8 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Seattle (Easy Trails for Families)

After we moved to the Seattle area, we were excited to explore the famously beautiful Pacific Northwest. But with a baby and toddler, and minimal hiking experience ourselves, we needed to find kid-friendly hikes near Seattle that were manageable for young families.

Fortunately, the Seattle area is full of scenic trails that do not require a huge trek to enjoy. Many of the best outdoor spots are surprisingly accessible, making it easy to experience forests, waterfalls, and mountain views on easy hikes near Seattle.

Over several months, we explored many of these beautiful places with littles in tow. Keep reading for more details on Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Snoqualmie Falls, Evans Creek Preserve, Bloedel Reserve, Juanita Bay, Washington Park Arboretum, and the gear that helped us carry babies and toddlers along the trail.

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Jump to: Quick List, Kid-Friendly Hikes List, Gold Creek, Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Snoqualmie Falls, Evans Creek, Bloedel Reserve, Stroller-Friendly Walks, Juanita, Arboretum, Baby gear for hiking, Reality Check, Tips, FAQs

If you’re visiting the area, Seattle is also a great base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. From here you can easily take memorable trips like visiting the Bavarian-style mountain town of Leavenworth or spending a weekend exploring Vancouver, Canada.

• Christmastime Leavenworth day trip from Seattle
• Weekend trip from Seattle to Vancouver
• Quick Itinerary Guide: Vancouver, BC

Quick List: Kid-Friendly and Easy Hikes Near Seattle

If you are looking for kid-friendly hikes near Seattle, the trails below are some of the best places to start. Each one offers beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery without requiring a long or difficult hike, making them great options for families with babies, toddlers, and young kids.

Some are completely stroller-friendly, while others are better suited for kids who can walk short distances or ride in a carrier.

Hike	Distance	Stroller Friendly	Highlights	Distance From Seattle
Gold Creek Pond	1 mile loop	Yes	Alpine lake views, mountain scenery	~1 hour
Franklin Falls	2 miles round trip	No	Beautiful waterfall destination	~1 hour
Twin Falls Trail	~1.5 miles round trip to first viewpoint	No	Scenic waterfall and suspension bridge	~45 minutes
Snoqualmie Falls	1 mile round trip	No	Iconic 268 ft waterfall	~30 minutes
Evans Creek Preserve	1–3 miles	No	Quiet forest trails close to the city	~25 minutes
Bloedel Reserve	~2 miles of garden paths	Partial (best with jogging stroller)	Stunning gardens and forest landscapes	~1 hour (including ferry)
Juanita Beach & Bay Park	~1–2 miles	Yes	Boardwalks, lake views, wildlife	~20 minutes
Washington Park Arboretum	Flexible paths	Yes	Gardens, wetlands, nature in the city	~10 minutes

Many of these kid-friendly hikes near Seattle are places we personally explored while hiking with a baby and toddler, and several quickly became outdoor spots we returned to again and again.

Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Seattle

The following trails are what most people picture when they think of hiking. They are short, scenic trails through forests or mountains, with waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful Pacific Northwest views.

1. Gold Creek Pond

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

About one hour east of downtown Seattle, you will enter the Cascade Mountains through Snoqualmie Pass. Gold Creek Pond Trail is one of the most beautiful easy hikes near Seattle. It is accessible year-round, so you can visit in every season.

The trail is a short 1-mile (1.6 km) loop that circles a peaceful alpine pond. The path is flat, wide, and stroller-friendly, which makes it a great option for families with young kids.

This is one of those hikes where you do not have to work hard to enjoy the view. The reflections of the surrounding mountains on the water are stunning, and the scenery feels like classic Pacific Northwest wilderness.

We spent about an hour leisurely strolling the loop with our baby and toddler, though you could easily stay longer. There are picnic tables around the pond, so it is a great place to bring snacks or lunch and enjoy the view.

Of all the trails we explored while living near Seattle, Gold Creek Pond remains one of my favorite places in the Pacific Northwest.

Tip: The trail circles the entire pond and is mostly flat and wide, which makes it one of the few stroller-friendly mountain trails near Seattle. Arrive early on summer weekends. This is a very popular spot, and parking can fill quickly.

Why families love Gold Creek Pond

• Easy to pair with other Snoqualmie Pass hikes nearby
• Very short and flat loop trail
• Stroller friendly
• Beautiful mountain reflections on the pond
• Picnic tables for snacks or lunch

2. Franklin Falls

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Also in the Snoqualmie Pass area, about an hour from Seattle and only about 15 minutes from Gold Creek Pond, you will find Franklin Falls. This is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Seattle, and it is a great option for families who want an easy adventure with a big reward at the end.

