Seattle Family Fun Series: Discovery Park
Published on January 28, 2022 - Updated on February 24, 2022
Explore Top Seattle Activities with Your Local happyly Ambassador and Family-Fun Expert, Natasha
It's not called the "Emerald City" for nothin'. Seattle is full of green spaces, both massive and mini, but Discovery Park looms as the city's largest park at 534 acres. Getting around requires some strategizing, but it's a perfect spot for families who want a more traditional hike without a long drive.
Getting there
As with many green spaces, the easiest access to Discovery Park is by car. There are three main parking lots: North, East (Visitor Center), and South. Check the activities section below to select the best parking location. The Visitor Center and its parking lot are slated for renovations (currently scheduled in late 2022), so double-check that it is open before you visit.
For water-loving families with kids under six, beach passes are typically available at the Visitor's Center in order to park near the beach and lighthouse area. During the pandemic, the center has largely remained closed and unable to issue passes but call ahead to confirm availability. Individuals with ADA placards are always welcome to park at the beach.
For those using public transit, Route 24 and Route 33 currently have stops in and around Discovery Park.
Some families enjoy biking across the Ballard Locks to Discovery Park (it's approximately 2 miles each way), and bikes are welcome on paved trails within the park. However, there are lots of hills, so be prepared for a "leg day!"
What to do
Discovery Park has a wide network of interconnecting trails, so you can generally make a hike as long or as short as you want. Make sure you have a map, so you don't get lost: we like the AllTrails app, but the Friends of Discovery Park site has an easy-to-access option as well. Here are some of our favorite hikes and stops:
Wolf Tree Nature Trail - start at the North parking lot. You'll find boardwalks and lots of shade (check out this map for information on the stops) along a quarter-mile loop that's perfect for little legs. Dogs are not allowed on this trail since they can disturb the wetland spaces. When you've finished the hike, enjoy some playtime on the large grassy area near the trailhead.
Daybreak Star Cultural Center - The Coast Salish people have stewarded the land and waters around Discovery Park since time immemorial. Learn about their culture and check out some beautiful Native art at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. Open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., it's free to enter, but donations are requested to help with upkeep.
Nature-inspired playground - Located a short walk from the Visitor's Center (or a half-mile hike from the South Parking lot), this large playground includes a zipline and plenty of places to climb and swing. It also often plays host to a fort made of fallen branches.
Magnolia Bluff - Start at the South parking lot and follow the loop trail to a sandy play area with views over Puget Sound. Magnolia Bluff is one of the most active stroller-friendly trails due to its relatively flat terrain and fun stopping spot. You'll want to pack a few small toys and keep kids away from the bluff (and please be sure to clean up after pets — no one wants that kind of buried treasure!).
Loop Trail - The nice thing about the Loop Trail is that you can start at any of the parking lots. Over about 4.5 miles, connect the trail with the South Beach and North Beach trails for beach access, beautiful trees, and water views. There are a few steep hills on this route, so be sure to pack snacks and patience (or a carrier) for little legs. We regularly spot sea lions and harbor seals on this route, and in early summer, you'll find wildflowers like lupines and daisies along the waterfront and near the water treatment plant.
Reward yourself with a treat
Nothing builds up an appetite like a vigorous hike (or a toddler-paced hike where everyone got snacks but you).
If you just need some caffeine to get you through the day, head to Cafe Appassionato. Their roastery has a really cute patio! Or, you can pop through the drive-thru for a quick fix. Further south in the Magnolia neighborhood, you'll find Nutty Squirrel Gelato. We love their seasonal flavors just as much as the traditional options.
For something more substantial, pick up a burger, fries, and a milkshake from Red Mill's Interbay location. They offer online ordering to speed up the waiting process but make sure to specify the correct location.
Nearby adventure extensions
If you've saved some energy after your hike, head over to Interbay Golf Center for a round of mini-golf. You won't hit balls into a clown's mouth, but the course is low-key, and there's a snack bar with a patio on-site for a quick bite to eat.
Not far from your gelato destination, you'll find even more playground fun at Magnolia Playfield or beautiful views at Ella Bailey Park.
Whether you head to the park for a family hike or a day on the playground, Discovery Park is the perfect semi-urban oasis to immerse yourself in nature for a day.
Have you been to Discovery Park in Seattle? What did you think!? If you have any great photos of your family enjoying a day out at Discovery Park (or anywhere for that matter!), be sure to tag us on Instagram @gethappyly for a chance to be featured!
Looking for other fun family adventures in the Seattle area? Check out Natasha's other great articles on The Space Center and Space Needle, The Seattle Aquarium, and the Woodland Park Zoo!
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