Celebrate National Picnic Day: The Best Family-Friendly Picnic Spots Around Seattle & the Eastside

Celebrate National Picnic Day on April 23rd with a perfect outing! Discover the best scenic, playground-equipped, and hike-accessible picnic spots around Seattle, Sammamish, Bellevue, and beyond.

April 23rd is National Picnic Day—the perfect excuse to grab a blanket, pack a basket, and spend some time outside with loved ones. Whether you're looking for wide-open meadows, lake views, playgrounds for the kids, or even a hiking trail that ends with a scenic lunch spot, the Seattle and Eastside area offers a variety of beautiful picnic destinations.

Here are some of the best places around the region for a family-friendly picnic:

🏞️ 1. Pine Lake Park – Sammamish

Perfect For: Families with small kids, lake views, and playground access.

Tucked away in the heart of Sammamish, Pine Lake Park is a go-to for many local families. With a large grassy field, shady picnic shelters, BBQ grills, a sandy beach area, and a recently renovated playground, it's a stress-free way to celebrate National Picnic Day close to home.

Jersey Mike’s  or Chipotle at the Metropolitan Market Shopping Center are both quick and picnic-ready.

Bonus: Ducks and turtles love to sunbathe along the dock!

🌲 2. Rattlesnake Lake – North Bend

Perfect For: Hikers and nature lovers.

Rattlesnake Lake is ideal if you're up for a light hike with a major scenic payoff. Choose to picnic near the water with views of the surrounding peaks or bring your gear for a more adventurous trek up to Rattlesnake Ledge before refueling with lunch.

North Bend Bar & Grill offers hearty sandwiches and takeout options—perfect for a scenic lunch by the lake.

Pro Tip: Arrive early—the parking lot fills up fast on sunny days!

🌼 3. Marymoor Park – Redmond

Perfect For: Active families, sports lovers, and dog owners.

At over 640 acres, Marymoor Park has something for everyone. You'll find picnic tables and shelters throughout the park, miles of trails, a rock-climbing wall, sports fields, and even a beloved off-leash dog park. Kids can run wild on the climbing structures while parents relax in the grass nearby.

Blazing Bagels is just minutes away and loaded with delicious grab-and-go options for the whole family.

Bonus: You might even catch a free concert or festival on select weekends.

🌳 4. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park – Renton

Perfect For: Waterfront views and playgrounds.

Located on the southern tip of Lake Washington, this park is a hidden gem. Kids love the expansive play area, and there’s a paved walking path that loops along the lake. Shady picnic areas offer a relaxing way to enjoy the breeze off the water.

Panera Bread nearby has fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries ideal for a waterfront picnic.

Insider Tip: Stop by Ivar’s Seafood Bar on-site for a chowder cup if you forget your picnic lunch!

🌄 5. Discovery Park – Seattle

Perfect For: Coastal trails and open spaces.

Seattle's largest green space, Discovery Park offers a mix of forested trails, meadows, and coastal bluffs overlooking Puget Sound. It’s a breathtaking spot for a more secluded, serene picnic. Families can explore the West Point Lighthouse trail or simply relax near the Environmental Learning Center.

Red Mill Burgers is a beloved Seattle staple—order ahead and head to the park with one of the city’s best burgers in hand.

Bring binoculars! Bald eagles and seals are often spotted here.

🧺 6. Beaver Lake Park – Sammamish

Perfect For: Low-key family afternoons and fishing.

Beaver Lake Park offers shaded picnic tables, a quiet fishing dock, and small trails perfect for younger kids or older family members who want a nature walk without a big climb. There’s also a reservable lodge if you're planning a larger family gathering.

Aji Sushi & Grill in Issaquah Highlands is a great option for sushi rolls or bento boxes to enjoy by the lake.

Great for: Teaching little ones to fish or just unwinding by the water.

⛰️ 7. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park – Issaquah

Perfect For: Families with older kids who enjoy hiking.

Cougar Mountain is full of kid-friendly hikes, like the Red Town Trail, and ends in quiet, wooded areas where you can break for lunch. It’s a beautiful balance of exercise, nature, and family time—ideal for those who want to escape the buzz of the city.

Tutta Bella offers Neapolitan pizza and Italian favorites that travel well and taste even better outdoors.

🧃 Picnic Tips for National Picnic Day:

• Bring reusable water bottles to stay eco-friendly.
  
  

• Pack extra layers—spring weather in the PNW can be unpredictable.
  
  

• Bring wipes and a small garbage bag to leave no trace behind.
  
  

• Don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen!
  
  

Whether you're planning a quick lunch break in the sunshine or an all-day outdoor family adventure, there's no better time than National Picnic Day to explore your community’s beautiful green spaces. So dust off that blanket, fill up your cooler, and get out there!

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