Golden Gardens Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden Gardens Park |
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A freshwater marsh near the north end of the park, with Puget Sound in the background.
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| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Area | 87.8 acres (35.5 ha) |
| Operated by | Seattle Parks and Recreation |
| Open | 6 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. daily |
Golden Gardens Park is a super cool public park located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It's a fantastic place to explore, with beautiful beaches, peaceful wetlands, and fun trails for walking. You can also enjoy picnic spots and playgrounds here. Did you know the park's old bathhouse is even a historic landmark? It was given this special title by the City of Seattle in 2005!
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Fun Things to Do at Golden Gardens Park
Golden Gardens Park is split into different areas, including a wetland marsh and a lovely beach right on Puget Sound. It's located just north of the Shilshole Bay Marina. The park also has sandy dunes and big, open grassy areas perfect for playing.
Amazing Views and Water Sports
One of the best things about Golden Gardens is its incredible views. You can see across Puget Sound to the majestic Olympic Mountains! The water in Puget Sound is usually very cold, even in summer, so swimming can be chilly.
However, the park is a popular spot for many water activities:
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Kitesurfing (using a kite to glide on water)
- Sailboarding (using a sail on a board)
The Sound is protected from the open ocean for a long distance, which means the park usually avoids really severe weather.
Land Activities and Play Areas
If you prefer to stay on land, Golden Gardens has plenty to offer. You'll find special fire pits where you can have bonfires (check rules first!). There are also lots of picnic areas, a fun play area for kids, and a basketball court. Plus, you can enjoy many walking and hiking paths that wind through the park.
Animals You Might See at Golden Gardens
Golden Gardens is a wonderful place to spot different kinds of birds and other animals that live or visit here.
Birds of the Park
Many birds call Golden Gardens home or stop by during their travels:
- Mallard ducks are common in the wetlands.
- Red-winged blackbirds can be seen in the marshes.
- Canada geese often hang out in the parking lot and near picnic areas.
- Wood ducks sometimes make an appearance.
- Eagles occasionally come to fish in the waters.
- Seagulls are very common all around the beach.
- Anna's hummingbirds can often be spotted on the trees near the ponds.
It's good to know that the mallards and Canada geese are used to people. Sometimes, they might even try to get food from visitors, so it's best not to feed them.
Other Wildlife Encounters
Besides birds, you might also see other interesting animals:
- Harbor seals are often heard making sounds, and sometimes you can see them relaxing near the marina breakwater.
- Red-eared slider turtles love to sunbathe on logs in the ponds.
- Beavers are very active around the ponds. They've even cut down many alder trees!
- Musk rats can often be seen swimming in the ponds.
- Occasionally, Orcas (also known as killer whales) swim near the beach, which is a truly exciting sight!
