Part of the transformation of becoming a mom is the inevitable trade, the bars for parks as I like to put it. I have become a connoisseur of the local parks. If its not raining chances are Walter and I visited a park that day.
And just as you go to the bars to socialize, you socialize at the park, albeit it’s a bit more G rated than at the bars but slowly but surely you begin to make casual acquaintances with the moms and the nannies that frequent each park. Though don’t be fooled parks do carry a certain amount of drama. And while there are no trivia nights where you can win $100 you do come home with a tired and worn out child who is guaranteed to sleep well that night (unless they are teething) and that is worth about $1000.
Here is a list of a few of my favorite parks here in Seattle
Magnolia
Magnolia Central park- has tons of children playing in it most of the time, its right next to a school so when school gets out there is a virtual party going on. They have four bucket swings and play equipment made for new toddlers.
Ella Bailey park- I love this park for sentimental reasons because this was the first park that I took Walter to. He slept most of the time (he was only a week and a half). There are two bucket swings there. The other play equipment is for more advanced toddlers or preschoolers. However there is a great paved ring around the park where you can bring a push toy and/or walk solo with your little one.
Magnolia Blvd- Great park for when you need to get out to run/walk, put your child in the stroller, picturesque views of Puget Sound. It is also great, I have recently discovered, for when your child starts walking, it has such great grassy fields to park your stroller and let them run (walk) wild!
Discovery Park- This park is AMAZING but you need to take your child in a carrier (such as a Bjorn, Moby, Ergo) instead of a stroller as there are tons of nature trails, some even leading down to the beach, it is great for making scavenger hunts and nature bingo games out of. There is also a nature center there that needs to be checked out.
Smith Cove Park- my personal favorite, Walter and I spend many hours there. There are no swings, one picnic table and a water fountain-- but there is a big Elm tree, little field of grass and the view is amazing. Its great for picnicking.
Green Lake- Green Lake is like the ultimate park. I used to just walk around it and not realize all the hidden (or maybe not so hidden) potential of the park. There is the walking path (which is too crowded and chaotic for beginner walkers), There are great turn offs that have grassy fields good for picnicking, practicing walking, looking at the environment around. There is a playground with eight bucket swings and tons of great play equipment for all ages. There is a wadding pool, there are tennis courts, you can swim in the lake, rent boats. And if you don’t want to swim in the lake they have an indoor pool. For a park Green Lake has it all.
Ballard
Ballard Locks- This park is great for picnicking, walking, it has a garden that is gorgeous, and is really interactive with all the boats passing trough the locks you can walk across the locks to the salmon ladder. A must see for anyone.
Golden Gardens- Set on the western bluff of Ballard this park is great to watch sunsets and go for long walks at low tide. Tough they have had some problems with sewage runoff in the creek as of late so don’t let your little ones play in the water. There is a play area with 2 bucket swings. There are also fire pits and
This is just a partial list of parks that we frequent, there are so many in Seattle! The park doesn’t need to have a dedicated play area to have a good time, bring a ball, blanket, or just watch environment around you! I have included two links for more information for parks in Seattle:
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