17 Chill and Easy Activities for Seniors in Washington State

Post Summary: The best activities for seniors in Washington State

Are you coming to visit the Pacific Northwest with your older parents?

I know we talk a lot about epic hikes and adventures in the PNW…but what about the tamer, more chill things to do?

Berty’s parents are coming to visit the US this year, and they are both in their mid-60s.

We are aware that they aren’t as active as us, so we are intentionally modifying our plans to ensure they have a great time without straining themselves too much throughout the day.

If you are traveling with seniors, or simply just need more chill things to do with others, this post is for you!

Scroll to find easy adventures, modification considerations (ADA-compliant, stairs, etc) and more ways to enjoy the PNW!

Tips on Traveling with Seniors

While traveling with seniors, it’s important to be considerate of their physical needs and abilities. We’ve got you covered with some of our best tips to make your adventures no-fuss and fun!

One of the most important tips we have when traveling with seniors is to not cram too much into your time together or make it too much of a grind. The whole point is to make it easy for them to follow along without getting overwhelmed or tired.

Another important thing to remember when traveling with seniors is to add lots of bathroom stops or do activities where bathrooms are easily accessible!

You must also think about stairs, hills, distances, or any climbing that could be involved when traveling with seniors. These physical obstacles can be difficult for some individuals.

Think about accessibility, mobility, and if your seniors have hearing aids.

Lastly, food is an experience–not something to blast through. Go to a place that has comfortable seating, where you can sit down for a while!

Other questions to ask when planning activities for seniors:

Will you need to haul a wheelchair or walker?
Are you going to an event that can accommodate subtitles?
Do they need other special accommodations, like traveling with medications?

17 Fun Activities For Seniors in Washington State

1. Whidbey Island

Whether you go on a scenic drive, go on a day trip to its rocky beaches, or stay overnight, Whidbey Island is a great destination for you and your older friends!

To reach Whidbey Island, there are two common routes from Seattle. Drive on land through the Skagit Valley via I-5 and Highway 20 (northern approach) or take the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry (southern approach) for another adventure!

Some of the best senior-friendly activities in Washington are right on Whidbey Island. They include visiting the historic Deception Pass Bridge and Deception Pass State Park and hiking the easy Ebey’s Landing Trail.

All Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) ferries and terminals are accessible to riders with disabilities, have discounted fare, service animals are welcome, and assistance can be provided, if necessary.

2. Bainbridge Island

Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is perfect for seniors and families.

Here, you can visit the historic downtown of Winslow, explore the scenic, 240-acre Grand Forest and the serene Bloedel Reserve, and chill at one of the many beautiful beaches on Bainbridge Island for stunning west coast sunsets.

All Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) ferries and terminals are accessible to riders with disabilities, have discounted fare, service animals are welcome, and assistance can be provided, if necessary.

3. Bremerton, WA

Whether you’re going to the local farmer’s market, disk golfing in old growth forests, or wine tasting during the Kitsap Wine Festival, Bremerton, Washington is chock full of year-round activities for seniors!

Explore maritime history in the U.S. Naval Destroyer Museum right in Bremerton, Washington. Veterans and military folks will enjoy seeing a piece is US history!

One thing to note is that the U.S. Naval Destroyer Museum has quite a bit of stairs. Be sure your seniors are comfortable with that type of excursion.

4. Port Angeles

Port Angeles is an excellent place to take your older folks and friends. It’s got the perfect combination of history, outdoor activities, great food, and tours!

It’s a perfect base camp to explore the Olympic National Park. Close attractions include Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, the Hoh Rainforest, and Sol Doc Falls.

You can also take the Coho Ferry to Victoria for a fun day trip from Port Angeles! In Victoria, you can visit the Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, and even ride a Double Decker tour bus through the historic city.

5. Snohomish County

Snohomish County is a beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest that has tons of senior-friendly activities.

For an easy going day on the west side of Washington, go picking for any produce in season at any of the many farms in the region. Summer blueberry picking is one of the most popular!

