Low Tide Beach Scavenger Hunt for Seattle-Area Families

From Alki to Carkeek, we’re lucky to have a plethora of family-friendly beaches for some socially distanced outdoor time. It might seem counterintuitive to head off to a chilly, blustery beach in early spring, but there’s something energizing about the crashing waves, sea-salty scents and all that nature literally at your fingertips. It certainly beats doomscrolling on the couch.

The beach can be fun on stormy and clear days alike, but we recommend you time your visit according to the tide, not the prevailing weather conditions. Exploring tide pools is best when the water is low, so aim to be there during a negative tide to search for any of the following creatures. Refer to NOAA’s Tide Predictions chart to track highs and lows in your area.