Photo: Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0 Things to do in Gig Harbor with kids
Six free or cheap stops that work for ages 2-12. Plus where to eat with picky eaters and where to find a clean bathroom.
Gig Harbor is one of the most kid-friendly day-trips in the Puget Sound region. The whole town is walkable, four parks have playgrounds, and the harbor's resident seal lives at Maritime Pier. Below: the order I'd actually do this in with my kids, plus the restaurants where you won't get The Look from the manager.
The 6 family stops
Photo: Sheila Sund / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia) Skansie Brothers Park & Netshed
Waterfront park in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor with a historic netshed and concert lawn.
Photo: Hans Olav Lien / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia) Harbor History Museum
Smithsonian-affiliate museum tracing the maritime, fishing, and Native heritage of the Gig Harbor peninsula.
Photo: Dicklyon / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia) Kopachuck State Park
Saltwater shoreline state park 7 miles from downtown — kayaking, picnics, and a paddle to Cutts Island.
Photo: rdcalldude / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia) Cushman Trail
6.2-mile multi-use paved trail running the length of the Gig Harbor peninsula — flat, family-friendly.
Photo: Gene Daniels · NARA Documerica 1973 · Public Domain Maritime Pier & Anthony's Beach
Public fishing pier and small public beach on the harbor's west side — sunset spot for locals.
Photo: Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia) Gateway Park
39-acre community park with splash pad, off-leash dog area, and large playground.
Where to eat with kids
- Tides Tavern — kids menu, deck seating, the harbor view keeps them entertained. Family-friendly until 9pm.
- Netshed No. 9 — pet-friendly outdoor seating literally over the water. Sea lions show up. Breakfast/brunch only.
- Anthony's at Gig Harbor — kids menu, big-window views. Get a 5pm reservation before the dinner crowd.
- Hops n Drops — solid kids menu, less expensive than the waterfront places. Off Point Fosdick Dr.
The kid-magnet stop
Maritime Pier. There's a harbor seal who's adopted the dock — usually visible mid-day. Kids are mesmerized. The pier is free, the seal is free, you'll spend 30 minutes here.
Splash pad (summer only)
Gateway Park (10809 Burnham Dr NW) has a free splash pad open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bring towels and a change of clothes. The fenced 2-5 playground is right next to it.
Skip these with kids
- Brix 25 — no kids menu, intimate adult atmosphere
- Morso — same, plus tiny dining room
- Hidden Harbor Wine Library — exactly what it sounds like
Bathroom logistics
Cleanest public bathrooms are at the Skansie Brothers Park visitor center (also has a baby-changing station). Harbor History Museum bathrooms are also kept clean. Most restaurant bathrooms in town are accessible without buying.