The trail is about 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip and takes most families about an hour to an hour and a half to complete. There are some elevation changes along the way, but the trail is well-maintained with proper stairs and clear paths that make the hike manageable for kids.

This trail is not stroller-friendly, so bringing a baby carrier is the best option for younger children.

Our toddler walked much of the trail himself before becoming tired. Like many hikes with young kids, the pace was slow and full of little stops to explore along the way.

At the end of the trail, you come face to face with the powerful Franklin Falls waterfall. The falls are impressive up close, and kids often love the roar of the water and the mist coming off the rocks. Just keep a close eye on little ones since the rocks near the falls can be slippery.

On one of our visits, we even got caught in a sudden downpour on the hike back, but it did not dampen the adventure.

Because Gold Creek Pond and Franklin Falls are so close together, they make a great pair for families looking to experience two beautiful easy hikes near Seattle in the same outing.

Tip: The rocks near the base of the waterfall can be slippery from the spray, so keep a close eye on kids when exploring near the water.

Why families love Franklin Falls

• One of the most beautiful waterfall hikes near Seattle
• Short 2 mile round trip trail
• Exciting destination for kids
• Easy to combine with Gold Creek Pond

3. Twin Falls Trail

North Bend, WA

Located near North Bend, about 45 minutes east of Seattle, the Twin Falls Trail is a scenic and relatively easy hike that works well for families. It is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Seattle, and many local families recommend it for its manageable trail and beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery.

The trail follows the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River through lush forest before reaching several viewpoints of Twin Falls, where water cascades down a series of rock ledges.

Many families choose to hike to the first waterfall viewpoint, which is about 1.5 miles round trip and fairly manageable for younger hikers. Continuing farther along the trail leads to additional viewpoints and a suspension bridge overlooking the falls.

There is some gradual elevation gain along the route, but the trail is generally well-maintained and easier than many other waterfall hikes in the area.

Like many forest trails in the Pacific Northwest, the path is not stroller-friendly, so bringing a baby carrier is usually the best option for families hiking with babies or toddlers.

Because of the beautiful scenery and relatively short distance to the first viewpoint, Twin Falls is often recommended as one of the best family friendly waterfall hikes near Seattle.

If you are looking for another scenic waterfall adventure near Seattle, many families recommend Twin Falls alongside Franklin Falls and Snoqualmie Falls.

Tip: Many families turn around at the first waterfall viewpoint, which offers a great view without needing to complete the full trail.

Why families enjoy Twin Falls

• Beautiful waterfall viewpoints
• Manageable distance to the first falls
• Lush Pacific Northwest forest scenery
• Popular hike near Seattle for families comfortable with short trails

4. Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie, WA

About 30 minutes east of downtown Seattle, you will find Snoqualmie Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in Washington State. The falls drop an impressive 268 feet (82 m) and are a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

There are viewing platforms at both the top and bottom of the falls. If you prefer, you can simply drive to each viewpoint and enjoy the scenery without hiking. But if you want a little more time outdoors, the trail connecting the two viewpoints is a great option.

The trail is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long, but it descends roughly 300 feet (90 m) down to the base of the falls. Because of the elevation change, the trail can feel steep in places and is not stroller friendly.

For families hiking with babies or toddlers, bringing a baby carrier is the easiest option.

The reward at the bottom is getting close to the base of the powerful waterfall. The sound of the rushing water is impressive, and the mist coming off the falls can make the experience even more exciting for kids. Just be prepared to get a little wet if you walk close enough.

We even visited Snoqualmie Falls in winter, which was a beautiful time to see the waterfall with fewer crowds.

If you are visiting Seattle and want to experience one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks, Snoqualmie Falls is an easy and memorable stop.

Tip: Expect to get a little wet at the lower viewpoint. The mist from the waterfall can be strong when the falls are flowing heavily.

Why families enjoy Snoqualmie Falls

• One of the most iconic waterfall hikes near Seattle
• Short trail connecting the upper and lower viewpoints
• Easy to access from Seattle
• Dramatic scenery with a big payoff for a relatively short hike

5. Evans Creek Preserve

Sammamish, WA

About 25 minutes outside of downtown Seattle is the town of Sammamish, Washington. Here you will find Evans Creek Preserve, a quiet forest area with several easy trail options that work well for families looking to spend some time outdoors.

The scenery here is a bit different from some of the other hikes on this list. You will not find dramatic mountain views or waterfalls, but the trails still showcase the lush greenery that makes the Pacific Northwest so beautiful. If you are in the area, Evans Creek is a peaceful and easy nature escape.

