Things to Do With Children in Kitsap County, Washington

Kitsap is a county located in the western region of Washington near the eastern shore of Puget Sound. With a population of approximately 250,000 residents at the time of this publication, Kitsap County is relatively small compared to the other counties in Washington. However, its proximity to Puget Sound creates several opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition to aquatic sports, Kitsap County has miles of open park area, which provides another outlet for families with children.

  1. Parks and Open Space

    • Kitsap County offers dozens of public parks and open space destinations for families. Some of the largest public park areas include Battle Point Park, Fort Ward Park, Rockway Beach Park and Eastpark & Nature Area. Regardless of where you live in Kitsap County, there is likely a public park nearby where you can entertain your children for the day. For instance, Battle Point Park is a 90-acre public park in Bainbridge Island. It has several picnic shelters, miles of jogging trails, tennis courts, a soccer field, basketball courts and a roller-hockey rink.

    Sailing and Rowing

    • Take advantage of Kitsap County's proximity to Puget Sound. If your child is old enough, encourage him to try sailing. The Kitsap Sailing and Rowing Foundation offers classes, sailing competitions and summer camp programs. The sailing program, which is operated through Kitsap County Parks and Recreation, offers middle and high school children the opportunity to learn how to sail under the supervision of licensed sailors. After your child masters the art of sailing, he can join one of the competitions, which include racing and navigating.

    Sports, Exercise and Fitness

    • Kitsap County Parks and Recreation operates several sports and fitness programs for children. From swimming and diving to gymnastics and basketball, you can find over two dozen exercise programs in Kitsap County. The city also owns over a dozen public golf courses, where your children can spend the day out on the green. The Gold Mountain Gold Complex, located in Bremerton, holds an annual junior golf competition, which draws hundreds of competitors and spectators every summer.

    Fairground Events

    • Find out what’s going on at Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton. The county’s annual Fair and Stampede takes place in the fall of every year. This four-day event attracts hundreds of families from the surrounding areas. Entertainment includes carnival rides, beauty contest, live concerts, a rodeo and foot races for children of all ages. Other fairground events held throughout the year include sports tournaments, dances, festivals and expos, animal shows and the Slaughter County Roller Derby.

    Museums

    • Kitsap County is also home to more than a dozen museums, including a children’s museum in Bainbridge Island. KiDiMu Kids Discover Museum allows children to have fun while they learn about art, science and human culture though hands-on activities, movies, art projects and other exhibits. The Evergreen Children’s Theater in Bremerton is both a museum and live theater. Families can come and learn about different cultures around the world through live puppet shows. If your children like to get their hands dirty, check out the Bug Museum, also in Bremerton. The museum offers an interactive approach to learning about nature by allowing children to step into the life of a bug through slideshows, workshops and nature trips, where children get the opportunity to touch live bugs.