12 Secret Gardens for Seattle-Area Kids and Families

Though this is another garden requiring paid admission, lovely Lakewold Gardens still warrants a visit. It’s a peaceful and beautiful oasis  that will certainly leave you feeling calm and serene. It’s a great setting for kids to explore and discover fascinating plants, but it isn’t the place to bust out your Nerf football or play a game of screaming hide-and-seek.

The garden is open Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Buy tickets online in advance. General admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6–17; kids ages 5 and younger enter free.

Location: 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W., Lakewood

Bonus: Alki Flower Houses

While not technically a garden, the famous Alki Flower Houses, built in 1914, have been an eye-popping tourist draw on the West Seattle beachfront strand for decades. Owner Randie Stone purchased them in 1989 after moving from Hawaii, and the islands were her inspiration when she planted her homes’ profusion of blooms. Other standout features include a public water fountain and a driftwood swing.

Now officially registered as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, the Flower Houses also attract all manner of pollinator pals.

Location: 1400 Alki Ave. S.W., Seattle

Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently for 2023.