Favorites For Family Biking
This easy bike loop combines fun and funky Seattle sites with delicious eats for adults and kids alike—plus just enough exercise to make bedtime a cinch.
These recommendations are based on businesses open and operating under Phase 2 of the state’s Healthy Washington – Road to Recovery plan as of Feb. 24, 2021. Read our Travel Advisory for more details. In addition, please check ahead on business’ websites to ensure knowledge of their guidelines and protocols.
DAY ONE
Steps away from the water, the Staybridge Suites Seattle-South Lake Union is a residential style hotel that is a great fit for kids and pets. With seaplanes and wooden boats nearby, morning walks and evening strolls along South Lake Union are sure to delight.
For more hotels like the Staybridge SLU, The Westin Seattle, Sheraton Grand Seattle, and Inn at Queen Anne are also in the neighborhood.
Pedal Anywhere Seattle is a local bike shop that rents adult and kids bikes, right down the street from the SLU Staybridge. They deliver and pick up bikes, helmets, and bike locks, so if you decide you want breakfast before you start biking, you can have them meet you at the restaurant instead.
More in the mood for a cute sit-down breakfast? Drive to Norm’s Eatery and Ale House, and enjoy the Belgian waffles and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Your first stop is Woodland Park Zoo. Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance, bike the scenic two miles to get there, and get up close and personal with the penguins at the Humboldt exhibit.
On weekends, Pablo y Pablo opens at noon, and serves up hearty Mexican fare perfect for a day of biking. When you’re ready for lunch, order ahead and pedal over to the restaurant. Pro-tip: Grab the xoxo cocoa hot chocolate for the kids and the prickly pear Paloma for the adults. Pablo y Pablo is located right next door to Gas Works Park, the premier picnic spot.
Pick up your lunch and bike to Gas Works Park. Complete with retro steam art and the perfect kite flying hill, this historic park is a great spot to eat and an even better spot to play.
Kids love playing tag in the wide-open spaces, and parents will enjoy the breathtaking views.
Connecting Gas Works and Lake Union Park is Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, a 6-mile biking and walking loop that allows for killer views of the lake and passes more than 35 smaller “pocket” parks.
Gas Works is a one-mile ride from Frelard Pizza, the Fremont outpost of Ballard Pizza Co and an outdoor staple. Kids love their Carbonara pizza and adults love their rotating selection of draft beers. Grab a table near their outdoor fire pit to relax.
From Frelard, you can have Pedal Anywhere Seattle pick up your bikes, or, you can bike back to the hotel, and have them pick them up there. If you parked at Norm’s you’re a 3-minute ride away from your car.
Looking for a serene, end-of-day walk? Take the kids to see the wooden boats on South Lake Union at sundown to make the perfect backdrop for winding down.
Top off the day with A La Mode Pies. Grab a slice of the Blue Hawaiian for a treat that delights adults and kids alike.
DAY TWO
Raised Doughnuts opens at 9am on weekends and 7am on weekdays. Get there early and try their famous Raspberry Doughnut Holes—before they sell out. If you’re there on a weekend, try a slice of one of their delicious Raised Cakes—the flavors change every week, so check their Instagram @raisedcakes for details.
Dig in to your breakfast at Volunteer Park, a short drive away. For Soundgarden fans, the “Black Sun” sculpture that sits in this park was the inspiration for their smash-hit “Black Hole Sun.” Take in the historic sculpture and start planning your next Seattle adventure together.
About the Author
I Know A Place
Looking for more ways to adventure in Seattle? We've asked some of Seattle's underground experts to give us their favorites. CHECK OUT THE SERIES >>
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