Fun for the Whole Family: Tips for Vacations with Kids and Dogs in Winthrop, WA

Planning a trip for the whole family is a tall order. It’s hard enough to find a location that’s fun for all ages, but finding a place that allows you to bring your four-legged family member is extra difficult. If you find yourself facing this problem, plan your family vacation in Winthrop, Washington. 

With its Old West charm and beautiful natural setting, Winthrop is an ideal destination for an adventure that welcomes every member of the family– even the dog. From outdoor activities to kid-friendly festivals, here are some tips to make your Winthrop adventures fun, safe, and memorable for everyone.

Planning a Full Family Vacation

Let’s be honest, traveling with kids and/or pets is no picnic. Children and animals require more care and attention than adults, which means taking a trip with them requires extra preparation.  Here are some tips to help with planning!

Choosing Accommodations

The first step you need to take after deciding to go on vacation is finding accommodations. Depending on the size of your family, children’s ages, and special needs, this may be easier said than done. Here are some things to look for:

• Family-Friendly: Many places say they are kid-friendly, but aren’t set up for families. Things like separate bedrooms and bathrooms are vital for families with children.
• Pet-friendly: Many accommodations don’t allow pets. Make sure your location explicitly states that pets are welcome before you book. 
• Privacy: It’s hard to enjoy your vacation when the kids are overwhelmed by unfamiliar sights and sounds. Giving kids (and pets) a separate space to decompress is vital for an enjoyable trip.
• Location: Ideally, it’s important to find a location that is close to where you want to be while still offering a quiet place to unwind. Finding a location off the main road is a great place to start.

We highly recommend renting a cabin for your family vacation. Not only do cabins offer separate sleeping areas for adults and kids, but they also offer privacy from other guests, in addition to being pet-friendly!

What to Pack

What’s worse, overpacking or underpacking? Obviously, you don’t want to do either, but it’s hard to anticipate what you’ll need. Every family is different, so your needs may vary. Here are some basic tips to help you plan your packing:

• What do you use every day? Make a mental list of what your family uses every day. This should include any hygiene items, medications, and pet supplies you use regularly.
• What is the weather like? Always plan on packing extra layers of clothing for fluctuating temperatures. This means jackets and extra socks for all human family members, and a doggy jacket or blanket for the pups.
• What are you doing? Think about the activities you have planned, and pack accordingly. This may include swimwear, hiking boots, fishing gear, or skis. 
• Comfort items: Dogs and kids get anxious when away from home. Make sure to bring their favorite blanket or toy to help keep them calm.

Examples of “musts” for family packing include:

• Sunblock and bug spray for the family
• A dog leash and poop-bags for the dog
• First-aid kit for emergencies
• Water bottles for outdoor adventures
• Snacks for car rides, hiking, or munching in between meals

Travel Plans

America is the land of road trips, and the winding roads of the North Cascades offer plenty of amazing views to make the trip worthwhile! To ensure you can truly enjoy the views without grumpy kids or a whiny pup, here are some tips to make the trip as comfortable as possible for everyone.

Packing the Car

Organize your car with kids and pets in mind. Keep essentials like snacks, water, and dog supplies within easy reach. Use bins or bags to separate items for easy pickings to avoid the hassle of searching for something mid-drive. 

As for seating, make sure that everyone has their own space with room to stretch their legs. Bring along some pillows and blankets for the drive as well.  Not only can they offer temperature control and head support for naps, but they also provide a familiar sense of comfort on the road.

Stop Frequently

Plan on your route taking nearly twice as long, because you’ll need to take a lot of breaks. Both kids and pets need frequent stops for bathroom breaks and exercise. Plan your route to include parks and dog-friendly establishments for lunch or extra snacks. These mini-breaks can make the journey part of the adventure.

Plan for Emergencies

Hopefully, you never need to use it, but make sure you have an emergency plan and supplies. This is especially important if you are traveling a long way from home. Your list may vary, but some basic supplies include:



• First Aid kit: bandages, disinfectant wipes, medication
• Basic Car Maintenance supplies: Spare tire, tire iron, jumper cables/battery charger, distilled water, and gas canister.
• A list of emergency vets in Winthrop/Methow Valley and Hospitals/Instacare facilities
• Copies of medical records for pets and kids
• Emergency contact information

Activities for the Whole Family

Once you arrive, the fun begins! There’s so much you can do as a family all year round! Whether you’re a family of explorers or prefer some quiet time to bond, here are some activities you can enjoy together.

Outdoor Adventures



Winthrop is packed with family-friendly outdoor activities. Hike along the Methow Valley trails, float down the Methow River, or enjoy a picnic at Pearrygin Lake State Park. Dogs are welcome on many trails, so no one gets left behind.

Here are trails & outdoor areas that are especially good for families + dogs:

• Patterson Lake Trail: beautiful scenery, creek access, and shade coverage in areas
• Methow Community Trail: Flat sections, nice views, and dogs welcome on many of the trails
• Pearrygin Lake State Park: Swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. 
• Meadowlark Natural Area Trail Loop: gentle trail great for younger kids, older dogs, and families with different ability levels. 

Around Town

Want a real Western experience? Explore Winthrop’s Old West-inspired downtown area for an afternoon of fun. Check out the museum, local shops, and delicious restaurants for kids and adults. Some eateries even have outdoor seating where your pup can join you, making meals a shared experience.



• Shafer Museum: Add a little history education to your trip when you check out these indoor and outdoor exhibits. Your furry friend will need to stay at the hotel, though.
• Spring Creek Bridge & Sateekwa Bridge: Have a nice walk along a beautiful bridge and enjoy the view!
• Ice cream / Sweet shops: Indulge in a little sweet treat from Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe after exploring.
• Farmers Markets (Twisp / Winthrop): Get to know the locals by shopping for local produce and crafts, and listening to live music. 

Local Festivals



• Winthrop Balloon Roundup (March): Marvel at a colorful display of hot air balloons against the rugged mountains. You might even get to take a ride if you book in advance!
• ’49er Days (May): Celebrate the town’s Western heritage with a parade and rodeo.
• Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival (July):  Enjoy live, outdoor concerts at one of the largest and longest-running blues festivals in the state.
• Labor Day Rodeo (August/September): End the summer season with a “yeeha” at this exciting event. It’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year!
• Christmas at the End of the Road (Late November): Experience Western Holiday magic with a festive parade and fireworks, while enjoying seasonal snow.

Quiet Time

After a busy day, it’s nice to wind down. Choose a cabin with a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, read bedtime stories together, or relax on the porch while your dog snoozes nearby. Sometimes, the best vacation memories are made during the quiet moments.



• Game Night: Bring some board games (or borrow some from the lodge) for a family game night! This is great for a rainy day or to cool down after a hot day.
• Lawngames: Kids or dogs aren’t tired yet? Let them play lawn games like tag or fetch to wear themselves out while you relax.
• Craft night: Bring along some craft supplies like colored paper and pens to create some crafts to remember your trip.
• Fireside Chats: Gather the family around a cozy fire for some fireside chats and cocoa. You can read a book, tell stories, or even have a sing-along.

Stay at Freestone Inn and Cabins

If you want the perfect family vacation, stay with us at Freestone Inn and Cabins in Mazama, Washington.

Located just a few minutes from downtown Winthrop, our mountain lodge and cabins offer a range of accommodations for families of all shapes and sizes! Whether you are looking for a splendid suite in the lodge or a peaceful retreat in our pet-friendly cabins, Freestone Inn has accommodations to fit your needs.

Have a family vacation you’ll all remember when you book your stay at Freestone Inn and Cabins.