Remember, when hiking in the fall (or any time of year), pack the 10 essentials. As temperatures begin to dip, having layers is important. Be ready for changing weather conditions. The weather can dramatically change at the drop of a hat, especially in the high alpine. Leave no trace and stay on marked trails. Do not feed wildlife.

Looking for golden larches this fall? Don’t miss our full roundup of the best larch hikes in the greater Seattle area.

Fall colors frame the trail to Myrtle Falls at Mount Rainier. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

The North Cascades: Easy Fall Hikes for Families

The North Cascades National Park is less than a 3-hour drive from Seattle, and it’s well worth the trip. The rugged mountainous landscape, brimming with craggy peaks, glaciers, high alpine lakes, and dense forests, is like stepping into another world. Simply put, it will take your breath away. Even if you just drive through the scenic byway, it’s a trip you won’t forget. Our top easy and kid-friendly fall hikes in the North Cascades are Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, and Lake Ann.

All three hikes are gorgeous in the fall, but if I had to pick one to do with my family, I’d pick Blue Lake.

If you have older hikers in your trekking crew, consider tackling Maple Pass. You start from the same trailhead as Lake Ann, but your adventure doesn’t have to stop after you take an offshoot for the lake, nestled in the basin of the mountains. You’ll see hikers climbing the ridge and will quickly want to join in. Backtrack to where you turned off and continue the loop around.

Little adventurers love the calm shores of Cutthroat Lake. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Blue Lake — Kid-Friendly Larch Views

• Length: 4.4 miles, round-trip
• Elevation gain: 1,050 feet
• Getting there: The trail is right off Highway 20, about 40 miles past Newhalem, clearly marked for passersby. If you reach the hairpin turn, a popular overlook on Highway 20, you’ve gone too far.
• Passes: A Northwest Forest Pass is required
• Restroom: There is a toilet at the trailhead

Blue Lake is one of my favorite hikes, not just in the North Cascades but in Washington state. It’s family-friendly, and the views are spectacular. I highly recommend doing this hike in October to catch glimpses of larches — and if you’re looking for more, check out our full guide to the best larch hikes around the Seattle area.

The trail starts out mellow, meandering through the forest before popping hikers out into a large, open meadow with views of towering granite peaks ahead. If you make it to the meadow, you’re nearly halfway to the lake, so push on. Back into the forest, you’ll be granted sweeping peek-a-boo views of the surrounding mountains. Liberty Bell is a popular destination for rock climbers, so you may see individuals on the trail hoping to bag that peak.

Blue Lake sits in the shadows of beautiful mountains, reflecting their splendor in the calm, blue water. Bright yellow larches dot the shorelines surrounding the lake. The payoff is worth the effort to get there. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views from the outcroppings of rocks that sit along the edges of the lake.

Blue Lake shimmers under the peaks of the North Cascades. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Mount Rainier: Kid-Friendly Fall Trails

Skyline Trail Loop — Fall Colors at Mount Rainier

• Length: 5.5 miles
• Type: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 1,450 feet
• Getting there: The hike begins from Paradise’s parking lot. Mount Rainier National Park reservations are not required this time of year, but it’s a very popular destination, so be prepared for crowds.
• Passes: Entrance passes are required and can be purchased online

You have likely seen Mount Rainier in the summer, but fall is arguably my favorite time of the year to visit the beautiful, towering volcano. There are many magnificent trails you can explore in Mount Rainier National Park, but my favorite is the Skyline Trail Loop. The trail leaves from Paradise, quickly gaining elevation as the paved path heads toward Mount Rainier. Eventually, the paved trail gives way to a more rugged gravel path. You will take in expansive mountain views as you continue your hike. Walk through open meadows blanketed in reds and yellows. You’re also likely to see some wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes and ears alert for chattering marmots and scampering ground squirrels. Remember, never feed them (even if they are super cute). When we were there, we saw a black bear and several deer.

The trail is considered moderate, and you will be huffing and puffing straight out of the parking lot. The elevation gain can be exhausting for little legs, but the viewpoints along the trail will make the effort well worth it. You don’t have to complete the loop. Glacier Vista is breathtaking, and you can snap a few photos with Nisqually Glacier and Mount Rainier as a dazzling backdrop.

If you continue, you will enjoy endless mountain views from Panorama Point and more meandering meadows as you descend back to Paradise. Myrtle Falls is another must-stop spot along the trail. Snap a few more photos of the cascading waterfall before the paved trail takes you to the parking lot. You may also begin you hike from Paradise to Myrtle Falls if you’d like a shorter and less strenuous trek.

Panoramic fall views make Skyline Trail a family favorite. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Naches Peak Loop — Easy Fall Hike with Rainier Views

This hike is currently closed due to the Wildcat Fire.

• Length: 3.2 miles, round-trip
• Elevation gain: 600 feet
• Getting there:
• Restroom: A toilet is located at the trailhead
• Passes: Northwest Forest Pass is required

Another popular trail to explore, if Paradise’s crowds scare you away, is Naches Peak Loop. The trailhead leaves out of Tipsoo Lake. I recommend doing this loop hike clockwise, so you can take in the views of Mount Rainier from the best vantage point – walking toward Mount Rainier instead of having it at your back. The trail is easy, with very little elevation gain. It winds you along a hillside through meadows. Take in the stunning mountain views, lakes, and fall foliage. It’s a great trail for kids.

Hiking through a sea of red and gold on Naches Peak Loop. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Stevens Pass: Family Hikes with Fall Colors

Barclay Lake — Family-friendly Mountain Lake

• Length: 4.4 miles, round-trip
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Getting there: Only about an hour and a half from Seattle, you will take U-2 toward Wenatchee. Turn left onto 635th Place NE. Barclay Lake Trailhead is found about 4.3 miles after turning off U-2.
• Restroom: A toilet is located at the trailhead
• Passes: Northwest Forest Pass is required

In the shadow of Baring Mountain, a gorgeous alpine lake calls hikers of all abilities to its shores. The views from the lake are unbelievable, with Baring Mountain looming just above. Accessible for families with little explorers, this easy hike delights with mountain views, babbling creeks, forests teeming with fall foliage and expansive meadows. Barclay Lake is a gem, but it is not hidden. It’s a popular trail, so don’t be surprised if you’re not alone.

Big mountain views, easy enough for little hikers — Barclay Lake delivers. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Mount Baker: Easy Hikes with Kids

Bagley Lakes Loop — East Lakeside Walk

Sept. 13, 2025 update: Due to a dam removal project, Bagley Lakes trail cannot currently be accessed from the regular trailhead nor can it be hiked as a loop.

• Length: 2.2 miles
• Elevation gain: Less than 200 feet
• Getting there: A large parking lot with a sign for Bagley Lakes and the Wild Goose trails is off the main road leading to Artist Point.
• Restroom: A toilet is available at the trailhead
• Passes: Northwest Forest Pass is required

You can easily add Artist Ridge — Huntoon Point (1.2-mile round trip) to your Mount Baker day trip. The panoramic views of Mount Baker and Shuksan are unparalleled. Stop by the reflecting pools to capture a photo and take in the mountain views in all directions.

I’m going to be very honest. Bagley Lakes Loop was not the hike we intended to do when we packed up our car and made the nearly 3-hour road trip to Mount Baker on a beautiful Saturday morning, but it turned out okay. I’ve had Chain Lakes Loop on my hiking bucket list for a while. I was determined to check it off the list with my kids in tow, but they had other plans, and that’s okay. Chain Lakes Loop would be a great hike if you have older kids. I’ve heard it can be strenuous, but the reward is big mountain views with lakes along the way.

Instead of tackling the 6.5-mile round-trip Chain Lakes Loop trail, we opted to do a couple of much smaller hikes. We started with Bagley Lakes Loop, an easy 2.2-mile loop. You don’t have to do the loop, though. You can easily do an out-and-back hike as well. There is nearly no elevation gain, which is terrific for little hikers, and the views are spectacular. Follow the trail as it winds along the banks of two pristine alpine lakes. The mountainous views will enchant kids, as will an adorable stone bridge crossing, small waterfalls, and blueberry brambles.

