A Spot for Every Type of Picnic

Katie Kavulla - Seattle
July 10, 2012

Need a simple solution for breaking the mealtime wiggles at your house? Pack up your family's lunch or dinner and get out of the house and into Seattle for a place where wiggles are perfectly acceptable while you eat...a picnic! There are countless perfect picnic places in Seattle and we've pulled together a few favorites to help you find one for your family. Bon picnic-etit!

For a Middle of Nowhere Feeling in the City: Discovery Park

A picnic at Discovery Park should be saved for when you have enough time to commit to the experience, since this is more than just a drive in, picnic, drive out type of place. Park in the South Entrance, just off of West Emerson Street, and head into the park via the trail to find a place to set up your picnic feast; the hardest part is going to be deciding! Pick from the soft grass next to the chapel that overlooks Seattle's largest park, or the tall grass fields below where you can fly a kite in between bites, or next to the sandpit for some post-picnic digging fun.

For a Hidden Gem: Waterfall Garden Park

We won't be surprised if you've never heard of Waterfall Garden Park (219 Second Ave. S., Seattle), which is tucked away in Pioneer Square, believe it or not. It's one of Seattle's best kept secrets, and if you're looking for somewhere unique and new to take your kids for a picnic, this is it. The park features a man-made waterfall and plenty of tables for you to enjoy your picnic while you take in this pretty urban oasis. You'll need to battle downtown traffic and parking to get to Waterfall Garden Park, but we promise that it's well worth it!

For a Picnic with a View: Ella Bailey Park

Magnolia families might be upset with us for sharing their favorite place to picnic, but we just can't help ourselves—Ella Bailey Park is too good to be true! Overlooking downtown Seattle and beyond, Ella Bailey undeniably has one of the best views around, creating the perfect backdrop for your next picnic. Plus, the playground at Ella Bailey is kid-approved, featuring play equipment for every age, lots of swings and a great paved bike path that circles around the entire park (bring bikes or scooters!). Don't forget to pack an extra layer—it can be windy at Ella Bailey, even on the sunniest Seattle days.

For a Picnic on the Sand: Lincoln Park

Is a seaside picnic just what your family needs? We love Lincoln Park in West Seattle for a sand-filled picnic. Pick a spot on the beach itself for your picnic, or on the huge logs that line the shoreline, and watch the ferries come and go from the dock while you eat. Lincoln Park provides plenty of post-picnic fun as well, from the zip line and playground that are tucked up in the woods to the long paved path that goes along the water. And of course, the beachcombing and exploring! We also love that there are undercover shelters all along the beach at Lincoln Park, just in case you get caught in a picnic rain shower.

For a Day-Tripping Picnic: Twin Falls State Park

If you live in Seattle, it will take you less than an hour to get to Twin Falls State Park, and this is the perfect spot for families who are interested in turning their picnic into a day adventure. Located just outside of North Bend, Twin Falls is a kid-friendly hike with wide, easy-to-navigate trails and plenty of spots to stop off and explore along the way. When you're ready to pull out your picnic lunch, find one of the gorgeous nooks along the river to refuel and kickback for a while. A thick blanket is a must for picnicking at Twin Falls to cushion your seats from the riverside rocks that are along the bank.