Kirkland, Washington is a beautiful city located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. The city is known for its stunning waterfront parks, hiking trails, and green spaces. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, exploring the parks in Kirkland is a must-do activity. In this article, we will highlight some of the best parks in Kirkland that you should add to your itinerary.

One of the most popular parks in Kirkland is Juanita Bay Park. This 110-acre park features a boardwalk trail that winds through wetlands and offers stunning views of Lake Washington. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and kayaking in the park. Another great park in Kirkland is North Rose Hill Woodlands Park. This park features hiking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to spend a day with family or friends.

Kirkland also boasts the 5.75-mile Cross Kirkland Corridor, which is a crushed gravel trail perfect for exploring the city by bike or foot. The trail runs through several parks and green spaces, making it a great way to experience the natural beauty of Kirkland. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or an outdoor adventure, Kirkland’s parks have something for everyone.

Top Rated Parks in Kirkland

Kirkland is known for its beautiful parks and nature attractions. Here are the top-rated parks in Kirkland, where visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Juanita Beach Park

Juanita Beach Park is one of the most popular parks in Kirkland. It features a beautiful sandy beach, a playground, picnic areas, and a volleyball court. Visitors can also rent paddleboards and kayaks to explore the lake. The park is perfect for families with children, as there are many activities to keep them entertained.

Marina Park

Marina Park is located in the heart of downtown Kirkland, and it offers stunning views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. The park features a large dock, a playground, picnic areas, and a beach. Visitors can also rent paddleboards and kayaks to explore the lake. The park is perfect for a romantic evening stroll or a family picnic.

Waverly Beach Park

Waverly Beach Park is a hidden gem in Kirkland. It features a small beach, a playground, and picnic areas. The park is perfect for a quiet afternoon picnic or a relaxing swim in the lake. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic walk along the park’s trails.

Overall, Kirkland’s parks offer something for everyone, from sandy beaches to scenic trails. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Family-Friendly Parks

Kirkland, Washington is a great place for families to spend time together outdoors. The city has a variety of parks that offer something for everyone, from playgrounds to picnic areas to hiking trails. Here are three family-friendly parks in Kirkland that are worth checking out:

Peter Kirk Park

Peter Kirk Park is a popular destination for families in Kirkland. This park has a large playground with a variety of equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. The playground is suitable for children of all ages, and there are plenty of benches and picnic tables nearby for parents to relax and watch their kids play.

In addition to the playground, Peter Kirk Park has a basketball court, a tennis court, and a large grassy field that’s perfect for playing games or having a picnic. There’s also a paved walking path that circles the park, making it a great place to go for a stroll or a bike ride.

Crestwoods Park

Crestwoods Park is another great family-friendly park in Kirkland. This park has a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as a large grassy field that’s perfect for playing games or having a picnic. There are also tennis courts and a basketball court for kids and adults to enjoy.

One of the unique features of Crestwoods Park is the disc golf course. This 9-hole course winds through the park and is a fun activity for families to try together. The park also has a paved walking path that’s great for strollers or bikes.

Phyllis A. Needy Park

Phyllis A. Needy Park is a smaller park in Kirkland, but it’s still a great place for families to spend time together outdoors. This park has a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as a large grassy area for playing games or having a picnic. There’s also a paved walking path that circles the park.

One of the unique features of Phyllis A. Needy Park is the community garden. Families can rent a plot and grow their own vegetables and flowers. This is a great way to teach kids about where their food comes from and to get them interested in gardening.

Overall, Kirkland has many great parks that are perfect for families. Whether you’re looking for a playground, a picnic area, or a hiking trail, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Parks with Hiking Trails

Kirkland, Washington is home to many beautiful parks with hiking trails that offer scenic views and a chance to connect with nature. Here are some of the best parks with hiking trails in Kirkland:

Bridle Trails State Park

Bridle Trails State Park is a 482-acre park that offers over 28 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The park has a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a horse arena.

O.O. Denny Park

O.O. Denny Park is a 46-acre park that has over a mile of hiking trails. The park’s trails are easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a beach where visitors can swim and enjoy the views of Lake Washington.