Bagley Lakes Loop is perfect for pint-sized hikers. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Wenatchee: Kid-Friendly Larch Hikes

Clara and Marion Lakes — Kid-Friendly Larch Hike

• Length: 3.2 miles
• Elevation: Just under 1,000 feet
• Getting there: The Clara and Marion Lakes trailhead leaves from the parking lot for Mission Ridge Ski Area.
• Passes: No pass is required

It can be hard to find kid-friendly larch hikes because these magically elusive trees can only be found high in the alpine. Usually, you must work to gain access to their majesty, but I recently stumbled upon Clara and Marion Lakes, which could possibly be the best larch hike for kids. We’ve rounded up even more stunning family-friendly larch hikes in Washington here.

We love doing this trail in the summer because it’s known for its beautiful wildflowers, but we will be heading back in October to see if we can bask in the golden glow of larches. Clara and Marion Lakes hike takes you through forests and stunning wildflower blooms. You can pack a picnic to enjoy at either of the two quaint lakes. You can also extend your hike if you’re feeling up for it and trek toward a boulder field leading to the sweeping views of the Wenatchee Valley below.

Clara and Marion Lakes trail offers plenty of kid-sized adventures. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Snoqualmie: Easy Hikes Near Seattle for Families

Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes — Quick Hike Near Snoqualmie

• Length: Around 2.5 miles, round-trip. The first bit of the hike takes hikers along what feels like a rugged, steep road, which adds a little length to your trip.
• Elevation gain: 650 feet
• Getting there: If you’re coming from Seattle, you will take I-90 east until you reach exit 62. Turn right onto Forest Road 54. Look for Forest Road 5480. Turn right and proceed with caution up a gravel road riddled with potholes.
• Passes: A Northwest Forest Pass is required

This easy hike near Snoqualmie Pass is a hidden gem. It’s one of our favorite short hikes to do with our kiddos when we don’t have a lot of time but want to get out of the city. It’s also beautiful throughout fall, with lots of fall foliage to enjoy.

We love a hike with a destination, and this one does just that. Aptly named Mirror Lake, it perfectly reflects the mountains surrounding it. If you’re looking for a quick hike, Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes are good options. Campsites are plentiful along the lake. This hike would be a great introduction for families with tiny tikes who are interested in backcountry excursions.

Mirror Lake lives up to its name on a calm fall day. (Image: Kathryn Mueller / Seattle’s Child)

Easy Kid-Friendly Hikes Closer to Home (Seattle & Eastside)

Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation — Suspension Bridge Adventure

• Length: 12 miles round trip, Tolt MacDonald Overlook, which is 2.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 610 feet
• Getting there: Park entrance is at NE 40th St and Highway 203 at the South end of Carnation.
• Passes: Day use and overnight parking available on site. Gate locked nightly at dusk from Sept-April.

Perhaps the highlight of this hike is traversing the 500-foot suspension bridge over the Snoqualmie River. Or it may be playing on the shore: throwing rocks, building dams, and floating boats on the smaller streams. Take this easy, kid-friendly fall hike and be sure to spot the fisherman casting their lines out on the river. Tip: Rent a yurt, camp out, or bring your RV to extend your stay. The campground is available April 1-October 31.

Families love the riverside views at Tolt-MacDonald Park. (Image courtesy WA Trails Association/Big Barefoot B)

Carkeek Park, Seattle — Salmon and City Views

• Length: 3.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 557 ft
• Getting there: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
• Passes: No

The best time to visit Carkeek is in November and December when a run of Chum salmon makes its way up Piper’s Creek, which is flanked by a stroller-friendly gravel trail. More rugged back trails offer a tour of the woods. Stop at the playground and the beach for more kid-friendly activities. Choo! Choo! Watch the trains pass by, too.

Note: The Visitor Center is no longer open to the public — playground renovations will begin in Fall 2025. Construction on the overpass bridge will begin in Spring 2027. See updates here.

Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Pass — Stroller-Friendly Fall Hike

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation: 45 ft
• Getting there: Gold Creek Pond Parking Lot, NF-9080, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
• Passes: Northwest Forest Pass

Huckleberry bushes and fiery red maples put on a fine show of color along this stroller-friendly loop. You might spy spawning Kokanee salmon (red, with green heads) if you know where to look. Bring lunch and picnic by the picturesque mountain pond, and then walk in the opposite direction to head home. Gold Creek Pond has different pass requirements when snow is present. Note: The road to the parking lot is riddled with potholes. Beware of your car’s tires.

Editor’s note: This park is set to closed for a restoration project that will last 7-10 years.

A stroller-friendly loop with postcard-perfect views: Gold Creek Pond. (Image courtesy WA Trails Association)

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Instead of grabbing a pumpkin at the supermarket, you get to wander the fields, pick the perfect one, and kick off your Halloween fun with a day outdoors. The weather might be rainy and muddy or crisp and sunny, but either way the fall scenery makes the trip worth it.

Pumpkin patches also offer more than just pumpkins. Some are relaxed and low-key, giving families plenty of space to explore. Others feel more like a mini fair, with corn mazes, hayrides, kids’ games, and food stands — sometimes with entry fees or ticketed activities.

A word of advice: the most popular patches near the city sell out quickly, especially on October weekends. If you have your heart set on a certain spot, plan ahead and go early in the season.

Tips for Visiting a Pumpkin Patch 

• Don’t bring pets.
• Some places run out of pumpkins as Halloween gets closer, so call ahead.
• Dress for mud.
• Many farms have beautiful pumpkin displays that make perfect backdrops for portraits of your family or kids. Take your pictures BEFORE you go out in the field.

Pumpkin Patches in Seattle

Seattle Farm

• Address: 9761 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
• Pumpkins & Ponies Event: Oct. 3 and 11, only

Seattle Farm, family-owned for more than 100 years, offers a rare chance to experience a pumpkin patch within Seattle city limits. Their special Pumpkins & Ponies event features a pumpkin harvest, pony rides, a lunch stand, and seasonal treats. Parking admission covers the whole carload, and tickets are limited, so plan ahead.

Pumpkin Patches North of Seattle

Bailey Family Farm

• Address: 12968 Springhetti Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
• Pumpkin Picking Opening: September 21, 2025

Check ahead to find out what’s ready for harvest at this farm, which offers a variety of U-pick vegetables and pumpkins. Open weekends 10 a.m . to 5:30 p.m. and weekdays 12- 5:30 p.m.

Bellewood Acres

• Address: 6140 WA-539 #3, Lynden, WA 98264
• Pumpkin Patch Opening: October 1, 2025

The pumpkin patch offers a variety of pumpkins. Features carving pumpkins, cafe and bakery. They will serve hot cider, caramel apples, and more.

Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm

• Address: 10917 Elliott Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
• Fall Festival Begins: September 13, 2025
• Cost: $17.95 weekday, $26.95 weekend ($5 more if bought at the gate). $2 off on September weekends | Tickets

Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm boasts a 10-acre corn maze, plus a kids’ corn maze. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Not just about corn mazes, Bob’s also offers: hayrides, trike track, slides and cow-train rides.

Carleton Farm

• Address: 630 Sunnyside Blvd SE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
• Opens: September 25, 2025
• Cost: $15 per person for entry to corn maze, hayrides, and kids play area. $25 per person for additional paintball shooting gallery, apple cannons, kids bucket train, and jump pad. Free for the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and farm market/food area.

This farm has two pumpkin cannons, which send pumpkins sailing over the fields with a wallop of air. Also at Carleton Farms: a five-acre corn maze, hay rides, kids’ play area, and paintball gallery. 

