An Insider’s Guide to the Eastside
Inspiration Playground
9 play-packed family outings around the 425 By Kate Missine
Ahh, the Eastside. While it may not quite have Seattle’s street cred, it certainly draws in families with its picture-pretty neighborhoods, abundant green spaces and plentiful kid-friendly amenities. And though some may think of the suburbs hugging Lake Washington’s eastern edge as one homogenous mass of minivans and chain restaurants, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. From Bellevue’s urban skyscrapers to Fall City’s bucolic charm, each Eastside community boasts its own character as well as amazing independent shops and restaurants, not to mention some of the region’s most gorgeous hikes and thrilling family adventures. The Eastside really has it all for residents and visitors alike, so keep reading for this Eastside mama’s insider’s guide to the best familyfriendly fun the 425 has to offer.
ground feature conceivable, from a fairy-tale climbing-vine wall to a natural-rock spray park complete with a waterfall. There are even swinging benches for the grown-ups!
Bellevue Downtown Park
1. Bellevue Inspiration
Playground and KidsQuest Museum, Bellevue
This gem may not be quite hidden, but the incredible Inspiration Playground (bellevuewa.gov), in the center of downtown Bellevue, is nothing short of, well, inspirational. Surrounded by Bellevue Downtown Park’s sprawling lawns and cascading ponds, this playground was designed to be accessible to all, and offers every sort of play-
Minutes away, KidsQuest Children’s Museum (kidsquestmuseum.org) is another don’t-miss destination, chock-full of endless interactive, educational play possibilities. For a pit stop conveniently located right across from the park, check out Third Culture Coffee (thirdculturecoffee.com), where kiddos can play on the giant indoor swing while moms and dads recaffeinate.
2. Berry picking and Remlinger Farms, Carnation Got a picky one on your hands? Put that quality to its proper use with an enticement they won’t be able to
Did you know? Eastside cities got their start as logging or mining towns. They later burgeoned into Seattle’s postwar bedroom communities after the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge across Lake Washington was completed in 1940.
INSIDERS’ GUIDE / 33
