Why Bellingham is Great for Kids

I have two kids and I’ve been gathering my thoughts on what it’s like to grow up in Bellingham and I wanted to share some insights with you. If you’re considering moving here with kids or just curious about what life is like for families, let me give you the scoop on the benefits and a couple of challenges of raising kids in this charming town.

The Pros of Being a Kid in Bellingham

1. Outdoor Fun Year-Round

Bellingham is a haven for outdoor activities, and it’s a fantastic place for kids to grow up with a love for nature. There are countless parks and playgrounds where kids can run, play, and explore. For example, Fairhaven Park has a great playground, walking trails, seasonal water spray park and courts to play basketball. Other popular parks are Boulevard (with Woods Coffee and a playground) right on the waterfront, and the “zip-line” park off Squalicum Way which offers a big playground, fields to run, basketball, baseball fields, and paved trails.

In the winter, pack the car and head to Mount Baker for skiing and snowboarding or endless trails for snowshoeing. Or you might enjoy one of a few arcades in town or mini-golf.

During the summer, Lake Whatcom is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Bloedel Park is the most popular swimming hole with a newer dock and life guards. Lake Padden is the second most popular swimming spot, and is a non-motorized boat lake with a 2.5 mile trail around the lake and plenty of back trails, too! Flying kites at Zuanich Park is great fun. A day trip to bike on Lummi Island or through the Galbraith trail system. Make sure to swing by Mallards, Cryo Rolls or Crooked Spoon for a cool ice cream treat when you’re finished.

Bellingham is a place where children can experience all four seasons with a variety of outdoor adventures right in their backyard.

2. Excellent Schools and Educational Opportunities

Bellingham takes education seriously, and it shows in the quality of its schools. The public school system here, including Bellingham High School, Squalicum High School and Sehome High School as well as various elementary and middle schools, is known for its strong academic programs and supportive environment. There are also special programs and alternative educational opportunities to the public school system. In addition, you will find extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, from arts and music to STEM and sports. Additionally, Western Washington University often collaborates with local schools, offering educational workshops and events that engage students in a fun, hands-on way.

3. Family-Friendly Community Events

The town is packed with family-friendly events that make it easy to have fun together. From the annual Bellingham SeaFeast (a seafood festival with games and activities) to the Bellingham Festival of Music, there’s always something happening. The Whatcom Museum offers engaging exhibits and activities tailored to kids. Trackside, Bellingham’s latest hang-out spot by the Granary Building, offers a super cool container village complete with Kulshan Beer, food trucks, live music, ice cream, art, and mini-golf! These events and venues provide great opportunities for families to spend quality time together and participate in local culture.

4. Safe and Friendly Neighborhoods

Bellingham’s neighborhoods are known for their safety and community spirit. Places like Cordata, Sunnyland, South Hill and many more have a suburban feel with friendly neighbors and low crime rates, which is ideal for raising kids. The town’s strong community values mean that parents and children alike can feel secure and supported. It’s the kind of place where kids can ride their bikes to a friend’s house or play outside without a lot of worry.

5. Great for Pets too!

There are plenty of opportunities for families to have pets as so many locations in Bellingham are pet-friendly. Restaurants, bars, dog parks galore. Grab your pooch and a beer at Paws For A Beer in lower Fairhaven. Don’t miss a chance to sit and pet (and maybe adopt) kitties at NEKO Cat Cafe. Whatcom Humane Society is also a great place to explore when looking to adopt a new furry family member.

A Few Challenges to Consider

1. Limited Access to Specialized Healthcare

While Bellingham has good general healthcare facilities, access to specialized pediatric care might be more limited compared to larger cities. For specific needs or advanced treatments, families might need to travel to nearby Seattle or even farther, although Whatcom and the surrounding counties do offer a variety of specialized care. It’s worth looking into the healthcare options and considering travel time for specialized care when planning your move.

2. Infrequent Public Transportation

Bellingham’s public transportation system is a good system and I know some wonderful people who work for WTA! As might be expected, public transportation can somewhat limited, especially for families who might rely on it for getting around. While there are buses and some rideshare options, the coverage might not be extensive enough to serve all areas or meet every need. This can be a challenge if you don’t have a car or if you’re juggling multiple activities and appointments. That said, the bus system IS extensive and frequent on the lines that serve the community’s needs on a daily basis in the city. If your geography Parents might need to plan more carefully around transportation or consider owning a vehicle to ensure smooth daily routines.

Wrapping It Up

All-in-all, raising kids in Bellingham comes with a lot of great benefits. The town offers a rich array of outdoor activities, excellent schools, engaging community events, and safe, friendly neighborhoods. On the flip side, there are a couple of challenges to be aware of, such as limited access to specialized healthcare and lighter public transportation on the outskirts areas of town.

Overall, Bellingham is a wonderful place for kids to grow up, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, learning, and community involvement. If these aspects resonate with you and you’re looking for a family-friendly environment with a lot to offer, Bellingham could be a fantastic place to call home.

Let me know if you want to discuss more about it or if you have any other questions. I’m always here to help!