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The day I realized we were on a first-name basis with practically every duck and goose along our local recreation path, I knew my toddler and I needed to shake up our running route. Longer spring days were still a ways off, but cabin fever was building, so we set off in search of new paths, vistas and playgrounds.
My ideal, stroller-friendly trails include convenient (and preferably free) parking and restrooms — two must-haves for any parent out and about with a young one. My son loves space to play, whether it’s a fully equipped playground or simply a wide open field for chasing a ball or playing tag with Mommy.
Here are a few of our favorite stroller-friendly trails, and some tips and tricks on running with babies and tots. We hope to see you out on the trail!
If you are in the Tacoma and South Sound area, check out our list of favorite stroller-friendly paths and trails for South Sound families.
Favorite stroller-friendly running paths around Seattle
Seward Park, Seattle
Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
A gorgeous 2.8-mile paved, level loop stretches around this peninsula of a park. There are also countless hiking trails in the interior of the park, best for sturdy jogging strollers. Bonuses include rocky beaches, a swimming area, picnic tables, a fantastic eco-themed playground, restrooms and parking. Don’t miss the Seward Park Audubon Center, too, where you can learn about area birds.
Alki Beach, West Seattle
Location: Beach waterfront in West Seattle
Run or walk as far as you want along the paved, level Alki bike path, which hugs the West Seattle coastline. Make a play stop at the Whale Tail playground at 59th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Lander Street, with its digger-stocked sandbox and life-size boat for climbing. The beach provides ample opportunity for frolicking in the sand as well.
Ballard Locks to Golden Gardens, Seattle
Location: Part of the Burke-Gilman Trail, Seattle
A paved, level and relatively uncrowded section of the Burke-Gilman Trail extends from the Ballard Locks to Golden Gardens. Play at the beach or at the locks, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy as you watch the trains and boats go by. This section of the trail offers a unique alternative to a traditional playground outing and has become one of our favorites.
Green Lake Park, Seattle
Location: 7201 East Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle
This is a local favorite due to its 2.8-mile paved, level loop around the lake, huge playground, community center with restrooms and pool, proximity to the library’s Green Lake Branch, and plenty of duck, goose and turtle sightings. There are several parking areas around the lake, but things get crowded when the sun comes out.
Favorite stroller-friendly running paths around the Eastside and North Sound
Marymoor Park, Redmond
Location: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond
Marymoor Park is popular for its accessibility to both the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails, as well as proximity to family-friendly Redmond Town Center. The park’s 560 acres offer ample parking, an off-leash dog zone, a playground with equipment for older kids and younger toddlers, and plenty of clean restrooms.
Kelsey Creek Farm Park, Bellevue
Location: 410 130th Pl. S.E., Bellevue
We adore Kelsey Creek as much for its on-site working farm as for its network of hiking trails and gravel loop trail. A cute little play area is situated next to a sheltered picnic site, in full view of the picturesque white barn. Go for a run, then visit the farm animals until 3 p.m. daily.
Editor’s note: Due to the recent spread of avian flu, all interactions with chickens and waterfowl in the farm’s guided tours and activities have been placed on hold as a precautionary measure. Check the website for updates.
Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park, Kirkland
Location: 5811 Lake Washington Blvd., Kirkland
Start and finish at this waterfront park where there’s a handy playground, and explore the series of sidewalks and dedicated recreation paths along the Kirkland Waterfront. You’ll find green space, beach areas, playgrounds, boutiques, coffee shops and restrooms.
Blyth Park, Bothell
Location: 16950 W Riverside Dr., Bothell
Charming Blyth Park is at the meeting point of the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails. Run as far as you wish in either direction, then return for playtime on the toddler-friendly equipment and “tire mountain” climbing structure, and partake of a snack among the pines. You’ll find plenty of parking, picnic tables and restrooms.
Langus Riverfront Park, Everett
Location: 400 Smith Island Rd., Everett
A 3-mile riverfront paved trail heads south from the Langus Riverfront Park, which has parking, picnic tables and restrooms. Although there’s no playground, there are plenty of grassy areas where active toddlers can run around and watch waterfowl and shorebirds. Combine this trip with a stop at the excellent and expanded Imagine Children’s Museum in downtown Everett.
Tips and tricks for running and walking with babies and tots
After countless stroller walks with my little one, I have it down to a science. Here are my top tips for taking your baby or toddler on a stroller-friendly path.
- Decide whether to play or stroll first. Sometimes going straight from the car into the stroller isn’t in the cards, and your little one will want to head to the playground first. Let them get their energy out and then strap them in for your walk or run. Other days, you may want to stroll first and play later.
- Engage your toddler along the way. Just because they’re strapped in doesn’t mean they need to be bored. Play a game of “I spy” and have them look for different colors, objects, animals or plants.
- Speed up or slow down. Take the opportunity to do some interval training by speeding up or slowing down at various points on the trail. I like to pick landmarks — like a telephone poll or bench — and alternate between walking and running between them.
- Customize your workout. Stroller walks are a time for me to squeeze in a workout while my little one is secured in their stroller. Some days I walk, while others I go for a long run or take breaks for sit-ups and lunges.
- Surprise your little one with stroller-only toys. There’s so much to see along stroller-friendly paths and trails, but it doesn’t hurt to keep some unique toys in your car for when your little one is getting restless (but you want to keep strolling).
- Keep everything you need in the car. Sometimes, the hardest part is getting everything ready for your stroller walk. But if you keep the stroller, running shoes and other supplies in the trunk of your car, you’ll always be ready for action.
- Invest in the right gear. If you’re planning to make a habit of walking, jogging or running with a stroller, you want to invest in a sturdier model. Look for a swiveling front wheel (that also locks) to make one-handed pushing and steering easier. And I need a water bottle holder and a large basket for toys, snacks and running gear. If you are planning for year-round stroller walks, you may also want a stroller rain shield (what my son refers to as his “space bubble”).
More Seattle paths and trails for families to explore: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and has been updated most recently in March 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, for the next crop of babes and caregivers strolling with a stroller.
