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My family has a love for all things outdoors. Lucky for us, the Seattle area has no shortage of great bike trails. But while some of the city’s best-known and busiest bike routes may be amazing for capable cyclists, kids like mine, who are just getting the hang of the sport, may need a quieter place to ride bikes as they develop their skills.
Whether your little one is mastering their balance bike, just getting ready to ditch the training wheels or loves to cruise on a scooter, I’ve scouted 11 of the best bicycle trails and parks around Seattle and the Eastside. With many paved, wide and low-traffic options, these parks and paths will have them pedaling away in a flash. If you’re looking for paths farther south, don’t miss our top picks for bike paths in the South Sound.
Seattle-area bike trails
Cheasty Mountain Bike Trail, Seattle
The North Loop of Cheasty Mountain Bike Trail opened last year, completing Seattle’s first forested mountain biking and pedestrian trail pilot project. The trail also has a South Loop, which was completed in 2023.
Both loops have two-way, shared-use trails along with one-way bike trails. The entire trail system was designed with the surrounding wetlands and wildlife habitats in mind, giving riders a chance to enjoy nature within the city.
Location: The Cheasty Mountain Bike Trail is in View Point Park, located at 4307 28th Ave. S. in Seattle.
Trail details: Riders will find a mile-long, one-way bike trail at the North Loop, in addition to a 0.4-mile multi-use trail and a 0.1-mile pedestrian-only connector. The South Loop offers additional trails through the forest for bikers. Note that Cheasty Mountain Bike Trail is unpaved.
Nearby: Fuel up before your ride at The Station Columbia City, a community coffee shop that serves up breakfast sandwiches, pastries, coffee and more. If the kids need extra playtime, nearby Jefferson Park is a thrilling playground they’ll love.
Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle
Covering 230 acres and growing over 40,000 plants, the Washington Park Arboretum is a botanical gem. Sitting on the shores of Lake Washington, it has long been a favorite destination for serene family walks. Bicycles are welcome on paved surfaces here, including the Loop Trail that circles the entire arboretum. The whole family can enjoy a smooth ride and garden views. A creek, restored wetlands and plenty of trees along the way make for cool exploration stopovers, and lots of benches mean kiddos and parents can take a breather between bursts of pedaling. Beautiful blooms abound in spring.
Location: The Washington Park Arboretum is located at 2300 Arboretum Dr. E. in Seattle.
Trail details: The main Loop Trail circles the park, giving bicyclists 2 miles of paved terrain.
Nearby: The renovated Tot Lot on the western edge of the arboretum is a small but cute playground for the littles. At the south end of the arboretum, carefully cross the road to reach the excellent play structure at Washington Park Playfield.
Maple Leaf Reservoir Park, Seattle
Maple Leaf Reservoir Park is a calm, leafy hangout, perfect for the littlest riders in your family — whether testing out two-wheelers, trikes or scooters — and those not yet ready to commit to longer distances. A smooth, flat path loops around this 16-acre park, which also includes a covered picnic shelter, sports courts and a huge grassy playfield.
There’s no shortage of fun once the bikes get tossed to the sidelines, either: Walk down the steps (or roll down the sidewalk) to the park’s lower level, which features a terrific, accessible playground, a zip line and a sweet butterfly garden.
Location: Maple Leaf Reservoir Park is located at 1020 N.E. 82nd St. in Seattle.
Trail details: An outer asphalt pathway around the park is just under a half-mile.
Nearby: Just kitty-corner across Roosevelt Way from the park, you’ll find neighborhood favorite Cloud City Coffee. Or head to Kona Kitchen a couple of blocks away for Hawaiian plates and sandwiches.
Seward Park, Seattle
Combining a family cycle session with an educational adventure is a breeze at Seward Park, an iconic southeast Seattle park occupying the Bailey Peninsula of Lake Washington. Start at the Seward Park Audubon Center, where kiddos can learn all about local flora and fauna; then follow the bike and walking path through the 300-acre park. Look for native plants and cool bird species as you ride, then finish up with a romp at the awesome nature-themed play area.
Location: Seward Park is located at 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S. in Seattle.
Trail details: The 2.4-mile paved path takes you through the park, along the beach. Those who are more confident on two wheels can explore the rugged forest trails.
Nearby: Follow up your active day with a browse through the amazing children’s section at Third Place Books (which is also home to Chuck’s Hop Shop and Burger Press).
Lincoln Park, West Seattle
Bike paths are just the start when it comes to what West Seattle’s signature waterfront park, Lincoln Park, has to offer. Riders exploring the bike trails can dismount along the beach to collect shells and build sandcastles, then continue toward the playground at the park’s north end with its tree-house-inspired elements. The park’s south playground was updated in 2024 with accessible play structures and nautical details.
While you’re there, don’t miss seeing one of Thomas Dambo’s trolls in the forest.
Location: Lincoln Park is located at 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W. in Seattle.
Trail details: The park boasts 3.9 miles of bike paths, including a paved trail that begins by the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal and runs along the beach.
Nearby: During the summer months, cool off after your ride with a dip at the park’s outdoor saltwater pool featuring ocean views, a water slide and diving boards. Pick up lunch at popular neighborhood spot Tacquitos Feliz.
