Where Do You Stop Between Wyoming and Seattle with Kids and a Dog?
The hotels, parks and meals that made our trip easier and way more fun.
Phew! Driving to Seattle from Wyoming can be a long haul. Not for me or Bear, but for the busy 4 year old in the back. Bear and I could have kept going, but the little guy needed to be out of the car after 5 or 6 hours. And it was a 12.5 hour drive. The first time we stopped in Missoula, Montana. The first time we stopped in Missoula, Montana. I usually have a handful of go-to hotel brands that I book with for trips like this, but even those were pretty booked up that night. So we wound up staying the night at a Best Western. Not my first choice, but it does the job in a pinch.
It was harder to find places that were good with Bear, both in hotels and in restaurants, in Missoula. On the way back, we stayed at one of the Hilton properties in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and it was much more dog friendly. The hotel staff loved Bear and he became quite the personality.
While in the Seattle area, the boys and I stayed closer to my hometown. Fall City in the mornings for coffee at Aroma (love to Steve and Michelle!), 520 Bar and Grill in Old Bellevue and Carmine’s for Italian, which was probably the best dining experience of the trip. Carmine’s had a great food and wine menu, plus they were so accommodating of my little guy. Another favorite was Vivi Pizzeria in Woodinville. They have been a favorite of mine for years, and their pizza is to die for. The owner is always so nice and extremely welcoming to my son. Now with the two winery tasting rooms next door, there are even more beverage options.
One of the best moments was at Old Bellevue Park, where they have water spouts and a small waterfall for the kids to play in. My son ran, splashed and laughed until his lips turned blue and his teeth chattered, but he still didn’t want to leave.
Where Can You Find These Kinds of Trips?
Some destinations just do it better, whether it’s thanks to built-in cultural engagement, thoughtful resort programming, or slower, more grounded pacing
I’ve shared a few of my favorite places that strike the perfect balance in a previous post:
Where Can You Travel as a Single Parent And Still Feel Like A Local?
So next time you’re planning a trip, ask yourself:
Are you picking somewhere that’s just family friendly, or truly kid inclusive?
Kid and Dog Friendly Highlights
Missoula, Montana
Best Western – Easy last-minute booking when other options were full. Not luxury, but clean and functional for a quick overnight stop.
Dog-friendly options here were limited, so plan ahead if traveling with pets.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Hilton Property – Much more welcoming for dogs, with staff that were friendly and engaging with Bear. Great option for pet owners looking for a comfortable overnight stay.
Fall City, Washington
Aroma Coffee Co. – Warm, welcoming coffee spot with friendly owners who remember locals and make you feel at home.
Old Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington
520 Bar and Grill – Relaxed spot with good food and a comfortable atmosphere for families.
Carmine’s – Fantastic Italian dining with an impressive food and wine menu. Very accommodating for children without compromising the upscale feel.
Old Bellevue Park – Features water spouts and a small waterfall that kids can play in. My son loved it so much he stayed until his lips turned blue.
Woodinville, Washington
Vivi Pizzeria – Delicious pizza with an employee who is always warm and welcoming. Very kid-friendly, plus the convenience of two winery tasting rooms right next door.
Ever travel as a solo parent with man’s best friend? Let me know what you do to make it memorable and any tips like great stops, the best milkshakes, and both pet and kid friendly hotels.
If your hotel, restaurant, or travel experience makes traveling with pets or kids feel truly inclusive with activities and amenities for them, I’d love to hear from you. I’m always looking for standout places to feature in my travel coverage.
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