Find fresh air and new focus along these stroller-friendly trails near Seattle
It’s hard to resist sunny days when we have them in Seattle. So if you’re looking for a spot to go for a stroll, we’ve got options that will get you outside with plenty of space to spare. Grab the sippy cup and snack trap for the kids, ‘cuz this is how you roll…
photo: Lorin Belcher
1. Woodland Park Zoo
Arguably the most stroller-friendly attraction in Seattle, the Woodland Park Zoo has dozens of animal exhibits spaced over 90 acres, many of which are easily viewed from stroller height. Paths are all level and paved, so you can easily walk or jog through the zoo without worry. There are also lots of spots for the kids to unload and get their wiggles out as well. For a little cross-training, you and the kids can climb the ropes in the new Bamboo Forest Reserve play area by the uber-adorable Asian small-clawed otters.
Tip: If you want to stay moving, avoid the Wetlands and Conservation Aviary areas just west of the Family Farm. This area has lots of double-doors to get through that are hard to navigate with strollers. For an even longer stroll, cross one of the pedestrian overpasses to the east side of Aurora and the rest of Woodland Park. Here, you can enjoy great paved paths through forested areas and grassy hills leading down to Green Lake.
1000 N. 50th St.
Seattle
Online: zoo.org
photo: Lorin Belcher
2. Elliot Bay Trail
For an adventure downtown with stellar mountain views, you can’t do better than the Elliot Bay Trail—one of the most popular stroller friendly trails near Seattle. This trail starts at the Centennial Park in Interbay, winds through Myrtle Edwards Park, and ends at the Olympic Sculpture Park (or you can walk the trail backward). This paved trail is just over 1.5 miles and is often refreshingly empty on the weekdays (during non-commute hours especially). This is a perfect stretch for a quick run with your jogging stroller as it is almost completely straight and flat; it’s equally friendly to umbrella strollers for the same reason. Keep in mind that as this trail is right on the waterfront, it can get windy and there’s not much shade. Bundle up the babe and head out.
Centennial Park
2711 Alaskan Way
Seattle
Online: traillink.com/trail/elliott-bay-trail-(terminal-91-bike-path).aspx
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave.
Seattle
Online: seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park
photo: Stacy Ebstyne
3. Lincoln Park
Not every kid loves the stroller and many will only tolerate it for short bursts of time – a great solution is the waterfront path at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. There is a long, paved trail that starts near the ferries, goes along the beach and then loops back around near the pool and back up to the playground. There are plenty of spots to let little ones explore, but the trail is nice and wide so that you can get them in and out of the stroller over and over again without being in the way of other walkers. Lincoln Park is also a great option for pushing a younger child in a stroller while an older child rides a scooter alongside!
8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=460
photo: Katie Gruver
4. Seward Park
For a picturesque walk or jog on the south side of the city, head to Seward Park at the base of Lake Washington. With a 2.4 mile paved loop path along the waterfront of the park, and an addition network of more rugged trails through forests and along the beach, this 300 acre park won’t disappoint you or your tiny traveling companions. The primary play areas are at the south end of the park (next to the parking areas), so hit the loop trail right away with the promise of playground time after your walk and you’ll have happy hikers with you the whole way.
5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks/trails_detail.asp?id=428
photo: Stacy Ebstyne
5. Washington Park Arboretum
If you’ve got a sturdy stroller, an open schedule and are looking to meander through a natural wonderland, head to the Washington Park Arboretum. Keep in mind while there’s a great boardwalk and a few paved paths, many interior trails are unpaved so this isn’t the spot to head for an unencumbered long-distance run or if there’s been a recent heavy rain. That being said, this is an awesome spot to go “get lost” with your thoughts (and your kids) for a while. Throw a pair of binoculars in the stroller and encourage your budding naturalist to watch out for waterfowl, turtles and frogs as you wander. Azalea Way is not to be missed in early spring, and be sure to see the maples in the autumn.
2300 Arboretum Dr. E.
Seattle
Online: depts.washington.edu/uwbg/gardens/wpa.shtml
6. Magnolia Bluff
For an urban stroller friendly trail near Seattle, Magnolia Bluff will provide you with ample exercise as well as some of Seattle’s best views of the Puget Sound and downtown. There are a few different parking areas off of Magnolia Boulevard where you can get started or park in the Magnolia Village to add some distance. Keep your eye out for the benches along the Boulevard where you can park the stroller and sit in the sun while your tyke gets out to stretch his or her legs in the grass.
1461 Magnolia Blvd. W.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?id=317
7. Interurban Trail
For a marathon stroller session, the Interurban Trail (North) is an epic 24.9 miles of stroller friendly trails near Seattle starting in Greenwood, going through Bitter Lake and Shoreline, all the way to Everett. It is almost entirely paved and should be your go-to route if you are trying to put some miles on your jogging stroller’s tires. There are a few busy intersections that the path crosses, but the trail is marked and well-used, so savvy stroller-ers shouldn’t have any problem. Keep in mind that this is primarily a bike route (though you’ll also see lots of pedestrians and even equine traffic), and while it does connect to the Everett Mall, don’t expect too many concessions along the way.
Tip: For an Eastside equivalent of this uber-route, try the Sammamish River Trail (starting in Bothell and running through Woodinville and Redmond, ending at Marymoor Park). With 10.9 miles of paved trail, make sure your stroller tires are fully pumped before setting out!
Interurban Trail (North)
110th St. & Fremont Ave. N.
Seattle
(More trail information and maps)
photo: Lorin Belcher
8. Kirkland Waterfront
If you’re looking for the perfect place to take your stroller for a cruise on the Eastside, the Kirkland Waterfront is undeniably the best. Perfect for any kind of stroller, the wide sidewalks are easy for stroller traffic and your tiny passengers will love stopping to play in the grass along the shores of Lake Washington or stopping for some ice cream in Downtown Kirkland on your way back to the car. Maybe they’ll fall asleep in the stroller by the time you get back and you can do a bit of window shopping while they doze! Don’t forget to pack sunscreen for little legs – there isn’t much shade along here on extra sunny days.
Marina Park
25 Lakeshore Plaza Dr.
Kirkland, WA
Online: parksofkirkland.com/marina-park
