The links in each section are ordered ascending by how many miles they are from the Orcas farm by car - shown in parentheses.
There's a nice cleared woods with trails for kids and dogs (on leash) further up the road from the farm. Walk up Mt Baker Rd, past Deuce Dr and Gibson Rd to Tidewinds Ln on the right. On your left, directly across the road from the Tidewinds Ln turnoff, is a trail that heads back into a very pretty cleared woods. There are lots of trails in the woods for walking dogs and running around.
No parking - walk there.
The Crescent Beach Preserve , just north of Crescent Beach, is a 10 acre marsh / wetlands that's part of the San Juan Preservation Trust. The preserve contains a 0.7 mile trail with a trailhead at each end - the south trailhead is just off crescent beach (2 miles from the farm), and the north trailhead is off Mt Baker Road (1.3 miles from the farm).
The Crescent Beach Preserve Trail is definately doable with small kiddos. It's a nice walk from outside of downtown, and pops you out a ways up the street from pickleball courts and dog parks on Mount Baker road. From there, you can get to the farm by just walking west ...
Parking is free at both trailheads, although somewhat limited.
Directions to the north trailhead.
Directions to the south trailhead.
Turtleback Mountain Preserve offers spectacular natural landscapes and scenic overlooks from 8 miles of trails. There are many possible trails to follow. Two examples are:
There are lots of fun options on the Turtleback Mountain preserve, but do expect lots of whining if doing it with children. Bring lots of water and snacks (candy is a good motivation) especially if it's a hot and sunny day. Gorgeous views at the top, and lots of fun options to change it up. You can start your hikes from the south side or the north (old schoolhouse) side - both are fun.
Parking is free at both trailheads.
Directions to the north trailhead.
Directions to the south trailhead.
Blanchard Road, the road on the right just before you get to the farm coming up the hill, dead-ends onto a VERY narrow public beach (it's about the width of the road). There is enough room for a few cars to park (for free) at the dead end.
Blanchard Public Beach is easy access from farm. It's a small but beautiful place to throw rocks and have a picnic or glass of wine at sunset.
In addition to driving there, or walking there by road, it's possible to walk there by going down Duece Dr - which is the dirt road that goes down past the farm's garage. At the end of the dirt road, where there's a sign that says "No cars beyond this point", keep walking and follow the path as it bends to the right. You'll come out at the end of Timber Lane. Walk along Timber Lane until it runs into Blanchard Road, turn left at Blanchard, then walk straight to the dead end beach.
The upside of this beach is that it's a quick walk from the farm. The downside is the beach is narrow, and the owners on both sides of the public beach keep a close eye on their land. They will come down and yell at you if they see you peacefully sitting on one of their rocks.
Indian Island is just off the waterfront in Eastsound. The beach that faces the island is a magical beach for kids - with lots of driftwood, seaweed, rocks hiding little crabs, etc.
Indian Island itself is such a fun little island - during "super low tides" the island is accessible by trail, and they sometimes have teen ambassadors on the island that can give you information about the wild life there. Very fun for kids, and possibly the location of a mysterious vortex. (I'm not sure what the rules are about walking near or on the island.)
Parking, where you find it, is free.
Crescent Beach, easily walkable just outside downtown Eastsound, is also a magical beach for kids - it's very long, with lots of driftwood that can be used to build forts and houses. (Usually there are several there already built.) The water is very shallow - so it's good for wading, looking for crabs, and getting muddy.
Parking, where you find it, is free.
Obstruction Pass State Park is an 11 mile drive from the Orcas farm. A short half-mile trail leads to the beautiful beach - more than one mile of publicly owned saltwater shoreline.
The walk to Obstruction Pass Beach is very fun hike that's doable with small kids. Pack snacks and have a picnic on the beach. Great for tidepool hunting, if you catch it at low tide. Can swim, hunt for rocks and crabs, generally play around, and usually it's not that crowded. (Bad cell reception, so download map before heading out in that direction.)
There is no potable water at this park, so bring your own water. Also, you'll need to buy a day pass or have a Discover Pass to park there.