I've been here once via the Argosy and once via private boat. Its a pretty big island with lots of…read morehiking trails and a great place to go camping. I've attended the dinner show before too and found it to be moderately entertaining, but pricey and not the best for vegetarians. I hope to try running the trails on my next visit. Since I don't own a boat personally I might try taking the argosy over and camping on my own sometime in the future, which does seem like it might be an easy way to get in a sort of back packing type trip if you camp on the opposite side of the island from where it docks. Seems like lots of people camping here enjoy crabbing which can be done off the shore with pots. I love the idea of being able to camp on an island, although it is a challenge to have to get all your supplies to shore without getting too wet. I don't really like having to step in the water and I saw a small snake in the driftwood and I am terrified of snakes. There are also a large amount of raccoons which were not too bothersome. I do enjoy that you don't have to pack out your trash, and there are bathrooms available. Some of the bathrooms even have pay showers, which were surprisingly warm and nice after a few days of being on an island. It does seem like the rangers are constantly coming by, they do provide some helpful information but it does start to feel intrusive after awhile. In case you were wondering it is not okay to take your beer with you to the bathroom.

Sure there are a lot of coons but I was never worried about the safety of my little kids. Sure…read morethey keep a bit of a tight leash on the campers but I didn't find it obtrusive. Great park, great beach at low tide on the west side, interesting history. I love coming here.

What a great asset to this community and fun place to visit! Was able to touch a starfish and a sea…read moreanemone, but brrrr the water was cold. Quite the variety of sea creatures in a small space and we got to see the octopus in her new habitat (she does like to hide out).

One star for terrible rude volunteers. They just were concerned with the rules, repeating the rules…read moreover and over to my child, as she was trying to explore the touch tank. My daughter is a gentle sensitive soul, who is a rule follower. We don't need volunteers hovering over us. We couldn't even stay in the touch tank room because they kept saying hurtful things. The staff/volunteers need training in child development. They kept stating rules to us, assuming that she was going to do wrong and make the wrong choices. We were simply there trying to explore and enjoy our time as a family on spring break. The volunteers ruined our visit. We would never go back!

One of the hidden treasures of Kitsap County, an extensively gardened park near Tracyton has many…read morechildren's activities and gardens in a nearly wild setting. It's maintained by a non-profit. Highlights include a natural "Native Plants" trail, a butterfly house, beach access, picnic areas, Master Gardeners demonstration garden sponsored b Washington State University Extension. And there's great charm in visiting each little plotted area that children care for, growing veggies for a local food bank. It's easy to fall in love with the place and end up volunteering on sundry projects and events and care of the park.

When the forecast hits 80+ it's time to hit the water and Olympic Outdoor Center has multiple…read morelocations and activities to satisfy that need. At the Silverdale location, they've done away with the little mobile truck that would appear during summer months in the waterfront parking lot and now have a permanent booth down the pier. They only offer sit on top style kayaks (and stand up paddleboards) at this location, likely to cater to a more user and family friendly experience. If you've never been kayaking sit on tops are super stable, easy to get in and out of and don't have that feeling of confinement. The downside is you're almost guaranteed to get wet while paddling. In years past they offered recreational style sit inside kayaks at this location (closed tops with adjustable pedals etc.) which is what I was expecting when we arrived and when I asked it sounds like these might still be available in Poulsbo if that's more your jam. First come, first serve, the gals at the booth were super friendly and helpful and they are happy to store your wallet or small bag behind the counter for you. The nice part about the permanent booth is you no longer have to drag your kayak down the beach to the water, it's tied right there at the pier. Reasonable prices for not having to store, load or haul a kayak of your own from home. They also offer a discounted rate for 'military days' similar to a family night or matinee pricing. I didn't see this specifically advertised on the website just posted on the booth so it might be worth a quick walk down the pier to check their current specials. We snagged the $5 off yelp deal and enjoyed a beautiful morning on the water and Olympic Outdoor Center could not have made our experience any easier!

Awesome for a shorter hike with kids or dogs. Scenic view near the middle. You can also walk on the…read moreshore / water at low tide. Some steep parts but there are also benches as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Minimal parking. A couple gorgeous viewpoints and beach access. Switchbacks and a few steep hills…read moremay be tough for those that have physical challenges. Paths are not well marked but we took a picture of the map ahead of time to help when we were unsure. Many fellow hikers brought furry friends on leashes with them. Definitely worth the trip for the views, trees, water and beach.

My wife and I went camping here last weekend and Oh My Gosh was it beautiful!! I'm still adjusting…read moreto how populated camping in WA is, so put the campsite neighbors and noise aside this was a great spot! (It wasn't too noisy, and people respected quieter night hours). The beach is a quick 5-8 minute walk from the campground, depending on where your spot is. And there's also plenty of hiking paths around the peninsula! I think we clocked in at 1.5 miles, but it's kind of steep in parts. My favorite part about the campsite was the tree cover. There was always shade throughout the day, which kept the temp cooler. It also lightly rained for several hours Saturday afternoon and then again over night, but with all the trees our picnic table stayed mostly dry and our tent didn't get too soaked! Overall, very beautiful park and campground. I want to come back and experience this place again

Spent one night here recently. The winter (upper) loop was pretty good, not massive spaces but way…read morebigger than some with decent privacy on certain sites. We walked through the lower loop on our way back from the trail...closed for the season, but it looked even better, sites seemed bigger and more private overall. Beautiful trees and shade throughout. We took the battery and interpretive trails, nothing fantastic but still enjoyable with some nice bay views and little critters along the way. We ran into the campground host once who was very friendly and helpful. The day use area was good, with a large picnic building and lots of parking. Overall a nice, quiet stay and well-kept grounds.

Older facility but not overcrowded, at least during the day. Clean. Plenty of parking. Friendly…read morestaff ànd patrons. Variety of daytime classes.

I was not treated fairly last year by 3 employees that were like a "mean girls club". Got no…read moresupport so I don't even swim much there anymore. I misd my friends there but sone of the staff were like bullies. Toxic. Not as nice as it used to be. Not supportive. Felt no one had mt back and I felt disrespected and unappreciated the more it went on. I tried to bring it up with the executive director and was told to see her in a couple weeks after I said I needed to talk to you about some things you need to know. I mostly to another pool where I feel respected, wanted and valued. I do not feel targeted by bully and unhinged staff in the pool area. Management in that department needs a "Sea Change" honestly. I have a new home pool now. Where there is a team atmosphere and very supportive. I had to work up some bravery to write this review. It is not easy when you feel like you have to speak up and question the very authority you want to respect. I loved this y. Still do. The pool rock. I got friends there. Being at that Y was a huge part of my life. But the bullying and disrespect was just to much. I left broken hearted and not able to get any supportive ear. The manager of the pool was more "concerned about protecting her employee". She said those words. Well what about volunteers and swim regulars? What about swim students? I saw sone questionable things I did not feel free to bring up on the chain of command. I will say now this place needs changes to make it a more supportive place for all. Because it is too often toxic. That is not what a Y should be. :(

Wonderful horse camp! My daughters had a fun time, I felt very safe leaving them there during the…read moreday. They had so much fun we signed them up for weekly lessons. Very clean barns and pastures, friendly staff and I highly recommend!