Craven Farm

• Address: 13817 Short School Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
• Pumpkin Patch Opening: September 20, 2025
• Cost: Entry to the farm is free | Fee-based activities

Celebrating all things pumpkin, Craven will have many family-friendly games, treats, and a pumpkin patch to find that perfect pumpkin. Sept. 20 through Oct. 30—various days. See website for more details. Things to look out for at the Farm include miniature golf, an apple slinger, and rubber duck races.

Fall traditions at Craven Farm include pumpkins, corn mazes, and sweet family moments like this one. (Image courtesy Craven Farm and Jon Kaplan Photography)

Stocker Farms

• Address: 8705 Marsh Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
• Open: Sept 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, and October 1-31, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Cost: $15.95 – $20.95 | Tickets

Along with a Kraken-themed corn maze, you can enjoy duck races, a cow train, a sport ball arcade, corn box, and other sources of hilarity. A portion of the admission into the corn maze will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Swans Trail Farms

• Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
• Open: September 13-October 31, 2025
• Cost: $15-$23 | Tickets

This farm has a 12-acre corn maze inspired by the geography of Washington state, with corn-y renditions of 400 towns and landmarks, each labeled with educational facts. Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekends Sept. 13 through Oct. 31. Purchase your tickets beforehand. Also at Swans Trail Farms: petting farm, wagon rides, live duck and pig races, and a hay maze in the barn.

Thomas Family Farm

• Address: 9010 Marsh Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
• Open: October 3-November 1
• Cost: Free access to pumpkin patch | Fee-based activities

Along with the 10-acre corn maze, there’s a paintball, apple cannons, and other activities. Look here to find which nights the farm is open. Fun Park is open every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October.

Fairbank Animal Farm

• Address: 15308 52nd Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
• Open: Weekends in October, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Cost: Admission is $5 per person.

This farm has a pumpkin patch, farm animals, toy duck races, baby animals, and family-friendly activities.  The farm will be open on weekends in October.

Pumpkin Patches East of Seattle

Fall City Farms

• Address: 3636 Neal Rd SE, Fall City, WA 98024
• Open: Weekends in October 2025

Scenery and farm animals are the main benefits of picking up your pumpkins at this patch, less than ten minutes from Snoqualmie Falls outside Seattle. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Jubilee Farm

• Address: 229 W. Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Carnation, WA 98014
• Harvest Festival Open: Saturdays and Sundays in October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. U-pick pumpkin patch also open October weekdays, 12- 5 p.m.
• Cost: Free admission and free parking

If you want to get a chance to take a wheelbarrow and pick out pumpkins at this farm, be one of the first people to arrive and park in the lot. There will be farm critters that you can say hello to, enjoy hot apple cider, or visit their barn store for Jubilee goodies. The U-Pick Pumpkin Patch will be open on weekdays in October!

Remlinger Farms

• Address: 32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation, WA 98014
• Fall Festival: Fall Harvest open September 27 and every weekend in October; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., weekends only; Pumpkin picking and wagon rides Thursday-Sunday

The Family Fun Park has many rides, including a half-sided steam train, kid-sized roller coaster, Ferris wheel, miniature Model Ts, pedal cars and a carousel, a zip line and more. Check the website for hours. Interested in a pony ride? See the website for restrictions and a chance to reserve tickets.

Two Brothers Pumpkins at Game Haven Farm

• Address: 7110 310th Ave NE, Carnation, WA 98014
• Opening Day: TBD

If you are looking for a pumpkin patch that is all about pumpkin cultivation, and not about the extras, this could be the place for you.

Oxbow Farm

• Address: 10819 Carnation Duvall Rd NE, Carnation
• Open: October 18-19, 25-26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This organic farm and education center has a pumpkin slingshot available for use during its Oxtober Fall Festival. There will also be hayrides, face painting, live music, self-guided tours, and access to a hiking trail. See website for ticket information.

The Pumpkin River at Oxbow Farm is a highlight of the Oxtober Fall Festival in Carnation. (Photo courtesy Oxbow Farm)

Pumpkin Patches South of Seattle

Briscot Farm

• Address: 27329 78th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
• Opening Day: Now open: Wed-Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through October 31

A small family-owned farm and historic landmark in Kent. Farm and play yard open at this low-key, family-friendly farm.

Carpinito Brothers

• Address: 1148 Central Ave N, Kent, WA 98032
• Opens: Sept. 26-Oct. 31
• Cost: $7 for pumpkin patch admission

Along with a state-of-the-art corn maze, this pumpkin patch has a farm fun yard where kids can see animals and do activities.

Double R Farms

• Address: 5820 44th St E, Puyallup, WA 98371
• Opening Day: Open October 4 – October 31; Saturday/Sunday: 10 am-6 pm and Monday-Friday: 3 pm-6 pm

This farm has a five-acre corn maze, three pumpkin slingshots (one of which just for kids), farm animals, and, on weekends when the weather isn’t too terrible, tractor-pulled hayrides. Open through Halloween.

Picha Farms

• Address: 6502 52nd St E, Puyallup, WA 98371
• Opens: September 27- October 20, 2025
• Cost: No admission fee. Fees are activity-based.

Picha Farms has a five-acre corn maze, a slingshot they claim is the best in the Puyallup valley, and hayrides. They will have live bluegrass music on weekends, October 5-27.

Spooner Farms

• Address: 9710 WA-162, Puyallup, WA 98374
• Open: September 27-October 31

Spooner Farms has a five-acre corn maze. The Fall Festival will have farm animals, pumpkin slingshots, Pete’s play town, concessions, and much more. The pumpkin patch is open daily. Find out more details on their website about hours of operation.

Thomasson Family Farm

• Address: 38223 236th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022
• Open: Weekends, September 27-October 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Cost: $15.50 – $21.50 for general admission online | Tickets

Thomasson Family Farm has a five-acre corn maze and a Kids Korral full of activities, including a hay maze.

Maris Farms

• Address: 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy, Buckley, WA 98321
• Open: September 27-October 26, 2025 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
• Cost: $27-$40 depending on day of week | Tickets

There’s a four-acre corn maze, other activities such as wagon rides and zip lines, and night-time attractions such as a flashlight maze and “Haunted Woods” (not recommended for kids under 11.)

At Maris Farms, even the wheelbarrow rides are part of the pumpkin patch fun. (Image courtesy Maris Farms)

Rutledge Family Farm

• Address: 302 93rd Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
• Open: September 20-November 1, 2025 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Cost: $13 admission | Tickets

Enjoy fall activities, pumpkin picking, wagon rides and more.

Schilter Family Farm

• Address: 141 Nisqually Cut Off Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98513
• Open: September 27-October 31, 2025
• Cost: $12-$19 | Tickets

Pumpkin patch, corn maze and over 20 family-friendly activities to enjoy.

Corn Mazes Near Seattle

Looking for more fall fun? The following farms also offer corn mazes: Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm, Carleton Farm, Stocker Farms, Swans Trail Farms, Thomas Family Farm, Carpinito Brothers, Double R Farms, Picha Farms, Spooner Farms, Thomasson Family Farm, Maris Farms, Schilter Family Farm.

More Ways to Celebrate Fall in Seattle 

Seattle pumpkin patches are just the start of autumn fun. If your family loves fresh air and farm adventures, make sure to add apple picking to your fall bucket list. Local orchards around Seattle offer crisp apples right off the tree, plus cider, baked goods, and plenty of photo-worthy scenery.

Check out our guide to apple picking near Seattle for the best orchards, tips for families, and seasonal updates.

Ready for even more fall fun? Don’t miss our roundup of Halloween events for kids and families around Seattle — packed with spooky train rides, harvest festivals, costume parades, and more!

The post 2025 Guide: Pumpkin patches near Seattle for families appeared first on Seattle's Child.

And trust us — an apple fresh from the tree has a crispness and complexity you’ll never find in a supermarket. It’s a sensory adventure: muddy boots, farm smells, wide-open orchards. Totally worth it. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip apple picking near Seattle.