Big Finn Hill Park

Big Finn Hill Park is a 220-acre park that offers over 8 miles of hiking trails. The park’s trails are easy to moderate and offer scenic views of Lake Washington and the surrounding forests. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a dog park.

Overall, Kirkland, Washington has many beautiful parks with hiking trails that offer a chance to connect with nature and enjoy scenic views. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, there is a park with a trail that is suitable for you.

Waterfront Parks

Kirkland, Washington is home to several beautiful waterfront parks perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the stunning views of Lake Washington. Here are some of the top waterfront parks in Kirkland:

Houghton Beach Park

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, Houghton Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The park features a large grassy area, a sandy beach, and a playground for children. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Seattle skyline.

David E. Brink Park

David E. Brink Park is a small but picturesque park located on the western shore of Lake Washington. The park features a dock, picnic tables, and a small beach area. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the calm waters of the lake. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching.

Marsh Park

Marsh Park is a hidden gem located on the northeastern shore of Lake Washington. The park features a small beach area, a playground, and a picnic shelter. Visitors can also enjoy a short hike on the park’s nature trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding wetlands.

Overall, Kirkland’s waterfront parks offer something for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and birdwatching. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these parks are a must-see destination in Kirkland.

Dog-Friendly Parks

Kirkland is a great place to visit with your furry friend. The city has several parks that are dog-friendly and provide ample space for dogs to play and exercise. Here are two of the best dog-friendly parks in Kirkland:

Jasper’s Dog Park

Jasper’s Dog Park is a popular off-leash dog park located in the heart of Kirkland. The park has two separate areas for small and large dogs. The large dog area has an open space with benches and a more wooded, natural area as well as an agility course. The small dog area is a bit more secluded and has several benches where owners can sit and watch their dogs play. The park is well-maintained and has plenty of waste bags and trash cans available.

Edith Moulton Park

Edith Moulton Park is a beautiful park located in the north of Kirkland. The park has a large off-leash dog area that is fully fenced and has plenty of space for dogs to run and play. The park also has several trails that are great for walking and hiking with your dog. The park is well-maintained and has plenty of waste bags and trash cans available.

Both Jasper’s Dog Park and Edith Moulton Park are great options for dog owners looking for a place to exercise and play with their furry friends. These parks provide ample space for dogs to run and play, and are well-maintained with plenty of amenities available for dog owners.

Parks with Sports Facilities

Kirkland, Washington, has a variety of parks that offer sports facilities for visitors to enjoy. Here are two parks that are worth visiting:

132nd Square Park

132nd Square Park is a popular park in Kirkland that offers a wide range of sports facilities. The park includes a basketball court, a tennis court, and a soccer field. The basketball court is a full-size court with two hoops, making it perfect for a game of pick-up basketball. The tennis court is also full-size and is surrounded by a fence to keep the ball in play. The soccer field is large enough to accommodate multiple games at once and is often used by local soccer teams for practice.

In addition to the sports facilities, 132nd Square Park also has a playground for children, picnic tables, and a walking trail. The park is perfect for families who want to spend a day outside playing sports and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

North Kirkland Community Center

The North Kirkland Community Center is another park in Kirkland that offers sports facilities for visitors. The park has a baseball field, a soccer field, and a basketball court. The baseball field is well-maintained and is used by local baseball teams for games and practices. The soccer field is also well-maintained and is often used by local soccer teams for practice.

The basketball court is a half-court with one hoop and is perfect for a game of one-on-one or a small group of people. In addition to the sports facilities, the North Kirkland Community Center also has a playground for children, picnic tables, and a covered area for events.

Overall, Kirkland, Washington, has many parks that offer sports facilities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a place to play basketball, soccer, or baseball, there is a park in Kirkland that has what you need.