Several trail options can be combined depending on how far you want to go. Most families will end up hiking somewhere between 1 and 3 miles.

While I did bring a stroller when we visited because I was more than 30 weeks pregnant, the trails are not really stroller-friendly in most areas. Some sections are narrow, and there are a few short but steeper inclines and declines along the way.

For families hiking with babies or toddlers, a carrier is usually the easier option here.

Evans Creek Preserve is a great choice if you are looking for easy hikes near Seattle that offer a quiet forest setting without having to drive far from the city.

Why families enjoy Evans Creek Preserve

• Several trail options with flexible distances
• Peaceful forest setting close to Seattle
• Good option for short family hikes
• Easy to explore at your own pace

6. Bloedel Reserve

Bainbridge Island, WA

About an hour from downtown Seattle, you can transport yourself into what feels like a hidden garden in the Pacific Northwest, Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island.

To get there, take the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle, then drive about 15 minutes north to the reserve. The ferry ride alone can be a fun little adventure for kids.

There is an admission fee to visit Bloedel Reserve, but it is well worth it.

The walking paths wind through 12 beautifully designed gardens, each with its own atmosphere and scenery. From lush mossy forest areas to wide open lawns and towering trees, the reserve showcases just how incredibly green the Pacific Northwest can be.

There are some gentle hills along the route, but the paths are wide and well-maintained. A jogging stroller or stroller with larger wheels can work here, although many families choose to let toddlers walk part of the trail.

Our toddler ended up riding in the stroller for part of the visit and walking for part of it, happily collecting leaves along the way.

Bloedel Reserve is not a traditional forest hike, but it is still one of the most beautiful and relaxing easy outdoor walks near Seattle for families who want to spend time in nature.

If you want to extend the outing, Bainbridge Island also has a cute, walkable downtown area and a children’s museum that are worth visiting with kids.

Tip: Tickets are timed, so it’s best to reserve ahead if you are visiting on a weekend or during the summer.

Why families enjoy Bloedel Reserve

• Beautiful garden landscapes and forest paths
• Manageable trails for younger kids
• Works with jogging strollers
• Fun Bainbridge Island ferry adventure
• Easy to pair with exploring Bainbridge Island

Stroller-Friendly Nature Walks Near Seattle

Not every outdoor adventure with young kids needs to be a traditional hike. Some of the best places to get outside near Seattle are flat nature walks and boardwalk trails that are perfect for strollers and younger kids.

If you are exploring with babies, toddlers, or kids who are not ready for uneven hiking trails yet, these spots can be even more enjoyable than a typical hike. They still offer beautiful scenery, wildlife, and fresh Pacific Northwest air, but without the elevation gain or rough terrain.

The following locations are some of our favorite stroller-friendly outdoor walks near Seattle and are great options for families looking for easy ways to spend time in nature.

7. Juanita Beach Park & Juanita Bay Park

Kirkland, WA

About 20 minutes outside of downtown Seattle in Kirkland, Washington, you will find Juanita Beach Park and Juanita Bay Park. This is not exactly a traditional hike, but it offers a beautiful and very family-friendly nature walk near Seattle.

I originally discovered this spot through Hike it Baby, an organization that helps parents foster a love for the outdoors with young children.

We visited this area many times over the years. I walked here while pregnant with a toddler, later with both a baby and a toddler, and in every season. Because the paths are mostly flat and easy to navigate, it is a great option for families with younger kids and strollers.

You can start at Juanita Beach Park, where there are open spaces along the shore of Lake Washington. From there, follow the trail that loops toward Juanita Bay Park.

The path eventually leads to a long boardwalk that stretches out over the water, which is especially fun for toddlers who love to run along the wooden planks. As you continue through the park, there are more boardwalk sections where you can often spot turtles, ducks, birds, and other small wildlife.

For families with young kids, Juanita Bay Park is a relaxing and accessible nature walk near Seattle, offering beautiful lake views and plenty of opportunities for little explorers to stop and observe the wildlife along the way.

Why families enjoy Juanita Beach & Bay Park

• Flat trails and stroller-friendly paths
• Boardwalks over the water
• Frequent wildlife sightings like turtles and ducks
• Beautiful Lake Washington views
• Easy access from Seattle

8. Washington Park Arboretum

Seattle, WA

If you want to enjoy nature without leaving the city, the Washington Park Arboretum is one of the best places in Seattle to take a peaceful outdoor walk.

Located near the University of Washington along the shores of Lake Washington, the arboretum includes miles of trails that wind through beautiful trees, gardens, and wetlands. It is a great place for families looking for an easy way to spend time outside without needing to drive far from downtown Seattle.

