When the sun sets over the Skagit Valley, and the blooms close for the night, one tulip farm turns into an illuminated wonderland – complete with glowing lights, interactive laser displays, and colorful orbs strewn throughout the tulip fields. Night Bloom, the only nighttime tulip display in the country, has returned for another season at Tulip Valley Farms in Mount Vernon, Washington (but only for a limited time).
Night Bloom may be back, but is it worth a late bedtime, especially for families with young kids? Here’s what parents need to know before planning a visit.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)
What Is Night Bloom at Tulip Valley?
Night Bloom is an after-dark experience that lets visitors explore the tulip fields after nightfall. It’s a completely different atmosphere than a daytime tulip stroll, quieter and a bit more magical.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)
Who Will Love Night Bloom (and Who Might Not)
Before buying tickets, consider one important question: How flexible is your family about bedtime?
Night Bloom opens at 8 p.m. (technically, the gates open at 7:45 p.m.), making it a late-evening outing. If you’re strict about sleep schedules, this may not be the best fit. However, if your kids can handle a special late-night – or you’re traveling with older children – Night Bloom can be a fun and memorable addition to your tulip trip.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)
Main Attractions at Night Bloom
The Dark Garden: The highlight of Night Bloom is the “Dark Garden,” where tulips appear to glow under dramatic lighting. While the flowers themselves don’t actually glow, the illuminated pollen creates an enchanting effect that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Interactive Laser Light Displays: Laser lights sweep across the tulip fields in an interactive display. My 6-year-old loved dancing under the lights and jumping around the fields. The displays encourage kids to move, explore, and engage with their surroundings.
Color-changing Lily Pads: One of the most kid-friendly features is a series of glowing lily pads that change color when you hop from one to another. My son couldn’t stop giggling as he leaped from one to the other.
Food, Music, and a Relaxed Vibe: Food trucks and small bites are available throughout the evening. The mini donuts are so good we went back for a second round, and also made quick work of a bag of kettle corn. Live music adds to the laidback, festive atmosphere.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)
Pros and Cons for Families
Pros
- The tulip fields feel calm and uncrowded compared to during the day.
- Night Bloom is a fun, unique twist on a traditional tulip festival outing.
- The farm feels alive at night – you will even hear frogs croaking in the distance.
- The mini Highland cows still stir at night, so you can swing by and say goodnight.
Cons
- The late start can be tough for younger children.
- Interactive elements are fun but may not hold short attention spans for long. We stayed about an hour and a half, which felt just right.
- In my opinion, Night Bloom may not be worth a long drive from Seattle on its own; it’s best paired with a daytime visit (it’s neat to compare the two experiences, a stark juxtaposition).
- If darkness makes you uneasy, the experience may feel less enjoyable. I briefly lost sight of my child in the fields and ended up buying a Tulip Valley light stick to better track him (you can purchase one for $5).
(Image by Kathryn Mueller)
Good to Know Before You Go
- Location: 15245 Bradshaw Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
- Hours: Saturdays in April, 8–10 p.m. (gates open at 7:45 p.m.)
- Tickets: Adults $16.03, Children (ages 3–15) $9.82 | Tip: Buy tickets online in advance. Entry is quick and easy with a QR code on your phone.
- Restrooms: Portable toilets are available, but they are dark at night. Bring a phone light and watch your step.
- Attire: Dress for the weather: Temperatures drop after sunset. Bring layers and wear sturdy, mud-friendly shoes or boots.
- Parking: There is ample parking at the entrance, free of charge.
- Reminder: It’s dark — really dark: Glow sticks, reflective clothing, or light-up necklaces make it easier to keep an eye on kids.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)
A Day Trip to Skagit Valley
If you’re already heading to see the tulips, turn your Night Bloom visit into a full-day adventure.
A few places we love visiting when we head north from Seattle to Skagit Valley include:
- Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery, a family favorite spot to stop for lunch and baked goods. We buy extras so we have treats for a picnic at a local park. Don’t miss their famously oversized cinnamon rolls. They are decadent and ginormous.
- Deception Pass State Park is a great follow-up stop, offering stunning views, beach combing, and easy, kid-friendly hikes. When we visited, we stopped for a stroll along Rosario Beach. Other great hikes include Bowman Bay and Lighthouse Point.
(Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)
Keep the Tulip Vibe Going
Planning your Skagit Valley tulip day? We’ve got a couple more guides to help you make the most of it:
- Planning a daytime visit, too? Check out our family guide to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival for a breakdown of each garden, what’s new this year, and tips for visiting with kids.
- Want frame-worthy photos? Don’t miss our tips for taking great family photos at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival — from timing your visit to finding the best backdrops.
