5 Kid-Friendly Hikes With Wider Trails for Seattle-Area Families
Photo:
Mercer Slough Nature Park trail. Credit:Devon Hammer
5. Mercer Slough Nature Park trails
The trails of Mercer Slough Nature Park in Bellevue are chock-full of features: a boardwalk through the wetlands, a fun bridge over the slough and bouncy peat moss, to name a few. There is plenty to keep the kiddos engaged. It is fairly wide and flat, and there are a few easy loops to choose from. Keep in mind that this is a popular spot right in the middle of the city, so going on a weekday will be a better option to avoid crowds.
A great place to start off is at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. The beautiful, sustainably built center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Ask the ranger to unlock the hatch to the lookout tower.) Learn about the plants, animals and history of the lands you'll see on your hike.
Find it: Follow directions to the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. You will find a large parking lot and bathrooms available. You will need to go down a large stairway at the center to get to the start of the trails. The trails are otherwise stroller-friendly, so consider if you can carry your stroller down the stairs.
Next up: bonus trail
