Let’s explore the lovely concept of a walk followed by a stop for sustenance at a place with kid-friendly outdoor dining because you know, who wants to stay out of the sun when it’s out for the day?
[ Read also: 13 kid-friendly Seattle restaurants with outdoor dining ]
Downtown Seattle: There’s plenty to see in the city. Here are some ideas for walking routes. Parking and crowds will probably be busy with the warm T THEweather and sunshine but if you want to dine out after walking through Pike Place Market, Old Stove Brewing is a sweet, sweet spot for sitting. And below the market (accessible via a new stairway at the end of Union St – across from the Seattle Art Museum – and the south end of Pike Place Market. The stairs go all the way down to the waterfront. The Seattle waterfront is a more interesting walk than ever now that construction is underway and Ivar’s Fish Bar as well as Anthony’s Fish Bar are two great places to grab fish and chips while sitting outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of Shilshole Bay.
Alki, West Seattle: Families will enjoy this very popular spot great for play and people-watching. Food and drink options are many. Just a few that come to mind: Pegasus Pizza, Spud Fish ‘N’ Chips . (Don’t forget: The West Seattle bridge is now open so you can cruise on over easily).
Burien: If you’re an urban-hiking type, start anywhere on Southwest 152nd Street and explore the streets of Burien. Also nearby: Seahurst Park (on the beach, plenty of room to roam, Eagle Landing Park (forested with a trail to the beach). Recommended eats and drinks nearby: Elliott Bay Brewhouse, Burien Fish House, and Bok a Bok fried chicken.
(Photo by Julie Hanson)
Des Moines Marina: Kids will love seeing the boats and wildlife in this working marina or playing in the adjacent Des Moines Beach Park (note: paid parking for both marina and park), which also connects to the Des Moines Creek Trail. Rest up afterward at Quarterdeck, a converted shipping container where drinks, snacks and some heartier fare are served (kid- and dog-friendly). Enjoy deckside views of the boats, the water and Vashon Island.
Kent: Looking for covered or outdoor seating? Kent Station has done a great job updating their website and giving it lots of choices for kid-friendly outdoor dining. Stroll through the neighborhood or nearby downtown Kent, or go a bit further afield where you can find access points to the Interurban or Green River trails. Also not far from Kent Station: Airways Brewing Bistro & Beer Garden, with outdoor seating.
Renton: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is a great place to walk along Lake Washington. (In fact, the public docks let you feel like you’re walking in or on Lake Washington!) Ivar’s and Kidd Valley are open and there are places to eat right outside or elsewhere in the park.
Kenmore and Mount Vernon: 192 Brewing Co.: You can bike right up to this large outdoor dining spot and brewery that’s just off the Burke-Gilman Trail in Kenmore. It’s got a kids’ menu with a cheeseburger, a quesadilla and more, and a grownup menu with bratwurst, a barbecue pork sandwich, nachos and other classic brewpub grub. (Cider, too.) And if you’re near Mount Vernon, check out the second beer garden location there, too.
Beacon Hill: Perihelion is good for kids and dogs, with covered outdoor seating, heaters and fire pits. It’s serving up blue cheese truffle burgers, blackened salmon sandwiches and pot pies, among other options, as well as creative beers. (How about a pink guava basil saison or a Martian red IPA?)
Northeast Seattle: Walking in the ravine in Ravenna Park? Then Ravenna Brewing is your stop. It’s an outdoor, covered (but not enveloped) area where you can take along your baby and your dog and even older kids, who can get food from the featured truck of the day. The truck lineup includes Kiss my Grits, Paraiso Filipino Fusion and Oskar’s Pizza. Adult perks: Hazy IPAs and ciders.
Green Lake: After walking (or rolling) around Green Lake, you can grab a meal at Bongos Cafe, a casual, quirky stand in the sand. This outdoor Caribbean food stand with patio dining is a favorite for parents with (and without) kids. Standouts include all the spicy sandwiches, Cuban black beans and jerk chicken. Kids’ meals available too.
Ballard: If you’re wandering or biking in Ballard, you can take a break at family-friendly Stoup Brewing. The big patio, always a great place to visit on a sunny day to grab a beer with a baby and a dog hosts a wide variety of food trucks, check the website for the Featured trucks schedule.
Magnolia: Discovery Park is an enormous gem of park to walk and play. The former military installation has history, wildlife, miles of trails — and beach access on Puget Sound Dirty Couch Brewing is a fun spot to sit and relax afterward.
This story was first published on Jan. 21, 2021. Updated April 2023.
The lawn at Quarterdeck. (Photo by Julie Hanson)