Parks with Natural Reserves

Kirkland, Washington, is known for its beautiful parks and natural reserves. Here are two parks with natural reserves that are worth visiting:

Yarrow Bay Wetlands

Located in the heart of Kirkland, Yarrow Bay Wetlands is a beautiful park that provides a unique opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna. The park features a boardwalk that winds through the wetlands, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of bird species, including herons, ducks, and geese. The park also has a picnic area and benches for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Juanita Bay Park

Juanita Bay Park is a 110-acre park located on the shores of Lake Washington. The park features a natural wetland that is home to a variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and herons. The park also has a boardwalk that winds through the wetland, providing visitors with a chance to observe the local flora and fauna up close. In addition to the wetland, the park has a beach, picnic area, and playground, making it a great place for families to spend the day.

Both Yarrow Bay Wetlands and Juanita Bay Park are great examples of Kirkland’s commitment to preserving its natural resources. These parks provide a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the local flora and fauna, and are a must-visit for anyone interested in nature.

Seasonal Activities in Kirkland Parks

Kirkland parks offer a variety of seasonal activities for visitors to enjoy. From summer concerts to outdoor movie nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Summer Concert Series

During the summer months, Kirkland parks host a variety of free concerts for visitors to enjoy. Juanita Beach Park is a popular location for these concerts, with a beautiful waterfront setting and plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the music. Other parks that host summer concerts include Marina Park and Peter Kirk Park.

Visitors can bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music while taking in the beautiful scenery. The concert series features a variety of music genres, from rock and pop to jazz and blues. Some of the concerts even offer food and beverage vendors for visitors to enjoy.

Outdoor Movie Nights

Kirkland parks also offer outdoor movie nights during the summer months. These events are free and open to the public, and feature family-friendly movies that are perfect for a night out with the kids. Juanita Beach Park is a popular location for these events, with a large grassy area perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying the movie.

Visitors can bring their own snacks and drinks, or purchase food and beverages from vendors at the event. The movie nights are a great way to enjoy a warm summer evening with friends and family.

Overall, Kirkland parks offer a variety of seasonal activities that are perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening listening to music or a fun night out watching a movie, Kirkland parks have something for everyone to enjoy.

Park Amenities and Facilities

Kirkland, Washington has a variety of parks that offer many amenities and facilities to visitors. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Picnic Areas

Many of Kirkland’s parks have designated picnic areas with tables, benches, and grills. Juanita Beach Park, for example, has a covered picnic shelter that can be reserved for private events. Heritage Park has a large grassy area that is perfect for picnicking, and Peter Kirk Park has a small picnic area with a few tables.

Playgrounds

Kirkland’s parks also have playgrounds that are perfect for children of all ages. North Rose Hill Woodlands Park, for instance, has a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. Juanita Beach Park has a smaller playground that is suitable for younger children, and Heritage Park has a playground with a sandbox and a water play area.

Public Art

Kirkland’s parks are also home to many public art installations that add to their beauty and charm. For example, Marina Park has a sculpture called “Wave Rhythms” that was created by artist Ries Niemi. This sculpture features a series of stainless steel waves that move with the wind, creating a mesmerizing effect. David E. Brink Park has a sculpture called “Echoes” that was created by artist John Fleming. This sculpture is made of bronze and features a series of interconnected circles that represent the interconnectedness of all things.

Overall, Kirkland’s parks offer a wide range of amenities and facilities that make them perfect for picnicking, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to let your children run wild, Kirkland’s parks have something for everyone.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a visit to the parks in Kirkland, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This section will cover important details such as park hours, rules, accessibility, and parking.

Park Hours and Rules

Most of the parks in Kirkland are open from dawn until dusk, but it’s important to check the specific park’s hours before planning your visit. Some parks have different hours depending on the season, so it’s best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm.

Visitors should also be aware of the park rules to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Rules may vary by park, but some common rules include:

• No smoking or vaping
• No alcohol or drugs
• No littering
• No pets (unless on a leash)
• No camping or fires
• No swimming or diving

Accessibility and Parking

Most of the parks in Kirkland are accessible to people with disabilities, with features such as paved paths, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. However, it’s always best to check the specific park’s accessibility features before planning your visit.

Parking is available at most parks, but some parks may have limited parking spaces. Visitors should also be aware of any parking fees or restrictions, such as time limits or permit requirements. It’s always a good idea to arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially on weekends or during peak season.

By keeping these important details in mind, visitors can plan a successful and enjoyable visit to the parks in Kirkland.