Best Rainy-Day Parks and Playgrounds Around Seattle and Beyond

Nestled among tall trees on the Sammamish Plateau, Beaver Lake Park is a peaceful spot for a fall or winter walk. Several spots along the shore are great places for kids to throw rocks into the water or dig a hole. Bring a lunch and take advantage of the picnic tables, many of which are underneath tall cedars and other evergreen trees for protection from the rain. There's also a playground and, if you need to dry off, a large picnic shelter.

Location: 2526 244th Ave. S.E., Sammamish

Warm up: Met Market, a few minutes away, has a nice coffee shop, and there's a handy Starbucks at Klahanie Village, a couple of minutes in the other direction.

Next stop: Mercer Slough