Carkeek Park is one of the most popular parks in Seattle. It is only 9 miles from downtown, yet offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park features great forest trails, a waterfall area, and large grassy fields. You can also see the beach and the sea. Children will love walking along the train tracks to play by the sea. Additionally, there is a special salmon-themed play area designed to support the environmental restoration for salmon to return to Pipers Creek.
Matthews Beach is located between Lake Washington and the Burke-Gilman Trail. There are many picnic tables, a large playground area, and a vast grassy area connected to the beach. If the weather is good, don't forget to bring your swimsuit. Whether you want to play in the sand, swim, or sunbathe, Matthews Beach Park is a place where you can enjoy a whole day!
Genesee Park
Genesee Park, located near Columbia City, is right next to Lake Washington. Sitting under the pavilion and watching the lake while having a picnic is incredibly relaxing! There are also bike trails suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Even better, there's a dog park where your furry friends can run freely!
Gas Works Park was originally a gas plant, which was converted into a park after being abandoned. It still retains the original appearance of the gas plant, with factory machines scattered on the grass as equipment art. The grassy slopes here are perfect for flying kites. Although the area is not large, it is a great place for the whole family to enjoy the sunshine together.
Alki Playground & Whale Trail Park
Alki Beach Park features a beautiful narrow beach that stretches from Alki Point to Duwamish Head. Whether you want to play in the water, play beach volleyball, sunbathe, or rollerblade, this beach has it all. It also has a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty, making it one of Seattle's famous landmarks. More uniquely, it is one of only two beaches in Seattle where you can have a campfire. Watching the sunset around a campfire is the most wonderful experience!
It's also great for hiking when you go for a picnic. If you don't want to travel too far to the suburbs, Lakeridge Park is a good choice. It's not far from downtown, but it has dense forests and trails that can make you forget the hustle and bustle. Kids will definitely love the wooden bridges and creeks here, and have a great time exploring nature!
Located in Ballard, Golden Gardens Park is another Seattle beach park where you can have campfires, making it very popular. It offers stunning views of the entire Puget Sound, has short trails leading to a wetland conservation area, and you can picnic on the beach, fish by the pier, and there's also a designated area where dogs can run freely.
