Seattle Bike Trails are Perfect for Active Families

The Emerald City has far more to offer than just green trees and rain, but those trees sure do make a beautiful background for your family bike rides. With bike trails ranging from less than half a mile to almost 20 miles, there are Seattle bike trails for every family and skill level. Choose your next ride from our favorite Seattle bike trails below, then grab your Hamax gear, get the kids settled and pedal off on your next adventure!

1. Green Lake

This popular lake has a paved 2.8-mile loop around the outside that is a perfect recreational spot for runners, walkers, and bikers of all types. Green Lake Park is a natural preserve for hundreds of plants and animals and offers plenty of sights to see from boaters and swimmers on the lake to yogis in the grass. If you need a break from pedaling, you can try your hand at boating or swimming in the designated areas. Don’t forget to pack something to eat and start planning your trip with a map found here.

2. Washington Park Arboretum

This park is open to the public year-round and is free of charge (except the Japanese Gardens). With 230 acres and one of the nation’s best woody plant collections, you and the family will never run out of new things to see. Don’t forget your camera – between the looks on the kids’ faces as they discover something new and the gorgeous flora, you’ll definitely want to capture these moments. Bikes are only allowed on paved trails so make sure you stop by the Graham Visitors Center to pick up a map, or you can view and print one here.

3. Magnuson Park

Seattle’s second largest park at 350 acres is built at the site of an old military base. It features a “historic district” with more than 20 structures from the 1930s and ’40s, a large playground, a dedicated kite flying area, and a large off-leash area for your furry friends. With over 4 miles of trails and plenty to see and do, you don’t want to miss this lively park scene tucked away in Seattle. To grab a map of the park, click here.

4. Myrtle Edwards Park

This easy 1.25-mile paved trail along Elliot Bay has dazzling views of the Olympic mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound. There are separate trails for runners and bikers, which is one of the major reasons locals cite this as a favorite go-to park. At the South end of the park, you’ll find the Olympic Sculpture Park, which is owned and maintained by the Seattle Art Museum.

5. Sammamish River Trail

The Sammamish River Trail runs 10.9 miles along the river from Bothell to Redmond and is paved in its entirety. While not in downtown Seattle, this trail deserves a mention as it connects with the Burke-Gilman trail that runs to the north end of the city. A peaceful and quiet trail running adjacent to the Sammamish River, it’s a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city.

6. Maple Leaf Park

With an outer loop of just under 1/2 a mile, this park is perfect for those families who aren’t quite sure how much biking they are ready for. The easy paved route can be repeated as many times as you want, or you can stop after just a few and wander around the 16-acre park. The play area here offers a zip line and a children’s garden and a separate sports area has basketball hoops and two fields.

7. Seward Park

This 2.4-mile bike and walking path runs through 300 acres of beautiful scenery complete with forested land, eagles’ nests, and a sandy beachfront. The bike loop is fully paved and is perfect for people of all abilities and fitness levels. If you let the kiddos out of your Hamax Outback bike trailer, make sure to avoid the areas with poison oak (all areas have plenty of signage). When you’re ready to cool off, hit the beach where the City of Seattle provides lifeguards and free swimming lessons during the summer months.

8. Alki Trail

Alki Trail is a popular 5-mile out and back trail and is accessible year-round. The trail starts at West Marginal Way S, continues past Harbor Island and follows the waterfront around towards Alki Ave SW. The bike and walking paths are separated for most of the ride, providing a stress-free experience. With stunning views of both the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay, you will definitely want to stop for a photo break. Thankfully there are plenty of piers and benches at which to stop for just this purpose! To view a map of the Alki Trail, click here.

9. Burke-Gilman Trail

During the weekdays, this trail is used primarily as a commuting thoroughfare by locals on their way to work, but the weekends are filled with recreational users of all types. The 18.8-mile trail is paved and has undergone several renovations since it was first built in the 1970s. Restrooms are available every 5 miles or so – always important with small toddlers in tow! There are plenty of parks to visit along this smooth and easy trail, so find a map here and plan your trip today!

10. I-90 Bridge

If you’re looking to get some more exercise and are ready to move up larger hills while still experiencing the beautiful Seattle bike trails and scenery, then this 10-mile trail is for you! Alongside the I-90 freeway, this route runs from Sturgis Park in Seattle, all the way to Factoria Blvd. in Bellevue. If you aren’t quite ready to ride the whole distance, there is also a trailhead on Mercer Island. Pack a lunch, have a picnic in one of the parks that sit on top of the freeway, and completely forget that you’re in the middle of a city.

With mild weather year-round and beautiful scenery, Seattle bike trails provide the perfect way to get the family out of the house and into the bike trailer! Pick one of the beautiful Seattle bike trails and make sure you have the perfect gear! Hamax child bike seats and multi-sport trailers are kid-friendly, safety certified, and parent approved. Enjoy your adventure!