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3 Kid-Friendly Urban Hikes Around Tacoma

Urban walks that lead South Sound families to Tacoma’s waterfront

Writer Heather Larson
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Published on: October 26, 2023

3 Kid-Friendly Urban Hikes Around Tacoma

prairie-line-trail-family-urban-hikes-to-water-tacoma-south-sound
Photo:
Bikes along the Prairie Line Trail. Credit: Ron Swarmer

Prairie Line Trail

A nod to the western end of the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Prairie Line Trail follows the tracks of the retired Prairie Rail Line. The path connects many points: the Thea Foss Waterway to downtown Tacoma, to the University of Washington Tacoma, to the Brewery District. Here you can reward kids with a soda at Dystopian State Brewing Co. or 7 Seas Brewing Company. Grown-up hikes can opt for an adult beverage if they wish.

I like starting this Tacoma trail behind the famous Museum of Glass. You don’t have to go inside the museum to get a glimpse of the eye-popping glass art. Along the path, families can try making music on the strategically placed xylophones. Then walk north along the esplanade and follow the Prairie Line Trail informational and historical markers up the stairs alongside East 15th Street and South Hood Street, across Pacific Avenue, then continue through the University of Washington – Tacoma campus.

Although this section of trail spans only a mile, take your time and enjoy the art along the way. While that may sound boring to kids, you can pique their interest by downloading the coloring and activity book available on the trail’s website, or pick one up at the pay-as-you-will Children’s Museum of Tacoma. Guided by the activity book, kids can try to locate features such as the Parapet Relay, the Welcome Figure and other art installations.

If you’re ready to dig more deeply into the local railroad history, stop by the Washington State History Museum and check out its impressive model train display.

Next up: Puget Creek Trail

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