Ever wondered what it’s like to live like a local in the charming city of Kirkland? I’ve spent years exploring every nook and cranny of this vibrant place, and I’m excited to share my favorite must-do activities with you.

From tranquil parks to bustling markets, Kirkland offers a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a culture vulture, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy in this hidden gem of a city.

Juanita bay parl

Let’s shift our focus to Juanita Bay Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and peace seekers. This urban wildlife habitat, covering over 110 acres, offers a unique retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Walk Along the Boardwalks

Let’s start our exploration with a stroll along the wooden boardwalks. Send your senses on a journey as you listen to the soft chirp of birds, savor the sweet smell of blooming flowers, and feel the gentle breeze on your skin. Around each bend, Red-winged Blackbirds, Great Blue Herons, and Turtles are common sightings, just to name a few species.

Participate in Guided Tours

Make the most of your visit by participating in free guided tours offered by Kirkland Park Rangers. This tour isn’t simply a walk in the park. Rangers enlighten visitors on various flora and fauna and explain the park’s significance in maintaining local biodiversity. It’s an excellent opportunity for natural science enthusiasts or anyone interested in Kirkland’s ecological side.

Picnic in the Park

Feeling peckish? Settle down for a picnic in the lush Green Spaces. With the backdrop of Lake Washington, it’s a picturesque spot to unwind. However, remember to clean up after yourself, maintaining the park’s cleanliness and integrity.

Explore Trails With Bicycles

If you’re more the active type, rent a bicycle and take advantage of numerous trails meandering through the park. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cyclist, these trails cater to all types of bikers. But keep in mind to stick to designated pathways to protect nature and prevent any undue damage.

Inherent in Kirkland’s DNA, Juanita Bay Park effortlessly blends serenity with recreation. This delightful balance encapsulates what the city of Kirkland is all about: tranquility amidst excitement. Enjoy your local adventure in Juanita Bay Park. Remember, the best way to truly appreciate it is to experience it.

bridle trials state parl

Upon leaving the serene ambiance of Juanita Bay Park, one might wonder if anything can top that experience. Just a couple of miles away lies the Bridle Trails State Park, a ready contender for Kirkland’s crown of nature-infused tranquility.

Immersed in the Forest’s Embrace

Speaking of a grand woodland experience, there’s nothing parallel to the old-growth forest in Bridle Trails State Park. Boasting over 28 miles of trails nestled amid 482 acres of woodland, it’s where equine lovers rejoice and hikers indulge in captivating nature trails. Whether you’re a fan of horseback riding or simply enjoy the soundscape of hundreds of bird species, this park offers a perfectly intimate encounter with nature.

Yearly Events Attracting Numerous Visitors

Delving into a bevy of unforgettable events, Bridle Trails State Park stands out amidst Kirkland’s plethora of parks. Its annual “Party in the Park” isn’t just a summer attraction. It brings the community together with activities like pony rides, circuses, and food trucks. On the other hand, the “Winter Trail Running Series” caters to fitness enthusiasts seeking a challenge amidst the park’s scenic backdrop. Bridle Trails State Park holds, beyond doubt, a unique appeal, attracting well over fifty thousand visitors each year.

Park’s Amenities: More than Just Trails

Beyond the trails, the park also tempts me with its array of amenities. Picnic tables tucked amongst towering trees invite me for a quiet meal, while the horse show grounds often host fascinating equestrian events. For those interested in equines, there are three horse-friendly arenas to explore. Indeed, Bridle Trails State Park marries wilderness with utility, beckoning visitors from all walks of life to indulge in its diverse offerings.

Stunning old-growth forests, engaging yearly events, and an array of amenities; it’s no wonder Bridle Trials State Park lures so many eager adventurers. As a local, I don’t just recommend visiting the park—I insist on it. After all, no tour of Kirkland’s must-do’s would be complete without a trip to this gorgeous green haven.

marina parl

Steering away from the immense nature of Bridle Trails State Park, Marina Park unfolds a different facet of Kirkland’s charm on the waterfront. Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Washington, Marina Park serves as a hub of outdoor activity and local festivities.

Marina Park spans over 4 acres, beautifully blending the serene lakeside setting with recreational facilities and open spaces. It acts as an epic locale for water-centric activities. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, it’s an invigorating way to explore Lake Washington’s crystal clear waters. The park boasts a well-maintained boat launch facility, catering to the needs of dedicated boaters and fishing enthusiasts.

The park doesn’t just stop at water activities, though. It’s home to a vast grassy field, perfect for picnics and concerts, and its well-lit, paved walkways offer breathtaking waterfront and city skyline views. The trail woven through the park connects to a broader regional trail system, perfect for long walks, scenic biking, or leisurely strolls.

Marina Park’s public art installations lend a unique character to the whole space. For instance, time spent near Captain’s Wheel, a famed local sculpture, can both educate and inspire.

Moreover, the park acts as the stage for various popular events such as the Kirkland Summer Concert Series, Kirkland Uncorked, and the yearly 4th of July firework display. These cultural events, coupled with the natural beauty of the park, make for perfect memory-making experiences.

Lastly, let’s not forget the park’s historic gem – the Marina Park Pavilion. This iconic structure, repurposed from an old ferry terminal, now hosts a multitude of community events and private gatherings.

Marina Park effortlessly encapsulates the essence of Kirkland’s community-oriented spirit and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit for every local and visitor. In the midst of an urban setting, it offers a refreshing taste of waterfront leisure, local art, community events, and historical charm.

kirkland library

Transitioning from the natural beauty of Marina Park, let’s explore one of the intellectual havens in Kirkland—the Kirkland Library. Here’s an insider’s guide to its offerings.

