6 Great Bike Rides for Seattle-Area Families

Route: Fremont Bridge to West Seattle via the Ship Canal Trail, Elliott Bay Trail, Olympic Sculpture Park and the water taxi
Info: Elliott Bay Trail (also called the Terminal 91 bike path), Alki Trail
Distance: 14 miles round trip

“Mama, look at all the trains!” my son yells from behind me on our bike. We’re riding one of my favorite routes in Seattle, from the Fremont Bridge to the Seattle waterfront to take the King County Water Taxi to West Seattle. It takes about an hour and is chock-full of great sites.

Begin the trip in Seattle’s funky Fremont neighborhood, where you’ll cross the Fremont Bridge heading south, then immediately bike west on the Ship Canal Trail, which runs toward the Ballard Bridge. After the Ballard Bridge, with the train yard on the left and the entrance to Fisherman’s Terminal on your right, the trail ends abruptly at a crosswalk. Here, you’ll navigate to the Elliott Bay Trail, where kids will love the view of the train yard, and start heading toward downtown. (Watch out for speedy oncoming cyclists.)

Cycle past the Olympic Sculpture Park (ask your kids questions about the different sculptures you’ll see), and along Alaskan Way to the King County Water Taxi at Pier 50. Note: There is major ongoing construction along the waterfront so use caution and follow all posted route signs. If you’re up for more riding, the scenic Alki Trail in West Seattle extends for miles along the beach, with more gorgeous views.

Minimum age: Because this is a busy route, it’s best for kids riding attached to their parents' bikes (in trailers, seats or trail-a-bikes), or older tweens and teens able to ride longer distances and navigate cycling and street traffic.

Snack stop: A must is Marination Ma Kai, right at the King County Water Taxi stop in West Seattle, for Kahlúa pork sliders, kalbi beef tacos and shave ice. Alki offers more refueling stops.

Editor's note: This article was originally published a few years ago and update for 2019.