King County park system covers 26,000 acres of public lands. That's an unlimited amount of awesome. The award-winning parks and recreation division offers recreational experiences for every interest, including 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 180 miles of backcountry trails, plus ballfields, playgrounds and … [Read more...] about Popular King County parks for day hikes
Sports & Recreation
Ultimate Guide to free spray parks, wading pools, beaches
The start of spraypark and wading pool season is delayed this year due to public health concerns. Spray parks and pools remain closed in June. We're guessing they will open after July 17, if at all. In addition to public health safety, park staffing is reduced across the region due to the extra … [Read more...] about Ultimate Guide to free spray parks, wading pools, beaches
13 free park entrance days in Washington State
Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days and plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park or a getaway to another park around the state. Short History of Our National Parks In 1872 in the … [Read more...] about 13 free park entrance days in Washington State
Virtual hiking and nature events
The Mountaineers is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization with 14,000 active members in the Pacific Northwest. With several branches and mountain lodges, it's easy to find a nearby community of enthusiasts for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, trail running, climbing, backpacking, camping, skiing, … [Read more...] about Virtual hiking and nature events
Our big list of Washington State ski ticket discounts
There are 13 Washington State ski areas, 10 in the West and Central parts of the state and 3 in the East: Nine ski areas in the Cascade Range nearest the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. One ski area in the Olympic Range on the Washington Peninsula. Two ski areas in the eastern part of the state, closer to the … [Read more...] about Our big list of Washington State ski ticket discounts
Summer camps & school break camps
We've recently updated our summer camps list and will continue to review it every few weeks. Some camps are cancelled and many are accepting registration. There is a lot of variety in summer camps schedules and activities in the Seattle-Tacoma metro region. There are day camps, weekly camps, half-day camps, full day … [Read more...] about Summer camps & school break camps
30 great park trails for kids in the Puget Sound region
Here's a list of parks throughout the Puget Sound region that feature easy nature walks that are great places to take your kids. These park trails make for pleasant day trips, weekend outings, or as part of a longer summer vacation. These kid-friendly trails are an especially nice destinations for families or anyone … [Read more...] about 30 great park trails for kids in the Puget Sound region
List of Washington State Parks open for recreation
Remember when using Washington State and other parks, trails, and recreational areas that it is crucial to maintain social distancing in 2020. Your behavior affects the health of our entire community. And what we do as a community protects us all. Listed below is a list of guidelines for using parks and trails safely … [Read more...] about List of Washington State Parks open for recreation
Free Skateboard Parks in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond
Listed below are Seattle skateboard parks, roughly in order from north to south throughout the city. After the Seattle list, you will find a list of skateboard parks in surrounding cities throughout the Puget Sound region. Seattle skateboard parks Seattle, Dahl (Waldo J.) Playfield, 7700 25th Ave. NE … [Read more...] about Free Skateboard Parks in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond
10 best free outdoor activities year-round
The following outdoor activities feature popular year-round sport and recreation pursuits around Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Our list focuses on activities that are relatively easy to learn and pursue. Newcomers to these recreational pursuits can quickly get introduced to the basics without a lot of time or … [Read more...] about 10 best free outdoor activities year-round
3 hour tour! Guided canoe trip through the Mercer Slough
Explore the beautiful Mercer Slough Nature Park by water with Bellevue Park Rangers. The rangers lead 3-hour canoe trips during summer. Canoe tours leave from , starting from Enatai Beach Park. Enatai is conveniently located just off I-405 and I-90. During the guided canoe tour, you will learn about the … [Read more...] about 3 hour tour! Guided canoe trip through the Mercer Slough
Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
If you plan to get out on any of the many waterways in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region, be sure you are prepared. Whether you will be in a motor boat, sailboat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or enjoying lakes and rivers as a swimmer or water skier, be sure to get familiar with Washington Boating Laws and … [Read more...] about Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws
Car-free Bicycle Sunday in southeast Seattle
Seattle Parks and Recreation invites everyone to bike, jog, or stroll along Lake Washington Boulevard South on Bicycle Sunday between Mount Baker beach on the north and Seward Park on the south. On selected days from May to September, the boulevard is closed to motorized traffic from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Here's a list of … [Read more...] about Car-free Bicycle Sunday in southeast Seattle
Seattle parks named after African Americans
The African American legacy at Seattle Parks and Recreation is a lasting one.From the mid-1960s until 1987, Seattle Parks had the services of Willis Lee Ball, who went to work for the Seattle Parks Department when he was just 35 years old. He started as the parks recreation manager and several years later was promoted … [Read more...] about Seattle parks named after African Americans
Best Seattle parks to visit on a rainy day
Seattle has over 400 parks. Here, we're listing just a handful that can be fun to visit, even on a drizzly day--not that there are many rainy days in Seattle (just kidding). These parks are great for a walk in the rain because they feature paved walking paths and some have indoor features. They're also fairly short … [Read more...] about Best Seattle parks to visit on a rainy day
