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Get Out of Town: North Seattle

Discover Your Family Fun in Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, and Green Lake

By Melinda Larke - NW Seattle and Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid March 5, 2020

All families love a great trip to get a change of scenery, explore new places, and make some family memories.  Sometimes we want to really go big and have an epic trip across the country or across the world.  Sometimes we just need a day or weekend away.  Several Washington State Macaroni Kid publisher Mom's have gotten together to help you plan the perfect day or weekend away in some of the best parts of Washington State. 

One of the things that really makes Seattle special is all the different neighborhoods, each with their own character and fun.  Spend the day in North Seattle and see all the family fun and memories you can make! 





Ballard - Once a sleepy little neighborhood in Seattle, Ballard has blossomed into a very family friendly place with lots of fun stuff to see and do. 

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (free) - Also known as the Ballard Locks, there is always something interesting to see here!  Watch all the different types of boats as they go through the locks into or out of the Puget Sound.  From June through September you can watch migrating salmon as they make their way through the locks via the fish ladders.  You will not be the only one watching the show; sealions, seagulls, and the occasional eagle are always on stand-by waiting for their next meal to swim by.  On a nice day, bring a picnic and have lunch in the beautiful gardens that surround the locks or head next door for some great fish and chips at the Lockspot Café or across the street for an awesome burger at Red Mill Totem House. 

Golden Gardens Park (free) - Located in Ballard on the Puget Sound, Golden Gardens Park has a beach, playground, walking trails, hiking trails, and more.  Walk over to Shilshole Bay Marina and check out all the different kinds of boats.  Don't forget to look for all kinds of sea life while you are there.  We always head over to Little Coney for a ice cream cone while we explore.  

Downtown Ballard (Free) - This quaint and ever changing area has something for everyone.  Walk up and down the streets checking out all the great retail stores and family friendly restaurants.  In July, the Ballard Seafood Fest happens celebrating the Ballard of yesterday and today.  

Carkeek Park - (Free) - North of Ballard is Carkeek Park.  Carkeek Park is a huge park that offers fun for the whole family.  Beach access for both sunny and not so sunny days, an awesome playground with the famous fish slide, lots of hiking trails, and lots of room to run around.  

Fremont - You want different, quirky, and a little strange, Fremont is the place to be!  

The Fremont Troll (free) - You must see the troll, your kids must see the troll, everyone must visit the troll.  Located on Troll Ave under the Fremont bridge, this is a must do if you are in Fremont. 

Theo Chocolate Factory Tour -   Located on Phinney Ave is the Theo Chocolate factory.  Book a time to take a tour and experience the thrill of chocolate making for yourself.  For ages 2-6 years old, they even have Kid's Chocolate Storytime! 

Geocache your way through Fremont (free) -  Geocache HQ is located in Fremont and their employees have created a fun geocaching tour for you through Fremont!  You can also visit their gift shop for some fun souvenirs and interesting facts.  

Green Lake - Green Lake and nearby area of Wallingford and Phinney Ridge are the mecca of family fun in the Seattle area.  

Green Lake (Free)  - The center of this neighborhood is Green Lake Park. A huge park, you can walk, bike, run, hop the path around the lake itself, spend time at the lake playing in the water or rent a paddleboard or kayak for some real family fun.  Green Lake has several play areas for the kiddos and across the street many different types of family friendly restaurants for your dining pleasure.   

Gas Works Park  (Free) - If you like flying kites, this is the place to go!  Gas Works Park has the best kite flying hill, a large play barn and playground for the kiddos, and a beautiful view of Lake Union. After working up an appetite head down the street to Ivar's Seafood Bar and have the best clam chowder around.  They also have an outside dining deck where you can watch the boats on Lake Union while you eat.  

Woodland Park Zoo - Above Green Lake is the Woodland Park Zoo.  The Woodland Park Zoo has been apart of Seattle for over 100 years and today has award winning exhibits, education programs, and provides a great day of fun for the whole family.  Perfect in any type of weather, The Woodland Park Zoo has something for everyone; lions, tigers, bears, and kid play areas (you have to visit the Zoomazium during your visit.) Hours and prices are based on season, check their website for more information.  





For more information on family fun in North Seattle - 

Animal Encounters

5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in North Seattle

Kids Eat Free (or low cost) Guide