3 Kid-Friendly Urban Hikes Around Tacoma

The 600-foot-long, 50-foot-tall Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge links Point Defiance Park and its phenomenal newer Dune Peninsula area with Ruston Way. This pedestrian and bike bridge — no motorized vehicles are allowed — opened in 2019 and now completes the long-missing piece of the waterfront access puzzle. You can walk or pedal all the way from Jack Hyde Park to Point Defiance Park, a distance of nearly 5 miles. You can continue your water-to-woods experience by crossing the Wilson Way Bridge and connecting with nearly 15 miles of trails inside Point Defiance Park.

Most enticing to kids, the construction of the bridge included the installation of epic slides (and stairs) connecting Wilson Way to the boat launch area below. It’s like a life-size game of Chutes and Ladders and is the best kind of workout!

From the Wilson Way Bridge, reach the Point Ruston area, grassy lawns with absolutely jaw-dropping views. Walk the Frank Herbert Trail around the peninsula, and see if you can figure out who Frank Herbert was.

Wherever you begin this journey, a stop at the Point Ruston development is a must. Pick up takeout at one of the many restaurants, or opt for an ice cream treat or oatmeal cookie. Take time for play in the Point Ruston Ferry Big Toy at the Promenade Playground.

To cover more ground than you can walking, bring your bikes or plan to rent something fun from Wheel Fun Rentals next spring. They’ve got bikes, surreys and specialty bikes to keep you and the kiddos exerting those leg muscles.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated most recently in 2023.