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5 Fun Family Activities in Ridgefield WA

April 15, 2019

Are you nearing retirement age and looking for a place to spend your golden years? Or maybe you’re looking for a second home where you can spend summers with the family. If you want to find a place that has a lot going on but isn’t going to be packed with summer crowds, we have the perfect location for you. Ridgefield, WA, is a charming town of about 6,000 people. This quaint and vibrant community is close to major cities Portland and Seattle. New Tradition Homes is one of the largest homebuilders in Washington State. We understand the type of place people want to call home. So allow us to introduce you to Ridgefield and all the fun family activities this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, you can’t pass up the opportunity to explore the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Filled with nature trails and a plethora of recreational opportunities, the wildlife refuge is a delight for all ages. Bird watchers are encouraged to bring their binoculars and find a comfortable spot to be awed by the variety of wildlife in this 5,300-acre refuge. For a comprehensive list of the wildlife you can expect to see, as well as wildlife watching tips, look here. You can also hit the hiking or water trails for some family bonding time. Go kayaking or canoeing, for instance, along the 21-mile water trail. Or explore one of several hiking trails, which feature wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers. A fun option for children ages 12 and older is the GeoAdventure, a free group activity that comes complete with a GPS unit and a bag of clues for a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt. You’ll also want to check out the Cathlapotle Plankhouse during your visit. The Plankhouse is one of the few remaining archaeological sites along the Lower Columbia River and serves as an interpretive center for the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Historic Walking Tour During the summertime, the kids may be out of class, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat them to a history lesson. We promise they’ll enjoy this is one. Take the family on a self-guided tour to learn more about the history of downtown Ridgefield. Using this guide, you’ll take a trip back in time. Among the stops is the birthplace of the U-Haul business. Another highlight of the tour is the 1926 time capsule, which was discovered just six years ago at the site of the former Schroeder’s Sweet Shop. Its contents are on display at City Hall, which is another stop along the tour. Overlook Park Overlook Park, located downtown, is home to a variety of community events the whole family can enjoy. Beginning on the first Saturday in May, Overlook Park is home to the farmer’s market, where you can buy locally grown produce, handmade goods, and unique finds. There’s also live music to entertain you while you’re shopping. Overlook Park is the site of First Saturdays, monthly gatherings held on the first Saturday of each month. Each event features music, food, and family-friendly activities, but has its own theme. Past events have included a tailgate party and a chili cook-off, as well as an arts quarter block party. As the name suggests, Overlook Park provides a great view of the Refuge. It also features unique artwork by local artists, including Native American art panels and one-of-a-kind sculptures. The park also provides information about early Native American settlers. Old Liberty Theater Ridgefield, WA, has a rich culture that has lent itself to a thriving arts scene. In addition to the visual arts, Ridgefield offers opportunities to enjoy the performing arts as well. The Old Liberty Theater was built in 1946 by Red and Sue Hicks, who wanted to honor the memory of their son, Frank, who died during World War II. Since reclaimed and renovated, the theater offers a range of performances for the whole family to enjoy. Musical acts have included The Fire, a high-energy Scottish band featuring fiddles and bagpipes, and Tony Starlight, whose western show is part country music, part comedy routine that is sure to entertain. Old Liberty Theater also has a monthly documentary series titled Meaningful Movies, which includes a post-documentary discussion following the screening. Before or after a show, be sure to visit the theater’s Seasons Coffee Shop, where you can enjoy coffee, a glass of wine, or a cup of organic, locally grown tea. The theater is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing evening or take in a lively performance. Downtown But don’t forget to explore the rest of what downtown Ridgefield has to offer. Take a stroll with the family down Main Street, and you’ll get a sense of what Ridgefield is all about. The tree-lined streets are also lined with unique shops and delightful restaurants. In addition to the historic theater, you’ll also find a salon, gift boutique, and antique stores. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the art murals painted on a number of downtown buildings. After you’ve explored the shops and eateries, you can stroll down to the Lake River Waterfront. This 40-acre waterfront property includes a waterfront trail and amazing views of the National Wildlife Refuge. The downtown area also features a number of parks, including a community skate park. Whether you’re looking to permanently settle or simply want to plan a weekend getaway, Ridgefield, WA, is the perfect place for your family. Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy all small-town charm has to offer. There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities. There are also wineries and a golf course to explore. So set the kids loose to do their own thing while you relax, or plan an itinerary for the whole family to enjoy. You might decide you like Ridgefield so much you want to stay. And if that’s the case, we’d be more than happy to help transform your mini-vacation into a staycation.