Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum
About
The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum is a hands-on wonderland designed specifically for young children to explore through play. With engaging water play areas, musical instruments, art stations, and age-appropriate STEM activities, this interactive space encourages learning through discovery in a safe, welcoming environment that parents and kids can enjoy together.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on water play station with wheels, channels, and splash zones
- ✓Musical exploration area with various instruments kids can actually play
- ✓Creative art stations with rotating projects and materials
- ✓Interactive STEM activities that make science fun and accessible
- ✓Cozy reading nook and quiet spaces for when little ones need a break
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10 AM on weekdays for the quietest experience before school groups arrive
- 2.Bring a change of clothes for your little ones,the water play area is irresistible and kids will get wet
- 3.Visit on First Friday evenings when the Whatcom Museum offers free admission from 5-8 PM (check current schedule)
- 4.Street parking on Flora Street is limited; use the nearby parking garage on Commercial Street for easier access
- 5.The gallery is designed for multiple short visits rather than one long one,consider getting a membership if you're local
Best Time to Visit
Wednesday through Friday mornings (10-11:30 AM) offer the calmest experience with fewer crowds. Weekends can get busy, especially Saturday afternoons, but the interactive nature means kids can still engage without long waits.
What to Know
Admission to the FIG is included with general museum entry (typically $10-15 for adults, kids often free). The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday, and street parking can be challenging during peak downtown hours, so plan extra time or use nearby paid parking.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours, making it an ideal rainy-day activity in the Pacific Northwest. The museum occasionally hosts special seasonal programs and workshops during school breaks,check their calendar for family events.
Nearby Eats
Walk to Bayou on Bay for kid-friendly Cajun fare with a relaxed atmosphere, or grab pizza and pasta at Fiamma Burger just a few blocks away on State Street,both welcome families and offer quick service.
More Activities Near Bellingham
Hovander Homestead Park
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Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park is Bellingham's beloved community gathering spot, offering 65 acres of well-maintained green space perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, wide open fields ideal for soccer or frisbee, and picnic areas surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding landscape, this park delivers everything needed for a memorable family day out.
BAAY Theatre
BAAY Theatre delivers professional, high-quality theater productions specifically crafted for young audiences in an intimate setting. With classic fairy tales reimagined and original stories that spark creativity, this beloved Bellingham theater has earned a perfect 5-star rating from families who appreciate productions that engage children while maintaining theatrical excellence.
Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State Park is Washington's first state park and a Pacific Northwest gem where families can explore rocky beaches, tide pools teeming with sea creatures, and forested trails with breathtaking views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. The park's 2,683 acres offer everything from easy shoreline strolls to more challenging hikes, making it perfect for families who want to combine beach play with outdoor adventure.