Seattle summers are made for getting outside, and Seattle family-friendly trails offer the perfect excuse. You’ll find peaceful lake views, shady forest paths, and wide-open spaces where kids can roam and explore. These local routes are all parent-approved, with a mix of paved paths, natural beauty, and spots to stop and take it all in. Here are some favorite Seattle trails to check out this season.
Alki Trail
- Neighborhood: West Seattle
- Distance: 7.6 miles (out and back)
Flat, paved, and scenic, with postcard-quality views of the Olympic Mountains, the downtown skyline, and the activity in Elliott Bay.
Alki Trail route. (Image courtesy SDOT)
Chief Sealth Trail
- Neighborhoods: Beacon Hill, Rainier Beach
- Distance: 8.8 miles (out and back)
Expect hills, curves, gardens and surprising viewpoints on Lake Washington and Seattle. This trail has 800 ft elevation gain. Construction: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) plans to build new green stormwater infrastructure at the intersection of S. Kenyon St and the Chief Sealth Trail in 2026.
Tendering of the planned green stormwater infrastructure along the Chief Sealth Trail, near Wing Luke Elementary. (Image courtesy Seattle Parks and Recreation)
Washington Park Arboretum
- Neighborhood: Montlake, Madison Park, Capitol Hill
- Distance: 2.3 miles for the loop trail, up to 1 mile each way for the waterfront trail.
Contemplate trees in all their variety (there are more than 50 species of maple alone), or take a boardwalk out on the lake to outlying islands. The Japanese Garden, located at the south end of the Arboretum, has an entrance fee but has family-friendly events throughout the year. Closures: Check more upcoming closure updates here that may cause delays.
The trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly. (Image: Seattle’s Child)
Discovery Park
- Neighborhood: Magnolia
- Distance: Biggest loop: 4.5 miles (Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop)
You can explore meadows, find secret ponds, forest-bathe or enjoy broad beaches that grow wide at low tide. Bathroom available. Dogs are allowed on leash, the path is partially paved. Construction: No current projects, but the Visitor Center is closed until further notice.
Take in the views along this trail at Discovery Park. (Image: Joe Mabel)
Carkeek Park
- Neighborhoods: Broadview, North Beach/Blue Ridge
- Distance: Up to 3 miles
The most popular walking route in this woodsy waterfront park follows the course of Piper’s Creek, a salmon-bearing stream. Carkeek Park has 220 acres of lush forest, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beach. You can access the beach by a railroad pedestrian bridge that overlooks the train tracks, and if you’re lucky, you can watch trains pass by. Note: The Carkeek Park Visitor Center is no longer open for public use.
Construction: Winter 2024/2025, Carkeek Park Playground Renovation will be under construction. The play area will be closed throughout construction. Learn more about the project and updates here. In Spring 2025, construction will begin on the Carkeek Park Railroad Overpass Pedestrian Bridge, learn more here.
Union Bay Natural Area
- Neighborhood: University District, Laurelhurst
- Distance: 1-mile loop
This area of cottonwoods, meadows, and wetlands next to the University of Washington is a haven for birds and those who love to watch them. More about the trail: Take your kids on a summer nature walk in the Union Bay Natural Area. Construction/Closures: Check for real-time road closures or delays that may impact the drive here.
Dogs are allowed on leash. (Image courtesy University of Washington Botanic Gardens)