These beauts could soon be yours! (Image: Bellewood Acres)

When is Apple Picking Season in Washington?

Most u-pick farms near Seattle open between late August and mid-September for apple picking. Early-season varieties like Gravenstein and Zestar come first; Honeycrisp and Jonagold ripen a bit later. Always double-check with the farm before heading out — picking windows can be short, and weather plays a big role.

Seattle-area Farms with U-Pick Apples

Bailey Farm

• Address: 12968 Springhetti Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
• Hours: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily for an array of veggies.
• Updates: Facebook
• Opening Day for U-Pick Apples: TBD. Check for varieties offered on the website.
• Driving time from Seattle: 35-50 minutes

Bailey’s U-Pick is part of a fifth-generation family farm located in the Snohomish Valley. U-pick apples start in late September; check the website closer to the date. The garden is open mid-June through October.

Future CEO of Apple (Orchard Division). (Image: Bailey Farm)

Swans Trail Farms

• Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
• Updates: Facebook
• Opening Day for U-Pick Apple Orchard & Harvest Festival: September 13, 2025
• Driving time from Seattle: 45 minutes to 1.25 hours.

This farm is a well-known hub of family farm fun (including a 12-acre corn maze replicating the map of Washington State). It also has 5 acres of a variety of apples, including Jonagold and Honeycrisp apples, for picking. The Fall Harvest Festival and Apple Orchards begin on September 13, and are great activities for families.

Jones Creek Farms

• Address: 32260 Burrese Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
• Opening Day for U-Pick: August 22- September 8, 2025. See the website for the U-pick variety
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Mondays, August through roughly the end of October (check to be sure).
• Driving time from Seattle: 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours

This Skagit Valley farm grows more than 80 varieties of apples and pears, some familiar and many that are bound to be new discoveries.

Curran Apple Orchard

• Address: 3920 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
• Opening Day for U-Pick: August 31, 2025. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Driving time from Seattle: 50 minutes

The Curran Apple Orchard Park is a 7.33-acre apple orchard in the City of University Place. The Curran Orchard offers an Adopt a Tree program for each harvest year. Tree adopters pay for their trees and take care of them throughout the year, and then, in return, they are entitled to harvest from their trees. The orchard offers public apple picking on their Community Harvest Day on Sunday, August 31st at 10 a.m. (Do not pick from trees that are taped or display a “do not pick” sign.)

Bellewood Acres

• Address: 6140 WA-539 #3, Lynden, WA 98264
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, September and October
• Updates: For the latest harvest information, go to the farm’s Facebook or Instagram
• Opening Day for U-Pick: August 30, 2025. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Driving time from Seattle: 2 to 2.5 hours

This farm has Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Jonamac, Gala, Jonagold, and many more varieties. Check the website for which apples are available for the U-pick. The farm also offers tractor train rides, a corn maze, apple cider donuts (weekends only), a gift shop, and more. If you’re looking to hit two birds with one stone, the pumpkin patch is open on October 1.

Smiles and apples all around at Bellewood Acres. (Image: Bellewood Acres)

Stutzman Ranch

• Address: 2202 Easy St, Wenatchee, WA 98801
• Updates: For the latest harvest information, check the website or Facebook
• Opening Day for Apple U-Pick: August 22, 2025. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Driving time from Seattle: 2.35 hours to 2.75 hours

This u-pick orchard in central Washington has Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious apples. Due to the winter frost, they will not have cherries or peaches this year. Most apple varieties will be ready sometime between August and September. Always double-check hours and availability on the day you want to go. Check the Facebook page or call and listen to their message for current U-pick information.

Skipley Farm

• Address: 7228 Skipley Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Note: Come after 2 p.m. on weekends to avoid crowds.
• Website: Check their Facebook page for updates before arriving
• Opening Day for U-Pick: August 13, 2025
• Driving time from Seattle: 1 hour

Fall activities for families don’t get much better than this: Skipley grows more than 300 varieties of apples! Check the website to learn what’s being picked right now and when you can go. The apple cider press is available through the end of August.

Sm’Apples

• Address: 1197 Willeys Lake Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
• Hours: 9 a.m.- Dark, Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
• Opening Day for U-Pick: August 25, 2025- picking starts with the Ruby Mac apples.
• Driving time from Seattle: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Pick a variety of fall fruits at Sm’Apples in Ferndale. Current offerings and details are on their website. Note that they accept cash or check only, U.S. dollars only. Different types of apple varieties will be available during different months. Honeycrisp and Jonagold will be ready around September 13.

(Image courtesy Sm’Apples)

Raising Cane Ranch

• Address: 5719 Riverview Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290
• Hours: Friday, 3-7, Saturday 12-7, Sunday 12-5
• Opening Day for U-Pick: August 30-31; Please check the blog for the latest information.
• Driving time from Seattle: 1 hour

Raising Cane Ranch in Snohomish is a sustainable, organic U-Pick farm offering more than two dozen apple varieties, berries, and nuts. Visitors can enjoy cider tastings in the orchard’s cidery and seasonal cider-pressing parties for a true farm-to-glass experience.

What to Bring (and What to Wear)

A little prep goes a long way toward these great fall activities for families:

• Wear boots or waterproof shoes — orchards can be muddy
• Bring cash — some farms don’t accept cards
• Pack reusable bags or bins — not all farms provide containers
• Wipes or gloves — especially if sampling or picking with kids
• Arrive early — popular apples like Honeycrisp go fast
• Bring your camera — fall colors + happy kids = memories

Come prepared! (Image: Bellewood Acres)

More Fall Family Outings You’ll Love

Looking for more fall activities for families?

• Pumpkin patches near Seattle
• Celebrate autumn with your family
• 3 fall apple recipes your kids can help make

Or get baking right away with our favorite: apple & peanut butter tarts.

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Farrel-McWhirter Farm, Redmond

• Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Location: 19545 NE Redmond Rd, Redmond
• Contact: 425-556-2300
• Cost: Free
• Animals: A cow, rabbits, pigs, goats, chickens, a donkey, ducks, sheep and ponies. Note: This is not a petting zoo, and the animals are there for observation!

Home to farm animals, nature trails, and a preschool that Old MacDonald himself would approve of, this Redmond park is a great bet for free farm fun. Your children will love exploring the 68-acres of grassy lawn, quiet nature trails, and the animal farm. Visit Lily, one of the resident goats, and say hello to Sunny, the 600-lb sow. Pack a lunch and chow down near the climbing tree or, if it’s raining, head to the sheltered picnic tables. Got a cowboy or cowgirl in the making? Check out the farm’s riding school (geared for ages 3 and up) or their farm school programs for kids 3 to 12 years old, where they can learn about agriculture. 

Rosie the cow napping in the field (Image courtesy: Farrel McWhirter Farm)

Kelsey Creek Farm Park, Bellevue

• Hours: Barnyard open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, animal viewing until 3 p.m.
• Location: 410 130 Pl SE, Bellevue
• Contact: 425-452-7688
• Cost: Free (fees apply for farm classes and camps)
• Animals: Pigs, goats, cows, horses, sheep, bunnies, chickens (temporary suspension). In the spring, piglets, calves, and baby goats! 

Who knew that you could find a charming 1930s working farm in the heart of Bellevue? Kelsey Creek Farm Park is a glimpse into old-fashioned country life, and a surefire hit with tots. Visit pigs, goats, sheep, and bunnies, play in the oversized sandbox, explore nature trails, and make a playground pit-stop on your way out. Note: Interaction with the chickens and birds are limited due to avian flu.

Visit Kelsey Creek Farm every day and view their farm animals. (Image courtesy Kelsey Creek Farm)

Enchanted Farms, Duvall

• Hours: Vary by activity, check website for availability
• Location: 31620 NE 129th ST, Duvall, WA
• Contact: 425-287-5860
• Cost: $18-$21.50 for farm tours, $40 per person for picnic with alpacas. Tickets here.
• Animals: Alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits and their newest addition… mini donkeys!

