10 Best Things to Do With Kids at Seattle’s Discovery Park

While the bluff provides the perfect overlook for views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the beach, of course, offers the opportunity to dip your toes in the water. It takes some effort to get here, but it’s totally worth it — just know what you’re getting into. There is no regular public parking at the beach (see below).

From the visitor center/east parking lot, it’s a 4-mile trek to the beach and back, if you follow the loop trail, and it involves a lot of elevation change. Plan for a multi-hour excursion if you take this on — and possibly some whining on the long slog back up to the bluff. The trails to and from the beach have stairs and therefore are not stroller-friendly, no matter how rugged your stroller is.

Other ways to reach the beach

During summer months, there is often a free shuttle to take visitors to and from the beach. For families who think they might not be able to make the hike, this is the best way to visit the beach. Or, do a one-way family trek to walk to the beach, play, and then catch the shuttle back, which saves the arduous part of the walk.

The rest of the year, beach parking permits are available for select individuals and families. There are a few parking spots down at the beach, and families in three special categories can check out a parking permit from the visitor center, during open hours (Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.). The categories are: 1) families with kids ages 5 and younger, 2) people over 62 years old, and 3) others who are not physically able to walk to the beach due to disability or injury. You can check out the permit, if you meet one of these categories, during open hours at the visitor center and you must return the parking permit within three hours. Note that there are so few permits/parking spots available that even if you meet the criteria, you may well have to wait until a permit is returned.

You can also reach the beach by bicycle, if you have strong riders; there’s the same giant hill to face when returning from the beach. But note that bicycles are allowed only on paved roads and paved paths in Discovery Park; bikes are not permitted on any unpaved trails. Ask at the visitor center for the best bike route to the beach.

The beach also features a historic lighthouse, complete with a keeper’s quarters.

Find it: It’s a solid 2 miles each way to reach the beach walking the loop trail from the visitor center/east parking lot, over stairs and other steep terrain. From the south parking lot, it’s a bit shorter hike, but still close to a mile and a half each way. On either route, plan for a descent on the way to the beach, and a big climb — including stairs — on your way back up to the bluff. Bring snacks and lots of water.

Next stop: Wolf Tree Nature Trail