Feel a breeze outside? It’s beckoning you to introduce your kids to a classic outdoor pastime that will literally have them reaching for the sky. All you need is some wind and a kite.
My own childhood memories come flying back whenever I see a colorful kite soaring in the sky. With my dad’s help, I would first sense the direction of the breeze, then run to give the kite a gentle boost so it could catch the wind. I can still recall the feel of the kite spool in my small hands as an unexpected gust pulled me. There were a few tangled strings, and my kite seemed to have a magnetic attraction to tree branches, but what fun we had together.
How to buy a kite
Get a basic, single-line kite to start — try a classic two-stick diamond kite or triangle-shaped delta kite. Choose the right size for your child — too small and they’ll have trouble getting it up into the wind; too big and it will have too much pull for small hands. Once your family masters a basic kite, you could sharpen your skills on a dual-line sport or stunt kite. Look for one in a fun shape, such as an octopus or dragon.
Many specialty toy stores and sporting goods stores will have a few models of diamond or delta kites, but you can also easily find basic and stunt kites online. The Kite Shoppe, based in Vancouver, Washington, is a great resource. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own starter kite. You can find videos and how-tos online.
Where to go to fly your kite
For a low-fuss first outing, pick a clear day and a time when the wind is discernible but light — strong gusts can be too tricky and possibly dangerous (the American Kitefliers Association has more safety tips). Any wide-open, grassy field free of power lines will do, so head to your neighborhood soccer field or nearest public beach.
If you want great wind, here are eight Puget Sound-area kiting hotspots:
1. Magnuson Park, Seattle
Find it: 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle
Sand Point Head (also known as “Kite Hill”) is a grassy knoll overlooking Lake Washington that boasts great views, consistent winds and no trees to trap your kite. This spot features an annual Father’s Day kite-flying event where families bring kites and picnics and catch the breeze together. Check the website for dates and more information.
2. Gas Works Park, Seattle
Find it: 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle
The flat top of “Kite Hill” at Gas Works Park is one of the best places to catch some wind in the city. Newbies, beware — you won’t find much free space to practice here on a clear, breezy Saturday, but you will enjoy the spectacle of a dozen kites in the air and have a chance to watch and learn from the experts.
3. Discovery Park, Seattle
Find it: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle
While hikers take to this park’s forested trails and scenic beaches, kite fliers head to the wide parade grounds to catch the incoming wind from the north. Park at the Environmental Learning and Visitor Center or the south lot off Emerson Street, then walk the unpaved trails to the grassy meadow area. (Pro tip: There are so many more fun things to do at this park with kids in addition to flying kites!)
4. Marina Beach Park, Edmonds
Find it: 470 Admiral Way, Edmonds
What could make the seaside town of Edmonds even more scenic? Your kids, running on the sand with a kite in the wind at Marina Beach Park. Just south of the Edmonds Marina, this park is the perfect place to fly kites, watch the sunset over the Olympics and have a beach picnic. If the tide is high, no worries — there’s a large grassy knoll to fly your kites from in this case.
5. Marymoor Park, Redmond
Find it: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E., Redmond
Pick any one of the large, open grassy areas that have nice exposure to southerly winds, though the most popular kiting spot is located on the park’s east side, a stone’s throw from the rock climbing wall. You may be joined by colorful paragliders if the wind is truly spectacular.
6. Dash Point State Park, Federal Way
Find it: 5700 S.W. Dash Point Rd., Federal Way
Just northeast of Browns Point and Tacoma’s Commencement Bay, this waterfront park’s sandy beach is in just the right place when it comes to wind. Low tide reveals a huge stretch of sand, providing plenty of room to run for your kite’s launch and to maneuver once it is in the air. Have your phone ready — that shot of your kid flying a colorful kite on beautiful Puget Sound is sure to be frame-worthy.
7. Chambers Creek Regional Park, University Place
Find it: 6320 Grandview Dr. W., University Place
The grassy central meadow area of this jewel in the Pierce County park system just had to have been created with kite flying in mind. The stunning, expansive landscape on a bluff overlooks Puget Sound about 2 miles northeast of the ferry dock to Anderson Island.
8. Fort Casey State Park, Whidbey Island
Find it: 1280 Engle Rd., Coupeville
Want some reliably awesome wind? It blows steadily at Fort Casey, set on the west shore of Whidbey Island with panoramic views of Admiralty Inlet north to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. With nearly 11,000 feet of saltwater shoreline there’s plenty of room to spread out on the sand, though most kite fliers prefer the expansive green parade field. Round out your day with a beach picnic and visit to the well-maintained Admiralty Head Lighthouse.
Save-the-date kite-flying events:
More ideas for outdoor adventures with kids: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently in 2023.
