Located just north of Seattle, about 17 miles to be precise, is a charming seaside town that will make you feel like you’re on vacation without being far from the bustling city. Brimming with things to do with kids, Edmonds has it all.
Take a stroll down Edmond’s historic Main Street, explore low tides along the sweeping beaches near the ferry terminal, enjoy quaint boutique shops, experience a local wine tasting, meander through airy galleries, or satiate your appetite at one of the many delicious restaurants in town.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip destination that includes fun and sun, or just a place to play and stay for a couple of hours, there is so much to explore in Edmonds — you might not want to leave!
History of a growing seaside town
Edmonds’ rich history dates all the way back to 1890 when it was incorporated. Back then, it was a logging community booming with growth thanks to the railroad and ferry that connected two seaside communities, Edmonds and Kingston. The adorable beach community has changed quite a bit since its inception. Today, it’s known for its artsy vibes (you’ll see many murals and galleries as you walk along the vibrant, historical streets), but it’s also become an unsuspecting foodie paradise, so come with an empty stomach.
Most recently, Edmond’s Main Street got a facelift. The addition of Main Street Commons transformed downtown Edmonds and anchored a few new businesses to the community. The vision of the development was to create a family-friendly space that the community could enjoy for generations to come. I can attest: It’s done just that. On sunny weekends, the square is packed with people.
Johnny Mo’s, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Victor Tavern, Stillhouse Coffee, The Crumpet Shop and Virtue Cellars are among the businesses that now call Edmonds home.
I’ve rounded up a list of my must-visit places in Edmonds. Consider this a local’s guide for where to eat, play and shop.
Places to play
Edmonds City Park
Edmonds City Park is where our family spends most of the summer. The park offers a large playground, spray park, baseball fields and picnic areas. When the temperatures begin to rise, the spray park is a great place to cool off. My little ones absolutely love the giant green bucket that dumps water on giggling kids every few minutes. Watch it fill up and pour out in a wave.
Location: 600 Third Ave. S., Edmonds
Civic Center Playfield
Another great playground in the area is Civic Center Playfield. It opened in June 2023 and is an inclusive play space for all ages and abilities. The playground is named Mika’s Playground in honor of Mika Zimbalist, a little boy born with cerebral palsy who loved to play. Mika’s family helped bring the playground to life. The playground includes an integration carousel that can accommodate two wheelchairs; a dig pit with an excavator; a sensory garden; a swing basket and more. We love the springy, accessible surfacing and imaginative design. Along with the playground, the spacious park also offers clean restroom facilities, playfields for soccer, open green spaces for kids to run around, a track, a skate park, basketball courts, and bocce ball courts.
Location: 598 Edmonds St., Edmonds
Marina Beach Park
Marina Beach Park is a perfect place for a summer picnic. We love this park because it has a nautical-themed playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas and an expansive beach area for building sandcastles. There is an adjacent dog park as well, so you can bring your furry friend.
Insider tip: It’s a popular beach on sunny days, so don’t be surprised if the parking lot is full. Street parking is available nearby.
Location: 470 Admiral Wy., Edmonds
Brackett’s Landing
Brackett’s Landing is our favorite tide pool destination (arguably one of the best in the region). When the tides are low, you can see an abundance of sea life. Under the ferry terminal, sea stars are bountiful. The north side of Brackett’s Landing is also a great spot to watch scuba divers. Just off the rock jetty, you can see divers exploring the sunken structures below the waves. If your kiddos love trains, it’s also a great spot to see the trains whizz by.
Location: 100 Railroad Ave., Edmonds
Places to grab lunch
The Victor Tavern
One of the mainstay restaurants recently opened in Mainstreet Commons is The Victor Tavern. This Ethan Stowell restaurant offers a space for everyone to gather. The bright, open space has ample seating, a bar area, and an upstairs complete with three duckpin bowling lanes and shuffleboard. Insider tips: Go on a Tuesday. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Know before you go: If you want to bowl, book a lane ahead of time online through their reservation portal.
Location: 550 Main St., Suite 100, Edmonds
Johnny Mo’s Pizzeria
Johnny Mo’s is our go-to place for pizza. Located on the second floor at Main Street Commons, just above Molly Moon’s, Virtue Cellars and Stillhouse Coffee, the large restaurant has a beautiful patio and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re craving a thin crust pizza or deep dish, they offer both! Their passion for pizza really shines through.
Location: 558 Main St. Suite 200, Edmonds
The Crumpet Shop
The Crumpet Shop opened its second location in Edmonds recently, and it’s delightful. The quaint space is welcoming, and the staff are so friendly. Don’t know what a crumpet is? It’s like an English muffin, but better (trust me!). They have been a staple at Pike Place Market since the 1970s, but now also call Edmonds home. We love the sweet and savory crumpet offerings. Their menu is great for kids and adults alike. My little ones love the fresh preserves with ricotta cheese, but I am obsessed with their salmon, cream cheese and cucumber crumpet.
