10 Kid-Approved Things to Do in Kirkland, WA

Planning a family getaway to the Eastside? Kirkland is full of opportunities for little adventurers, curious explorers, and kids who simply need a place to run, play, and have fun. From sandy beaches and imaginative playgrounds to wildlife discoveries and sweet treats, there is something for every age and every kind of family outing.

Whether you are visiting for the weekend or looking for a new adventure close to home, Kirkland makes it easy to turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable experience. With beautiful waterfront parks, family-friendly attractions, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of places to grab a snack along the way, you may find it hard to fit everything into one visit.

Here are 10 kid-approved ways to explore Kirkland with the whole family!

1. Build Sandcastles at Juanita Beach Park

Few things say summer quite like a day at the beach, and Juanita Beach Park is one of Kirkland's favorite family destinations. Located along Lake Washington, this popular waterfront park features a sandy swimming beach, playground, picnic shelters, walking paths, and plenty of room to spread out.

Kids can build sandcastles, splash in the designated swimming area, enjoy the playground, or watch the boats out on the lake. Parents can relax with a picnic while taking in the beautiful waterfront views.

The park is also home to seasonal community events and the Juanita Friday Market, making it an especially fun destination during the summer months.

Kid-approved activity: Pack a beach bag, bring a bucket and shovel, and spend the afternoon building the ultimate sandcastle.

2. Explore the Waterfront at Marina Park

Right in the heart of downtown, Marina Park offers a little bit of everything for a family outing. Kids can watch boats come into the marina, enjoy the open lawn, look for interesting public art, and take in the sights and sounds of Lake Washington.

The park is also a great starting point for exploring downtown Kirkland. Take a family walk along the waterfront, browse the nearby shops, or stop for an ice cream treat before heading back to the park.

Throughout the year, Marina Park hosts community celebrations, seasonal festivals, and special events that bring families together.

Kid-approved activity: See how many different boats you can spot in the marina, then enjoy a family photo overlooking the lake.

3. Visit the Castle Playground at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park

Ready for a playground adventure? North Rose Hill Woodlands Park, affectionately known by many locals as Castle Park, is a must-visit for families with imaginative young explorers.

The castle-themed playground features climbing structures, slides, swings, and opportunities for kids to explore and create their own adventures. There are also separate play opportunities for younger children and bigger kids.

When everyone is ready for a break from climbing, the surrounding natural area offers trails, picnic spots, and opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Kid-approved activity: Let the kids create their own castle adventure. Who will be the knight, the dragon, or the ruler of the playground?

4. Spend an Afternoon at Peter Kirk Park

Located just steps from downtown, Peter Kirk Park is a great place for families who like to keep moving. This community park features a playground, skate park, basketball court, sports fields, and seasonal outdoor swimming at the Peter Kirk Community Pool.

Depending on the season, families can enjoy everything from a playground afternoon to a summer swim or an opportunity to watch a local baseball game. Its central location also makes it easy to combine a park visit with lunch or shopping downtown.

Kid-approved activity: Bring a basketball, pack a picnic, or plan a summer afternoon around the outdoor pool. Check seasonal pool schedules before visiting.

5. Become a Nature Detective at Juanita Bay Park

For curious kids who love animals and exploring, Juanita Bay Park is an outdoor classroom waiting to be discovered.

This beautiful natural area features wetlands, boardwalks, observation areas, and walking trails. It is an excellent place to look for birds, turtles, frogs, and other wildlife that call the wetlands home.

Bring a pair of binoculars and see how many different animals your family can spot. The boardwalks provide opportunities to observe nature while helping protect the surrounding habitat.

It is also a wonderful opportunity to teach children about local ecosystems and the importance of protecting the natural environment.

Kid-approved activity: Turn your visit into a wildlife scavenger hunt. Look for birds, insects, turtles, and other signs of nature along the way.

