3 Kid-Friendly Urban Hikes Around Tacoma

Tacoma walking trails lead to the waterfront

One of Tacoma’s supremely popular features is its proximity to the water. This season, when we sometimes need an extra nudge to get our crew outside, walking trails near the Tacoma waterfront offer South Sound–area families great opportunities to explore.

Three different Tacoma trails begin or end at beaches along Commencement Bay and the Thea Foss Waterway: the Prairie Line Trail, the Puget Creek Trail and the Wilson Way Bridge and Trail. Each of these makes for an ultra-kid-friendly and rewarding urban hike. Each trail has its own personality and features, and families with kids will love exploring them all.

First up: Prairie Line Trail

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

Puget Creek Trail

Our next walk, the Puget Creek Natural Area Trail, offers a woodsy-hike feel, right in the city. Begin this trail at the waterfront at Alder Way and Ruston Way and traverse a scant mile through an urban greenspace. You can also access the path on a spur trail that begins at North 31st Street and North Proctor Street, where there’s a playground (Puget Park) with a parking lot. (If you think your crew won’t make it to the trail if they see the playground first, start your walk from the waterfront access point.) You’ll walk less than a mile in either direction, but note the hill climb of 238 feet is close to the Proctor spur, with stairs, making it tricky, but not impossible, for rugged strollers.

“Puget Creek Natural Area contains one of the few salmon-spawning creeks remaining within the Tacoma city limits,” notes Northwest hiking expert Craig Romano. “Hike alongside it through tunnels of cottonwoods and maples to a beautiful historic art deco bridge. Best of all, the area feels remote despite just being minutes from the city’s bustling waterfront.”

Enjoy the serenity of this wooded area by spending a few minutes on one of the many benches placed alongside the trail.

Grab the kiddos’ imagination by telling them gold was found here in 1891 — though it’s probably not worth encouraging them to dig for more. Ask them to spot the baby salmon in the stream.

Tip: For more hikes around Tacoma, consult Romano’s book “Urban Trails Tacoma.”

Next up: Wilson Way

Wilson Way Bridge and Frank Herbert Trail

The 600-foot-long, 50-foot-tall Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge links Point Defiance Park and its phenomenal newer Dune Peninsula area with Ruston Way. This pedestrian and bike bridge — no motorized vehicles are allowed — opened in 2019 and now completes the long-missing piece of the waterfront access puzzle. You can walk or pedal all the way from Jack Hyde Park to Point Defiance Park, a distance of nearly 5 miles. You can continue your water-to-woods experience by crossing the Wilson Way Bridge and connecting with nearly 15 miles of trails inside Point Defiance Park.

Most enticing to kids, the construction of the bridge included the installation of epic slides (and stairs) connecting Wilson Way to the boat launch area below. It’s like a life-size game of Chutes and Ladders and is the best kind of workout!

From the Wilson Way Bridge, reach the Point Ruston area, grassy lawns with absolutely jaw-dropping views. Walk the Frank Herbert Trail around the peninsula, and see if you can figure out who Frank Herbert was.

Wherever you begin this journey, a stop at the Point Ruston development is a must. Pick up takeout at one of the many restaurants, or opt for an ice cream treat or oatmeal cookie. Take time for play in the Point Ruston Ferry Big Toy at the Promenade Playground.

To cover more ground than you can walking, bring your bikes or plan to rent something fun from Wheel Fun Rentals next spring. They’ve got bikes, surreys and specialty bikes to keep you and the kiddos exerting those leg muscles.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated most recently in 2023.