Visit this farm for an immersive one hour farm experience, where families can meet and interact with their friendly animals and hands on encounters. You can feed and pet alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits and their newest addition… mini donkeys! The alpaca tours include feeding and petting all the other animals as well.

 

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Flower World, Snohomish

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
• Location: 9322 196th Street SE, Snohomish
• Contact: 425-481-7565
• Cost: Free (except for what you buy!)
• Animals: Sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, and many baby lambs

This Snohomish gem features more than just flowers. A perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon or a Mother’s Day outing, Flower World is a 15-acre oasis of rolling lawns and roaming roosters, duck ponds, foliage and farm animals. Wander through the rows of gorgeous blooms, veggie starts, and fruit trees. You may even encounter a turtle or two in the tiny nursery ponds. Cross the road and head to the Maltby Produce Market for a selection of locally grown fruit and veggies, fresh eggs, apple cider, and dried fruit snack packs — perfect for a post-park pick-me-up. Visit the farm and say hello to resident sheep, lambs, goats and peacocks. 

Visit this garden center and see some animals including sheep, goats and more! (Image courtesy Flower World)

Family Farm at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle

• Hours: Contact Area will open in the summer. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting May 1, 2025
• Location: N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N. or N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave
• Contact: (206) 548-2500
• Cost: Included with zoo admission
• Animals: Goats, pigs, rabbits, donkeys and chickens

Goats, cows and sheep can be just as exciting as their more exotic Woodland Park Zoo neighbors, and most kiddos will jump at the chance to pet a goat or two in the Contact Area. Other Family Farm activities include petting sheep, donkeys, bunnies and chickens, and getting some playtime in at the toddler-geared, farmer-inspired play area. 

Pet a selection of domestic farm animals and learn more about them in supervised areas at Woodland Park Zoo’s Family Farm. (Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo)

The Red Barn Farm, Redmond

• Hours: Hours vary by activity, check website for more info
• Location: 5703 208th Ave. NE Redmond 98053
• Contact: Visit website for more details. Call 425-440-0033.
• Cost: $10/each person. $5/feed bag. $7.50 meet the baby goats. Under 2 is free.
• Animals: Pigs, geese, chickens, goats, miniature horses, cows, and bunnies (feed may be purchased in the farm store)

A farm with everything! From farm tours to special events to a CSA, to a venue perfect for family reunions, weddings, and more, The Red Barn Farm is a wonderful place to explore with your little farmers in tow. Spring season means cuddling with goats, walking with chickens, and getting friendly with the geese. Feed bunnies, pigs, and small horses too!

Don’t forget to visit the historic red barn on the farm and learn about the history of the restored structure.

Need eggs? The farm has over 150 chickens laying. Restock with a fresh dozen from the store. Buy local honey, dried flowers, and farm memorabilia while chatting with Chelsea, the friendly farmer and owner, as you check out. The kids got to see a natural honeycomb inside the store, too — there’s no telling what other cool things you’ll find! The farm also hosts seasonal events and family activities like an egg hunt, tulip, and fall festivals. They sell out quickly, so get on their newsletter list for your first chance to book tickets.

Note: Cuddle sessions with the animals happen at various times of the year. Hours to visit the animals is Wednesday-Saturday. Saturday only starting in May. Book your visit online.

Two kids peek out from the goat stable ready to be picked up and snuggled at The Red Barn Farm. (Image courtesy The Red Barn Farm)

Debbie Dolittle’s Indoor Petting Zoo, Tacoma

Beat the rain and check out this year-round indoor petting zoo where tots can visit with a range of cuties, from rabbits to wallabies! This spot specializes in miniature animals, so expect to see miniature pigs, dwarf goats, mini horses, and lots of babies! Ride a pony or a donkey, but keep your goldfish crackers to yourself — no food or drinks allowed in the petting area. 

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday-Monday. Animal encounters are Thursday- Monday at the outdoor farm.
• Location: 120 138th St. South, Suite C, Tacoma
• Contact: 253-539-5011
• Cost: $15 per person; under age 2 free. Animal encounter cost extra.
• Animals: Wallabies, rabbits, cockatiels, budgies, miniature pigs, piglets, dwarf goats, kids goats, lambs, zebu calf, mini chickens, mini horse, mini donkey and ponies.

 

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Pasado’s Safe Haven, Further Afield

Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this 85-acre property offers a unique experience. Named after the neglect and abuse of a donkey named Pasado, the sanctuary is a haven for animals of all kinds.

Take a guided tour and learn about Pasado’s mission to rescue abandoned and neglected animals. Get the chance to meet with donkeys (ambassadors of the farm), goats, sheep, chickens, cows, dogs and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about each animal’s rescue story and have a chance to feed, pet, and observe the animals in their habitat.

If you’re feeling inspired by Pasado’s Safe Haven mission, donate and sponsor an animal of your own. You’ll receive an email and a photo that tells you more about your animal’s story and personality. All donations help purchase nutritious foods, medical care, and plenty of love for the animal.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Closed on Sunday.
• Location: Please contact the Sanctuary for location details
• Contact: Register in advance for a tour
• Cost: $25/per adult, $18 per child (4-12), under 4 free
• Animals: Donkeys, horses, cows, pigs, llamas, chickens, dogs

Pet one of two ambassador donkeys at Pasado’s Safe Haven. (Image courtesy Pasado’s Safe Haven)

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, Renton

Be sure to head to Sammamish Animal Sanctuary where kids can cuddle up with cute animals including cows, bunnies, goats, horses, sheep and more. Many of these animals are known from the Rescue Series books written by Diane Odegard Gockel. It is free to visit the farm but only by reservation only. The sanctuary is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday (only pre-arranged field trips can be accommodated on Mondays).

Bonus: You can now sign up for goat yoga, held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. During this visit, you and the family can practice yoga with goats ($25 per person, and only kids 12 and older can participate).

• Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (reservation only)
• Location: 16515 SE May Valley Rd, Renton, 98059
• Contact: (425) 877- 9002
• Cost: Free, reservation required
• Animals: Alpaca, goats, mini horses, mini donkeys, horses, Llama, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks

 

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Old McDebbies Farm and Jim’s U Fish, Spanaway

At this family farm, there is something for everyone! Kids can fish for rainbow trout, walk the I-Spy trail, discover the musical forest and go on a wildlife scavenger hunt. The owners invite families to visit and feed the animals. They have a variety of animals including goats, pigs ponies and more!

• Hours: Open hours vary by season
• Location: 4924 268th St E, Spanaway, 98387
• Cost: $14 admission for ages 8 and up, $12 admission for ages 3-17, free for ages 2 and under. Extras include $6 for each fish caught; bring your own fishing gear or rent on site. $4 for a veggie bucket to feed the animals.
• Contact: (253) 875-0356
• Animals: Goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, alpacas, zebra, emus, camels, kangaroos, wallabies and more!

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We spoke to families, playground manufacturers and landscape architects to understand what makes a truly inclusive playground. Read on for our Q&A, followed by a roundup of 10 Puget Sound-area all-abilities playgrounds to add to your playlist. 

Inclusive playgrounds Q&A

What are some features that make a playground inclusive?

• Surfacing: Architects must consider the surfaces kids use to access play equipment. Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) technically complies with ADA requirements, but many wheelchair users find it difficult to navigate and generally prefer “unitary surfacing” (such as poured rubber or turf). 
• Disability diversity: No playground would be truly inclusive without recognizing and providing for different disabilities. Cozy, sheltered places can give autistic kids a break from noisy activity. Sensory panels near ground level provide audio and visual feedback that engages disabled kids and their non-disabled friends. Special playground turf with anti-static properties helps prevent issues with cochlear implants. 
• Play zones: Providing opportunities for kids of different abilities to interact is key for inclusivity. Grouping similar play elements helps foster connection on the playground. In practice, this might look like swing banks that center accessible swings with belt and toddler swings so kids of all ages and abilities can swing together.
• The coolest thing: Whether it’s a ramp or belt (like the Netplex at Renton’s Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park) to the top of a climber or an accessible teeter-totter, Clayton Beaudoin, a landscape architect from Site Workshop, says, “An important criteria for genuine accessibility is that the feature element – whatever is widely held as the coolest feature of the park – be fully usable by everyone.” 