Paramount School Park, Shoreline
A great outing choice for families of different ages and interests, Shoreline’s Paramount School Park caters to everyone, including scootering tots and wobbly bikers practicing their skills. A cool skate park lets scooter and skateboard pros show off their moves.
Siblings not up to biking can have a blast at the large updated playground featuring an impressive climbing wall, tunnel slides and old-school merry-go-round. The open, partially fenced layout makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on playing kiddos while supervising a little one riding around the looping path. Bonus: There’s adult exercise equipment right next to the play structure for grown-ups to keep active.
Location: Paramount School Park is located at 15300 Eighth Ave. N.E. in Shoreline.
Trail details: There’s a mostly flat, light-traffic path circling a large grassy area.
Nearby: Kick back with a latte at Café Aroma while the kiddos play with toys in the designated playroom; or catch a movie at neighborhood favorite Crest Cinema Center.
Green River Trail, Kent
The Green River Trail stretches from Seattle to Kent. Stop at any of the benches along the path to look for birds and other wildlife, keeping an eye out especially for osprey along the riverbank. For kids who want active playtime, start at Van Doren’s Landing Playground in Kent, which is close to the trail. This newer playground offers smooth pathways for those who are new to biking, and climbing structures, slides and swings for those who want to stretch their legs. You can also fill your water bottles and pause for lunch at the picnic shelters before getting back on the trail.
Location: There are multiple access points for the Green River Trail. Van Doren’s Landing Playground is located at 22230 Russell Rd. in Kent.
Trail details: The 19-mile trail is mostly paved and flat.
Nearby: Wild Wheat Bakery in Kent is a few miles away but offers a delicious breakfast.
Eastside bike trails
Redmond Central Connector, Redmond
Linking Redmond’s Bear Creek Trail and the ever-popular Sammamish River Trail, the Redmond Central Connector cuts right through vibrant downtown Redmond. Flanked by grassy fields for running around, cool lounging benches and nighttime lighting, this urban path provides lots of elbow room for riding, strolling or toddling. It’s also refreshingly calm, even on nice-weather weekends.
Location: The main parking area for the Redmond Central Connector is located off Bear Creek Parkway in Redmond.
Trail details: The flat, paved trail stretches 2.3 miles, connecting to other trails in the area.
Nearby: Once the ride is over, play and shop at Redmond Town Center or run around at the city’s Downtown Park. Then refuel with burgers at Tipsy Cow Burger Bar, followed by a cone from the legendary Molly Moon’s.
East Lake Sammamish Trail, Sammamish
Editor’s note: Starting in May 2026 through the end of the year, a portion of the East Lake Sammamish Trail will be closed to replace aging culverts under the trail between Louis Thompson Road Northeast and Northeast Inglewood Hill Road. This will split the trail into two sections with no detour around the closure.
The East Lake Sammamish Trail follows the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish from Redmond to Issaquah. It features pavement as well as conveniently located restrooms and seating. Take in pretty views of Lake Sammamish as you ride the trail, then have a picnic by the water. More seasoned cyclists can follow the route south toward Issaquah’s Gilman Boulevard or north to Redmond’s Marymoor Park.
Location: There are six designated access points, but our favorite way to reach the trail is through Sammamish Landing Park, located at 4607 East Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E. in Sammamish.
Trail details: The 11-mile trail is paved and wide.
Nearby: Bring your Discover Pass and explore Lake Sammamish State Park and its phenomenal destination playground in Issaquah, followed by a stroll through quaint Gilman Village.
Rainier Trail, Issaquah
If trains are on your little one’s list of transportation favorites, look no further than downtown Issaquah to chug alongside a slice of railway history. Running parallel to the former Lake Shore and Eastern Railway, Issaquah’s Rainier Trail lets young riders practice their moves.
By the trail near the Issaquah Community Center, Dambo troll Jakob Two Trees is waiting to be discovered.
Location: The Issaquah Community Center, where you can access Rainier Trail, is located at 301 Rainier Blvd. S. in Issaquah.
Trail details: The 2.5-mile trail is mostly paved with minimal traffic.
Nearby: Play in the shade at the train-themed Depot Park with its own mini chugger for little conductors, or take a tour of the Issaquah Depot Museum with its historic engines and railroad exhibits.
Bellevue Downtown Park, Bellevue
Revamped along with Inspiration Playground in 2017, Bellevue Downtown Park sits nestled amidst the towers of downtown Bellevue. This park has it all: a pretty path encircling a fancy pond and waterfall, lush grassy fields for playing and picnicking, and of course, the accessible playground promising near-endless hours of fun on climbers, swings and other play elements. The youngest of the bunch can also try their wheels on the playscape’s rubberized cover that cushions any falls.
Location: Bellevue Downtown Park is located at 10201 N.E. Fourth St. in Bellevue.
Trail details: The circular promenade is a half-mile long, bordered by shade trees on one side and a canal on the other.
Nearby: Get your ice cream fix across the street, hop over to Main Street for lots of tasty lunch options or dip your toes in the lake at Meydenbauer Bay Park.
More family fun on wheels:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2019 and was most recently updated on May 4, 2026, by ParentMap’s editorial team with a new bike trail for families to explore and a thorough fact-check.