After a day in the gardens, go into downtown Snohomish to shop in cute boutiques and stores for a souvenir–some of the best senior-friendly activities in Washington!

Afterwards, visit the Snohomish Pie Co. for lunch and a delicious slice of pie.

6. Scenic Drives

One of the most chill activities for seniors in Washington is going for a scenic drive. Washington has some of the best routes in the Pacific Northwest!

Some of our favorite scenic drives in Washington include driving around Coupeville on Whidbey Island, La Conner and the greater Skagit Valley, Snohomish, Monroe, Woodinville, Chuckanut Scenic Drive, Mount Baker Scenic Byway, and Bellingham.

Each of these Pacific Northwest destinations have beautiful scenery, gas stations, and opportunities to stop when needed.

7. Snoqualmie Falls

Found just off of I-90, Snoqualmie Falls near Snoqualmie and North Bend, Washington is an easy day trip from Seattle.

Here, you’ll get epic views of the stunning Snoqualmie Falls from several perspectives on the boardwalks.

While the destination is ADA accessible, note that there are quite a few stairs to reach certain optional vantage points of Snoqualmie Falls.

If you’re looking for an active, ADA accessible and senior-friendly activity in the area, check out the short, 1-mile trail to Gold Creek Pond.

Up for a longer stay? Check out the Salish Lodge & Spa–a local favorite!

8. Seattle City Lights Power Plant Tour

For a fun excursion near Seattle with seniors, go on the Seattle City Lights Power Plant Tour. Here, you’ll get a boat ride, tour of the North Cascades, and meals provided!

During the tour, you’ll boat around Diablo Lake and visit to the Gorge Inn for a meal. You’ll also get a full rundown of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project while exploring Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

Don’t want to leave the city? Want to learn more about Seattle’s hydroelectric power? Take a tour of the Georgetown Steam Plant (steep stairs involved)!

9. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

When on the eastern side of Washington, hop over the border into Idaho for a fun day trip to Coeur d’Alene!

If you’re looking for an easy, but active activity while in CDA, hike the convenient Tubbs Hill Loop. The trail follows along the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake with some secret beach coves to discover.

You can also walk along the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s boardwalk (one of the longest floating boardwalks in the world!) and grab a drink afterwards at the resort’s Boardwalk Bar.

Another great activity to do with seniors in northern Idaho is go on the Coeur d’Alene Cruise. It’s $27 for seniors, which will take you around Lake Coeur d’Alene on a 2-hour ride. You might see a convocation of bald eagles that stay near the lake in late fall and winter!

10. In Seattle

Be a tourist for the day!

If you don’t feel like leaving the city, take some time to explore all the best Seattle has to offer. (And also all the free things to do in Seattle, to save some money while you’re at it!)

Some of our favorite attractions in Seattle include:

Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit (learn about their accessibility here)
Seattle Art Museum (learn about their accessibility here)
Pacific Science Museum (learn about their accessibility here)
Olympic Sculpture Park (learn about their accessibility here)
Washington Park Arboretum (learn about their accessibility here)
Seattle Underground Tour (includes flights of stairs, uneven terrain, and spotty lighting)
Ballard Locks (includes quite a bit of walking)

If you and your parents, grandparents, or older friends are up for some walking, consider going to a museum that has both walking and sitting available. Visiting a museum is a great way to have a slower-paced day with seniors!

Read More: Exactly What To Pack For A Trip To Seattle (+ FREE printable checklist!)

11. San Juan Island

Taking a day trip to the San Juan Islands can be a great way to get out while keeping it simple.

Some senior-friendly activities include fishing with North Shore Charters, visiting (or staying the night at) the Hotel de Haro in Roche Harbor, and touring the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park.

Whale watching in the San Juan Islands is another easy activity to do with seniors in Washington. It’s one of the most active spots in the Puget Sound to spot marine life!

To reach San Juan Island, you can either catch a ferry from Anacortes or travel via the Victoria Clipper Ferry. Both take you directly to Friday Harbor where you can tour and stay overnight!

Either route you choose, it’s recommended to reserve your spot online ahead of time. This route gets extremely busy in the summertime!