Shana Schasteen, a parent of a child with Down syndrome, shared her wish that parks include “fencing and barriers so that parks are safer for toddlers and kids with disabilities that impact impulse control.”

Sounds great. So why aren’t all playgrounds designed this way?

To put it simply: budget. Unitary surfacings like poured rubber and turf can cost up to five times as much as wood fiber, while a basket-style swing’s price is about twice as much as a couple of standard belt swings. 

Pamela Alspaugh, a senior landscape architect for Seattle Parks and Recreation, notes, “Because there is a large difference in cost between the three surfacing types, for newly renovated play areas when budgets allow, we prioritize the more costly surfacing at the locations with the highest use, such as community centers.”

For cities looking to maximize the impact of a limited budget, Jill Moore, an inclusive play specialist for Landscape Structures (a playground equipment manufacturer), has a couple of recommendations. “[Spend] the money on the equipment and surfacing for something like a We-Go-Round [a ground-level spinner accessible to wheelchair users]. This gives the space something that everyone can use in an equitable way. Another way I’ve seen communities answer for the budget is to mix the wood fiber and the rubber surfacing. This looks like ensuring there’s surfacing to swings or anything that requires a transfer.”

What are the top features families of disabled kids value in a playground?

Easy access to play equipment is critical. Rowan, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair (his mom, Nicole, runs their @accessibleseattle Instagram account), points out that while ramps are nice, they aren’t as fun if there’s nothing to do at the summit, or if you have to leave your wheelchair at the top to go down a slide. That’s why unitary surfacing and swings came up repeatedly when families chimed in about their top features. 

Kids with low muscle tone (common with spina bifida or cerebral palsy) may not be able to sit or stand independently, so features that support their bodies are key. Molded bucket seats with harnesses, basket swings and flat merry-go-rounds allow kids with different body shapes and abilities to lean back and swing or spin freely. 

How can families work for more inclusivity in play spaces?

Educated advocacy and community involvement are key.  Simply asking for an accessible feature isn’t enough, Moore says. On the other hand, she adds, “I’ve seen a community who educated themselves on why they wanted an inclusive spinner, how not having one was a gap in their community, what it was going to do and who it was going to provide for. Then, when they asked their parks department, it became a collaborative experience … they were ultimately successful.”

During park planning phases, families can also participate in outreach events, which are typically posted to parks department websites and social media accounts. This can look like taking a survey or attending a meeting (virtual or in person). Erica Schmitz, parks planning and natural resources director for Renton tells families, “It always helps to know there is a demand for more inclusive playgrounds, as that can help us to secure grant funding.” Alsbaugh even recommends bringing kids to community meetings to model civic engagement and encourage future advocates for inclusivity. 

10 playgrounds to visit now

While many play elements make a space accessible, all of the playgrounds on this list include at least some unitary surfacing and an accessible swing since families resoundingly told us they valued those features.

Artists at Play

• Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 (Seattle Center)
• Surfacing: Turf and poured rubber
• Inclusive features: This artist-designed space near MoPOP features molded bucket and basket swings, a wheelchair-accessible spinner, turf hills for strength challenges, and multiple music sensory elements.

Bonus tip: Extend the outing with a trip on the Monorail or catch a play at Seattle Children’s Theatre (they offer shows with ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly days, and audio description).

The Artists at Play space at Seattle Center is huge and has so much to do. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Baker Park

• Location: 8347 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117 (Crown Hill)
• Surfacing: Turf
• Inclusive features: This is more of a neighborhood park, but kids need inclusive spaces that aren’t crowded destinations. You’ll also find a basket swing and ground-level sensory panels to play with. 

Baker Park has turf surfacing, a basket swing, and more — and it’s less crowded than some spots. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Forest Park

• Location: 802 E Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA 98203
• Surfacing: Turf
• Inclusive features: This playground is practically a catalog of inclusive features. Look for a We-Go-Round accessible spinner, a ramp to an accessible teeter-totter, molded bucket and basket swings, a cozy dome hiding place and a bank of musical and interactive sensory panels. 

Forest Park in Everett has an accessible teeter-totter, plus bucket and basket swings, sensory panels and a cozy hiding place. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Inspiration Playground

• Location: 100 100th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Surfacing: Poured rubber
• Inclusive features: This is definitely a destination playground — you could spend several hours here. Highlights include molded bucket and basket swings, ramps, an accessible spinner and teeter-totter as well as engaging sensory panels.

Inspiration Playground in Bellevue has enough to keep kids busy for several hours, including swings, ramps, an accessible spinner and sensory panels. (Image courtesy Seattle Parks Foundation)

Juanita Beach Park

• Location: 9703 NE Juanita Dr, Kirkland, WA 98034
• Surfacing: Turf
• Inclusive features: Catch lake views from the playground that include a molded bucket and friendship swing (accommodates two children leaning back), sensory panels, and musical elements, as well as obstacles that wheelchair users can navigate. 

During the summer months, you can visit the Juanita Friday Market (June through September).

Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland has the bonus of Lake Washington views and access. (Image courtesy of Seattle Parks Foundation)

Meadow Crest Park

• Location: 3000 NE 16th St, Renton, WA 98056 
• Surfacing: Poured rubber
• Inclusive features: You’ll find molded bucket and basket swings, ramps, an accessible spinner and teeter-totter and a variety of sensory panels atop brightly colored poured rubber.

Important note: This playground is open only when the adjacent school is not in session (weekends, breaks, and after 4:30 p.m. weekdays). 

Meadow Crest Playground is only open when then adjoining school is not in session. (Image courtesy of Play Creation)

Evergreen Rotary Park

• Location: 1500 Park Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337 
• Surfacing: Turf
• Inclusive features: Worth the day trip from Seattle! Evergreen Rotary Park features molded bucket and basket swings, ramps, an accessible spinner, two kinds of accessible teeter totters, a roller table and a giant bank of sensory panels (including ones with braille, sign language and communication pictures for non-verbal kids).

Evergreen Rotary Park has so many options for sensory and physical play. (Image courtesy Seattle Parks Foundation)

Edgewood Community Park

• Location: 10301 36th St E, Edgewood, WA 98372 (there is another park with the same name, so make sure to use this address)
• Surfacing: Poured rubber and engineered wood fiber
• Inclusive features: This space has a basket swing and poured rubber play area with hills to foster strength building. A ramp leads to sensory panels on a fun barn structure, and there are cozy spaces underneath for kids who need a break. 

The surfacing of Edgewood Community Park is poured rubber and engineered wood fiber. (Image courtesy Seattle Parks Foundation)

SERA (South End Recreation & Adventure) Campus

• Location: 3873 S. 66th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 (park in the STAR Center lot)
• Surfacing: Poured rubber 
• Inclusive features: The poured rubber surface needs an update, but this Tacoma play area has many inclusive features. You’ll find a molded bucket swing, ramp to an accessible teeter-totter, sensory panels and several slides accessible by short hills. 

The play equipment at Tacoma’s South End Recreation & Adventure campus has many inclusive features. (Image: Natasha Dillinger)

Pathways Park (Eli’s Park Project)

• Location: Pathways Park, Seattle, WA 98105 (Sandpoint)
• Surfacing: Turf
• Inclusive features: Look for multiple types of accessible swings and spinners, intersecting pathways so friends can adapt their challenge levels to their abilities, and opportunities for accessible nature play. Three single stall, all-gender bathrooms include changing tables that can accommodate large bodies (adults), including one with an electric, height-adjustable table.