The paths here are mostly flat and stroller-friendly, which makes the arboretum a great option for families with babies, toddlers, or younger kids.

One of the nicest parts about the arboretum is how flexible the visit can be. Instead of following a single loop trail, you can wander along the different paths and explore at your own pace. Families can easily adjust the distance depending on how everyone is feeling that day.

Because it feels quiet and green despite being in the middle of Seattle, the Washington Park Arboretum is a wonderful spot for a relaxed outdoor outing when you want a simple nature walk with kids near Seattle.

Why families enjoy Washington Park Arboretum

• Located right in Seattle
• Mostly flat and stroller friendly paths
• Flexible walking routes
• Beautiful trees, gardens, and wetlands
• Easy outdoor outing without leaving the city

A Quick Reality Check About Hiking with Toddlers

One thing I learned quickly while hiking with a toddler is that the destination is not always the point.

Sometimes hiking with young kids is more about the journey. Toddlers move slowly, get distracted easily, and often want to stop every few minutes to look at rocks, leaves, sticks, or anything else they find along the trail.

On some hikes, we made it all the way to the end. On others, we turned around before reaching the destination. And that was completely fine.

If you bring a baby or toddler carrier, you always have the option to keep going if little legs get tired. But if you let toddlers explore at their own pace, you might never make it to the official end of the trail.

That does not mean the outing was pointless. Often, the best memories come from the little discoveries along the way.

For families hiking with young kids, it helps to keep expectations flexible and focus on enjoying time outside together.

Tips for Hiking with Babies and Toddlers

A few things that made our family hikes go more smoothly:

• Always bring snacks. We never packed full picnics, but snacks were essential.
• Bring a baby or toddler carrier. Little legs get tired quickly.
• Let kids explore. Rocks, sticks, and puddles can easily become the highlight of the hike.
• Take breaks when needed. Hiking with kids usually takes longer than expected. Budget enough time and a little extra.

With the right mindset and a little flexibility, even short hikes and nature walk outings can become some of your favorite family memories.

Gear for Hiking with Babies and Toddlers

Having the right gear can make a huge difference when you are hiking with babies and toddlers. Little legs can only go so far, and depending on the trail length or elevation, having a way to carry your child can turn a potentially stressful outing into a really enjoyable one.

There is no single best baby carrier for hiking. Every parent’s body is different, and what feels comfortable will vary from person to person.

If you have a store nearby where you can try carriers in person, that can be helpful. Some parenting groups also offer carrier libraries where you can test different options. You can also check local Buy Nothing groups, borrow from friends, or buy secondhand if you are not sure which style you will prefer.

These are a few options that worked well for our family.

All-Position Baby Soft Structured Carrier

This was my favorite carrier by far. I logged countless hours and miles walking and hiking with all three of my babies in this carrier, and it is still holding up today.

Soft structured carriers like this are great for short hikes and everyday adventures, and they work well for babies and younger toddlers.

👉 All-Position Baby Soft Structured Carrier

Multi-Position Toddler Soft Structured Carrier

Once kids get bigger, many parents find that a toddler carrier with additional support makes longer walks or hikes more comfortable.

These carriers are designed to comfortably carry larger toddlers or preschoolers who have outgrown typical baby carriers.

👉 Multi-Position Toddler Soft Structured Carrier

Structured Hiking Backpack Carrier

Some parents prefer a framed hiking backpack carrier for longer trails. These carriers use a metal frame that helps distribute weight more evenly across your back.

Many toddlers also enjoy this style because they sit higher up and can see more of the trail around them.

👉 Toddler Structured Hiking Backpack Carrier

Jogging Stroller or Rugged All-Terrain Stroller

For stroller-friendly trails, a sturdy stroller with larger wheels can be helpful.

Our family used a rugged stroller like this for years. It was not the lightest option, but it handled a variety of terrains much better than a typical lightweight stroller.

👉 Rugged Stroller With Large Wheels

Many very active families also swear by jogging strollers such as the BOB Jogger or Thule for outdoor adventures.

Looking for a Bigger Challenge? Consider Rattlesnake Lake

Rattlesnake Ledge

North Bend, WA

If your family enjoys hiking and you are looking for a slightly bigger adventure, Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most popular hikes near Seattle.

Located near Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend, about 45 minutes from downtown Seattle, the trail climbs steadily through forest before reaching a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.

The hike to the viewpoint is about 2 miles each way with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain. While the trail itself is well-maintained, the steady climb makes it much more challenging than the other hikes on this list.

