Activities for Youth in Seattle

Activities for Youth in Seattle

space needle washington image by Jeffrey Sinnock from Fotolia.com

Located on the water and near the Olympic Mountains, Seattle is known as being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Opportunities range from white water rafting to mountain biking. When considering a family getaway to this diverse locale, parents should remember that the kids can come along on all their adventures. There are plenty of activities suitable for both children and grown-ups. By no means is this an exhaustive list but it will begin to give an idea of all Seattle has to offer a family.

Canoe or Kayak

Kayaking
Kayak image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com

Families can row together around Lake Washington or Lake Union. They can visit the Waterfront Activities Center at the University of Washington to rent a canoe. Kayaks are available for rent at the nearby Agua Verde Paddle Club. Being on the water provides a scenic view of the city and a close up view of its natural inhabitants from a unique vantage point.

Waterfront Activities Center
3900 Montlake Blvd. NE
Seattle, WA 98195
206-543-9433
depts.washington.edu/ima/IMA_wac.php

Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club
1303 Northeast Boat Street
Seattle, WA 98105-6701
206-545-8570
aguaverde.com

Hiking

Kelsey Creek Park
yosemite creek image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com

Kelsey Creek Park is a popular destination for travelers and families. Made of 150 acres of forest and wetland habitat, this park is the perfect place to get away and see nature. Hiking trails run throughout the park and are easy enough for young children to get around on. A working farm is another unique feature of this park that will be popular with the family.

Kelsey Creek Park
410 130th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-452-7688
bellevuewa.gov/kelsey_creek_trail.htm

Scuba Diving

Shore scuba
scuba diver entering the water image by starush from Fotolia.com

Puget Sound is one of the most diverse aquatic areas in the United States. Those who dive off the Seattle Coast can check out 8 foot octopi and six-gill sharks. From Alki Beach to San Juans, there are many diving options for beginners and pros alike.

Article Written By Matt Scheer

Matt Scheer began writing professionally in 2005. His work has appeared in "The Daily Texan" and "The New York Tribune." Scheer holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in history, both from the University of Texas. He is also a certified Yoga teacher and Web designer.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword