Mercer Island, Washington is a great place for families with kids. The city is located in the middle of Lake Washington and offers a variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or indoor play, Mercer Island has something for everyone.

One of the best spots for kids on Mercer Island is Luther Burbank Park. This 77-acre park has a beach, playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park also hosts outdoor concerts and theater performances during the summer months. Kids can enjoy playing in the sand, exploring the trails, or having a picnic with their family.

Another great spot for kids is Animal Encounters. This educational facility offers hands-on experiences with a variety of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Kids can learn about the animals and their habitats, as well as participate in interactive activities. Animal Encounters also hosts birthday parties and summer camps for kids.

Parks and Playgrounds

Deane’s Children’s Park

Deane’s Children’s Park, also known as “Dragon Park,” is a popular park on Mercer Island, Washington, that offers a variety of playground equipment for children aged 3 through 9. The park is located at 5500 Island Crest Way and has a covered picnic shelter area and walking trails. One of the park’s main attractions is the 45-foot dragon slide and climbing structure, which is a hit among kids. The park was developed through volunteer labor and donated funds and materials by the Mercer Island Preschool Association.

Luther Burbank Park

Luther Burbank Park is the largest playground on Mercer Island and is located on the north end of the island. The park offers an expansive area with trails, tennis courts, a public boating dock, a fishing pier, and an off-leash dog park. The playground is a favorite among kids, with its real beach and awesome playground equipment. The park is located at 2040 84th Ave SE and is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

Groveland Beach Park

Groveland Beach Park is located on the east shore of Mercer Island and offers a small sandy beach area for kids to play in the water and build sandcastles. The park also has a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures for kids to enjoy. The park is located at 7315 W Mercer Way and is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Overall, Mercer Island offers several parks and playgrounds that are perfect for kids. Whether your child wants to slide down a giant dragon or play in the sand and water, there is something for everyone on the island.

Indoor Activities

Mercer Island, Washington offers a variety of indoor activities for kids. Here are some of the best options:

Mercer Island Community & Event Center

The Mercer Island Community & Event Center is a great place for kids to engage in various indoor activities. The center has a variety of programs for kids of all ages, including art classes, dance classes, and sports activities. The center also has a gymnasium, indoor pool, and a rock climbing wall.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum

Another great indoor activity for kids is the KidsQuest Children’s Museum. This museum is designed for kids ages 0-10 and offers a variety of interactive exhibits that allow children to explore and learn about the world around them. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including a water play area, a treehouse, and a mini grocery store.

Stroum Jewish Community Center

The Stroum Jewish Community Center is another great indoor activity option for kids. The center has a variety of programs for kids of all ages, including art classes, dance classes, and sports activities. The center also has a gymnasium, indoor pool, and a rock climbing wall.

Overall, Mercer Island offers a variety of indoor activities for kids. Whether you’re looking for art classes, dance classes, or sports activities, there’s something for everyone.

Educational Spots

Mercer Island offers several educational spots for kids to learn and explore new things. Here are two of the best educational spots on Mercer Island:

Mercer Island Library

The Mercer Island Library is a great place for kids to learn and read. It has a large collection of books, magazines, and other reading materials for children of all ages. The library also offers several educational programs and events throughout the year, including storytime, book clubs, and STEM workshops. Kids can also use the library’s computers and internet access to research and complete homework assignments.

Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center

The Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center is a nature center located in Bellevue, just a short drive from Mercer Island. It offers several educational programs and activities for kids, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and hands-on science experiments. The center also has a large collection of animal exhibits, including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey. Kids can learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of environmental conservation.

Overall, Mercer Island offers several great educational spots for kids to learn and explore new things. The Mercer Island Library and Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center are just two of the many options available to families in the area. Whether you’re looking for a fun and educational day trip or a regular after-school activity, Mercer Island has something to offer for kids of all ages.

Outdoor Adventures

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors on Mercer Island. With over 113 acres of land, there is plenty of space for kids to run around and explore. The park features several trails that are perfect for hiking and walking, and there are also picnic areas for families to enjoy.

One of the most popular trails in Pioneer Park is the Northeast Quadrant Loop, which has an elevation gain of 167 feet. This trail is suitable for kids and is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mercer Island.

Dragon Park

Deane’s Children’s Park, also known as Dragon Park, is a unique playground that is perfect for kids of all ages. The park features a 45-foot dragon slide and climbing structure that is sure to delight kids and adults alike. The park also has a large rock-climbing structure that is a draw for older kids.

In addition to the dragon slide and climbing structure, Dragon Park also has a large grassy area that is perfect for picnicking and playing games. The park is located adjacent to Island Crest Park, which has additional amenities such as tennis courts and a basketball court.

Overall, Pioneer Park and Dragon Park are two great outdoor adventures for families to enjoy on Mercer Island. With their beautiful scenery and fun activities, these parks are sure to provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Family-Friendly Dining

When it comes to dining with kids in Mercer Island, there are plenty of options that cater to families. Here are two of the best family-friendly restaurants on the island:

The Roanoke Inn

The Roanoke Inn has been a staple of Mercer Island since 1914. This historic establishment offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for families. The menu features classic American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a range of beers and wines for the adults. Kids will love the children’s menu, which includes favorites like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese. The Roanoke Inn also has a large outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying a meal on a sunny day.

Homegrown

Homegrown is a popular sandwich shop that prides itself on using fresh, local, and organic ingredients. The menu features a range of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as a kids’ menu that includes mini sandwiches and sides. The atmosphere at Homegrown is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for families with kids of all ages. The restaurant also has a commitment to sustainability, which is reflected in everything from the ingredients they use to the packaging they use for takeout orders.

Overall, Mercer Island has plenty of great options for families looking to enjoy a meal together. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American fare or fresh, organic sandwiches, there’s something for everyone on the island.

Seasonal Events

Summer Celebration

One of the most anticipated events of the year on Mercer Island is the Summer Celebration. This annual event takes place in July and features a variety of activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. There are live music performances, food vendors, a parade, and even a fireworks display to cap off the festivities.

Kids will love the carnival rides and games that are set up throughout the event. There are also plenty of arts and crafts activities that will keep them entertained for hours. Parents will appreciate the variety of food options available, including local favorites like burgers and hot dogs.

Mercerdale Park Winter Festival

During the winter months, the Mercerdale Park Winter Festival is a must-attend event for families with kids. This festival takes place in December and features a variety of winter-themed activities. Kids can take part in snowman building contests, ice skating, and even a visit with Santa Claus.

Parents will appreciate the hot cocoa and warm cider that is available to help keep them warm during the chilly winter weather. There are also plenty of food vendors on hand, serving up everything from hot soups to freshly baked cookies.

Overall, Mercer Island is a great place for families with kids. With a variety of year-round activities and events, there is always something fun and exciting to do.