You will be 3 hours north of the Mt St Helens area. Xit 49 off I5 south. Lots of out door activities and parks as well as the observatories. Great restraunts in Castle Rock and lots to do for the kids as well as the grown ups at the visitors centers. Indoors and out. Big lakes and lots of great sites. We moved here 4 years ago and the area is beautiful with lots to do and see.

Wow, that's quite a range in ages to entertain! Going to Snoqualmie Falls and hiking to the base of the falls is really fun. Driving to Mt. Rainier and hiking. Going to Golden Gardens Beach or Lincoln Park (or any of the salt-water beaches) where the kids can explore under rocks for crabs, and see starfish. The Aquarium is really fun for kids and adults. Renting bikes and riding the Burke-Gilman trail. The Seattle Center has something for everyone. Swim day at a beach on Lake Washington. A ferry ride. How about a weekend camping trip to Ohanapakosh campground near Mt. Rainier--absolutely beautiful. Or camping at Salmon La Sac just over the pass--can't be beat. Enjoy!

There is a boat ride on Diablo lake at Diablo Dam that the power company operates. Very scenic drive on the way. Beautiful mountain roads and about $17 per adult for about 2 hrs. I took my dad (80yrs) me - much much younger! We picked up some sandwiches and packed some cookies got drinks at the country store. Lake is very very green and gorgeous!! I think Puget Power has a web site with pics. Mt Rainier is always a great idea. Cresent lake or Hurricane ridge on the way to the rainforest are nice too. The rainforest is a long drive and a ferry ride but is most beautiful!!! There is so much to do outdoors. Leavenworth can be a fun town to walk around the shops and eat down by the river. Mt St Helens has a good visitor center. There are lots of "festivals" going on in diffferent places all summer too. Take your kids to the museum of flight if they like planes. Or the Paul Allen music exhibit thing (i can't remember the name) kids seem to love that place. or pack a picnic and throw a dart on the map!