Fabulous Free Things to Do

Despite Kirkland’s reputation as upscale, as evidenced by some of the exclusive neighborhoods and stunning residences peppered throughout the City, it is still possible for guests to enjoy Kirkland on a budget!

Visit the Kirkland Arts Center

For nearly 60 years, Kirkland Arts Center has served as a vibrant oasis where artists and the community can to come together for transformational artistic experiences. And despite the current, ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on the nonprofit’s ability to host classes and exhibits, KAC has worked exhaustively to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 and do everything possible to continue its vital service to the community.

Explore Juanita Bay with the Eastside Audubon Society 

If you are lucky (or strategic) enough to visit Kirkland on the first Sunday or the third Tuesday of any given month, the Eastside Audubon Society offers whimsical, compelling tours through historic Juanita Bay Park. The Sunday nature walk begins at 1 p.m.; the Tuesday birdwatching expeditions at 8 in the morning. The tours are given by volunteer park rangers, all of whom carry extensive knowledge of the park, its history, and the wildlife that call it home. 

These nature walks are free, and remarkably engaging for kids and adults alike! 

Enjoy learning the history of the park, while spotting curious critters – including beavers and muskrats – basking in the area’s lush and vibrant shorelines. Binoculars are a great idea on these nature-filled excursions, and hopeful photogs would be remiss if they didn’t arrive equipped with their best zoom lens. Situated less than three miles from downtown, Juanita Bay is a local treasure, filling explorers with serenity and wonder at the extensive and diverse population of wildlife that live there.

Play at the Google Campus – also known as Feriton Spur

Conveniently located right on the Cross Kirkland Corridor, Google’s deep investment into the corridor has rendered as a picture-perfect, fun-filled family-friendly playground including a zip line, children’s play structure, basketball court, sandy volleyball court, bocce ball, exercise equipment and a bright red caboose that your kiddos can climb all over. The park features lush grassy areas, manicured garden areas and public benches that are perfect for picnics! Stay tuned for updates, because there is more to come! 

Kirkland Parks

Explore Parks

kirkland parks

Cross Kirkland Corridor

The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a compacted crushed gravel 5.75 mile segment of the Eastside Rail...

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Bridle Trails State Park

Bridle Trails State Park is 489-acre Washington state park in the Bridle Trails neighborhood of...

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O.O. Denny

Named after Orion Denny, O.O. Denny Park offers hiking trails, BBQs, covered structures for picnics...

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Juanita Bay Park

Juanita Bay Park abounds with flora and fauna and features views of Forbes Creek Wetland, Juanita...

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David E Brink

Named after the David E. Brink, the Kirkland parks director responsible for establishing many other...

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Big Finn Hill Park

Big Finn Hill Park is part of the King County Parks system, but luckily for Kirkland, it lies within...

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Heritage Park

Heritage Park is a precious piece of Kirkland history! This park offers expansive views of Lake...

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Houghton Beach Park

Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park lies between Carillon Point and downtown Kirkland along Lake...

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Jasper's off-Leash Dog Park

Jasper's Off Leash Dog Park is a 2-acre fenced off leash dog park located in the Totem Lake area....

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Juanita Beach Park

Newly renovated Juanita Beach is one of Kirkland's most popular parks! Juanita Beach Park features a...

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Marina Park

Downtown and close to many restaurants and shops, Marina Park features a sandy beach—perfect to get...

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Saint Edward State Park

Saint Edward State Park spans areas of both Kirkland and Kenmore. It offers 316 acres with 3,000...

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Peter Kirk Park and Pool/Lee Johnson Field

Named after Kirkland's city founder, Peter Kirk Park hosts Lake Washington and Juanita High School...

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Watershed Park

Watershed Park is tucked away in south Kirkland like a carefully held secret waiting to be...

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Waverly Beach Park

Waverly Beach Park is a stunning 2.76 lakefront park with 490 lineal feet of shoreline on Lake...

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132nd Square Park

132nd Square Park is a beloved community asset! Located in the Kingsgate area, this lovely corner...

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Water Activities

Kirkland is home to beautiful waterfront parks and beaches with an array of boating activities. Spectacular year-round sunsets reflect the mood of the region and the season.

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