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Super state parks to explore with kids
We are lucky here in Washington to have hundreds and hundreds of amazing state parks to discover — spread all across our state. We’ve picked out five that are not too far away for families who live in the Puget Sound area to visit. Hike, run, climb a tree and play on the beach. And even though they’re fairly close by, these parks provide a huge dose of wide-open space and an easy change of scenery.
Remember that in all state parks a Discover Pass is required to park your vehicle. The state offers a few free days each year when you can park without a Discover Pass — the next one is April 22 — but if you have the means, consider spending the $35 for an annual pass. This way you can go whenever you like, avoid potential crowds on the free days, and help keep our parks clean and green and thriving.
First stop: Saltwater State Park
Image credit: RosieTulips/Flickr CC
1. Saltwater State Park
As the name suggests, Saltwater State Park is a beach park with lots of room to play at the water’s edge, especially during a low tide. This park is located in Des Moines, Washington, so it is extra handy for families from South King County and the north edge of Pierce County. There are some hiking trails and a campground, so you can scout the sites for a don’t-have-to-drive-very-far family camping trip.
Find it: 25205 8th Pl. S., Des Moines
Next stop: Camano Island State Park
Image credit: Wonderlane/Flickr CC
2. Camano Island State Park
Scenic Camano Island State Park is a not-too-far destination for families living in Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties. Play on the rocky beach here and dip your toes (or dunk your whole body?) in chilly Saratoga Passage. Parents will like the views over to Whidbey Island. This shoreline park offers a good amount of space for families to play and explore. There are also 3 miles of hiking trails, a campground and some cabins.
Popular Cama Beach State Park is nearby, and famous for its historic cabins. This park has considerably less space than Camano Island but is a great spot to visit and have a look around.
Find it: 2269 S. Lowell Point Rd., Camano Island
Next step: Bay View State Park
Image credit: daveynin/Flickr CC
3. Bay View State Park
Bay View State Park in Skagit County offers beach and meadow areas with space for spreading out, though it’s not a huge park. Fly a kite or throw a Frisbee on the grassy fields, or play on the beach while gazing out at the view of the San Juan Islands.
This park is another camping spot. It also has cabins that allow pets — fairly rare among state park cabins. Check them out and plan an overnight getaway with your family pooch.
Find it: 10901 Bay View–Edison Road, Mount Vernon
Next stop: Flaming Geyser State Park
Image credit: RosieTulips/Flickr CC
4. Flaming Geyser State Park
Flaming Geyser State Park is in a scenic spot along the Green River and a not-too-distant destination for Eastside and South King County–area families. The meadows at this park are popular with people who fly radio-controlled aircraft and drones; kids will find this fun to watch if flyers are out.
There’s the river to inspect (though do not swim in spring, even when the weather is hot; the water is way too cold) and kids can try to figure out why this park is called Flaming Geyser. Four miles of hiking trails take families into the woods.
Find it: 23700 S.E. Flaming Geyser Rd., Auburn
Next up: Dash Point State Park
Image credit: Kaitlin Shiner/Flickr CC
5. Dash Point State Park
Dash Point State Park is a popular seaside park in Federal Way, convenient for South Sound and South King County families. This park is an awesome place to explore during a minus tide, when so many undersea critters are exposed. (Remember to be very gentle.) Can you spot all of these Puget Sound inhabitants?
Dash Point has 8 miles of biking trails and 11 miles of hiking trails if you want time in the woods. It also has campsites and cabins for rent, so take a look for a future nearby camping trip.
Find it: 5700 S.W. Dash Point Rd., Federal Way
Next up: Bonus parks
Image credit: Ruth Hartnup/Flickr CC
Bonus parks
Three terrific state parks are super handy for Eastside-area families. Tip: To avoid crowds, don’t go on the nicest summer Saturday. Early morning or early evening are great times to explore Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore and Bridle Trails State Park in Kirkland. Lake Sammamish has an awesome playground right near the beach, and Saint Edward’s beautiful old seminary building (in the image above) is now a swanky hotel! Note that at Bridle Trails you’ll encounter park users on horseback and they have the right of way on trails. Alert your kids if you think they might be intimidated by horses, and it’s extra important here to follow the rule to keep your dog on a leash.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated for 2022.
Image credit: Sinziana Gafitanu/Flickr CC
