"Seattle has so many famous and beautiful places to look at the water, but Seward Park is this beautiful, big hidden gem right on Lake Washington. It's an amazing place to take a walk or to sit and have a picnic. It’s such a great way to catch a vibe of South Seattle."

Home to an old growth forest, a bike and walking path, an amphitheater and miles of hiking trails. Check out the children’s play area, renovated with a “naturalistic” flavor. When your kid tires of playing with the interactive art, you might want to try explore the beautiful native plant gardens. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Grab the stroller, jogger or your bikes and tool around the park’s 2.4 mile loop, which boasts one of the prettiest waterfront views in Seattle.

A forested 300-acre peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington, Seward Park is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle, but feels like a completely different world. With beaches, boating, tennis courts and hiking trails, it’s an excellent day-trip option for all ages. Its lush, old-growth forest (some of the trees are more than 250 years old!) is a particularly nice escape from the urban jungle.