Golden Gardens Seattle, Wa

So picture this.  Its the 5th day of mid-winter break and your 9 year old has been inside for 4 days strait because the weather had been dismal.  So what do you do on the first dry day off of school.  You go to the beach.  It does not matter in the pacific northwest if its February or July.  North westerner will take any dry day as a sign to go to the beach!  So I have been to just about every beach in the Seattle area and north but Golden Gardens.

When I arrived there we were greeted with bracing wind and scores of mom's in puffy jackets with wool caps and coffee in there hands.  Seem to me all the other Seattle mom had the same idea as me.  At Golden Gardens there are 3 play structures and a set of strings.  One of them is the main attraction.  Its a massive dome with a web of ropes inside for all the kiddo's to climb to there heart's content.   There is a snack shack that provides Ice cream, candy, soda, chips, hot dogs, coffee and much more.  Bring cash though,  the shack does not take cards.

The beach is quite amazing.  Loads of sand with out any waves.  So all the little ones can play safely in the sand.  Fire pits and picnic structure are available for your use.  An outdoor shower and bathrooms are provided.  There is a meeting hall also for your parties to rent. There is an Off Leash area for your pooch.  Just contact Seattle Park and Rec for cost and reservation.
Check out my my pictures on Photobucket
http://s1172.photobucket.com/albums/r576/cvankeu1977/Golden%20Gardens/



Golden Gardens
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=243
Hours 6am to 11:30
8498  Seaview Pl. Nw
Seattle, Wa
Phone: 206-684-4075

Things I like:

• Ample Parking
• Coffee Available at snack shack
• New and unique play structure
• Lots of sand

Things I would like to see:

• Kids and adults stay off the freshly planted plants
• The snack shack would take cards

Langus Riverfront Park and Trail

Langus Riverfront Park and Trail

Bridge at the end of Langus, this
is also where you enter Spencer Island

Langus Riverfront park is located just north of Everett on Smith Island.  If you start your walk at the beginning near the Animal Shelter and you walk to the bridge its about 3 miles.  You can walk, bike, ride your scooter, walk the dog (on leash of course) or Rollerblade on the trail.  The path is wide enough to let the little ones ride there bikes and feel safe doing so! It is all paved.  The views are of the river and wetlands.  On our trip we saw Coots, King Fishers, Ducks, Swallows and Herons. A bird watchers paradise.   This is a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.  There is lots of parking and bathrooms available.  Also there is a picnic shelter and a boat launch.  The Launch fee is $5. Payable by cash or check in the drop box.  This park and trail is a fabulous place for people of all ages.
Over all this park is a fantastic place for family.

Langus Riverfront Park and Trail is open from 6am to dusk


Thinks I like:

• Kids can ride their scooters or bikes while the parents talk
• Dog friendly
• Doggie bags are available
• Trailer parking
• Wildlife viewing

Things I would like to see:

• Dog owners picking up after their dogs