In-City Nature Walks for Seattle, Eastside and South Sound Families

Bellevue Botanical Garden

Distance: Bellevue Botanical Garden has 53 acres of gardens, wetlands and woodlands and multiple short nature trails. The Tateuchi Loop Trail is 0.5 miles, while other connecting trails are shorter.

Location: 12001 Main St., Bellevue

Description: Bellevue Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot in the city to admire cultivated gardens and take a nature walk. Stroll along the connected trails, explore the different garden areas and get inspired by the plants and trees throughout. Wander through the garden on your own or schedule a guided tour. There are also various events, classes and other attractions to enhance your visit.

Kids will love spotting different treasures — including a hobbit door — using the self-guided tour map. You can also encourage them to look closely at leaves, bark and flowers with the garden’s Find It Challenge.

Parking: Park for free in the garden’s parking lot, adjacent to the visitor center. Restrooms can be found near the Trillium Store at the garden’s entrance. Garden admission is free.

Soaring Eagle Regional Park

Distance: There are 12 miles of trails, with varying elevation changes. We’ve enjoyed walking down to the wetland on the Camino Espinosa, and then making a loop along the northern border back to the Pipeline Trail. You can get a scenic two- to three-mile trek in this way. The trail map details options.

Location: 26015 E. Main Dr., Sammamish

Description: Soaring Eagle Regional Park, a large nature preserve located outside of Sammamish, has lots of space to wander. You’ll share the trails with mountain bikers and horses, and maybe even some Washington wildlife. Some of the trails are wide and flat enough for sturdy strollers. Kids will love the mossy trees, bird-filled wetlands and the wild feeling.

Parking: There are several entrances to the park, but the largest is off of 228th Avenue Southeast, via Southeast Eighth Street and East Main Drive. Porta-potties are available.

Redmond Watershed Preserve

Distance: With over seven miles of trails in the park, you can put together a hike of whatever length you desire. The Tree Frog Loop is an ADA-accessible seven-tenths-mile path. The Trout Loop is about half a mile. Note that dogs are not allowed on the trails.

Location: 21760 Novelty Hill Rd., Redmond

Description: The well-maintained trails of the fascinating Redmond Watershed Preserve feel like they are deep in the woods. Families can choose between the stroller-friendly Tree Frog Loop, the Trout Loop with interpretive signs and winding, needle-covered paths, or longer trails out deeper into the woods Kids will love spotting frogs, fungi and ferns.

Parking: There are parking areas, restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables at the park.

Saint Edward State Park

Distance: There are seven and a half miles miles of trails in the park. Toddlers will enjoy the half-mile Orchard Loop, offering just enough roots and curves to make things interesting. If you take the Seminary Trail down to the beach, it adds another half-mile each way, and you can choose which trail to hike back up based on energy levels.

Location: 14445 Juanita Dr. N.E., Kenmore

Description: Beautiful Saint Edward State Park is a popular natural area and protected gem on the Eastside. Mature forest entices children to explore wild paths. Choose between a mostly level shady walk or a steeper trek down to the shores of Lake Washington. Kids will love the beach, the Grotto and the giant castle playground. (And parents will love the swanky lodge, right in the park!)

Parking: You’ll need a Discover Pass to park here because it’s a state park (purchase a day pass on-site if needed).

Bridle Trails State Park

Distance: Bridle Trails State Park offers families lots of choices for rambling with 28 miles of trails. Consider starting with the 1.7 Trillium Trail, which offers interpretive signs and is easy enough for the youngest hikers.

Location: 5300 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland

Description: Bridle Trails State Park has large trees, varied undergrowth, and plenty of birds and insects. We’ve seen interesting small mammals and found trees to climb. Kids will love sharing the trails with horses (always give horses the right of way) and wild berries through the seasons.

Parking: A Discover Pass is required to park. There are restrooms on-site.

Next up: Tacoma-area nature walks