Seattle isn’t the only city to offer a plethora of activities and things to do this summer! Take a short drive east and see what fun-in-the-sun awaits you and the family! Whether you end up riding a jetski, swim in the cool waters of Lake Sammamish, or paddle boarding for hours, we’re sure you’ll have an amazing time!
Bellevue Downtown Park
The City of Bellevue purchased the land for the Bellevue Downtown Park in 1983 from the Bellevue School District. Much like Central Park in New York offers some peace and quiet amidst the bustling city, Bellevue Downtown Park is now open after a year of expansion and renovation. The Inspiration Playground was added, making it possible for all ages and abilities to play and explore at their own pace.
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
Mercer Slough Nature Park
Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, the 320-acre Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a tranquil setting for a variety of recreational experiences: biking, hiking, canoeing, blueberry picking, and environmental education. As Lake Washington’s largest remaining wetland, Mercer Slough contains hundreds of plant species and provides a diverse habitat for over 170 species of wildlife. Many go kayaking on their own as well as seeing a lot of two person kayak floating down the rivers too.
Round the Rock at Newcastle Beach
Celebrating its 9th year, Round the Rock is sharing its thrills and excitement of paddle boarding in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the beautiful Newcastle Beach Park. Organized by Northwest Paddle Surfers, Round the Rock features a 13-mile race on Lake Washington and a special multi-lap 3.5-mile buoyed course just off the shores of Newcastle Beach.
Northwest Paddle Surfers
Northwest Paddle Surfers features Stand Up Paddle (SUP) rentals at both Juanita Beach Park and Marina Park. Juanita Beach Park also features several single and tandem kayaks and a Jumbo SUP that can accommodate 8–10 adults! Great family fun at both locations. Fuel up before or after at one of many outstanding nearby restaurants. You may also want to have a look at this Best SUP Paddle list if you’re thinking of buying your own paddle to use.
Waterfront Adventures on Lake Washington
Kirkland’s Woodmark Hotel features Woodmark Waterfront Adventures. Guests and locals can take advantage of everything the lakeside lifestyle has to offer. This includes kayak, paddleboard, boat, Jet Ski, wakeboarding and waterskiing rentals. Sneak out of the office early for prime time rentals and enjoy the sunset on Lake Washington.
Swimming
Lake Sammamish State Park
Craving a beach day not far from Seattle? Boasting two lakefront beaches and trails through forests and wetlands, Lake Sammamish State Park provides a family outdoor experience just off the urban grid. Water activities and features include boating, freshwater fishing, swimming, and water skiing, with rentals for water sports available at Tibbetts Beach.
Waverly Beach Park
Situated on the shores of Lake Washington, Waverly Beach Park offers the ultimate beach experience. The beach provides a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, a children’s playground, a fishing area, as well as a windsurfing area. There’s even barbeque grills for those who want to flex their pit-master skills.
