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Family Fun Center

Getting ready to take the kids on a vacation and need to find family friendly things to do in Ocean Shores?

With great restaurants and plenty of fun activities, there are so many things to do in Ocean Shores, WA, you’ll want to be sure to spend some time there.

The state of Washington is full of natural beauty. So put your kids’ devices away and introduce them to some of the wonders the state has to offer.

5 Things to Do in Ocean Shores, WA Your Kids Will Love

Three activities on our list involve getting out into the great outdoors. And there’s a lot for the eyes to feast upon in Washington.

But the two others are feasts for different senses.

1. Go Horseback Riding

Whether you’re brand spanking new to horseback riding or a seasoned equestrian, you can find some wonderful horseback riding along the beaches at Ocean Shores.

There are stables that have tour guides who will take your family on a ride along the beach. They’ll also teach your kids all about horse care, from riding to feeding to grooming. And for the smaller children who don’t feel as secure, there are supervised indoor and outdoor arenas.

For the more seasoned riders, Ocean Shores also offers Chenois Creek horse rentals to take on your own unguided ride along the beach.

2. Sugar up at Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream

What kid doesn’t like candy and ice cream? (Or at least one of them!)

Okay, so you probably don’t want to load your kids up on too much sugar. But they’ll be taken by the entire wall of saltwater taffy in a wide array of colors. And the taffy is available for purchase by the bucket!

Murphy’s also boasts a wide variety of amazing ice cream flavors that are perfectly nestled in their delicious waffle cones.

And since the establishment is right near the ocean, it’s a great place to stop at before or after your beach adventures.

3. Watch for Whales

Even if you live near the ocean, there’s a good chance you’re not getting an eyeful of whales swimming by.

But since this part of the Pacific is a regular travel route for whales, it offers the opportunity for your kids to see these majestic creatures. So be sure to book a space with either Westport Whale Watch or Advantage Charters for a fun family friendly thing to do in Ocean Shores.

4. Check out The North Jetty

There’s something magical about poking around the ocean shore and looking at all the little (and not so little) creatures.

The North Jetty provides just that. In spite of the name, this protrusion is actually the farthest south you can go in Ocean Shores. And because of the way it juts out into the water, it’s a great place to find crabs hiding under rocks and colorful starfish in the crashing waves.

As always, do not put yourself in harms way. The waters of Ocean Shores are very powerful, and shifting tides can leave you stranded! Make sure to stay in groups, and be aware of the tide charts when exploring the beaches.

5. Drop in to a Family Friendly Fun Center

Okay. Some days the kids just want to be kids and get a little wild.

So if you happen upon one of those days, take them to Pacific Paradise or Playtime Family Fun.

Both of these centers are all about family fun with arcades, miniature golf, and go-karts. They are a great way to help your kids get rid of that excess energy!

Take in the Wonders of Washington

With so many interesting family friendly things to do in Ocean Shores, WA, your kids are sure to find something they’ll love.

And you’ll be giving them a vacation they’ll never forget.

So if you’re planning a trip to Ocean Shores, check out our concierge page. We’ll make your experience in Ocean Shores the best it can be.

Ocean Shores is one of Washington State’s top coastal destinations. This six-mile long peninsula, sits comfortably between Grays Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. It offers expansive, drivable beaches along with a series of fresh water canals that are fun to explore by boat.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants in town and even a Beachfront Casino Hotel. The next time you’re in the area, makes sure to stop into Ocean Shores and make some memories!

Experience the Beachlife

When summer is in full swing and you just want to spend a day at the beach, Ocean Shores is a perfect destination.

Ocean Shores is a refreshing beach experience. It lacks the intense heat and humidity you would find in Southern California or Florida, and isn’t as crowded. You really get to connect with nature and take it all in.

Once again, be aware of shifting tides and keep all children close at hand. While fun and beautiful, the waters off Ocean Shores can be dangerous if not respected.

Visit a Family Fun Center

Playtime Family Fun and Pacific Paradise are two great spots to take the whole family out and do something different. These fun centers offer go-karting, mini golf, and classic arcade games.

Pacific Paradise has bumper boats available on its man-made lake and Playtime has a slick track to race cars on plus a section for virtual reality section and a classic ice-cream parlor!

Go for a Boat Ride

It’s one thing to enjoy Ocean Shores from land, and it’s a completely different experience to out on the water.

Luckily you don’t have to brave the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Ocean Shores Boat House offers a wide selection of rentable watercraft. Tour the freshwater canals of Ocean Shores in style! From a standup paddle boards, kayaks and hydro bikes to 10 passenger electric boats.

