Tips for razor clam digging with kids

What a difference daylight makes. The last time I tried razor clam digging, it was an adventure. (Read: Dark, windy, rainy and we managed to lose our car.)

This time, we had daylight and unseasonably warm weather.

We all ended up with our limit of clams, even my 4-year-old daughter.

I was a bit worried about how she would do, but it turned out my fears were completely unfounded. Hazel enjoyed it so much that hide-and-seek has changed. When she hides now, she is a razor clam and we have to “dig” her up.

If you’re considering going razor clamming, bring your kids. Especially if the weather is decent. You’ll be glad you did.

Kids don’t need a license, but they do need to be actively participating in digging. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a video (below) with tips on keeping legal. (Hint: If your kids are sitting in the car and you’re digging for them? That’s not legal.)

The next razor clam dig opens on Monday and runs through Thursday. Check the WDFW site for details on when digging is open. There are two more digs planned in March, with several digs that are during daylight hours.

If you are going to bring your kids, here are a few things we learned from our trip:

  • Put them in waterproof boots.
  • Pack a few layers, so you can swap out wet clothes or swap things up based on the weather.
  • If you’re worried about sand getting everywhere, put your child in a jacket that allows the sleeves to be rolled up. They’re going to be shoving their hands in sandy holes.
  • Bring a small backpack with a few snacks, some water and extra clothes for the kids. Don’t forget to stop for snacks. (The first day, we forgot to stop. The moment we were done and the excitement was over, my daughter had a meltdown that was fixed by a granola bar.)
  • It’s easier for kids to carry a mesh bag than a bucket. Make sure you have a bag with small holes or small clams will slip out. (The holes were too big in our bag, and we had to be very careful with it.)
  • Remember sunscreen.
  • Let your kids help you clean the clams. You might be surprised how much they get into it. It’ll slow down the process, but it’s fun.
  • Check out this story for general tips on razor clamming.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Sarah Jean Muncey-Gordon puts on some BITCHSTIX lip oil at Bandbox Beauty Supply on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bandbox Beauty was made for Whidbey Island locals, by an island local

Founder Sarah Muncey-Gordon said Langley is in a renaissance, and she’s proud to be a part of it.

A stroll on Rome's ancient Appian Way is a kind of time travel. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves on the Appian Way, Rome’s ancient superhighway

Twenty-nine highways fanned out from Rome, but this one was the first and remains the most legendary.

Byrds co-founder Roger McGuinn, seen here in 2013, will perform April 20 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

R0ck ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn, frontman of The Byrds, plans a gig in Edmonds in April.

Mother giving in to the manipulation her daughter fake crying for candy
Can children be bribed into good behavior?

Only in the short term. What we want to do is promote good habits over the course of the child’s life.

Speech Bubble Puzzle and Discussion
When conflict flares, keep calm and stand your ground

Most adults don’t like dissension. They avoid it, try to get around it, under it, or over it.

The colorful Nyhavn neighborhood is the place to moor on a sunny day in Copenhagen. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves: Embrace hygge and save cash in Copenhagen

Where else would Hans Christian Andersen, a mermaid statue and lovingly decorated open-face sandwiches be the icons of a major capital?

Last Call is a festured artist at the 2024 DeMiero Jazz Festival: in Edmonds. (Photo provided by DeMiero Jazz Festival)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz ensemble Last Call is one of the featured artists at the DeMiero Jazz Festival on March 7-9 in Edmonds.

Kim Helleren
Local children’s author to read at Edmonds Bookshop

Kim Helleren will read from one of her books for kids at the next monthly Story Time at Edmonds Bookshop on March 29.

Chris Elliott
Lyft surprises traveler with a $150 cleaning charge

Jared Hakimi finds a $150 charge on his credit card after a Lyft ride. Is that allowed? And will the charge stick?

Inside Elle Marie Hair Studio in Smokey Point. (Provided by Acacia Delzer)
The best hair salon in Snohomish County

You voted, we tallied. Here are the results.

The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV has room for up to six or seven passengers, depending on seat configuration. (Photo provided by Kia)
Kia’s all-new EV9 electric SUV occupies rarified air

Roomy three-row electric SUVs priced below 60 grand are scarce.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD (Photo provided by Toyota)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD

The compact SUV electric vehicle offers customers the ultimate flexibility for getting around town in zero emission EV mode or road-tripping in hybrid mode with a range of 440 miles and 42 mile per gallon fuel economy.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.