A Wealth of Learning Resources

Broadly, Kirkland Library distinguishes itself with a vast collection of books, E-books, and audiobooks. Its digital database offers over 50,000 novels, academic texts, and children’s books, ensuring an enriching literary experience for all age groups. For instance, kids are charmed by popular titles like “Harry Potter” and “Charlotte’s Web,” while adults delve into works by authors such as Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling.

Art Exhibits

Art enthusiasts find a home at Kirkland Library, too. On a regular basis, the library hosts local and regional art exhibits. The diversity, from modern abstract paintings to traditional sculptures, allows visitors an intimate glimpse into local art. One memorable display featured Kirkland’s own sculptor, Dale Chihuly, showcasing a vibrant collection of his glass artwork.

Regular Events and Workshops

Engaging events form the backbone of Kirkland Library’s community outreach. Often, you’ll find workshops on creative writing, digital literacy, poetry reading, and more on the library’s event calendar. For instance, the annual “Kirkland Reads, Creating Conversations” unites the community through shared readings and open dialogues on impactful books.

Community Programs

Unique to Kirkland Library is its dedication to community enhancement programs. These programs range from English language classes for adults to homework help for school-aged children. Notably, there’s the Kirkland Reads program, encouraging city-wide discussion on selected books.

Digital Facilities

Lastly, Kirkland Library is quick to accommodate the digital age. It offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, digital printing, and 3D printing facilities. Whether you’re a student researching for an assignment, a professional working remotely, or simply in need of a quiet space to browse, Kirkland Library caters to your digital needs.

chainline brewing company

After immersing oneself in Kirkland’s vast trails, waterfront activities, enriching books, and digital amenities, it’s apt to shift the focus to another local favorite – Chainline Brewing Company. Chainline, a gem tucked away in Kirkland, presents an experience that’s often deemed memorable by both locals and visitors.

Among the many facets of the Chainline Brewing Company, its standout feature is its locally brewed beers. With a robust variety that includes Czech-style lagers to unique ales, the flavors available are guaranteed to appease any beer enthusiast’s palate. More specifically, I’ve seen patrons applaud its Polaris Pilsner and Tune Up IPA for their exceptional taste and smooth finish.

Beyond its fine brews, another distinctive characteristic of Chainline Brewing Company lies in its location. Situated alongside the Cross Kirkland Corridor, the brewery presents a scenic setup, welcoming visitors with views of the picturesque landscape. It’s a common sight to find guests enjoying their beers post a cycling session, taking in the scenery.

Chainline Brewing Company also prioritizes a vibrant environment. Returning to the location aspect, it’s worth mentioning Chainline’s old-fashioned garage-style setup. It allows natural light inward, creating a spacious, airy atmosphere that most find quite inviting. To add to this, frequent live music and food trucks turn brewing company visits into mini festivals.

In terms of hours, Chainline Brewing Company operates Wednesdays through Sundays. Operation times differ, however, with Wednesdays and Thursdays being open between 4-8PM, Fridays from 3-9PM, Saturdays from 12-9PM, and finishing the week on Sunday from 12-7PM.

Here’s a quick snapshot of their operating hours:

My local’s perspective won’t be complete without musing about Chainline’s connection to the community. Whether it’s their support for cycling events or participation in local benefits, Chainline Brewing Company surely exemplifies the community spirit of Kirkland itself.

132nd square park

Nestling in the heart of Kirkland, the 132nd Square Park glistens as a hidden treasure for locals and visitors alike. Resplendent in nature’s beauty, this park sprawls over nearly 9 acres, boasting robust amenities, lush green spaces, and areas that delight children and adults.

Covering the playground first, it’s incredibly well-equipped, inviting and inclusive. Filled with a variety of features, including swings, jungle gyms, and slides, children of all abilities can enjoy pure, unfiltered fun here. Shade trees at strategic spots provide comfort against glaring sun, allowing parents to comfortably monitor their children’s playtime.

For sports enthusiasts, the park dominates with well-maintained sports courts. Here, multipurpose fields cater to activities like soccer or frisbee, while the basketball and tennis courts attract teams or individuals for exciting match-ups. Regular park visitors enjoy the freedom of organizing spontaneous games that foster camaraderie among the local community.

For outdoor lovers, picnic spots, barbecue areas, and open green spaces offer ample room for relaxed recreation. Tourists set up their picnic spreads, immersing in nature’s caress, while locals enjoy barbecue parties, basking in good company.

For fitness aficionados, the park’s walking trails are enticing. The paved paths meander through the park, flanked by vibrant foliage, providing a serene backdrop for morning jogs or evening strolls. Pet owners frequent these trails, making them a popular hub for furry friends.

The park brims with holistic appeal by engaging visitors in diverse ways. Year-round, it hosts community events, like summer concerts and holiday festivals, reflecting Kirkland’s community spirit. Maintained by Kirkland’s Parks Department, the park is an expression of the city’s commitment to enriching lives through the provision of beautifully manicured, welcoming outdoor spaces.

Adding another dimension, the park’s public art installations imbue it with cultural significance, beckoning art lovers for a contemplative visit. These curated pieces stand as silent, compelling narrators of the city’s culture and history.

For visitors seeking convenience, the 132nd Square Park offers ample parking space. A public restroom within the park contributes to the ease of a day-out.

flycaster brewing

And there you have it folks! It’s been a joy sharing my favorite Kirkland spots with you. From the stunning Bridle Trails State Park to the bustling Marina Park, there’s always something to do here. Don’t forget to swing by the Kirkland Library or grab a brew at Chainline Brewing Company. And of course, the hidden gem of our city, 132nd Square Park. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, a game of basketball, or a leisurely stroll. Kirkland truly is a city that values its outdoor spaces and community spirit. So whether you’re a local or just visiting, I hope you’ll take the time to explore these must-do activities. Trust me, you won’t regret it!