Whether you are trying to get from point A to point B or whether you want to take the kids on a journey that’s a little different from your average route, Seattle has some fun, walkable bridges. Round up your little billy goats and trip trap over a few of these Seattle spans. We promise there’s only one bridge with a troll underneath and yes, you need to check out that one as well.
photo: Natalia Dotto Photography
Fremont Bridge
For almost 100 years, the iconic blue and orange Fremont Bridge has connected the neighborhoods of Queen Anne and Fremont. Walk across the drawbridge, which crosses over the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and head straight into the Center of the Universe, as Fremont likes to call itself. As you make your way across the span, take a peek over the side and you’ll find a bevy of boats and kayaks wending their way underneath. And because the Fremont Bridge is one of the busiest in the country (rising for marine traffic on average of 35 times a day), your walk across it might get slightly delayed. Bells and crossing arms will let you know if that is about to happen which will make for more entertainment for the Littles. Psst! Be sure to check out the neon Rapunzel by the window of the Northwest Tower and the Elephant and Alligator from Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories on the Northeast Tower.
Fremont Ave. N. & Fourth Ave.N.
Online: seattle.gov/transportation/bridges.htm
photo: Joe Mabel
Arboretum Aqueduct
Originally built in the early 20th century to carry a sewer line over Lake Washington Boulevard, the Arboretum Aqueduct now serves as a pedestrian footbridge. The overpass is 180-feet long which is long enough to let the littlest of billy goats run across it several times, without moms and dads having to chase too far behind. Park at the Graham Visitor Center and ask for directions to the footbridge. It’s just a short walk through the woods to reach it. Psst! Don’t forget to bring your camera as the picturesque trestle is a great place to snap a family photo.
Good to know: The Arboretum Aqueduct is a city landmark of Seattle and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
2300 Arboretum Dr. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
Online: depts.washington.edu/uwbg/gardens/wpa.shtml
photo: Museum of Flight Facebook page
The T. Evans Wyckoff Memorial Bridge
No visit to The Museum of Flight is complete without a stroll across the T. Evans Wyckoff Memorial Bridge. The lattice and glass enclosed walkway is supposed to represent an airplane’s contrail. But what might be most appreciated is that the bridge allows you and the kiddos to wander over East Marginal Way safely, instead of dodging the traffic below. The kids will get a kick out of the design of the bridge and parents will enjoy the views to the north and to the south.
Good to know: The bridge shuffles visitors from the main museum to its expanded facilities and is only open during regular museum hours.
9404 E. Marginal Way S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
Online: museumofflight.org
photo: Natalia Dotto Photography
The Amgen Helix Pedestrian Bridge
Another pedestrian bridge that looks like it’s from a sci-fi movie is Amgen’s walkway that will take you over the railroad tracks on Elliott Avenue. The distinctive looking overpass was built in 2003 (with more than 180 tons of steel) as a way to connect busy Elliott Avenue to the Amgen Complex. The bridge’s inspiration? A double helix of DNA chains. If you manage to find street parking along Elliot Avenue, then taking the kids along the bridge and over to Myrtle Edwards Park can make for a fun afternoon outing.
Elliot Ave. W. & W. Prospect St.
Seattle, Wa 98119
Map It
photo: Natalia Dotto Photography
The Fremont Troll
A Seattle bridge round up wouldn’t be complete without the Troll Under The Bridge. Yes, the one and only Fremont Troll. Tucked under the massive Aurora Bridge, the troll is a delight for kiddos of all ages… even the big ones. The massive statue grasps a real VW Bug in its hand and is big enough for the Littles to clamber over. For more trollology, head over to fremont.com to get a 360 degree of the troll. Psst! Be sure to bring your camera. The photo opps are aplenty here.
3405 Troll Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
Online: On Facebook or Map It
What Seattle bridges does your family likes to travel over? Tell us in the Comments below.
— Natalia Dotto
