15 Things to do With Kids

Visit the Dungeness River Nature Center, adjacent to Olympic National Park in the northwest corner of the United States, and learn about its unique geography, crystal-clear streams, pristine forests, diverse natural history, and connection to indigenous culture. Free admission.

15 Things To Do With Kids at the River Center:

1. Walk on trails by the river in the 75-acre wooded park

2. Walk, bike, trike over the Dungeness River on the historic railroad bridge

3. See over 200 specimens of birds and animals in their natural habitat

4. Touch real fur, feathers, shells, and bones!

5. Visit the Discovery Table

6. Visit the Salmon Room aquarium

7. Learn about Northwest coast totemic art and culture

8. Picnic on the plaza or in the park

9. Look for bald eagles! Borrow binoculars to find and identify birds

10. Name the plants in the raingarden and park

11. Look for animals and birds on the wildlife mural outdoors

12. Register children and teens for art and science classes throughout the year

13. Register children and teens for summer day camps

14. Take a free reading list with you

15. Visit the River Center Giftshop for a free sticker

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder…he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

~ Rachel Carson

Kids walking in forest

Just for Kids in the River Center Gift Shop:

  • Science and Nature puzzles,  some with Salish Art of common animals.
  • Owl Pellet Dissection Kits includes tools and gloves to satisfy curiosity and safety.
  • Magnifying glasses, a variety of science projects.
  • Cool Stickers to make your laptop and notebooks unique.
  • Colorful clip-on birds to attach to your backpack or winter coat to make it stand out in the crowd.
  • Board books for the youngest with colorful pictures
  • Coloring books and storybooks for the beginning readers and inside-the-line coloring
  • Books for (grand) parents and children to read together for giggles and inspiration.
  • Tree Hugger onesies and children’s sizes for Dungeness River Nature Center and nature-themed t-shirts.
  • Leather totem bracelets for the young fashionistas
  • “Singing” birds and animals that sing authentically when you squeeze them.
  • Beginning natural history books