West Seattle is a hip part of town that still has easy access to the more tourist areas of downtown Seattle. But between its boutique small business clothing shops, trendy house decor stores, and hip bars and restaurants, West Seattle doesn’t exactly scream, “Child Friendly!”
If you look closely, there are plenty of fun, child-friendly things to do in West Seattle. Of course, visiting the coast of Puget Sound is always a hit with the kids. But kids can also go for a hike, swim, go playground hopping, see an outdoor movie, learn about bees, play at an arcade, and even take a water taxi.
Go to the Coast
Alki Beach
If you want more of a beachy beach, with sand and fellow sunbathers, Alki beach is the place to go. And as you make your way along Alki Avenue, you’ll definitely get beach town vibes. There are outdoor cafes and restaurants facing the coast and people strolling around in swimsuits, coverups, and sandals.
There’s a good mix of families, young sun seekers, and retired couples relaxing before a nice meal out. We were there on a hot Tuesday August afternoon, and it was definitely busy and buzzing.
My Three Little Birds is a It mostly has clothes and shoes, but also carries quality toys and books that have been lightly used. It’s very reasonably priced for what you get. And we were able to pick out some much-needed clothes and shoes. And if we had had room in the suitcases, we definitely would have picked out some toys.
Alki Beach
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park features a whole mile of coastline in West Seattle backed by lush forest. It also boasts 4.6 miles of walking paths and 3.9 miles of biking trails. Despite its popularity, and due to its size, you’re sure to find a place of your own to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The coast is rocky, perfect for practicing your stone skipping skills. And there is plenty of driftwood ideal for toddler climbing and grandparent sitting. Plus, you’ll always see at least one brave soul taking a dip in the sound. If for some reason you need a break from the coast, there are also open fields available for soccer, frisbee, or some good ole tag.
If plunging into the icy sound doesn’t sound like a relaxing afternoon to you, Lincoln Park also houses Colman Pool. It’s a heated, salt-water pool that overlooks the sound. And you can read more about it here.
There is a northern and a southern parking lot, and both can get busy on weekends and in the evenings. Street parking in the area is free, though. So you’ll find a spot… eventually! Also, keep in mind that if ferry parking gets backed up, the same road that follows the park is where cars will be waiting to embark the ferry. So basically get there early or plan to walk. But I also wouldn’t skip it - it’s the perfect thing to do in West Seattle for the whole family!
There is a playground, but it’s under renovations at the time this is being written. So check this website for updates.
Lincoln Park
Lowman Beach
Lowman Beach is near Lincoln Park, but much less popular, especially amongst tourists. Like Lincoln Park, it also features rocks and driftwood perfect for exploring. There are a couple of swings available, but the biggest draw is the beach.
Around sunset, Lowman Beach is especially popular amongst locals, and the street parking nearby can get crowded. So secure a spot early or plan on walking a bit. Lowman Beach also has a hand-carry boat launch. So don’t forget the paddle boards and kayaks!
Lowman Beach on a smoggy day
Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint is most well known for its tide pools perfect for exploring. It even features a tidepool sculpture that highlights some of the animals you may find while searching the pools. If you want to take your adventure off the land, there is also a hand boat launch from Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint.
During low tide, you can also make your way around Alki point, all the way to Alki beach! So if you get caught by rising tide, you can take the roads back to your original location. But if you don’t want that to happen, you can check out the daily tide schedule here.
Go for a Hike
Camp Long
In the middle of West Seattle isn’t necessarily where you would expect to find a hiking spot. But Camp Long makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a secluded forest. Camp Long is open to the public, and often used for school programs and some other organized activities. When we were there, one school group was visiting, but after we left the entrance, we only saw one other person.
There are a few trails to take and get a bit lost on, if you have a sense of direction like mine! So just pay attention to which way you’ve gone. But not to worry, it really isn’t that big and you wouldn’t actually get lost… just maybe turned around a bit. Or is that just me?
We also stumbled across a “book trail”, which featured posters of the pages of a story about preserving mother earth. We followed the posters sequentially to make our way around the pond and to read the entire story.
Schmitz Preserve Park
Schmitz Preserve Park is a small protected forest close to Alki Beach. You won’t completely get lost in nature here, with 1.7 miles of trails amongst the old growth trees. But if you’re looking for something to do with the kids in West Seattle to find a bit of reprieve from the busier streets of West Seattle, check out Schmitz Preserve Park.
There aren’t any trail signs at the park, but Google Maps shows the trails. Plus, it’s a fairly small park, so you won’t get that lost!
Swim at Colman Pool
Colman Pool is an outdoor pool right in Lincoln Park. So for obvious reasons, it’s only open during the summer months. But if the sound is a bit too chilly for you or your kids, Colman Pool has heated saltwater and overlooks the coast. It has a water slide and diving board enjoyed by adults and kids alike!
There is an entrance fee and parking isn’t super close, so make sure you bring the big totes for all the towels and pool toys. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so get there early if you’re looking to score some lounge chairs.
