7 kid-friendly hikes in the Pacific Northwest for little explorers

From beach hikes around town to old-growth forests brimming with towering trees, we rounded up seven hikes around the Pacific Northwest that will enchant your toddling explorers and ignite a love of nature. Happy hiking!

Boeing Creek Park

• 17229 3rd Avenue NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free
• Open: Dusk until dawn

Located in Shoreline near Shoreline Community College, Boeing Creek Park has looping hiking trails that span about 1.9 miles. You can choose your own adventure and make your hike shorter or longer, mostly depending on your kid’s mood.

We usually start at the north entrance on NW 175th St. and follow the meandering trails toward Shoreview Park. Boeing Creek Loop Trail links up with Hidden Lake Trail and Forest Loop Trail. Both will take you to Shoreview Park, where little ones can enjoy playgrounds, tennis courts, and more. You’ll also find a bathroom there, which is a nice perk! Pond Loop Trail is the easiest, only about a quarter of a mile long, and is ADA accessible.

Bathrooms are always nearby at Shoreview Park. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

With minimal elevation gain, only about 400 feet, this hike will get your heart pumping without thigh-burning climbs. As you wander through the forest, you’ll find stepping stones across babbling brooks and dry creek beds, hear songbirds, and weave your way through beautiful old-growth trees.

Hold onto little hands as you make your way up from the creek and if you find your way down into the gully. In some areas, the trail is a bit eroded.

Fun fact: Hidden Lake is an artificial lake created by William Boeing when he owned the property in the 1920s. The city of Shoreline plans to remove the dam and restore Boeing Creek, so don’t be surprised if Hidden Lake turns into “Lost Lake” soon. You can find the lake by following signs for Hidden Lake Loop Trail.

Convenience, play, and exploration all converge in one trip! Before you go, download the trail map here. You can also look at the park map here. This hike is dog-friendly. Bring your furry friend and let them romp around. Shoreview Park also has an off-leash dog park.

Good to know for parents: If you need to get more energy out after hiking, you can head a couple of miles to Richmond Beach and enjoy expansive views of Puget Sound (and probably a couple of trains). On the way, stop at Richmond Beach Coffee Co. Ask for their kid’s hot chocolate. It comes with a giant dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles!

Bellevue Botanical Garden

• 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98005
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free
• Open: Dusk until dawn

In the heart of bustling Bellevue is an urban garden oasis your kiddos will love. This 53-acre refuge is home to flowers, waterfalls, rock gardens, native plants, ponds, meandering hiking trails and a suspension bridge. Look out for trail markers for the Ravine Experience for a hiking adventure. Take a left and follow the paved ramp at the main entrance as it rounds the corner. Take another left and continue past Yao Japanese Garden. There will be a pond on your right where ducks and native plants call home. After that you’ll see the gravel path heading downward into the ravine. Large trees and ferns line the trail as well as wooden benches perfect for a quick rest stop. Keep on the path until you get to a fork. Take a left and get ready to see your kiddos face light up with excitement.

We could stay on the Bellevue Botanical Garden Bridge forever. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Be prepared to spend some time walking back and forth on the bridge. My little ones could stay there all day. Take in the views high atop a creek below and hold tight as the bridge gently sways.

There are so many trails to weave and roam through the Ravine Experience. Here is a trail map to help familiarize yourself with the gardens before you go. You can also download this fun and interactive scavenger hunt.

Insider tip for parents: If you need a pick-me-up before hitting the trails, a coffee bar located in the garden will put a pep in your step. Swing by Copper Kettle Coffee Bar for a cup of joe.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens offers an interactive scavenger hunt. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Fort Casey State Park

• 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
• Admission: Discover Pass (annual is $30, day pass is $10)
• Parking: Free with Discover Pass
• Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round

Fort Casey is our family favorite because it combines history, hiking, and imaginative sensory play, all in one location. Located on Whidbey Island, getting there from Seattle can be a trek, but it’s worth the trip. With 1.8 miles of hiking trails, your family can explore the many maintained paths while stepping back in time and learning about the location’s historical significance. Remnants of the fort, including giant mounted guns (don’t worry, they aren’t real), will inspire curious minds.

History, hiking, and play at Fort Casey State Park. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

While visiting Fort Casey State Park, follow trails to hike along the breathtaking bluff or discover the shoreline of the Admiralty Head Marine Preserve on the Pacific Northwest Trail. Make your way down to the beach below and catch a glimpse of a sea lion, or hunt for shells of all shapes and sizes.

Fort Casey State Park also boasts a lighthouse and a large, open grass field. During your visit, you’re likely to see high-flying, colorful kites in the air.

You’ll need a Discovery Pass for this trip or you can purchase a one-day pass at the parking lot. After you’ve tuckered out your toddlers, make a trip to Coupeville. There are so many cute, family-friendly restaurants and shops to uncover!

Coupeville ice cream is how all hikes should end. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Kapaw’s Iskreme, located in Coupeville’s quaint downtown, is delicious. The adorable ice cream parlor is worth the short drive from Fort Casey! Grab a scoop and head out on the pier before going home.

Parents and little voyagers who are looking for a more challenging hike can also visit Ebey’s Landing. The stunning water views are unmatched, but the hike is longer (4.4 miles) and has some elevation gain. You don’t have to take the trail leading up along the bluff. You can always stick to the shoreline for an easy beach hike.

