The kids will soon be out of school, and it's only a matter of time before they get restless. Now is the perfect time to plan a trip away from the concrete and traffic and expose your young ones to some of the Pacific Northwest's finest outdoorsy opportunities. Pack the family and camping gear in the car and head for the trails.

Recently reopened Dash Point State Park has both day-use areas and a 141-site campground (Loop A) for overnight stays. The park's sewer system has recently undergone a $3.4 million overhaul. The 398-acre park features more than 3,300 feet of Puget Sound shoreline, stellar water views and fishing, more than 11 miles of biking trails and plenty of hiking easy enough for the whole family.

[Dash Point State Park, 5700 S.W. Dash Point Road, Federal Way]

Sitting directly on the Puget Sound, Saltwater State Park is a hidden gem just a short jog north of Tacoma in Des Moines. This marine park features a stellar underwater artificial reef for scuba divers, and water views, marine life-watching opportunities, and picnic areas for those wanting to stay dry. A looping walk on wooded trails is ideal for young children and tide pools provide sea life "critter" discovery. Overnight camping ended in 2008, but it is worth visiting, especially at low tide.

[Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines, (253) 661.4956]

The Olympic National Park provides 17 separate campground options. Staircase Campground is the closest for South Sound residents and features 59-overnight camping sites. Thirty-one miles south of Forks is the coastal Hoh Campground on the edge of the rainforest and the Hoh River, which offers self-guided tours, the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, three hiking trails, running water, and 88 first-come, first-serve camping sites.

[Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center (360) 374-6925]

Head north to Dosewallips State Park in Brinnon. Dosewallips is a popular destination for the casual hiker that features both 5,500 feet of Hood Canal shoreline for the beach lover and Dosewallips River and Big Quilcene River access for white water rafting fun. Golfing, fishing and swimming activities are nearby. Standard campsite ($22), full utility sites ($31) nightly. Park closure is weather contingent. Call (360) 796-4415 before you go. Trailhead is 12 miles south of Quilcene on Highway 101.

After July 1, new state legislation will require a Discover Pass. A day pass ($10 per vehicle) or an annual pass ($30) must be purchased to drive a vehicle onto recreation lands and water-access sites managed by the different State commissions and departments.

Those wanting to escape the city but lacking the requisite camping gear of tents, sleeping bags and the like can still fully experience the outdoors. Mount Rainier National Park has two options: the historic 121-room Paradise Inn and the 25-room National Park Inn at Longmire. Day hiking, wilderness and guide house, nature and animal watching, full service restaurant and cafe, guided tours, gift shop featuring Native American art, and board games in front of a stone fireplace are but a few of the things to be enjoyed.

[Mt. Rainier Inns, 55106 Kernahan Road East, Ashford, Reservations 360-569-2275] www.mtrainierguestservices.com/

For more information, visit www.parks.wa.gov and www.discoverpass.wa.gov.