Downtown Kirkland sparkles in the summer with the shimmer of sunlight on Lake Washington and colorful flowers blooming in planting strips and containers. Even on a gloomy day – with the advantage of fewer crowds – there's plenty for families to enjoy. Here are nine sweet spots to check out.
Peter Kirk Park and Kirkland Library
This intersection is the best place to start exploring Kirkland: the Kirkland Transit Center on Third Street offers an alternative to downtown's difficult parking. The easiest parking is in the garage below the library. The park has a big playground, lots of running space, paths to safely ride bikes and trikes, a skate park and a chance to watch semi-professional baseball. 202 Third St (at Central Way)
Peter Kirk Pool
The water is pleasantly warm in the area's only outdoor pool. There are no water slides or toys, but there is a separate pool for toddlers and great swim lessons. It's open through Labor Day. Plan to line up early for public swims on hot days. 340 Kirkland Ave (next to the library and parking garage)
Park Lane
The most interesting path to central downtown and the lake is along this little tree-shaded street with a European feel. (Cross Third Avenue at the Transit Center, walk past an abandoned antique mall with pastel murals on the side, and cross Main Street to the lane.) Find restaurants from Mexico, Italy, Vietnam and Thailand, including the family-friendly Mi Mexico, plus Sirena Gelato for a cool treat. Simplicity ABC children's store joins a parade of gift shops, high-end consignment shops and art galleries.
Marina Park
Find the center of Kirkland's soul by crossing Lake Street at Park Lane, turning left and walking down the extension of Kirkland Avenue. The Slip café is a favorite spot for lunchtime patio dining with great fish and chips, interesting chicken sandwiches and a couple of children's plates. The gazebo at the park is fun for children to stand in and pretend they are performers – except on Thursdays, July 10 through Aug. 21, when there are evening concerts. (Children's concerts, which used to be at Marina Park, are now held Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Juanita Beach.) The Wednesday Farmer's Market comes to the gazebo area 2 to 7 p.m., June 4 through Sept. 24. The park has a popular gravel beach (no lifeguards), safe rocks to climb on in shallow water, a fountain to splash in and a dock with Argosy Tour boats at the end. 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive
Coffee and Cone
Find this little gem across the parking lot from Marina Park. In the revolving door of downtown Kirkland's eateries and snack shops, Coffee and Cone has been the place to find 28 flavors of Dreyer's ice cream for 35 years. 1 Lakeshore Plaza Drive
David Brink Park
There's no direct lakeside connection between Marina Park and Brink Park. Go back up to Lake Street and turn right (south) for a pleasant walk to this quiet oasis. You'll pass Hector's restaurant, a great place for Sunday brunch, and Ben and Jerry's ice cream shop, as well as an interesting wind sculpture outside Anthony's restaurant. The park has a tiny pebble beach, sloping lawns, benches, an inviting little pool next to a sculpture and a long dock (no restrooms). 555 Lake St S
Marsh Park
Lake Street becomes Lake Washington Boulevard as you travel south along the lakeshore. It's almost a mile between Marina Park and Marsh Park, so unless your child is a good walker, you might want to drive over. It's another quiet park with lawns, a tiny gravel beach and a dock (and restrooms). 6605 Lake Washington Blvd NE
Houghton Beach Park
Walk further south on Lake Washington Boulevard and you discover a fun park on the waterfront that is always hopping when the sun comes out. The pleasant beach is lifeguarded noon to 6 p.m. July 1 to Sept. 1, and features a shallow area for small children as well as a floating platform and sunbathing dock for older kids. Volleyball pits and nets are set up for professional play, but are open to anyone. Perfect Wave rents stand-up paddle boards (with lessons) and kayaks. The playground is roughly shaped like a boat, the MV Kirkland. A snack bar is open summer weekends, and Kidd Valley does a brisk business across the street. If you brought your car, be aware that the parking lot fills up, and the two-hour limit is strictly enforced with tickets. There's more parking on the hilly streets across from the park. 5811 Lake Washington Blvd NE
Spot the art, all around downtown
Downtown Kirkland is known for its whimsical art pieces. Walk up and down the streets and see if you can spot: people riding fierce carousel animals; two big snuggling bunnies; a dog riding on a coyote's back; a boy giving flowers to a girl, with another girl eating an ice cream cone; a sailor hugging his wife and son; three children playing leapfrog; two huge bronze bears; a boy with a baseball glove; six joyous children jumping imaginary puddles; a boy feeding a bird on his hand; and native American women bearing water jugs. See the whole list at explorekirkland.com.
Wenda Reed lived in Kirkland for 17 years and raised her children there.
Editor's note: This updated article was originally published in June of 2014.