Hiawatha Playfield Wading Pool
The wading pool at Hiawatha Playfield is another thing to do in West Seattle for the kids to cool off in the summer months. And it’s free! They are only open for limited days and hours, so check out the updated opening hours here. And they won’t open if the outside temperature is less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
West Seattle Farmers’ Market
The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is open year round on Sundays from 10am - 2pm. In addition to fresh and local produce, you’ll find local flower vendors with the most gorgeous and affordable bouquets available.
You’ll also find sweets to take home or devour at the market, as well as specialty drinks like kombuchas or even apple cider slushies in the fall. And don’t forget the fresh bread, local hot sauces, and freshly prepared take-home meals.
The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is certainly a gathering place for the community. And it can be the perfect thing to do with kids in West Seattle on an easy Sunday. They’ll certainly enjoy picking out fun treats and drinks to sample.
Visit Some Playgrounds
Whaletail Park
Whaletail Park is the most well-known and largest playground in West Seattle. And its popularity is understood once you see the multiple play structures, the sand box, the swings, the open field, the sunken boat, and of course - the giant whale’s tail integrated into the play area!
It’s the perfect playground for little kids and big kids alike, plus it’s close to Alki beach. There are restrooms available and plenty of space for everyone to have plenty of fun. So when you’re looking for another thing to do in West Seattle with your kids, or somewhere for little legs to get the wiggles out before your restaurant reservation, check out Whaletail Park!
Lincoln Park
At the time of writing this blog, there are only swings available at Lincoln Park. And of course all that driftwood that serves as its own climbing gym and balance beams. But there is usually a large playground on the south end of the park that is currently being renovated. You can check for updates here.
Endolini Park
Endolini Park is tucked in a hilly neighborhood and definitely has a local feel. It is a gathering place for local families and kids and has a very relaxed feel to it. It’s a small playground, but has a little something for everyone.
There is a large play structure for the big kids. And for the little kids, there are a number of Fisher Price plastic tot slides and climbing structures. There is a small paved path around the playground, and a number of toys available to enjoy that path. Toys like tricycles, wagons, bikes, and push toys.
Myrtle Reservoir Park
Although nothing spectacular like the views from the famous Queen Anne Hill, Myrtle Reservoir Park actually features the highest point in Seattle. In addition to some small walking paths, there is also a playground that tends to be a bit quieter than the ever popular Whaletail Park. There is a large climbing structure as well as a more typical play structure with a slide, etc.
So when the kids are needing a more “normal” thing to do in West Seattle, and if you want a good view while doing it, Myrtle Reservoir Park could be the place to go.
Myrtle Reservoir Park
Shop at My Three Little Birds
My Three Little Birds is a high-end kids’ consignment shop. It mostly has clothes and shoes, but also carries quality toys and books that have been lightly used. It’s very reasonably priced for what you get. And we were able to pick out some much-needed clothes and shoes. And if we had had room in the suitcases, we definitely would have picked out some toys.
Take the Water Taxi to Downtown
If you’re wanting to check out some of the main attractions in downtown Seattle, an affordable and fun option for kids in West Seattle is to hop on the water taxi. Once you disembark in downtown Seattle, kid-friendly attractions like The Seattle Great Wheel and Pike Place Market are just a short walk away.
The water taxi runs approximately every 30-45 minutes. All minors are free, so you’ll just need to pay for the adults. You can check out the current schedule and pricing here.
You can buy tickets for the water taxi ahead of time using the Transit Go App, or use an Orca card (if you have one) to pay. There are also kiosks at the pier to buy tickets, but I found it easier to have one less thing to deal with once we arrived. And I’m glad I did. It was a bit of a struggle to find parking in the area that wasn’t limited to 2 hours.
We ended up parking here. Which on first glance, doesn’t necessarily seem like a legal spot. But there are no signs saying otherwise and it did eventually fill in with other cars by the time we returned.
Water Taxi
Watch an Outdoor Movie
On specific dates throughout the summer, outdoor movie nights are offered by West Seattle Junction. They are often kid-friendly movies and you can check out their latest offerings here. So grab the blankets and snacks, and have an outdoor family movie night!
The West Seattle Junction’s website is also a great place to stay up to date on events and festivals that may be happening during your visit.
West Seattle Arcade
If you’re looking for something indoors to do in West Seattle with kids, look no further than the West Seattle Arcade. This arcade has been set up for some real family fun. It features old renovated classics all the way up to the newest and greatest.
Everyone will have fun with things like pinball, driving games, prize games, sports games, dancing games, and everything else you could think of. And if you have a kiddo who is sensitive to sound, they even provide noise reduction headphones for them to use!
Myrtle Highpoint Bee Garden
The Myrtle Highpoint Bee Garden is centered around a garden that was planted with the purpose of attracting and promoting the health of bees! They have also set up a number of hives surrounded by plexiglass so your kids can see what “busy as a bee” really means.
There are a number of informational signs to learn from as you guide yourself around the garden. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some beautiful flowers and learn a bit about the importance of bees.
So whether you’re exploring the many beaches, doing a bit of shopping, or checking out the local playgrounds, there is plenty to do for the entire family in West Seattle! Did I miss anything? Is there anything else in the area your kids love doing? Let me know in the comments!
If you plan on traveling a couple of hours north to Bellingham, Washington and looking for things to do with the family, you may find this article (Coming Soon!) helpful.