Sometimes Bainbridge Island feels more like an isolated island than other times. With the start school and the change in weather, it’s easier to hunker down than to go out.

But I’d like to help you because I’ve been there. I have heard the kids complain that there’s ‘nothing to do’ so much that I started to believe them. But there are things to do both on and off Bainbridge Island. Here is a list of some of my favorite rainy weather activities.

1. Bainbridge Island Trails: The trails around Bainbridge Island are a great start. There are enough different trails that each family member can have their own favorite. We loved the Grand Forest East and West trails and they’re fun to enjoy in any weather. When it’s raining, the trees provide a canopy over most of the trail and you’ll experience some big drops but not constant rain. You can read more about Bainbridge Island’s featured trails here.
2. North Kitsap Heritage Trail: I’m not sure how many people know about the North Kitsap Heritage Trail but it’s a gem. The main trailhead is just off Miller Bay Road outside of Kingston. The trail has multiple forks, connections and meanders through neighborhoods and the White Horse Golf course. Great year round and especially in the winter when you want to be outside and naturally sheltered from the elements.
3. University of Washington: The University of Washington campus is a great day trip. It’s easy and inexpensive to get to via Light Rail and it’s safe for kids to explore on weekends. We’ve literally taken our kids to the UW campus to run around until they got tired. Other times, we’ve taken them to visit the libraries, Burke Museum (re-opening 10/12) and to see the cherry blossoms. The buildings are open on weekends and there seems to be a campus coffee shop nearby when you need it.
4. Bloedel Reserve: Pointing to the Bloedel Reserve is just too easy. I don’t think we’ve ever been to Bloedel on a sunny day but it was still a fun place to wander. There is a fee to enter and family memberships are available. Bloedel operates on odd hours; be sure to check their website prior to visiting. If they’re closed, head over to one of the Bainbridge Island trails you haven’t visited yet.
5. Downtown Seattle: Visiting Downtown Seattle is always an experience. With the removal of the viaduct, it now looks brighter and … cleaner. Great places to visit include the usual Pike Place, Seattle Aquarium, and our two favorites, Mohai and the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Tower. From the Sky View Observatory, you can see for miles in every direction – including looking down on the Space Needle (which costs twice as much to go up). If you have older kids, consider booking a time at Puzzle Break puzzle room.
6. Port Townsend: Port Townsend (PT) is one of the few places that is fun to visit in both rainy and sunny weather. The crowds thin out in the fall and the feeling is cozy and comfortable. A great first stop is Better Living Through Coffee to load up and then check out the stores on Water Street. One of my favorite places to eat is Sirens. Again, super cozy and a varied menu that covers seafood, burgers and spring rolls. To stretch out your legs further, head over to Fort Worden State Park. Fort Worden sits on 433 acres of woods, fields and beaches and was part of the ‘Triangle of Fire,‘ defenses on Puget Sound. The historic officer’s quarters are rentable and most of the original structures still stand. Trails criss-cross the park and connect to bunkers/gun batteries that are open for touring (don’t forget your headlamp).
7. Silverdale: Visiting Silverdale can be more than a Costco or Trader Joes run. Beyond the Chuck E Cheese and bowling alley, Silverdale is also home to the Clear Creek Trail. Eight miles of trails wind through Silverdale from the waterfront to farmland. In the fall, Clear Creek becomes a thoroughfare for migrating Chum and Coho salmon. It’s amazing to watching them swim up the shallow creek.
8. Bainbridge Aquatic Center: During the winter, my kids loved to go to the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center with friends. After 10 years of sitting through their swim lessons, I was happy to let them go without me. Super easy to get to and affordable, the BI Aquatic Center is has hours of open swim time available on Saturdays and Sundays.
9. Tour Open Houses: had to list this one. You’re out of the elements, close to home and checking out some amazing open houses around Bainbridge Island. And if you’re lucky, the host will be serving drinks and snacks.