12. Orcas Island

While in the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is one of the best places for senior-friendly activities in Washington.

One of the most popular things to do here is visit Moran State Park and drive/hike up Mount Constitution. For longer visits, stay overnight in some cute cabins, whale watch, or island hop to any of the other beautiful Washington islands in the area.

While on Orcas Island, check out Brown Bear Baking for a sweet treat, MONTi for dinner, and The Barnacle for drinks!

You can reach Orcas Island by ferry! All Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) ferries and terminals are accessible to riders with disabilities, have discounted fare, service animals are welcome, and assistance can be provided, if necessary.

It’s important to note that the Orcas Island Ferry is EXTREMELY popular in the summer season, so ferry reservations are a must!

13. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park provides some of the best activities for seniors in Washington state. Its unique landscape and many easily accessible locations within the park make it really accessible for all types of visitors.

One of the easiest activities to do with seniors in Olympic National Park is driving from Neah Bay to Cape Flattery. This drive boasts stunning perspectives of the Juan de Fuca strait, and easy, walkable boardwalks to panoramic Pacific Ocean views!

Up for more? Here are some easy, senior-friendly activities in Olympic National Park:

Hike to Sunrise Point at Hurricane Ridge or Hurricane Hill (requires some more difficult hiking)
Stay at the Lake Crescent Lodge or just visit for drinks
Hike the Moments in Time Interpretive Trail (easy, 1 mile, flat)
Hike to Marymere Falls (1.7 miles, flat most of the way)
Visit the Salt Creek Recreation Area for tidepooling and walking on the beach
Shop in downtown Port Angeles
Take a day trip to Victoria, B.C. (via Coho Ferry)

14. Skagit Valley

The Skagit Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in the state and very senior-friendly. It is primarily made up of the towns of Mount Vernon and Burlington, Washington.

Here, you can explore the famous tulip gardens (best time to visit is March-April) and join in on the Tulip Festival celebrations during the month of April.

The Skagit Valley is also known for its birding, whale watching tours, the Chuckanut Scenic Drive, and the easy, 4-mile Padilla Bay Trail.

Note: The Padilla Bay Trail is wheelchair accessible. Start from the southern trailhead, as the northern trailhead parking area is uphill and along the shoulder of a road.

15. Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington on the eastern side of the state is another great city to explore with seniors.

In Spokane, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (ADA accessible) and Historic Flight Foundation Museum are easy activities to do with seniors. They require little walking, are slow-paced, and are informative!

If you’re up for a walk, the easy, paved Centennial Trail passes through numerous portions of Spokane. It has beautiful views of the city and Spokane River, and can be done for as much or as little as you’d like/are able. The Kendall Yards section is our favorite part to walk, there are coffee and donuts along the way!

There are also plenty of coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants around the city of Spokane, which makes for a perfect treat after a full day of fun.

Want a longer trip? Try planning a scenic drive in Eastern Washington!

16. Leavenworth Tour from Seattle

For a no-fuss, full day trip with seniors, take a tour of Leavenworth from Seattle!

With Cheryl’s Northwest Tours, you get it all. First, you’ll be conveniently picked up in Seattle, then you’ll travel through the scenic Cascade Mountains, and finally get a full day in the Bavarian-style atmosphere in Leavenworth.

This 9-hour tour of Leavenworth is a great way to go on a day trip with seniors that doesn’t require a car!

17. Columbia River Gorge

We know this one isn’t exactly in Washington, but the Columbia River Gorge encompasses both the borders of Washington and Oregon. Pop on over to the Columbia for easy activities for seniors in Washington state!

For a no-fuss visit to the Columbia River Gorge, check out the Columbia River Gorge driving tours and the Bonneville Dam Fish Viewing Station.

If you’re up for some easy hiking, there are also stunning Columbia River Gorge waterfalls that are both simple to reach and very rewarding. Multnomah Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are all easy ones to reach.

What are some other fun activities for seniors in Washington state? Tell us your favorite adventures in the comments below!