Looking for a place for that ideal family fun? Read this blog and learn more how to spend your day in Remlinger with your entire family!
This Remlinger Family Fun post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung. It contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Let me tell you why Remlinger is a great spot for some family fun especially in Seattle in the summer.
Seattle summers are hit and miss. When it’s sunny out, Seattle is stunning and everyone rushes to take advantage of outdoor activities. However, sometimes it’s a bit overcast and gloomy where you just want to curl up inside and drink soup.
After a morning of rain and clouds, I decided that a little rain shouldn’t deter us from seizing our summer. My Mom was in Seattle visiting from Kauai and I wanted us to explore something. So, we loaded the car and headed to Remlinger Farms in Carnation, WA.
Arrival at Remlinger Farms
We had been once before for their Fall Toddler Tuesdays, which offer a limited number of rides geared specifically to toddlers. My toddler Owen had a lot of fun then, so I was excited to see what it was like when the whole place was up and running.
As soon as we arrived, there were some fun photo ops and Owen promptly headed over to a sign for a quick pic. We walked through the produce market and country store to get to the check in area. After we paid and got our wristbands, we were free to explore Remlinger Farms!
First Ride: The El Paso Tiny Tot Train
Our first stop in the Remlinger Farms was the little toddler train. This was Owen’s favorite ride last time we came and it was definitely one of his favorites this time.
There were no other kids in line, so Owen got to sit up front and “drive” the train! It was hilarious because he had a very serious face the entire ride but then at the end he kept saying how fun it was and that he wanted to do it again and again!
We also checked out the flying corn ride right next to the train. Again, he was the only person and he was extremely serious.
Halfway through the ride, he understood that he could move the corn up and down. That’s when I saw a glimmer of a smile! Again, at the end of the ride he went on and on about how fun it was.
Pony Rides and the Steam Locomotive
On our way to finding the Steam Locomotive (whose whistle we could hear), I saw a sign for pony rides and Owen said he wanted to do that. We had tried to get Owen on a pony at an event last Fall and he was really wary.
So, when he said he wanted to try it this time, we had to give it a shot. The staff there were so nice! They found him a tiny pony named Bean and she was the perfect size for a toddler!
We patiently waited for the handler to come over and she put Owen on Bean and told him he needed to hold on with both hands. Since Owen is a toddler, I was asked to walk next to him on his left side and keep an eye on him the whole time (meaning no photos on my phone.)
This was a really good rule because I was much more engaged in the whole experience and got to see flickers of a smile as Owen bravely balanced himself while meandering on the trail. At the end, we waved goodbye to Bean and sought out to find the elusive Steam Locomotive.
Exploring More Rides and Attractions
When we found the train station in Remlinger Farms, there was a sign saying the next train would leave in 20 minutes. So, we got Owen on a little canoe ride that he seemed to enjoy.
We were able to walk next to him taking photos and chatting with the staff member, which was nice. Then, we started to explore the area outside of the train station that included a vintage firetruck, school bus, and several photo cutouts.
Just as we were about to explore further, we saw the train pull into the station and then all bets were off. Owen insisted that we stand in line for the next 10 minutes and just watch the train conductor oil the Steam Locomotive and make sure everything was in working order.
The Highlight in Remlinger Farms: Riding the Steam Locomotive
When it was finally time to board the train, Owen was beyond excited! He quickly chose a train car and we hopped in and waited until it was time to go.
After the train conductor bellowed “All Aboard!” we started on our journey around Remlinger Farms. We got to see goats, alpacas, deer, and geese in addition to the lovely scenery.
At the end, we went through what looked like a mining tunnel before pulling into the station. This was definitely the highlight of the day for Owen!
After the train ride, we went on a ride where Owen got to “drive” a vintage car while Grandma and I sat as his passengers. This was a lot of fun for all three of us! Owen kept giggling and saying “this is fun!” as he vigorously turned the steering wheel as we swayed back and forth on the guided track.
Lunch at Remlinger Farms Cafe
At this point, it was 1pm and we were all getting hungry. So, per Owen’s request, we did the little toddler train and flying corn rides one more time on our way to the Remlinger Farms Cafe.
At the cafe, they had lots of prepared options. My Mom and I grabbed some turkey sandwiches and soup and we got a boxed lunch for Owen that included sandwich, chips, cookie and juice. As soon as we sat down, Owen noticed a little train running on tracks near the ceiling.
Then we realized there were two trains on two different tracks. This became our lunchtime entertainment as Owen waited to see if they would “bonk” into each other. Near the end of lunch, the trains stopped and we were all a bit confused.
As we left the cafe, we saw a place to turn on the trains and Owen insisted that he press the button on our way out. It was a great way to end our fun day at Remlinger Farms!
6 Tips for A Day of Family Fun in Remlinger Farms
- Get there early. During the Summer, the park opens at 10:30am. This is a great time to arrive because it gives plenty of time to do many rides before lunchtime. We arrived at 11:30am and weren’t able to do everything we wanted before nap time.
- You can bring food. However, they post that food is to be eaten outside of the park. They give you a wristband so it’s easy to come and go. I did see several people snacking on rides. They also sell food there at fairly reasonable prices.
- Dress appropriately. Keep in mind that this is a farm. If it has rained, there will be mud. Owen and I wore our rain boots and sweatshirts and we were able to explore everywhere without worrying about getting mucky.
- Be observant. Signage is a bit spotty and some of the rides are kind of hidden. We just roamed around and stumbled across fun rides.
- Strollers are a good option for young tots. We opted not to use a stroller as Owen likes to explore. However, many of the rides are spread out and there is a fair amount of walking involved. Some of the paths are paved with concrete and the rest are well-defined gravel paths.
- Grab a pie! Remlinger Farms is known for their berries. They make pretty yummy pies that are easily frozen or eaten as soon as you get home.
Family Fun at Remlinger Farms Wrap-Up
Our visit to Remlinger Farms was filled with joy and memorable moments. Owen loved the El Paso Tiny Tot Train and the pony ride on Bean, his excitement evident throughout. The highlight was the Steam Locomotive ride, where we enjoyed beautiful scenery and encountered various animals. The vintage car ride, where Owen got to “drive,” added extra fun for everyone.
Remlinger Farms offers a perfect blend of activities for families with toddlers, ensuring a day of fun and laughter. The friendly staff and variety of attractions make it an ideal destination.
You can also check out special events in the place, like the concert last June 26, if you want to do something other than what Remlinger Farms has to offer.We can’t wait to return and create more cherished memories at Remlinger Farms.