We will be traveling with two children (4 and 8) to Port Townsend WA the first week of July. Any ideas for fun things to do/see while we're there and anyone know of any events scheduled for the 4th of July in that area? Thanks!

The Animal Park at Sequim is terrific for kids of all ages--make sure you have some crackers or bread in the car to feed the animals that come right up to the car. Hurricane Ridge is wonderful--be careful of the deer when you're parking--they come up to the cars as well. The Hoh Rainforest will make you feel like you're in Lord of the Rings (bring light jackets--there's a reason it's called a rainforest). You might want to chekc out the guidebook Washington Handbook by Don Pitcher--it's loaded with information.
Have a geat trip.

At nearby Fort Worden they're celebrating the centennial of the fort with community picnics, fireworks, etc. There are plenty of kid-friendly places to explore at the fort. See http://www.olympus.net/ftworden/fw20...nnialdays.html

Fort Worden is fun to visit, as suggested above. You can also take the kids on a small bird and wildlife spotting boat trip with very friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Two excellent sources for information are www.ptguide.com (a very detailed guide to the community) and www.ptleader.com (the weekly newspaper, published Wednesdays).
The "Centrum" events around that time include the American Fiddle Tunes fest, featuring great bluegrass music, and the Low Tide Fest (July 7) hosted by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. This is a great opportunity to learn about the local coastline environment and there are special activities for kids. Check www.centrum.org and www.ptmsc.org for more info.
There is a beach in Sequim (pronounced Skwim) that is excellent for fossil hunting after a rainstorm (in case you don't get sunny weather)--email me privately for directions.
If you haven't reserved accommodations yet, the Harborside Hotel has comfortable modern rooms with fridges and microwaves. Many rooms have balconies overlooking the water. B & Bs are more adult-oriented. There are also some nice cottages for rent from various private owners.
If you drive through Sequim early in the morning, you have a good chance of seeing the "Route 101 Elk Herd"--a herd of elk (actually two now) that hang around Route 101 and are quite beautiful. There are several llama farms in Sequim and if you contact the chamber of commerce, they may be able to direct you to one that allows visitors.
Have a great time--I'm living in Europe but still miss PT and the whole OP!!
BTilke (Brussels)

Also around Sequim a number of farms have taken to growing lavender, and a month from now it ought to be outrageously beautiful and fragrant. Provence it's not, but pretty nice regardless.

Hey BTilke how about posting here the directions to that beach in Sequim cause other people like me would like to know about it. Are you talking about the spit in Sequim or is this some other beach that's hidden away and you know some secret way in?

Hi Linda,
Not it's not on the spit. It's down a quiet road and I'd rather not post it "far and wide" (friends in Sequim would complain!), but would be happy to email directions to anyone who contacts me individually--this is a real email address.
John is right about Sequim and lavender farms. One of the best is Purple Haze Lavender (www.purplehazelavender.com) and they welcome visitors.
One other thing I forgot to mention--there is a small company offering day trips to Friday Harbor from PT. The boat is smaller than the big ferries and a nice way to see the island.
Must get off...I could run on all day about wonderful Port Townsend and OP.

Thanks so much for all of the helpful information!

To BTilke..I would LOVE to have the directions to the beach in Sequim, but don't see an email address to contact you directly. If anyone else knows...PLEASE let me know. THANK YOU!

I think this post is so old, that none of the posters are still members. You could start a new thread and you will probably have your answer then.

Carylan, Now that ten years have past the whereabouts of the "secret" beach may have slipped out. In any event, the water is too cold for swimming. HTTY

Spirobulldog, you are right. And it's no wonder I can't find any fossils....I am obviously blind..I never even noticed how old these posts were. I will start a new thread as you suggested. THANK YOU!

Happytrailstoyou, If the whereabouts has slipped out, it slipped right past me! I walked a nice beach yesterday, with my eyes glued to the ground looking for anything of interest and failed to see a sneaky wave until I felt the icy cold wrap around my ankles...brrrr...there will be no swimming.

We are going to Olympic the last week of July. Our first trip there or anywhere in Washington. We did a lot in Oregon a couple of years ago. Anyway, I would think your kids would like tidepooling and walking through the Hoh Rain Forest. Soaking in the hot springs pools at Sol Duc is another option. We are spending 3 days/nights there and staying at a different spot each night.