Gig Harbor Downtown is a fantastic place for kids. It’s such a charming small downtown for everyone. It wasn’t crowded during the first week of September. The weather was perfect—not too hot or cold. The amazing marine creatures at the Public Docks were the most memorable part of our day. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
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First Stop: Art Exhibit at the Civic Center
- Key Peninsula Civic Center
- Address: 17010 S Vaughn Rd NW, Vaughn, WA 98394
We love the events here—a nice community gathering for everyone.
My husband played with the band for the art exhibit that day. After checking out the Art Show Exhibit at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, we drove to Gig Harbor Downtown for 25 minutes. The drive is scenic, especially when passing over the Purdy Bay Bridge.
How to Get There: Gig Harbor Downtown
We're coming from Key Peninsula, so it's less than half an hour away. Also, if coming from Bremerton or Port Orchard. It’s the perfect getaway from the city to enjoy some harbor views and small-town vibes.
Parking
- By car from Seattle: Approximately 45 minutes
- By car from SeaTac Airport: Approximately 50 minutes
We're coming from Key Peninsula, so it's less than half an hour away. Also, if coming from Bremerton or Port Orchard. It’s the perfect getaway from the city to enjoy some harbor views and small-town vibes.
Parking
- Free street parking is available. We found free street parking near the pottery store, though it can be a bit challenging to find a spot.
- Another option is to park at 3111 Judson St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, and walk 5 minutes back to the main street.
Pottery Fun
- Java & Clay Cafe
- Address: 3210 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA
- Restroom available
The ceramics here range from 28 USD to 90 USD, depending on how small or extravagant you want it. We painted with our kids and chose the smaller ones, about the size of a hand. We paid 65 USD for two, which is a bit pricey, but they provide everything. Note that you have to return after a week to collect your ceramics, as they need to glaze them to make them shiny and pretty. I really enjoyed this activity; time flies when you’re painting. Afterwards, we needed to stretch our legs and see something cool.
Chill Vibes at the Park
- Skansie Brothers Park
- Address: 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Skansie Brothers Park was just across the street from the Pottery Cafe. Here, you’ll find a great view of the harbor and a few benches with tables to relax. It’s a very calming spot to watch the waters and the boats docked.
Amazing Finds at the Marina
- Public Docks
- Address: 3215 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
We saw some huge sea stars, anemones, crabs, jellyfish, and more under the docks. Beside the park is a path to the Public Docks, where you can walk and check out some cool marine life along the wooden boardwalk. There are free life jackets hanging near the signs for water safety.
When we spotted the two huge starfish, you wouldn’t know they were there unless you checked the space between the sides of the boardwalk. Watch the kids as they might get too excited and peek too close to the water. There were barnacles moving with the water—it’s astonishing to see their little leg-like tentacles moving along in the water. The kids also spotted a crab, a sea urchin, and lots of sea anemones. I saw an egg yolk jellyfish, and my mouth dropped in wonder. I thought I’d only see these creatures in the deep sea, not realizing they were right here at the Gig Harbor docks. That was an amazing experience for me! The little kid inside me jumped with joy to see something magical that I thought I’d only see in books.
Learn About the Marine Animals
- Harbor WildWatch
- Address: 3207 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Afterwards, just a walking distance away, is the Marine Life Center, where you can learn more about the marine animals you found in the marina. It’s small, but they have a touch aquarium for kids. Sometimes I don’t want to encourage my kids to touch the marine animals, especially after seeing the movie “Finding Dory.” While it’s a great way for kids to learn and understand the marine world, it does make me think twice.
Coffee and Bagels
- B’s Bagels & Butters
- Address: 3308 Uddenberg Ln Unit B, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- Restroom available with a diaper changer area
My little one loves bagels, so we went to the café to get one for him. We arrived around 1:30 in the afternoon, close to their closing time at 2 pm, which explains the limited selection of bagels left. There were only three kinds of bagels remaining, and his favorite plain or original bagel wasn’t available. That made him pout, so we ordered the salted bagel and egg bagel. The egg one wasn’t really our favorite, but the salt bagel with cream cheese was a winner. The restroom has cute little funny quotes, so watch for those if you want something to smile about.
Sweet Treats
For Ice Cream
- Iscreamery
- Address: 7806 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
For dessert, we went to Iscreamery, and we loved their Double Dutch. The Strawberry Buttermilk was my favorite!
For Milk Tea: Drive to Uptown
- Pearl Tea
- Address: 4621 Point Fosdick Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- Free Parking
Just a 9-minute drive away from Downtown. The milk teas here are really good, and you can customize the sugar and ice levels too.
Teriyaki Delight
- Tokyo Teriyaki
- Address: 3111 Judson St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- Free Parking
For a really good meal, we went to Tokyo Teriyaki. Our friend parked here for free in the plaza, and walked a few minutes to the pottery cafe. It’s a small restaurant, and we loved their Chicken Teriyaki. The Chicken Yakisoba was my favorite!
Gig Harbor Downtown was an amazing day with the kids. I didn’t expect to have so much fun at, and now it’s my favorite destination for weekend activities aside from Poulsbo. I especially love the relaxed atmosphere and harbor views. The people are also warm and friendly, which makes it even better.
We’ll update this post soon with photos.
You might also like: Day Trips with Little Kids
- Tacoma: Bridge of Glass & tasty treats
- Mason County: Ramen & a stroll at Theler Wetlands
- Seattle's Park: Washington Park Arboretum & ice cream
- Bainbridge Island: Troll hunting adventure
- Western Washington: Unforgettable Quest to Find All 5 Trolls!
- Seabeck: Magical Stump House Hike and Best Pizza Ever!
- Gig Harbor Downtown: Starfish at the Docks and Pottery Fun
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. It ensures I don’t forget essentials and prevents frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Washington:
- Seattle: Discover the Vibrant Capital of Washington
- Leavenworth – The Bavarian Village That Brings a Touch of Europe Right Here in the U.S.
- Poulsbo - Discover Washington’s "Charming Tiny Slice of Norway"
- Port Orchard - Charming Waterfront: A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Seattle
- Cherry Blossoms - Discover Less Crowded Spots in Seattle
- Oscar the Bird King - Meet His Royal Majesty on Vashon Island
- Pia the Peacemaker - Explore Bainbridge Island, try Washington's first coffee roaster!
- Frankie Feetsplinters - Located at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard
- Bruun Idun: Found in Lincoln Park, West Seattle.
- Jakob Two Trees: Located along the Rainier Trail in Issaquah.
Do you want more adventure?
- For my next adventure, we're hunting for the Best Asian Foods in Kitsap County, Washington.
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