Attend a festival and try ice or rock climbing
Every September, the Rainier Mountain Festival features a variety of kids games, from an inflatable bounce house to ice and rock climbing walls. Combine that with food and music and you've got a great family outing.

Play Disc Golf!
Crystal Mountain's incredibly fun disc golf course is back! The 18 hole course is a great way for families to enjoy their day on the mountain while getting some exercise. Experienced disc golfers will, of course, want to bring their own "bag" of discs -- otherwise, discs are available for sale and rent at the Snorting Elk Cellar and Village Inn Hotel Registration office. More information at the Crystal Hotel website.

Visit a working farm, established in 1887
Pioneer Farm Museum is a "hands on" homestead built in 1887 with a multiple of activities for adults and children, including overnight programs. It is open on weekends from mid-March through mid-June, and after Labor Day to the day before Thanksgiving. During summer it is open all week. The Museum and Ohop Indian Village are located just north of Eatonville. More info here.

Check out metal sculptures inspired by science fiction
On SR 706, a couple miles past Elbe, you'll pass an amazing sight (on the right hand side of the road) -- metal sculptures by artist Dan Klennert that at first glance may resemble something out of a science fiction novel. The name of the park is "Ex-Nihilo," which is Latin for "something created out of nothing". You'll want to pause and admire his skill and imagination!

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
Take the kids for a ride on a vintage logging locomotive. The loading platform is located near Lake Mineral off of Highway 7 between Morton and Elbe.

Participate in the Junior Ranger Program: July 1 to Sept 1
Special programs for Junior Rangers age 6-11 are offered throughout the park in summer. Ask for a Junior Ranger Activity Book. It's free and available at visitor centers. Complete it and you'll earn a badge and certificate.

LONGMIRE: 6:30 pm through July 31; 6:00 pm beginning Aug 1
Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater. Additional parking is available at the picnic area across from the campground (45 minutes). Join a Ranger program for fun and educational activities for kids aged 6-11!

OHANAPECOSH: 10:30 am
Junior Ranger's Exploration: discover what's special about Mt. Rainier Park with a Ranger as your guide. Hands on activities, stories, games and walks--find out what's offered today! Meet at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center.

OHANAPECOSH: 7:30-8:30 pm
Family-friendly fun - enjoy an hour with a ranger! Meet at the Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater.

SUNRISE/WHITE RIVER: 7:00-7:30 pm
Enjoy a kid's focus on Mt. Rainier National Park. Activities, songs, stories. Come join a ranger this evening! Topics vary nightly. Meet at the White River Campground Circle.

PARADISE: 1:00 pm daily
Calling all kids 6-11 and their families! Join the Ranger for a few fun activities exploring facets of Mount Rainier. Stop by the Jackson Visitor Center for location (30-40 minutes).

Explore a nature trail (a short one)
"Trail of the Shadows" is a short nature trail that begins at Longmire. It starts across the road from the National Park Inn, is less than a mile long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail explores a mineral hot springs that was discovered by James Longmire, an early settler in the region. Longmire was drawn by these soda springs and filed a mineral claim. This trail also displays an early homestead cabin and a variety of plants and animals. It is a fascinating blend of human and natural history.

Ride the chairlift at Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is running its chairlift this summer for Sunday brunch and weekend sunset dinners. Enjoy Sunday brunch with the family at the Summit House, Washington's highest restaurant. Get more information here: Crystal Mountain Website or on the events page.

Ride bikes to Packwood Lake for a picnic lunch
This 8.6 mile out and back ride with great views of Rainier and the Goat Rocks Wilderness is mostly flat and follows a dirt road and wide singletrack. Soak up the scenery as you picnic at the lake (4.3 miles in).

Go berry picking
The month of September is the best month to find huckleberries. Two quarts per person per day of huckleberries may be gathered within the National Park, and just outside the park's southern boundaries, East Lewis County near Packwood and Randle is well known for these delightful and tasty fruits. Huckleberries grow in open areas at elevations over 4000 feet. Three gallons per person are allowed (non-commercial) without a permit. More information can be found at Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Near Eatonville, the Wildlife Park is a treasure for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The signature tram tour through the 435-acre free roaming area offers the opportunity to spot animals as they wander through forests, wetlands and meadows. Including the core area -- with cats, bears, wolves, owls and more -- the park is home to 200 animals representing 30 species. For more information, visit http://www.nwtrek.org