Eli Reischl, who had Down syndrome, loved playing with his brothers in nature and at play spaces that brought everyone together. After he passed away, his support team and community (which included his mom, Paige Reischl, and his physical therapist, Shawn Rundell) banded together in a multiyear project to renovate Burke-Gilman Playground and preserve his legacy. This special park opened on June 8, 2024 — read more about it at our “Pathways Park Review: A place for everyone” article. 

Pathways Park is also known as Eli’s Park Project. (Image courtesy Seattle Parks Foundation)

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Each year has looked different as our kids’ ages and stages have changed, and we’ve picked up great ideas and tips from our experiences and fellow family campers along the way. Here are the top seven tips we’ve learned about camping with our twin toddlers.

Photo credit: Ellie White

1: Have fun!

Camping with little ones is a lot of work, but we (so far) have never regretted any trip. Some trips were easier or harder than others. But they all were opportunities to have lots of family time outside in our beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Photo credit: Ellie White

2: Plan driving breaks on the road to your destination

Before a long car ride, consider planning some strategic stops. Are there any parks along the way? Rest stops? Restaurants you might like to eat at? Friends to visit?

[ Related: Kid-friendly restaurants along I-5 in Washington State]

A little planning may go a long way when you’re in the car with screaming toddlers.

Our longest drive from Seattle to the Pacific coast coincided with one of our kids suddenly being very uninterested in being in the car. What great timing. It was a long day of travel, no doubt, but we planned a few stops along the way to give our little ones a break from being strapped into their car seats. Stops included a nature reserve off the freeway (with a short walk and lunch) and a park on the ocean.

Photo credit: Ellie White

3: Don’t forget to plan for the trip home

Planned stops helped us avoid frantically looking for places to stop when our kids desperately needed a break, which unfortunately happened on the way home.

I was so focused on the trip out to the campsite that I hadn’t planned breaks for the return trip (we took a different route home). And that is how we ended up in a tiny parking lot just off Highway 101, sitting directly in the sun, trying to keep our kids from touching the ground while eating a thrown-together lunch. We wouldn’t have had such a chaotic stop if I’d planned a bit better.

When it’s time for important tasks, this family finds it makes sense to divide and conquer. (Photo credit: Ellie White)

4: To keep the kids safe, divide and conquer

Instead of trying to manage the kids while packing/unpacking, cooking/cleaning or engaging in setup/break-down of camp, my husband and I divide tasks: One person is 100% on kid duty, and the other is 100% in charge of the task(s).

This ensures that we meet our non-negotiable trip goals (keeping the kids safe and doing the necessary tasks, like setting up the tent so we have somewhere to sleep).

Kid duty usually looks like taking the kids on a walk around the campground or sitting and playing with them in the play yard that we hauled to the forest when they were mobile 1-year-olds.

Camp tasks are a big job that you can do more easily without worrying about keeping kids safe. This method has worked well for our family (perhaps because we’re a family of multiples!). We’ll keep doing this until the day the kids can keep themselves safe and entertained or can help with camp jobs.

5: Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit

Thanks to my prepared husband, we always bring a basic first-aid kit on camping trips. In fact, he put one together that we just throw in the car on every trip.

We learned our lesson when our toddler had a terrible night of sleep, was cranky and lethargic all the next morning, and woke up quite warm from a nap. We didn’t have a thermometer to check his temperature and didn’t know for certain if our child had a rough night sleeping away from home or was warm because of the weather. Or maybe he really had a fever.

Thankfully, another family had a thermometer, which confirmed his fever.

We cut our trip short, packed up our gear, and headed home for our little guy to recover.

I learned that while any first aid kit is better than no first aid kit, perhaps it is better to have a comprehensive one, especially when camping with little ones. As we begin camping this summer, we’ll go through our first aid kit and see what items we should add. Included will be a thermometer and other helpful tools for sick infants and toddlers.

Only bring what you need, like portable cribs for naptime. Photo credit: Ellie White.

6: You don’t need all the gear

It seems like everywhere you look, especially as parents, you’re told that you need to have all the right gear for each different moment for your child. Camping is no exception. But before filling your closet or garage with gear, consider using what you already have for camping.

I spent a lot of time thinking about keeping my kids warm at night when they were 2-year-old campers. They had outgrown their full-body fleece suits but seemed way too small for sleeping bags.

There are a handful of sleeping bag-like bodysuits for camping, but it seemed silly to spend money on something that they would likely only use for a year (we anticipated them using sleeping bags the following summer). I was so worried about getting out into the forest and them being cold, but I just couldn’t justify buying something new for one season.

After talking with friends, I realized we could put multiple layers of warm clothes on and cover them with blankets. This is what we did all summer, and they slept just fine. (We’d occasionally check on them and move a blanket over them if we thought they might be chilly.)

As you prepare for your adventures and consider what you might need, don’t forget to look at what you already have.

7: Consider the sun

I have to admit that I never thought of this when we arrived at a campsite and looked at possible tent locations. Thankfully, other parents would always point out the constant rotation of the Earth around the sun.

That’s right: Sun and shade will constantly shift throughout the campsite, which is a big deal when you desperately hope that your toddlers will peacefully slumber in their temporary woodland home in the early afternoon.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a tip for finding the best spot in your campsite for naptime. In our experience, sometimes there’s just nothing you can do about having your tent in the blazing sun during naptime.

I’m not sure how much research you could do unless you’ve been to a site before to know the makeup of a campsite well enough (Where are the trees? How tall are they? Where are the flat spots for tents? Will your tent fit in that spot?) to guarantee that you’ll have a shady spot during naptime.

Some things we tried on those blazing afternoons included keeping all of the vents and windows open in the tent. We tried putting blankets and towels over the tent (I don’t think this did anything to cool the tent down, but we were desperate). We even tried putting our travel cribs in a shady part of the campground. Also 0% effective, but our toddlers entertained our whole campsite with their jabbering and constantly craning their necks to see what was going on).

So, no big tip here, just a reminder that the sun can make afternoon napping a challenge. And make sure that you’re checking in on your kids if they are napping in the sun: Tents can get super hot, super fast.

Here’s to making camping memories this summer with your infant, your 5-year-old, or your teen. Enjoy the joys and challenges of each stage as you experience life together with your kids in the outdoors.

This story was originally published in 2022 and updated August 2024

Read more:

No reservation? Here’s where to go to get a last-minute campsite

Tips for finding Pacific Northwest bioluminescence with your family 

Tips and places to go: How to go backpacking with kids 

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Spend a lazy afternoon with your kids along the sparkling Methow River, visit the old Western town of Winthrop or bike across a wooden suspension bridge on one of the longest cross-country trail systems in the country, and your summer will feel a little longer.

Hittin’ the road

Men had landed on the moon before the first highway crossed the North Cascades to connect the unspoiled Methow Valley to Western Washington in 1972. The drive to the Methow through North Cascades National Park alone is worth the trip. It’s the kind of drive to do in a convertible wearing a pair of big sunglasses, scarf billowing past the waterfalls and old-growth forests. But even in a minivan packed with a cooler, sleeping bags and a family pet or two, the transporting feeling of awe of these mountains is irresistible.

The halfway point is in Rockport where you can stop for a rest or bite to eat. Then the climb begins. Be sure to stop and take in the view at the vertigo-inducing Diablo Lake Overlook, and see what color your kids think the lake far below is: turquoise, green, gray? Sunlight that reflects off glacial rock particles suspended in the water gives Devil Lake its magic.

The last stretch of the drive includes a hairpin turn past Liberty Bell Mountain’s dramatic, craggy spires, and then it is down into the valley, where suddenly the air feels drier.

For practical purposes, choose either Mazama or Winthrop, 13 miles east, as a home base. Mazama has a quieter, backcountry feel, whereas the gun-slinging town of Winthrop is a slice of the Wild West that kids love.

