Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (universally known as the Ballard Locks) are one of Seattle's most fascinating free attractions for families. Operated by the U.

S. Army Corps of Engineers since 1917, the locks connect the salt water of Puget Sound with the fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington, raising and lowering boats up to 26 feet between the two water levels. For kids, watching this process in action is a live engineering lesson that requires no explanation -- the visual logic is immediately compelling.

The lock system includes a large lock (825 feet long) for commercial vessels and a small lock (150 feet) for recreational boats. Visitors watch from walkways directly above the chambers as boats enter, gates close, water fills or drains, and vessels rise or fall to the new water level. The cycle takes 20-30 minutes and repeats continuously throughout the day.

Kids track the water level against the chamber walls, predict when the gates will open, and wave at boat crews. Weekend afternoons have the heaviest boat traffic.

The fish ladder is the other major attraction. A 21-step ladder allows salmon and steelhead to bypass the dam on their migration from Puget Sound to freshwater spawning grounds. Underground viewing windows let visitors watch fish swim upstream at eye level through glass panels.

During peak salmon season (sockeye: late June-July; coho: August-September), hundreds of fish pass through daily and the viewing room is filled with families counting and identifying species. Interpretive displays explain the salmon lifecycle, the purpose of fish ladders, and the engineering challenges of balancing navigation with ecology.

The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden surrounds the locks on the north side. This 7-acre garden, maintained since 1931, features 500 plant species from around the world arranged along winding paths under a mature tree canopy. It provides a peaceful, beautiful space for families to picnic, stroll, and let kids run on the lawns. The garden is free and open during park hours.

A small visitor center near the large lock has exhibits on the history of the locks, the salmon ladder, and the engineering of the system. Army Corps of Engineers rangers lead free guided tours on weekends, explaining the mechanics and history in engaging, kid-accessible terms.