Best Seattle-Area Outings With Preschoolers and Toddlers

One of the biggest obstacles for hiking with my preschooler on weekday mornings is distance, both the drive time and the trail length. 

His little legs do well on flat boardwalks, however. They’re usually short, with minimal elevation gain and they offer lots to see. We love spotting trout at the Northwest Stream Center in Everett (reservations required). We look for birds at North Creek Park in Bothell and West Hylebos Wetlands Park in Federal Way.

Shadow Lake Nature Preserve features another fascinating boardwalk stroll.

You might even try an urban hike, where you don’t even need to leave the city. Perhaps one of these urban nature spaces is waiting just down the street from you.

Next up: two-wheelin’