Mazama

Camp: Klipchuck Campground
This is a lovely, remote campground on Early Winter Creeks at mile marker 175 off Highway 20. Private, flat campsites are nestled amid towering pines, some right on the creek.

Snack: The Mazama Country Store
This little store includes exceptional pastries and espresso and high-quality, but limited groceries. T-shirts or mugs with the store’s iconic goat, an emblem of nearby Goat Peak, make a great souvenir.

Play: Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies
Rent mountain bikes at Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies and explore part of the gentle, scenic 17-mile trail system linking Mazama to Winthrop along the Methow River. Another option for your stay is an overnight stay at The Freestone Inn, offering lodge and cabin accommodations.

Winthrop

Camp: Pearrygin Lake State Park
About 10 miles from downtown Winthrop, this full-service campground is considered one of the best fall-camping grounds in the state because of its spectacular leaf show. The campsite has a swimming beach, showers and a fishing dock. Request one of the lake-edge sites when you make your reservation at washington.goingtocamp.com.

Play: Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe
Enjoy a round of Wild West 18-hole mini-golf and some homemade ice cream or delicious fudge while sitting on one of the old saddle seats at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe. Then visit the Shafer Museum, an Old West complex of authentic pioneer buildings, including a post office, printing press, homesteads, and gold mine overlooking the mountains and town.

Or take a stroll on the Sa Teekh Wa Trail, a 2-mile interpretive trail along the Chewuch River, easily accessed from a bridge at the northwest end of Winthrop’s boardwalk.

Heading home hike:

If you get an early start, stop in the North Cascades National Park for a popular family hike on the Blue Lake Trail near Washington Pass. The 2.2-mile trip with 1,100 feet of elevation gain leads to a turquoise lake encircled by mountain peaks. The hike offers a rare chance to see the Western Larch, a deciduous pine tree, turn a brilliant chartreuse-gold in late September.

Unfortunately, the Methow Valley region is susceptible to wildfires in the summer and early fall that result in heavy smoke conditions unfavorable for camping. Check the forest service website for the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest before you set off on your trip.

Read More

Need last minute camping reservations? Check here for more info.
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A trip to the ocean is a fine fall trip.

Heath Foster, a Seattle writer and mom of three, takes off for the Methow Valley as often as possible.

This article first appeared in September 2010. Updated September 2023.

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Family fun road trip to Anacortes

Don’t just drive through to catch a ferry to the San Juan Islands, stick around and explore Anacortes your family-friendly fall road trip. The town is steeped in rich history and the walking tour is not to be missed. Hearty hikers will enjoy a trek up Mount Erie for fall foliage and sweeping views out to sea. For easier trails, explore Washington Park’s many nature paths. anacortes.org

Lake Chelan in the autumn season

The perfect destination for the whole family, Lake Chelan offers a wonderland of vacation options. For the kids, there’s plenty of space for active fun—pick apples and press cider at a local farm, hike the Little Bear Trail or head to the beach for a walk by the waters of Lake Chelan. Adults can indulge themselves at wineries, spas and gourmet restaurants. It’s the ideal vacation to keep everyone happy. lakechelan.com

Visit Port Gamble

Port Gamble is ideal for a fall road trip. Visit the historic Port Gamble General Store, located in the center of town. It’s a museum, cafe, and retail store that’s full of ice cream, fun candy, delightful pastries and slow-cooked, homestyle food. Catch a show at the local theater, rent bikes or kayaks from the Olympic Outdoor Center, and play at the town’s playground. portgamble.com

Olympic Peninsula

You’ll find some of the most impressive wilderness in our region here. Take a fall road trip to Olympic National Park and the Hoh Rain Forest for explosive wonder. Visit one of the longest natural sand spits in the world at Dungeness Spit. From hiking to beach combing to bird watching, the Olympic Peninsula is not to be missed. olympicpeninsula.org

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Head to Des Moines and have a fun-filled adventure

Book your trip soon to one of these destinations for your next family vacation

Find more places to go on our website

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Those experiences left me apathetic about throwing a party for my toddler. I wanted to host an eco-friendly party that wouldn’t be expensive, wasteful, and exhausting.  Luckily, I knew that my son, Roscoe, would be thrilled to run through a park with his friends and receive a few presents. We added blueberry muffins to the mix and he was in utter bliss. 

Would people think I was an unfit mother for my lack of party planning? I quickly realized that our guests were unpretentious, kind, and very connected to my son. And maybe instead of being apologetic, I could actually take pride in our un-Martha Stewart festivities.

Fast-forward seven years, and we’re still throwing parties that emphasize memories instead of stuff. The great news is that a green party can be cheaper and easier than traditional celebrations, but still packed with terrific moments.

If you’re hoping to throw your own eco-friendly birthday celebration, here are some helpful hints to get started:

1.) Start small: Little kids have no birthday expectations. When parents throw a huge celebration at an early age, all the future parties have to clear that bar. Keep parties basic with  toddlers. Choosing to celebrate in a near-by park where the kids can play and the parents can talk can be just as fun as renting a bouncy house.

2.) Craft an alternative to goodie bags: There are plenty of things to send kids home with that are simple, green, and inexpensive. Guests can pot flowers, make tie-dye T-shirts, or create lightsabers out of recycled pool noodles and electrical tape. And if you’re too exhausted to whip up an amazing thematic arts and crafts project, just have paper and crayons out on the tables.

3.) Circumvent the sugar.  Serving warm muffins at a morning party lets you bypass loads of sugar, and the time of day is better for toddlers anyway. Have fun  picking heaps of organic blueberries together to make a few batches of muffins for the party. As your children get older, frosting might creep onto the scene, but try to balance it with healthy snacks.

4.) Downsize the decorations: Use a striped sheet for a tablecloth, put out fresh flowers, and let the kids decorate the ground with sidewalk chalk while you’re setting up. For an indoor party, have your kids help by making birthday banners or pictures to hang on the walls.

5.) Plant your plates. Rather than plastic or styrofoam plates, silverware, and cups, choose dining ware that is recyclable or compostable. We recommend Chinet, which is made from 100 percent recyclable materials . Guests can dispose of used dishes in a grocery sack, and after a bit of sorting, the whole bag goes into the compost bin.

6.) Plan group activities. There are plenty of ways to entertain whole groups of young children without buying new, expensive toys. At indoor parties, variations on pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey are always a hit (we like “pin the wheels on the monster truck”) or host a dance party for toddlers, complete with a mosh pit.  Reading a book aloud or having some homemade play-dough on hand are also crowd-pleasers that don’t cost a thing.

7.) Think outside the living room. Pools, school gyms, and parks with covered areas, such as Seward Park or the newer Santos Rodriguez Memorial Park on Beacon Hill, can make for great party locations. Check out our list of 10 great parks for kids or 7 of Seattle’s hidden gems for destination ideas. We also love the idea of throwing a “Puddle Party” where kids sport umbrellas and boots and have a blast puddle-jumping while the parents sip coffee under the picnic shelter.

8.) People are the presents. Consider including the phrase, “Your presence is the present,” on invitations. It limits the birthday loot and keeps the focus on people while reducing waste from wrapping paper or packaging.

9.) Experience the gifts. Instead of toys, ask for experiences like a gift card to the zoo, movie tickets, dance lessons, or a certificate to a crafty venue.  This is another great way to help kids learn what’s really valuable.

Letting go of elaborate, expensive party plans makes for a better birthday for everyone—your child included. Beyond the economic and environmental benefits of a simple, green birthday party, there is the gift of sitting back in the midst of the chaos and enjoying the moment before it disappears (along with two dozen blueberry muffins!).

For more birthday ideas, go here. 

Joy Hatch is a Eugene, Oregon-based mom, teacher and co-founder of the Green Baby Guide, a website dedicated to environmentally friendly parenting: greenbabyguide.com

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