cove mussel farms. The sailing departs from Coupeville Wharf, and you’re asked to arrive about 15 minutes early.

Enjoy a glow-themed bowling experience offered every Friday and Saturday. To make sure a lane is available when you arrive, reserve in advance.

In scenic downtown Coupeville, this celebration of art and handcrafts has thrived for over 60 years, bringing together more than 150 artisan vendors sharing their creations. Visitors can enjoy activities for kids, a unique food court, and the chance to browse and dine in Coupeville shops and restaurants.

Stop by for free admission to explore the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum. It’s a great chance to check out the museum’s exhibits at your own pace.

Join the Toy Boat Workshop at Camano Island State Park to build your own wooden toy boat. The session includes a guided “shipyard” station so you can learn the process and take your finished boat home as a souvenir. The workshop is hosted by the Cama Beach Foundation, and there is a $5 suggested donation. For safety, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Stop by the Langley Whale Center for a free (or $3 suggested donation) visit on August 8. The event runs from late morning through the afternoon, giving you time to check out what the center has to offer.

Experience Puget Sound bioluminescence on a nighttime kayak tour from shore near the intertidal area. As you paddle in the dark, the water lights up with natural sparkles created by bioluminescent sea life, while you also get to enjoy the starry sky overhead. The trip stays close to shore for great viewing, and it’s more of a float than a long-distance paddle. Tandem kayaks are used, and no prior experience is needed. The tour is about 2 hours and is for ages 10 and up.

An annual all Mopar car event takes place at Oak Harbor Mopars, bringing together Mopar vehicles and the community that appreciates them. It offers a welcoming setting devoted to Mopar pride and enthusiasm.

Enjoy a gentle sail on Penn Cove aboard the historic 1925 wooden pilot house schooner SUVA. This relaxed cruise runs with the sails hoisted and the engine off as you take in the scenic views of Penn Cove, Mount Baker, and the Cascade Range. The trip departs from the Coupeville wharf, and it’s a family-friendly outing that’s great for all ages. Please arrive about 15 minutes early, and consider bringing a light jacket since it’s cooler on the water.

Experience Puget Sound bioluminescence on a nighttime kayak tour. As you paddle away from shore and float in intertidal waters, you’ll see glowing sparkles in the water beneath you while sea life (both plant and animal) creates its own light. This is a relaxed, mostly close-to-shore outing with a shared tour format, and no previous experience is required. Tandem (2-person) kayaks are used, and the tour is geared for ages 10 and up.

Get ready for a fun week of creative play for kids ages 5 to 10. This summer art camp features Color Splash Studio: acrylic pour and paint from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, where campers will mix colors and learn hands-on techniques to make their own bold, one-of-a-kind artwork. There’s also an optional afternoon movement camp from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM with dance, tumbling, themed activities, and costume or prop creation, plus a Friday parent performance. Early drop-off (8:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and extended care until 5:30 PM are available through Spark Movement Academy. You can sign up for a single day or the full week, and day drop-ins are offered.

Set out on a nighttime kayak tour of Puget Sound to experience bioluminescence up close. As you paddle away from shore under the dark sky, you’ll see natural sparkles in the water beneath you while sea life that emits its own light illuminates the scene. The tour stays relatively close to shore for easier viewing in the intertidal areas, and it’s more of a float than an intense paddle. Tandem kayaks are used and no prior experience is needed, making it a great way to enjoy a unique evening on the water.

Join Reptile Lady April Jackson for an educational, kid-friendly celebration featuring snakes, alligators, and lizards. Come learn about claws, scales, and summer reading while meeting some fascinating reptiles. The program is for kids of all ages and their caregivers.

CHWA's Waterfront Wednesdays Busker Series presents free live music outdoors in downtown Coupeville. Performances take place on Front Street at the entrance to the Coupeville Wharf. The series began with Sage Haze, with additional sets by Ethan Tang and Traveling Public. It offers a weekly showcase of buskers in a waterfront setting.

Hosted by the Northwest Colonial Reenactors Association, this 24th annual encampment welcomes enthusiasts of the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. Participants spend several days connecting with new and longtime friends, exchanging knowledge through seminars and campfire conversations, taking part in shooting competitions, enjoying afternoon tea, playing period games, and dancing. Families come together for a Saturday potluck with a raffle. Period clothing and historical-style lodging are required in the main camp, and a separate area is available for non-period camping.

Families can enjoy a relaxed storytime with read-alouds, music, rhymes, and creative activities that support early literacy. When the weather cooperates, the gathering takes place on the Community Green next to the Coupeville Library, and it moves to the meeting room if conditions are poor. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for comfort. A stretch of free play or a simple art project may follow the main program.

Join the Oak Harbor firefighters to learn fire safety basics and how firefighters help keep the community safe. You will also get to tour a fire truck and practice using a firehose.

This microchip clinic at Freeland Cat Cottage offers pet microchipping for $10 per animal. Cats must arrive in carriers, and dogs must be on leashes.

Join Rae and Andi for a family-friendly outdoor adventure featuring a short storytime, a guided hike through South Whidbey’s beautiful preserves, and a craft. The hike will take you over dirt paths and sandy beaches that may not be stroller accessible. Come ready for the outdoors with water, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything else you’ll need to stay comfortable.

This support group offers a calm, welcoming place to connect, share, and take a moment to catch your breath. Caregivers, family members, and other loved ones are welcome to attend. Participants encourage one another throughout the journey, so no one has to face it alone. A separate area is available where the person you care for can be engaged and looked after while the group meets. The meeting space is upstairs. For easier access, an elevator is available behind the Bagel Factory.

Catch Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest at the Island Shakespeare Festival in Langley. The performance is scheduled for Thursday evening, with seating arranged so you can sit together when you buy tickets as a group.