I-Spy
As part of an agricultural awareness campaign, farmers and other agricultural businesses have posted informational signs on fencing along a 30-mile agricultural stretch of I-90 near the town of George, Washington, marking what crop is growing in the fields. To accompany these signs is a low-powered radio transmission on AM 1610 that plays 1012 minutes of pre-recorded information about farming and crops. A great way for the family to re-discover the “fruits of the earth.” Call the AgFARMation visitor center at 509-785-3831 or visit www.agfarmation.org. Next, stop in George at Martha’s Inn Cafe for what else, cherry pie! George and Martha Washington decor and a special children's menu will please the entire family. (509-785-3271).

Candy Tasting: A Lure to Pioneer History
Take a trip back in time on a historical tour through the Leavenworth/Cashmere valley. Start with a tour through an old-fashioned confectionery and learn how candy is made at the Aplets and Cotlets candy factory. (509-782-4088 or www.libertyorchards.com) Next, travel on to Red Tail Canyon Ranch and take a wagon ride while witnessing life through the eyes of a pioneer. Learn how drafthorses were used for farming and logging. After the ride enjoy a hearty barbecue cookout. (800-678-4512)

There's Gold in Them Thar Hills!
Pan for gold with help from a prospector at Banjo Creek Farms in Mason (509-687-0708 or www.banjocreekfarms.com) just west of Lake Chelan. Harvested gold is put into clear bottles for families to take home. There is a barnyard full of animals at the “hugging zoo,” and hearty barbecue dinners are served from an authentic 1880’s chuck wagon. Botanical soap-making classes are available for older children and for parents, and theres an impressive collection of early American furniture for sale.

Immersion in Early Culture
Experience a day in the life of a pioneer in Eatonville. Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village offers an hour-long “living history” guided tour. Kids can jump in the hay, collect eggs, milk cows, and churn butter. They will also learn how Native Americans lived, prepared food and made crafts on a separate one-hour tour. Call 360-882-6300 for reservations.

You Have to Be a Kid or Bring a Kid to Fish Here!
The Columbia Park Family Fishing Pond in Kennewick was once a stagnant lagoon. Today it is stocked to the gills with several species of warm water fish, including bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. An island out in the pond provides great access to view and fish, and provides a handicapped accessible area. Watch for various waterfowl and beavers. Youth 14 years of age and younger fish for free, however adults who fish must be licensed and accompanied by a fishing youth. Visit www.visittri-cities.com or call 800-254-5824.

Mail Run up a Wild River Playground
North America’s deepest river gorge, Hells Canyon, runs near Clarkston in southwest Washington. Take a jet boat down the Snake River and watch for eagles, big horn sheep, mule deer, and even bobcats and cougars. Re-trace the steps of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Go on a mail run and meet the locals. Visit www.hellscanyonvisitor.com or call 877-774-7428.

Sleep in a Teepee
Ever wonder what life was like as a Native American on the prairies of the old west? Families can camp in actual teepees while visiting the Yakima Nation Cultural Center in Toppenish. For more information call 509-865-2800.

Fly a Kite, Rent a Yurt
Kite flying for the whole family is what Long Beach is all about. This 28-mile-long sandy peninsula on the southwest coast is the acknowledged capital of kite-flying. You can build ’em, buy ’em, learn how to fly ’em, or watch the pros do it at international summer festivals. While there, take younger kids to the downtown carousel, and older ones for a real “wind in your hair experience” horseback riding on the beach. Then, rent a yurt at Fort Canby State Park. Visit www.funbeach.com