Those of you who have known me for a while know that I did a lot of international traveling prior to having a baby. Well, those days are long gone (for now). Instead, Jeremy and I have been trying to find fun, free things to do around Seattle and the Eastside that are baby-friendly. Here is a roundup of our favorite spots! Hopefully this convinces some of you to come visit us, even if you have small children.
Roundup of Free Things to do in Seattle with a Baby
1. Gasworks Park
Gasworks Park is already a popular tourist stop in Seattle. With old gasworks machinery and a view of the Seattle skyline over Lake Union, Gasworks provides some pretty unique scenery. Rolling green hills and a few picnic benches allow for a low key family activity.
2. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is probably Seattle’s top tourist destination. It’s free to visit and walk around, although you’ll probably end up purchasing a snack or a bouquet of flowers, because who can resist? Just a note, Pike Place gets pretty crowded, and it can be tough to maneuver a stroller. I recommend babywearing, if possible.
3. Seattle Center
I always enjoy walking around Seattle Center. The space needle is located here, but instead of paying to go to the top, I prefer taking pictures from below. There’s also sculptures, a giant fountain, and generally fun spots for kids to explore. Plus, there’s a food court.
4. Snoqualmie Falls
Looking for that iconic Pacific Northwest nature? Snoqualmie Falls is about half an hour east of Seattle. You can park and walk right up to the top viewpoint, or you can walk down a half mile trail to the bottom of the falls for a closer picture. Although short, the trail is a little steep and gravelly, so wear good shoes. I recommend babywearing or using a hiking backpack for really little walkers. You can eat a fancy brunch at the Salish Lodge right next door, but Jeremy and I like driving into North Bend (a.k.a filming location for Twin Peaks) for some baked goods.
5. Kelsey Creek Farm
Located in Bellevue, Kelsey Creek Farm is open year round. It has animals such as goats, horses, pigs, and sheep available for viewing during the day. There’s also a park with a large playground on site!
6. Sammamish Animal Sanctuary
Speaking of farm animals, Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is where you should go to make all your miniature animal dreams come true. Admission is free, although donations are encouraged. You’re allowed to walk right into the pens to pet miniature horses, baby goats, bunnies, alpacas, and more. You can bring your own carrots and lettuce from home too.
7. Bellevue Botanical Garden
Located in Bellevue, as the name implies, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is small, but beautiful. Full of easy walking trails, it’s perfect for a short outing into nature. We managed to push a stroller around here without much difficulty.
8. Rattlesnake Lake
Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend is also where the popular Rattlesnake Ledge hiking trail begins. This trail gets pretty crowded, but the views are great, the hike is moderate, and the parking lot is free. It’s one of the best spots for enjoying nature within half an hour of Seattle. If you’re not into hiking, you can just have fun at the lake.
9. Literally All The Other Parks
Seattle overall has some really great parks. Discovery Park, the Washington Arboretum, Kerry Park, and the many beach parks offer beautiful scenery with varying degrees of options for physical activity. You can’t go wrong! The picture on the left is from Meydenbauer Beach Park; the right is Kerry Park.
10. Honorable Mention – The Mall
I know the mall is not really a unique Seattle activity, but sometimes, you just need an indoor space when the weather is gloomy. I didn’t even know this until Jeremy told me, but the third floor of Bellevue Square has a giant, free, kids play area. Park your stroller and sit with all the other parents while your kids run wild. But beware of the weekends… it’s chaos.
The Seattle area is full of little gems hidden among its neighborhoods. I also really enjoy just hanging out at the MANY King County Library branches that offer kids activities. If you live in the area and you’ve got a fun family activity that I don’t know about, please let me know! If you DON’T live in the area, I hope this list convinces you that you can come visit me even if you bring little ones along!
