guides

Family Park Picnic Guide

The Top 5 Parks in Monroe, Duvall, Carnation and Cottage Lake for Family Picnics.

By Toni Hill - Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid June 18, 2024

With the sun shining and temperatures rising, my kids are itching to hit the park for some outdoor fun. They're always eager to go, and I can't resist because it's free, fun-filled, and a great way to let them unleash their boundless energy! It's a win-win situation! We're lucky to have a variety of fantastic parks right here in our community, from cozy neighborhood gems to expansive county parks. Here are my top five favorite picnic spots in the Cherry Valley Macaroni KID area!

1. Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation - Check out this family friendly park that’s won our Cherry Valley Macaroni KID Family Favorite Awards before! This massive 574-acre park is a real beauty. It’s got trails for hiking and walking, access to the river, a cool suspension bridge, and tons of spots to explore and enjoy nature. They even have camping if you’re up for a few days of fun!

2. Lake Tye Park in Monroe - Check out Lake Tye Park, the winner of our 2023 Family Favorite Award and a top spot for picnics in Monroe! This 64-acre gem has it all: a 1.5-mile walking trail around the lake, a sandy beach for sandcastle fun, and a boat launch if you want to paddle around. They just spruced up the playground, and both kids and grown-ups love it! Plus, they have awesome summer concerts here, so bring your picnic basket and enjoy!

3. Cottage Lake Park in Woodinville - There's no shortage of fun at this park! From boating and biking trails to a swimming pool, zip line, and play areas for kids, there's something for everyone. You'll never be bored here! Note that the pool and zip line, operated by the Northshore YMCA, are open seasonally.

4.  The Ridge @ Big Rock Park in Duvall - This new park is packed with adventures, featuring a play structure, climbing wall, slides, covered picnic tables, trails, a play field, and even a thrilling zip line! Whether you prefer street parking or biking (with convenient bike racks available), this park offers something for everyone. Don't miss out—pack a picnic and see all that this park has to offer!

5. Skykomish River Park in Monroe - This 32 acre park is action-packed with an athletic field complex hosting four baseball fields and three soccer fields. Keep active on the 0.75-mile pathway dotted with outdoor exercise gear—it's a summer walker's paradise! Plus, there are two large covered shelters perfect for partying. Your kids will love the revamped playground, sporting a river and an athletic theme with cool features like a cable climbing net and a swing that glides. And, don't miss the picnic spots and plenty of parking!


Macaroni KID Monroe-Duvall-Carnation is a free local calendar, weekly e-newsletter, and website focused on fun family events and information in Monroe, Duvall, Carnation, Sultan and beyond. We gather all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused local businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, and more. We proudly serve families in the Cherry Valley area. 

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