Feeling the itch to explore vibrant landscapes of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival? And of course you want to take the whole family, including the fur kids. After all, that picture perfect sea of color is nothing without Fido! Well, have no fear. I navigated the Washington tulip festival with my kids AND dogs and Ive got all the details you need to enjoy the day with everyone in tow and get those gorgeous portraits!
The Dog Friendly Skagit Valley Tulip Farms
First things first, let’s map out the plan. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival blooms gloriously from early April to early May, so mark those calendars, folks! This floral paradise is located about an hour north of Seattle, making it the ideal day trip for city slickers and suburbanites alike. Now, the question on everyone’s mind (especially those with wagging tails) – can you bring your furry best friend to frolic among the tulips? Absolutely! But not all of the tulip fields welcome canine companions with open paws, so it’s always a good idea to double-check specific guidelines before you go. I was able to figure out two farms that allow dogs and both offer quite different experiences.
Dog Friendly Tulip Farms in Skagit Valley
Garden Rosalyn
This is the smallest of the farms, but the one I chose to spend the afternoon at. Why?! Well Im just not a huge fan of crowds and after driving through the tulip route it was quite clear that this farm offered a more intimate private setting. It didn’t have huge seas of color like the other larger farms, but it did have an impressive tulip display and I didn’t have to battle crowds AT ALL.
The garden was goregous, offered endless settings for stunning portraits AND allowed me to take my dogs in! This Skagit Valley Tulip field had an impressive artistic arrangement. They also had a cute pond with ducks and geese and a small play area for tiny tots. My kids had a blas running through the rows of tulips (I dont think all farms offer this opportunity) and we were able to capture tons of great images on top of having the best time.
Tulip Town
Originally this is the farm I was planning on going to. However, when we arrived it was packed full of people and from what I could tell walking through the rows of flowers wasn’t an option. It is dog friendly though, so if your taking your pup and want larger fields of tulips this is probably the one for you. Tulip Town also offers a bit more than just flowers, they have food options as well as vendors.
Tulip Valley Farms
This is the newest of the tulip farms, and the only one that offers you pick options! This farm offers endless photo oppurtunities, wether in their colorful fields or with the variety of farm animals they have. They are open the latest as well, and have free tulip educational talks by the lead farmer twice a day! And the best part, also dog friendly!
Enjoy the Day Amongst the Tulips
The Skagit Valley Tulips are located fairly close together, they have a “tulip route” marked so you can drive through the gorgeous country side and see all the vibrant colors before deciding which farms to explore. My kids and I had a so much fun just driving around to be honest, it reminded a lot of looking at christmas lights with all the excitement coming from the back row.
Now, let’s talk strategy. Conquering the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival with a pack in tow requires a winning game plan. First up, pack those essentials – water bottles for everyone (including Fido!), healthy snacks, sunscreen to avoid burnt noses (human and canine!), and of course, those handy poop bags. Don’t forget the camera – you’ll be snapping away memories like nobody’s business! Here’s a pro-tip: aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and snag that perfect photo op with minimal distractions. Plus, the golden hour lighting is simply magical for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Or Reach out to me to schedule a photoshoot in the fields, I might be up there any how and able to squeeze you in for those canvas worthy shots! And bonus; if your not sure what to wear check out my style guide for the Cherry Blossoms.
Safety first, always! With so much beauty to explore, keeping a watchful eye on your furry and human companions is important. Make sure your pup stays hydrated and doesn’t overheat under the warm sun. Remember, not all flowers are meant for doggy dinners, so keep an eye out for any signs indicating off-limits areas for your furry friend. As for the little ones, set clear boundaries and stick together. If there has been any rain within the last few days theres a good chance there is mud too, so prepare for that.
Enjoy the Surrounding area
Of course, no Skagit Valley Tulip Festival adventure would be complete without a few pit stops along the way. Luckily, the area offers plenty of pet-friendly cafes and eateries where you can refuel and recharge before heading back out for round two of floral exploration. Treat yourselves to a delicious meal or grab a cup of coffee to go, then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Mount Vernon or La Conner. Trust me, your taste buds (and your tired paws) will thank you!
As the day winds down and the sun dips below the horizon, take a moment to soak in the ethereal beauty of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Whether you’re surrounded by a sea of colorful blooms or nestled up with your furry friend and little ones, there’s no denying the magic of this floral wonderland.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival truly is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the wonder of spring. With a little planning, a lot of enthusiasm, you and your entire family can create memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your floral adventure to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival today!
