12 Train Adventures for Seattle-Area Kids and Families

Trains running through Interbay neighborhood in Seattle, a great place for train-spotting

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There are plenty of spots to watch for trains, including in the Interbay neighborhood. Photo: iStock

12. Train-spotting spots

Sometimes the quickest thing to do is just to go train-spotting, which is easy to do, considering that freight trains, the Sounder and Amtrak trains run right by some of the best parks in Puget Sound. Try some of these hot spots:

Balmer train yard in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood: There’s always something to see at the Balmer Yard near 20th Ave. W. and Thorndyke Ave. W. on the Magnolia side of Interbay. If you’re lucky you might see airplane fuselage parts on passing train cars.
Carkeek Park in north Seattle: Hang out on the bridge between the playground and the beach for some prime train gawking, and then take advantage of Carkeek’s many other attractions, including a nature playground with a view (salmon slide!), trails, an apple orchard and a beach that’s perfect for low-tide exploration.
Golden Gardens in northwest Seattle: This huge beach park has good train watching, boat watching, plus a great playground and wetland trails near the beach (to add some turtle spotting to your train-spotting).
Edmonds waterfront: Trains, ferries, the beach, a playground and good restaurants with more train-watching opportunities equals a perfect morning or afternoon any time of the year.
Costco parking lot in SODO: Okay, this isn’t exactly a destination, but if you want to combine your monthly warehouse haul with some train-spotting to keep the kids happy, the Costco on Fourth Ave. S. in Seattle is a great pick.
Georgetown Playfield in south Seattle: While away a morning or afternoon playing at this terrific playground, and just wait for the occasional train to pass. You’ll get double transportation spotting here, with planes coming in low to land at nearby Boeing Field.