Washington Park Arboretum

Washington Park Arboretum is 230 acres of trees, trails, and seasonal color tucked between Madison Park and the University of Washington — and it costs exactly nothing to visit. It's the kind of place Seattle families return to monthly, in every season, because it's different every time.

For families, the best route is the trail system that winds through the main collection and connects to the Foster Island boardwalk. The boardwalk section is genuinely magical — it's a floating wooden path through marshland and lily pads on the edge of Lake Washington, and kids who normally complain about nature walks suddenly become completely engaged when the path is literally floating on water.

The arboretum's 4,000+ tree and plant specimens give the whole place a cathedral quality — massive sequoias, Japanese maples, an entire azalea section that turns neon pink in April. Spring bloom season, roughly late March through mid-April, is when the arboretum hits peak beauty. Cherry trees, azaleas, and magnolias bloom in overlapping waves and the place is legitimately stunning.

Come on a weekday during bloom season if possible — weekends see significant parking competition.

For toddlers and young kids, the arboretum works as a nature exploration space. There are pinecones to collect, roots to climb, and enough open lawn space for running around. Pack a picnic — there are great spots near the south meadow.

The adjacent Japanese Garden (separate admission ~$8/adult, free under 5) adds a different aesthetic and is worth the add-on for older kids interested in landscape design. The UW Graham Visitor Center at the south entrance has restrooms and a small gift shop.

This is the easiest free family outing in Seattle proper — no planning, no tickets, just park and walk.