Location: 550 Main St. Suite 102, Edmonds
Places with a patio
Virtue Cellars
If you like wine, a welcoming atmosphere and a patio area, Virtue Cellars is the place to be. Full disclosure, I am one of the owners of the family winery. We started Virtue Cellars because we wanted to bring people together and build a community around a great glass of wine. I won’t bore you with the details, but you can read more about how our small winery has grown throughout the years, starting with our very first vintage poured on our wedding day in 2015.
Our space in Edmonds is our first tasting room, and all the production is done just a few miles down the road in Richmond Beach. We are so proud to be a part of this community. Grab a glass of wine, sit on the patio and relax while kids play in the courtyard of Main Street Commons.
Our winery is family-friendly. We have three little ones, so we get it! Come hang out with us.
Location: 558 Main St. Suite 104, Edmonds
Anthony’s HomePort Edmonds
On summer nights, Anthony’s HomePort is the perfect place to take in unparalleled views of the Puget Sound and enjoy a bite to eat with friends. Just a stone’s throw from the ferry terminal, you’ll watch boats floating by in the marina. The restaurant offers fresh seafood, microbrews and a great kids menu. My favorite part about this spot: There’s a place for kids to build sandcastles just outside. Get there early and grab a seat on their outdoor patio. You can watch the kids play in the sand while you enjoy the warm sea air.
Location: 456 Admiral Wy., Edmonds
Coffee stops and sweet treats
Stillhouse Coffee
If you know me, you know I always have coffee in hand. Lately, I’ve dropped my espresso and found a love of matcha, and Stillhouse Coffee has the best matcha combos. I also love the breezy and bright atmosphere at Stillhouse Coffee. The space is beautiful with floor-to-ceiling windows and a bohemian vibe, and the drinks and pastries are so good. I love their seasonal offerings, like strawberry matcha! Stillhouse Coffee had a humble beginning, starting in the garage of the owner’s home in Edmonds. The business is a labor of love, and they have been roasting coffee for nearly a decade. Trust me — the coffee is amazing, and just as warm and inviting as their hospitality.
Location: 558 Main St., Edmonds
Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
You can’t miss the scent of waffle cones wafting through the air as you walk down Main Street. We are so happy Molly Moon’s moved in a couple of years ago! The space always draws a crowd. Be prepared for long lines, but it’s worth the wait. I love their seasonal offerings.
Location: 558 Main St. Suite 4, Edmonds
Art and entertainment
Glazed and Amazed
Glazed and Amazed is a cute little pottery shop in the heart of Edmonds where you and your kids can paint dazzling creations or make glistening fused glass. We love stopping by the shop to see all the ceramics. They also host a monthly Kids Night, which is a great option if you want to enjoy a date night out in Edmonds while your kids get to play and create works of art.
Insider tip: Register online for Kids Night ($59 per child, RSVP required) and drop off your child for a fun night in. They provide them with a pottery and glass project, pizza, snacks, a movie and activities.
Location: 514 Main St., Edmonds
Edmonds Theater
Edmonds has the most adorable historic theater. It’s been a mainstay of the community, dating all the way back to 1916. The theater offers showings daily of new releases. It’s small, but so charming. This year, our family rented it for our son’s birthday, and it was the perfect way to celebrate.
Location: 415 Main St., Edmonds
Shopping
Teri’s Toybox
Teri’s Toybox has the best toys in town. Whenever we are in need of a trinket, we venture to Teri’s. It’s locally owned and they curate their selection of unique toys to help inspire a child’s imagination. You won’t find many toys that need batteries here. After we go to the farmers market on Saturdays, we always swing by Teri’s to see all the stuffies.
Location: 420 Main St., Edmonds
Art galleries
Sunlight Gallery and Studio
Our favorite gallery to peruse is Sunlight Gallery and Studio. Nestled near the quaint city center is an airy studio that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll see that shine through in the art. Local artist Laura Burkhart and photographer Devin Larson are two of the coolest women I’ve ever met. Both are mamas of little ones, and their creativity, connection to nature and artistic skill are unmatched. Step into their studio and you’ll see firsthand.
Location: 102 1/2 5th Ave. N., Edmonds
Seasonal offerings
Edmonds Summer Market
Insider tip: You don’t want to miss out on the Edmonds farmers market. Every Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., from May to October, more than 90 vendors line the street near downtown Edmonds and show off their wares. You have to swing by on a Saturday for fresh donuts, locally grown fruits and vegetables, jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothes, popcorn, popsicles and pizza. We are there almost every Saturday!
Location: Fifth Avenue North and Bell Street, Edmonds
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