Spring break is a time to refresh from the winter blues. School is out, which gives parents and their children a fantastic opportunity to spend time together as a family. With the economy being down, many families who might have taken trips outside the area are now looking for more localized adventures. Instead of flying out of state, why not enjoy a family day or weekend trip together? The Pacific Northwest offers many day and weekend trips that can be just as fun and adventurous. For nature lovers, there are multiple local areas that feature lighthouses, beaches, waterfalls and mountains. If big city living is more your thing, then Vancouver, B.C. has several areas of upscale dining, museums and shopping.

Snoqualmie Falls and Fall City: Waterfall of the Moon People

Thirty miles east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls and Fall City is loaded with beautiful back roads, forests and streams. There is a wide variety of recreation and activities to take in, including a steam train ride, golf courses, bicycling, a winery, antique shopping or a hike to see the majestic waterfall.

www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

San Juan and Orcas Islands: Islands in the Sun

For sea lovers, San Juan and Orcas Island offers many viewing pleasures. Orca whales, sea gulls, seals and eagle watching are some of the largest draws to the four main islands, accessible by ferry, which departs from Anacortes. With a waterfront resort, ferry rides and many historic sites, the islands are a great trip.

www.anacortes.org/

North Kitsap peninsula: A Northwest Heritage - Port Gamble

Driving from a Scandinavian village to a New England town would take days in Europe, but can be done in just a few minutes on the North Kitsap peninsula. Whether it's watching Suquamish Indians carve out canoes, visiting Native American museums, taking a ferry ride, seeing the oldest operating sawmill in America or a visiting a historic Victorian village, there is plenty to do in this area as well.

www.portgamble.com/

North Cascades: Untamed Wilderness - Marblemount

Often referred to as the "American Alps," the North Cascades are filled with beautiful peaks, glaciers and meadows. Running barefoot through the wildflowers, hiking a peak, viewing a floating glacier or visiting the Old Western Town are all activities that can be done in this area.

www.marblemount.com/

Mount Rainier Loop: Cascades Grandeur - Elbe

Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range and encourages day hikers, exploration buffs and wilderness lovers alike to visit. With 26 glaciers, old forests, backcountry hiking, Mount Rainier National Park, steam train rides and a wildlife park, there is no shortage of activities to keep visitors busy.

www.visitrainier.com/

Leavenworth to Ellensburg: Apple Orchards and Ranch Country

Highlights of this area include: hiking, boating, mountain scenery, a pioneer village, wild rivers, a Bavarian town, historical museums, horseback riding, waterfalls, apple orchards and the Columbia River.

http://www.leavenworth.org/

Vancouver, B.C. Day Trips

Whistler Rail & Wings

This tour includes visiting the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, viewing bald eagles and waterfalls, shopping in boutiques and galleries, a breathtaking train trip, float train and a 40-minute flight over Garibaldi Park.

http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-tours/vancouver-tours.aspx

Vancouver City Tour

This tour gives you an excellent four-hour overview of Vancouver highlights: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown, Gastown, English Bay and the Look Out with 360-degree views of Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet and the Coast mountains from high above the city.

http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-tours/vancouver-tours.aspx

Vancouver Highlights Bus Tour

This tour is fully narrated by local guides, and includes all of Vancouver's famous landmarks.

http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-tours/bus-tours/city.aspx

Spring break dates

Clover Park            March 29- April 2

Tacoma                 March 29- April 2

Franklin Pierce        April 5^-9

Steilacoom-Historical  April 5^-9

University Place       April 5^-9

Peninsula              March 29- April 2

Bethel                 April 5-9

Yelm                   April 5-9