Ebey’s Landing is 4.4 miles and has some elevation gain. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Grand Ridge Park

• 280th Dr SE &, SE 63rd St, Issaquah, WA 98027
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Duthie Hill Park Southwest Parking Lot is located at  26100-26156 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd., Issaquah
• Open: 8 a.m. to dusk

Grand Ridge Park in Issaquah is home to a vast system of trails (more than 11 miles total). Unleash your inner explorer and head out on an adventure through cedar groves, vibrant green forests with thick foliage and impressive wetlands. You’re likely to see wildlife. The 1,200-acre park is home to many forest creatures (be on the lookout for birds, chipmunks and even bears!). Please use proper safety precautions when hiking. Keep children close and have a plan if approached by a wild animal.

This hike is another great excursion for bridge lovers! Grand Ridge trail is home to an astounding 40-ft bridge, made possible by Washington Trail Association volunteers who helped with its construction along with many boardwalks.

The Grand Ridge Bridge is 40 ft. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

We headed out on the trailhead closest to Duthie Hill Park. After making your way down the meandering trail, you’ll encounter the Mike O Puncheon bridge, an astounding 600 ft boardwalk, built in 2012. It sits just above the wetlands and connects visitors to more winding forest trails. You don’t have to hike the entirety of the 7-mile multi-use trail. We hiked until it was clear our toddler had enough (and the whines kicked in). If you continue on past the boardwalk another mile or so, you’ll come to Canyon Creek and another bridge. Honestly, getting out of the house is a win, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t make it that far (you’re doing great!).

What I truly love about this hike is how remote it feels when you’re walking through the forest. It’s a wild, forest haven close to home. Depending on where you begin your trek, there are many shorter loops. Download the trail map before you go, and plan ahead! This is also a popular location for mountain bikers, so keep your eyes peeled for bikers riding the trails.

Discovery Park Loop Trail

• 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free, multiple lots
• Open: Dawn to dusk

Discovery Park Loop Trail is a 2.8-mile loop that takes hikers through beautiful forests and meadows and showcases showstopping views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains on clear, sunny days. The park is teeming with large trees, wildflowers and wildlife. It’s always an adventure!

The loop itself is pretty easy, with minimal elevation gain, but it’s proven to be a bit of a trudge for my 2-year-old on more than a couple of occasions. Be sure to manage expectations. We’ve had to turn back due to tired feet and weary legs.

Do you have little ones under 6 years old? You qualify for a Discovery Park beach pass! (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

If you’re looking for a fun and more moderate beach hike, you can take the South Beach trail down to the water. It’s steep in parts, but stairs help guide the way. Remember, what goes down must come up, so prepare your kiddos for a climb if you choose this route. The payoff is worth it if you make it down to the sandy beach below. The mountain and water views are spectacular, and kiddos will enjoy dipping their toes in the water (this may be a good time to advise bringing an extra pair of clothes). You’ll also see West Point Lighthouse, a working lighthouse!

Do you have little ones under 6 years old? You qualify for a beach pass! Beach Parking Passes are free, but they are also very limited. You can check availability at the Discovery Park Visitor Center during open hours Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30a.m. – 5p.m. Check out the Discover Park map and find more information here.

Hugs at Discovery Park. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Coal Creek Trail

• Coal Creek Pkwy SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free
• Open: Dawn to dusk

Coal Creek Trails is a great family-friendly hike that immerses visitors into a historic past. Get ready to pretend you are a coal miner on an excursion. Enjoy the lush foliage, giant old-growth trees and calming creek. This hike feels remote and serene. With minimal elevation gain, it’s great for little legs. As you stroll through the dense forest, you’ll see signs educating hikers about Coal Creek and the miners who worked there

This beautiful hike includes bridges, waterfalls and artifacts from the past (including a coal car).

Stopping for a breather at Coal Creek Trail. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Parents who don’t want to hike the entirety of the trail (an intimidating 4 miles) with little ones can break it down into smaller hikes by starting at Cinder Mine Trailhead. It’s only a short jaunt to the falls if you turn right once you take the trailhead down into the ravine.

To find Cinder Mine Trailhead, follow the road past the Coal Creek Parkway trailhead and head toward The Golf Club at Newcastle. There are trailheads along the road with small parking areas. Many of the trip reports we read mention car prowlers, so don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

You can break Coal Creek Trail down into several smaller hikes. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Meadowdale Beach Park

• 6026 156th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free
• Open: Dawn to dusk

When we first took this hike in the spring of 2022, the beach was closed due to construction and an estuary restoration project. Now, it is back open and ready for hikers. With a bridge leading to the beach and walkways over the estuary, this newly renovated park is a unique destination for hikers of all ages.

Meadowdale Beach Park Trail is moderate, with several sets of stairs. (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Meadowdale is a hidden gem in Edmonds. It’s a moderate trail with thick forests, streams, and an abundance of wildlife. The way down is much easier than the way up. With a carrier, it isn’t too bad, but I wouldn’t recommend this hike for toddlers who don’t like stair climbs.

The trail weaves through the forest, taking hikers down into a sanctuary of old, giant trees, long slumbering stumps, and a creek that winds toward the beach. There are lots of places along the way to stop for a break or play in the creek.

Lots of places for kids to play along the hike at Meadowdale Beach Park! (Image: Kathryn Mueller)

Read more:

Find more things to do at Seattle’s Child

Check out more outdoor fun

Hiking safety: the 10 essentials

Hiking Cougar Mountain