If you’re up for a bit more adventure, hop aboard vessel out of Westport, and have a coastal fishing experience!

Check Out The Shops!

There is shopping available for all ages. Sharky’s is the quintessential Ocean Shores gift shop, welcoming guests with the open jaws of a giant shark! This is a great spot to pick up a souvenir and get a pic in the entrance.

If you are looking to shop and eat without going to far, check out the Galway Irish Pub and Gift shop as you come into town. This is one of our favorites spots in town, featuring a whiskey bar, cigar room and live music In October, Galway plays host to one of the largest Celtic Music Festivals on the west coast.

Ride a Horse

Have you ever imagined riding up and down the beach on horseback? Have you ever ridden a horse at all? Horseback riding on the beaches of Ocean Shores is a fun option!

These gentle creatures have a special way of connecting with their rider. Staff aim to pair riders with right horses allowing both experienced and rookie riders a pleasurable experience.

Being on horseback by the sea is unlike any other riding experience. This is your time to experience those postcards and Instagram posts you’ve seen.

Horses await you just beyond 2 access points to the shores, with the most popular being beside the Shilo Inn hotel. Drive or walk out onto the beach, and you’ll see the horses to your right, standing on the beach in a temporary corral. The cost is about $20 – $30 per hour, and you’ll ride down the beach for 30 minutes and back. All the while being kept by a watchful eye of 2 guides for your group. There is a weight limit, and you must check in at the beginning of the day because spaces get booked quickly, especially on weekends. You can’t call and make a reservation, they literally want to meet and see the physical abilities of every person who is planning to ride.

Explore Ocean City State Park

Just north of town is Ocean City State Park. This 170-acre park sits along the shore, and is a goldmine of activities for the young and old alike. Visitors are welcome for a day use or overnight camping.

It’s uniques location allows its guests access ocean beaches along with wetlands, treed hiking trails and more.

Ocean City State Park offers lake fishing and kayaking as well as snorkeling, diving, and clamming in the ocean. There is hiking along the beach and within the park, plus tons of sightseeing and prime photo-taking opportunities.

Ocean City is not too far from town, so stocking up on last minute provisions or dinner at a restaurant should not be a problem.

Take a Walk on North Jetty

North Jetty is a rocky part of the Ocean Shores beach. It’s not ideal for laying out and spending the whole day, but it’s the place to be if you want to explore tide pools and get in some awesome landscape photography.

When the water is rough the waves crash on the rocks in a beautiful dance. When the sea is calmer, it’s easier to walk from rock to rock and discover all the ocean life that sits on the shore. Either way, the experience is a real treat and well worth going a little further out on the beach.

Do use common sense however! The amazing power of the ocean is beautiful to watch, but is not to be taken lightly. Don’t get stuck as the tide comes in!

And if you’re looking for something a big calmer, check out Damon Point for sand, surfing (even in winter) and a great walk out over the dunes and down the peninsula.

Climb Washington’s Tallest Lighthouse

Across the channel from Ocean Shores and you’ll find yourself in Westport, A quaint, fishing village perched on a peninsula between Grays Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.

Westport Light State Park offers some of the same features as Ocean City park with one rather large difference. An historic lighthouse!

The Grays Harbor Lighthouse is over 100 years old and stands at 107 feet tall. It offers amazing views from top. On a clear day you can even see as far away east as Mt. Rainier in Washington’s Cascade Mountain Range.

Lighthouses are a special family-friendly experience, and are an iconic experience for folks who don’t live by the water. Every lighthouse has its own unique story worth discovering. Learn more about the lighthouse and the surrounding maritime culture at the Westport Maritime Museum.

Although Westport sits just across the channel from Ocean Shores, it takes a good hour to drive there. Thankfully local leaders are banding together to bring back ferry service between the two Coastal Cities.

Check Out the Local Art

Save some time in your schedule to discover a few of the galleries around town and check out art by local Ocean Shores artists and regional favorites:

Fusions Art Gallery

The Gallery of Ocean Shores

The works include paintings, photographs, and handmade goods. Walk around for a bit of extra inspiration for your own creative interests or take a few pieces home to really enjoy them.

Discover the Best Things to Do in Ocean Shores

It’s one thing to read about the best things to do in Ocean Shores and another to see what this cute little beach town is really like.

If you’re a Washington State resident, book a staycation here the next time you want to get away. If you’re coming to Washington to explore Seattle or get lost in the mountains for a few days, squeeze Ocean Shores into your itinerary.

For more Ocean Shores insights, click here for a guide to Ocean Shores.