Best Parks for Hiking with Kids near Seattle, WA | Eickhoff Photography
Are you an avid hiker? Do you love being in the mountains? Do you love the smell of the evergreens and the feeling of sunshine on your skin? Me too! The mountains are my happy place =) However, after having kids, I found it a bit overwhelming to lug them and all of their needs out to the mountains. Between the 1-2 hour drive up to a good hiking spot, packing all the snacks, diapers, and extra clothes for the inevitable blowout, and finding the extra energy to carry my sweet bundle all the way up a mountain, I found myself exhausted just considering the possibility.
But, I know that the trees bring me peace. And every time my son was fussy and upset, or even now when my kids are cranky, all I need to do is get them out the door and into the fresh air and sunshine for 10 seconds and their mood changes…almost immediately. Forest bathing is magical for them too. They love to explore and discover new critters. They love to look up at the giant trees. They love the sunshine and fresh air just like I do. So, we found an alternative to the full day hiking in the mountains commitment, local Seattle parks that make walking feel like you drove to the mountains. As my kids have gotten older, they love being in charge of picking the trail we walk on and finding our way through the parks too. Here are some of my favorites.
1. Lynndale Park, Lynnwood, WA
18927 72nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
A small, but pleasant, north Seattle park, Lynndale Park has 22 acres of forested area to wander and explore, including an amphitheater that is used for Shakespeare in the park in the summer time and plenty of trails for wandering with toddlers and small kids. The last time we took my kids through this park, we were delighted to spot the resident owls up in the trees enjoying the evening. They also have tennis courts, ball fields, an off-leash dog park, and a skate park, along with a playground.
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Play-Lynnwood/Parks-Trails-and-Open-Space/Lynndale-Park
2. Carkeek Park, Seattle WA
950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
Carkeek Park has 220 acres of forested park and trails. See if you can find the orchard, make your way to the beach, stand on the bridge that crosses over the train tracks and watch as the freight trains barrel by below you, or discover viewpoints of Puget Sound from the North Bluff trail. Wander through the trails and have a picnic on the beach or stop to play on the playground near the main parking lot and restrooms. Check out the map linked below to help you find your way through the park.
https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/carkeek-park
3. Shoreview Park and Boeing Creek Park, Shoreline WA
17229 3rd Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98133
These two parks sit back to back with trails through the trees, creek crossings, ferns, moss, and all things PNW forest. There are also ball fields, tennis courts, a playground, and restrooms at the main parking lot.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/boeing-creek-park
4. Forest Park, Everett WA
802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA 98203
Forest Park has several miles of trails with good hill climbs to tire out those over energized little kid legs =) Plus, if it is a warm summer day, they also have a water playground and regular playground to check out after a good forest wander.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/forest-park-everett
5. Discovery Park, Seattle WA
3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Discovery Park is the largest city park in Seattle. It’s huge and has a bit of everything: trees, grassy fields to run in, summer wildflowers, beach with sand and rocks, a light house, and plenty of trails to wander as you take in the views of Puget Sound. Stop by the visitor center near the east parking lot for more information on where to go and what you can see, or just start exploring and see what you find!
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/discovery-park-loop-trail
https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/discovery-park
6. Hamlin Park, Shoreline WA
16006 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Hamlin is surprising large once you start wandering in the forest and parking is plentiful. It is the largest park in Shoreline with trees that are over 100 years old. There are trails up and down the hill from the main play fields and playground areas. The trails intersect a lot and my kids love to pick random directions in this park to see where we end up. The trees are tall, but the sun still peeks through on a bright day. After a great toddler led hike through the park, the playgrounds can offer a nice finish to the experience. There are also baseball fields and a paved path around them that is perfect for learning to ride a scooter or bicycle. Bathrooms are at the main parking area near the playgrounds, though you can also park on the east side of the park.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hamlin-park-shoreline
7. Meadowdale Beach Park, Edmonds WA
6026 156th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026
Meadowdale Beach Park had a recent renovation making access to the beach area easier. Parking is a bit tricky at the top, but once you have found a spot, you are in for a pleasant lushly forested 2.5 mile round trip hike down to the beach and back. You can pack a small picnic for lunch at the beach or at the picnic tables in the shade just before the train underpass. If you love (or your littles) love train watching, the trail has a small tunnel that goes under the train tracks to access the beach and my kiddos LOVED watching the trains go by while we were eating lunch and hanging out. There are bathrooms at the trailhead and near the bottom by the handicapped parking area.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lunds-gulch-meadowdale-county-park
If you’ve exhausted this list and are looking for more options, check out some additional Seattle area parks to find more opportunities for urban hiking and forest bathing without hauling everyone up into the hills. Happy Hiking!
If you love the forest and have any interest in forest themed family photos, I’d love to help you record your family in their happy place! Hope to see you out on the trails =)
Lindsay Eickhoff
Photographer/Owner
(thanks to Lydia Brewer Photography for catching me in action in my natural habitat)
⬇️ What I look like when I get to the beach with my kids and a camera ;) ⬇️
Updated March 3, 2024
© Eickhoff Photography