6. Bike or Walk the Cross Kirkland Corridor

For families who enjoy being active, the Cross Kirkland Corridor offers a fun way to explore the city together. This multi-use trail connects neighborhoods, parks, and destinations throughout Kirkland.

Whether you are walking with a stroller, going for a family bike ride, or enjoying a leisurely afternoon outdoors, the corridor provides a different perspective of the city away from the busier streets.

There are multiple access points throughout Kirkland, making it easy to plan a shorter adventure for younger children or a longer outing for more experienced cyclists.

Kid-approved activity: Plan a family bike ride and make a game of spotting interesting plants, public art, and neighborhood landmarks along the way.

7. Discover the Outdoors at O.O. Denny Park

Looking for a little adventure in the woods? Head north to O.O. Denny Park in Kirkland's Finn Hill neighborhood. This beautiful natural park offers forested trails, picnic areas, and access to the Lake Washington shoreline.

It is a great destination for families who enjoy exploring nature, looking for interesting plants, and discovering the sights and sounds of the Pacific Northwest forest.

Pack a picnic, take a walk along the trails, and enjoy a quieter outdoor experience away from the downtown waterfront.

Kid-approved activity: Bring a nature journal and let the kids draw or write about the plants, trees, and wildlife they discover.

8. Visit the Kirkland Library for Storytime and More

Not every adventure needs to happen outside. The Kirkland Library, part of the King County Library System, offers families a welcoming place to discover new books, enjoy reading, and participate in community programming.

Explore the children's collection, find a new favorite story, or check the library's calendar for storytimes and other activities designed for young readers and families.

It is a great option for a rainy afternoon or a quieter break between outdoor adventures.

Kid-approved activity: Let each child pick out a book for the family to read together. You might discover a new favorite author along the way!

9. Catch a Family-Friendly Performance at Studio East

For families with budding performers, music lovers, or theater enthusiasts, Studio East offers opportunities to experience the performing arts right here in Kirkland.

Studio East is a local performing arts organization focused on theater education and performance opportunities for young people. Depending on the schedule, families can enjoy youth productions, performances, and programs that celebrate creativity and storytelling.

Watching young performers take the stage is a wonderful way to introduce children to live theater and support the local arts community.

Kid-approved activity: Check the upcoming performance calendar and plan a family theater outing. You may even inspire your own little performer!

10. Cool Off at the Kirkland Urban Splash Fountains

Sometimes the best family activities are the simplest ones. During the warmer months, the outdoor plaza at Kirkland Urban offers a fun place for families to gather, enjoy a meal, and let the kids cool off around the seasonal water fountains.

The open-air shopping and dining destination features restaurants, shops, gathering spaces, and a central plaza that makes it easy to combine a little family fun with a lunch or snack stop.

Bring a change of clothes for the kids, grab something to eat, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in downtown Kirkland.

Kid-approved activity: On warm days when the fountains are operating, let the kids enjoy a little splash time before heading out for a family meal.

Bonus: Make Time for Something Sweet

No family adventure is complete without a treat! After a day of exploring, head to downtown Kirkland and stop at Sirena Gelato on Park Lane for a scoop of small-batch gelato.

With a variety of flavors and a walkable location near the waterfront, it is a delicious way to wrap up a day of family fun. Take your treat for a stroll through downtown or find a spot to enjoy the lake views.

Make Kirkland Your Next Family Adventure

From beach days and playground adventures to wildlife discoveries and creative experiences, Kirkland offers families plenty of ways to spend quality time together.

One of the best things about exploring Kirkland is that many of these experiences are just a short distance from one another. Spend the morning at the beach, enjoy lunch downtown, visit a playground in the afternoon, and finish the day with a waterfront walk and a sweet treat.

Whether your family is visiting for the first time or looking for a new weekend tradition, there is always another corner of Kirkland waiting to be explored.

Bring the kids, make some memories, and discover why Kirkland is a great place for family adventures!