Summer Fun: Your Guide to 5 Outdoor Activities in Seattle

Summer in Seattle is a magical time. After waiting all year for this, the city bursts to life with vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and an infectious energy that pulls everyone outdoors. Hey Emerald City, we see you shining!

This summer, I’m partnering with Visit Seattle and Starbucks Reserve® to share my favorite spots for family-friendly fun in the sun. With so many places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to stop as you explore the city, but I am hoping the list below will make it easy for you to navigate locations that we love, whether hanging with our friends or for a day out with the kids. You can visit these locations for a singular trip OR hit them up all in one day for a fun adventure throughout the city. Plus, with some exciting new products from Starbucks Reserve, enjoying the great outdoors has never been easier.

Starbucks Reserve summer products available at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill. Featured: Starbucks Reserve x Nettie Pickleball Set • Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Water Bottle • Starbucks Reserve x MiiR 360 Tumbler • Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Angle Tumbler • Starbucks Reserve x Caminito Picnic Blanket Tash Haynes

If you are looking for some place to dance the day away in the sunshine, check out a few of my fave recommendations below:

1. Cal Anderson Park

First on the list is Cal Anderson Park, located in the heart of Capitol Hill. This urban oasis offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax or get active, Cal Anderson Park has it all. It’s close to cute shops, really yummy food, and has just enough excitement for people watching.

The park features a beautiful reflecting pool, an elegant water fountain, and an engaging children’s play area. Kids can enjoy the playground while adults unwind on the lush green lawns. There’s ample space for picnics, so don’t forget to pack your favorite treats like we did, and if you don’t, no worries—the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a quick 5-minute drive or 12-minute scenic walk. I recommend trying their Cold Brew Malt in the Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Angle Tumbler—a refreshing twist perfect for a sunny day.

Picnicking at Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill. Featured Starbucks Reserve summer products: Starbucks Reserve x Nettie Pickleball Set • Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Water Bottle • Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Angle Tumbler • Starbucks Reserve x Caminito Picnic Blanket Tash Haynes

2. Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves outdoor activities. This stunning park is perfect for a variety of summer sports and leisurely activities. My personal favorite is pickleball. Green Lake boasts several pickleball courts where you can challenge friends and family to a match with your new Starbucks Reserve x Nettie Pickleball Set. It’s a fantastic way to get moving and enjoy the warm weather. Before going, make sure to check the park’s website to make a reservation, or prepare for a bit of a wait—it gets busy.

The Starbucks Reserve x Nettie Pickleball Set makes it easy to hit the courts and get outside! Tash Haynes

If pickleball is not your thing, no worries, the park has a lot of other cool things to do there as well, like paddleboarding, boating, and so much more. Rentals are available or you can bring your own equipment. Lifeguards are on duty in the designated swimming areas from late May to early September during select hours. My girls loved watching the wildlife, the ducks and different fish, and running up and down the docks.

The 2.8-mile trail around the lake is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with views of the sparkling water and surrounding greenery. Bring along a Nitro Cold Brew for a boost—my go-to is the Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream—or you can hydrate with water. Either way, keep your drink cool in a Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Water Bottle—just make sure you drink something!

3. Gas Works Park

My family and I are absolutely obsessed with Gas Works Park. It’s a unique and iconic Seattle landmark. Located on the north shore of Lake Union, this park is built on the site of a former gasification plant, and it seamlessly blends industrial history with natural beauty. One of our favorite parts of the park is their super fun playground for kids. It’s full of toys to climb on and through, and the girls love jumping around and soaring through the air on all of the fun equipment.

The girls love jumping around and soaring through the air on all of the fun playground equipment. Featured product: Starbucks Reserve x MiiR 360 Tumbler. Tash Haynes

The hill at Gas Works Park is a favorite for kite flying or just climbing up and rolling down. The views of the Seattle skyline and Space Needle from here are spectacular, especially at sunset. It’s an excellent spot for a family picnic with the Starbucks Reserve x Caminito Picnic Blanket and one of the delicious sandwiches from the Roastery—my personal faves are the Prosciutto & Parmigiano-Reggiano on Brioche and the Smoked Salmon on Brioche with just a sprinkle of hot honey.

4. Seattle’s Pier 62

Next, head to Seattle’s Pier 62. This is a newly renovated pier on the Seattle waterfront offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. It is absolutely gorgeous, and you get some of the best pictures of the skyline from here. You are surrounded by 360 degrees of picturesque views, and it’s the perfect spot for a family outing, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Events, concerts, and pop-up markets happen throughout the summer on Pier 62. While we were there, there was a fun pick-up soccer game with the kids who were on the pier, and Brazilian dance lessons. There is also life-size chess—along with other fun yard games—available free of charge and for your enjoyment, so there’s always something new to discover. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier, enjoy the views of Elliott Bay, and perhaps spot some seals, ferries, or cruise ships. With a cold brew or iced latte from the Roastery in hand, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to explore.

Staying hydrated with the Starbucks Reserve x MiiR 360 Tumbler and Starbucks Reserve x MiiR Water Bottle. Tash Haynes

5. Golden Gardens Park

Last but certainly not least, Golden Gardens Park offers one of the best beach experiences in Seattle. Situated in Ballard, this park features sandy beaches, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains—creating a scene that rivals even the most iconic California beaches.

Golden Gardens is perfect for a day of beachcombing, sunbathing, or playing beach volleyball. There are also trails for hiking and exploring the local flora and fauna. Pack a Golden Foam Cold Brew in your Starbucks Reserve x MiiR 360 Tumbler for a smooth and energizing drink to keep you cool and refreshed as you start your beach day, and curl up on your beach blanket as you watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountains with sailboats off in the distance.

Sailboats on Puget Sound with the Olympics Mountains in the background. Tash Haynes

Seattle’s summer season is a time to get outside, explore, and enjoy all the natural beauty the city has to offer. Whether you’re picnicking in Cal Anderson Park, playing pickleball at Green Lake, exploring Pier 62, kite flying at Gas Works Park, or relaxing on the sandy shores of Golden Gardens, there’s something for everyone. And with exciting new summer products from Starbucks Reserve, your outdoor adventures will be even more enjoyable. Pro tip: the Starbucks Reserve summer products are only available in person at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle through mid-August 2024!

So, grab your favorite Starbucks Roastery drink, gather your family and friends, and make the most of Seattle’s stunning summer days. Here’s to a season filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories!