Saint Edward State Park is the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire afternoon without running out of things to do. Between wooded hiking trails, Lake Washington beach access, a castle-themed playground, and plenty of open lawn space, it offers something for kids who like to climb, explore, or simply run free.
We visited on a sunny spring afternoon with our 4½-year-old daughter to see how much we could fit into one trip. By the end of the day, we’d hiked to the beach, watched seaplanes overhead, explored the playground and were already talking about what we’d do differently next time.
Quick Facts
- Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round
- Pass Required: Discover Pass ($10 day pass or annual pass)
- Best for: Toddlers through elementary-age kids
- Stroller-friendly? Yes, on select trails (including Seminary Trail)
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Food: Restaurants and coffee available at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Our Experience
We started our visit by hiking down to the beach on the Grotto Trail. While the trail is beautiful, it’s also fairly steep and rocky. About halfway down we spotted two garter snakes resting beside the trail. After that, my daughter decided she’d much rather ride on my husband’s shoulders than continue hiking on her own (I couldn’t really blame her!)
We spent about an hour at the beach splashing in the water and enjoying views across Lake Washington. My daughter’s favorite part wasn’t the lake itself — it was watching Kenmore Air seaplanes fly overhead. Every time one passed by, she’d stop what she was doing to watch it take off or land.
The snake encounter on the Grotto Trail definitely spooked our little hiker. (Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Playground Highlights
On the way back, we skipped the Grotto Trail and took the wider Seminary Trail instead. It was a much easier walk after the snake encounter and would be my recommendation for families with strollers, wagons, or younger walkers.
Back near the main park, we spent another hour exploring the castle-themed playground, which is almost entirely built from wood and tucked beneath tall trees that provide plenty of shade. There are separate play structures for toddlers and older kids, making it easy for siblings of different ages to play at their own pace.
My daughter loves anything with a little extra challenge, so she made a beeline for the climbing wall, monkey bars and tire swing. Parents will appreciate the benches surrounding the playground, which offer good views of the play areas. Nearby picnic tables also make this an easy spot to settle in for lunch or snacks while the kids continue playing.
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Amenities & Accessibility
Saint Edward State Park offers a nice mix of developed amenities and natural beauty.
Families will find large grassy lawns for free play, picnic tables throughout the park, beach access, hiking and biking trails, and plenty of parking. The historic Lodge at St. Edward Park is also worth a stop, offering restaurants, coffee and drinks if you want to extend your visit.
Not every trail is stroller-friendly. The Seminary Trail is wide and gravel, making it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and wagons, while the Grotto Trail is much steeper, rockier and better suited for confident walkers.
The Lodge at St. Edward Park is also worth a stop, with food, coffee, and more. (Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Parent Tips
- Purchase your Discover Pass at the ranger station if you don’t already have one.
- If you’re visiting with younger children or a stroller, choose Seminary Trail over Grotto Trail.
- Pack beach toys if your kids enjoy playing near the water.
- The playground has plenty of shade, making it comfortable even on warmer afternoons.
- Consider bringing a picnic or grabbing food at The Lodge after your visit.
- Bring a ball or lawn games — the large grassy fields are perfect for running around.
Would We Come Back?
Absolutely. Saint Edward State Park offers enough variety that every member of our family found something to enjoy. Next time, we’d spend even longer at the beach, skip the rocky Grotto Trail with our preschooler, and make more time to explore the historic lodge after the playground.
