Best Spring Hikes in the Seattle Area for Kids and Families
Photo:
The playground at Tacoma Nature Center. Photo: Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
Tacoma Nature Center, Tacoma
Visit the Tacoma Nature Center, an urban wetland preserve in the South Sound, for a chance to view wildlife and birds in all seasons.
Favorite trails: There are 2.5 miles of gentle trails in the park. A 1-mile loop circles Snake Lake. If you are up for traversing more distance and a bit of elevation, take the Hillside Loop away from the lake. Kids will love the nature-themed Discovery Pond play area with its innovative structures, such as a tree house and a pond with waterfalls. Tacoma Nature Center trails are open daily from 8:30 a.m. until sunset. You can download a trail map and trail guide from the website.
Indoor options: The Tacoma Nature Center has activities and games for children if you need to take shelter from the weather. It’s open Thursday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and Wednesday, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Guided family nature experiences present awesome hands-on learning for kids. You can also try the free Agents of Discovery app to guide your nature exploration around the grounds. Fun!
Extras: Tacoma Nature Center hosts a nature-based preschool, summer camps for kids ages 4–12, and opportunities for teens to gain community service experience volunteering for summer camps.
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