The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, are one of Seattle’s biggest free family attractions, which can make visiting with little ones challenging during the summer. But spring is still considered the offseason: The crowds that typify the warmer months and the popular mid-July through September salmon migration period have yet to appear.
Spring also sees the return of free one-hour tours, daily at 2 pm., May 1 through Sept 30. Beginning inside with a slideshow, then winding through the botanical garden, the locks, and past the fish ladder, the tour is full of interesting history and facts, but the tone is informal and friendly — kids who might wander away (and the adults who follow them) are fine. That a uniformed ranger leads the group adds appeal for kids who still think that’s cool.
After you are done looking at the fish ladders, point out to your kids the steep, grassy hills on the south side of Ballard Locks- ideal for rolling down if not rain-soaked.