When we hiked Rattlesnake Ledge, our toddler would not have been able to complete the hike on his own, so he stayed at home with dad. I carried our baby in a baby carrier, which worked well, but younger kids will likely need to be carried for at least part of the climb.

For families with strong hikers or kids who are comfortable being carried, Rattlesnake Ledge can still be a rewarding adventure. The view from the top is one of the most famous viewpoints near Seattle.

If you are hiking with very young kids or looking for something more relaxed, though, the easier hikes earlier in this guide are better starting points.

Tip: The viewpoint at the top has steep drop-offs, so keep kids close when enjoying the view.

Why hikers love Rattlesnake Ledge

• One of the most famous viewpoints near Seattle
• Beautiful overlook of Rattlesnake Lake
• Well-maintained trail
• Great option for families who want more of a challenge

FAQs About Kids and Hiking Near Seattle

Are there kid-friendly hikes near Seattle?

Yes, there are many kid-friendly hikes near Seattle that work well for families with young children. Some of the easiest and most scenic options include Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Snoqualmie Falls, and Evans Creek Preserve. These trails are relatively short and manageable, making them good choices for families hiking with kids.

If you are visiting Seattle with children, these types of trails are a great way to experience the forests, waterfalls, and mountain scenery that make the Pacific Northwest so beautiful.

Are there stroller-friendly hikes near Seattle?

Some trails near Seattle are stroller-friendly, especially flat nature walks or boardwalk trails.

Good options for families with strollers include:

• Gold Creek Pond
• Juanita Beach Park
• Juanita Bay Park
• Washington Park Arboretum

For uneven forest trails or hikes with elevation gain, bringing a baby or toddler carrier is usually a better option.

What is the easiest waterfall hike near Seattle?

One of the easiest and most rewarding waterfall hikes near Seattle is Franklin Falls.

The hike is about 2 miles round trip and follows a well maintained trail through the forest before reaching a beautiful waterfall. While the trail is not stroller friendly, it is very manageable for families hiking with toddlers or babies in a carrier.

Another popular waterfall destination is Snoqualmie Falls, where you can hike between the upper and lower viewpoints. And, technically, you can even drive down and only need to walk on the boardwalk to see the falls.

What hikes near Seattle are good for toddlers?

Toddlers can often enjoy short hikes that have interesting scenery along the way.

Some of the best toddler-friendly hikes near Seattle include:

• Gold Creek Pond – short and flat with beautiful mountain views
• Franklin Falls – exciting waterfall destination
• Juanita Bay Park – boardwalk trail with turtles and ducks
• Washington Park Arboretum – easy nature walk in the city

For longer trails, many parents find that bringing a toddler carrier helps make the hike more enjoyable for everyone.

When is the best time of year to hike near Seattle with kids?

Many of the best easy hikes near Seattle can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Summer and early fall are popular for mountain trails like Gold Creek Pond and Franklin Falls. Winter can also be a beautiful time to visit places like Snoqualmie Falls, when the waterfall is especially powerful.

For families visiting Seattle in cooler months, stroller-friendly nature walks like Juanita Bay Park or the Washington Park Arboretum are great year round options.

What should you bring when hiking with babies or toddlers?

When hiking with babies or toddlers, a few simple items can make the experience much easier:

• Snacks and water
• A baby or toddler carrier
• Comfortable shoes with good grip for uneven trails
• Extra layers for changing weather

Even short hikes can take longer when exploring with young children, so planning a relaxed pace helps make the outing more enjoyable.

Don’t Miss the Beautiful Trails Near Seattle

One of the best parts of visiting Seattle is how easy it is to step into nature. Within a short drive of the city, you can find waterfalls, alpine lakes, forest trails, and peaceful waterfront boardwalks.

The kid-friendly hikes near Seattle we explored with our own baby and toddler remain some of our favorite outdoor spots in the region. Whether you want mountain scenery, a waterfall adventure, or a relaxed stroller walk, there are plenty of options that work well for families.

Some of the easiest and most beautiful places to start include Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Evans Creek Preserve, Snoqualmie Falls, and Bloedel Reserve. For families with strollers or younger toddlers, Juanita Beach Park, Juanita Bay Park, and the Washington Park Arboretum offer great nature walks without needing to tackle uneven hiking trails.

And if your family is ready for a bigger adventure, Rattlesnake Ledge offers one of the most famous viewpoints near Seattle.

However you choose to explore, getting outside on even a short trail is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Happy hiking.

To go beyond Seattle…

• Bavaria in Washington State: A Day Trip from Seattle
• A Vancouver Weekend from Seattle
• Quick Itinerary Guide: Vancouver, BC
• What is the best age to travel with a baby?
• Traveling to Japan with a baby