Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Trails in Kitsap County

There’s nothing like enjoying time outside with family and friends, especially when you get to see nature through the excited eyes of kids. While this time of year calls for bundling up, we’re lucky to have many kid-friendly trails in Kitsap County. If you have little ones or are looking for an ADA trail, you may be searching specifically for great paved trails. We’ve got you covered with some wonderful options below. Additionally, we’ve included some short trails near playgrounds and a couple of options that lead to hidden gems children will enjoy.

Paved Trails

Kitsap is home to some great ADA trails and stroller-friendly paths. In Kingston, the White Horse Trail stretches from White Horse Golf Club to Indianola. It’s a paved trail that weaves through the golf course into wooded areas. Although it’s hilly in some sections, it’s smooth and beautiful. Stop in at Cedar Ridge Grill for a bite to eat before or after.

Fort Ward Park on Bainbridge Island is a 137-acre marine park with over 4,000 feet of shoreline and remnants of its military past. The lower trail is paved, and it parallels the beach. It’s great for strollers, wheelchairs, and kids learning to ride their bikes. There are two other trails, and the views throughout this park are stunning on a clear day.

Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale has both paved and unpaved sections. The trail is gentle, making it perfect for families and pets. It’s a popular walking, running, and biking spot. In total, there are seven miles of trail, but you can easily do a small section of it with young children.

A short drive from there is Illahee Forest Preserve in Bremerton, which now has a new ADA trail. With 570 acres of preserved lands, this preserve offers five miles of trails that are open to the public. Beginning near the picnic shelter is a wheelchair-friendly, flat 1/4 mile loop through the forest. The picnic shelter can be used on a first come, first served basis.

Trails Near Playgrounds

With over 150 acres, Buck Lake County Park in Hansville is tucked away yet offers so much. It includes a playground, ball field, basketball court, and a lake. The Hansville Greenway Wildlife Corridor (view PDF) is next to the park. That’s where you’ll find kid-friendly trails through wetlands and forests.

We also love Poulsbo’s Fish Park, a 40-acre park that includes 1.5 miles of trails. Here you can spot salmon from the Dogfish Creek viewing platform and admire the fish-inspired sculptures. There are also many benches and picnic tables. While some sections can get slick from the rain, the trails are short and paved (with the exception of a set of stairs that can be avoided). Also, there are some boardwalk sections that have non-slip treads. We really appreciate the many local volunteers who help maintain this local park and others, including Crossroads Rotary.

Looking for kid-friendly trails that include a playground and the beach? Check out Scenic Beach State Park in Seabeck. It includes an ADA-compliant path, a playground, and beach access. You will need a Discover Pass to park. If you don’t have one yet, it’s totally worth it. While there are one-day passes for $11.50, the annual pass is $50 (plus a $5 processing fee), but it’s transferable between two vehicles. With it, you’ll be able to check out over 100 state parks. And, it pays for itself in less than five visits.

Trails with Hidden Gems

Downtown Poulsbo’s urban path, which includes a boardwalk that hugs Liberty Bay, starts at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. Kids can run on the grass, check out the Nordic statues and pavilion, and watch birds and boats in the marina. From there, you can admire the bay from the boardwalk, which leads to some steps and a paved, wooded portion of the trail. Then you’ll find a pretty clearing with a little playground that’s perfect for toddlers. This hidden gem is part of American Legion Park. If time allows, consider stopping by SEA Discovery Center as well. It’s steps away from Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. A small aquarium, SEA Discovery Center has a few touch pools, educational exhibits, and a new resident: a giant Pacific octopus! As a self-sustaining entity of Western Washington University, visitors are encouraged to donate upon entering. (The suggested entrance donation is $2 per person.)

The Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve in Seabeck offers many different trails, but one in particular is a local favorite. The Stump House Trail leads to a large hollowed out cedar stump with a roof. It’s a brief walk and starts in the meadow across from the old barn. While you’ll definitely want to wear hiking boots or rain boots due to the mud this time of year, it’s sure to be a fun adventure for your kids. You can also do a longer hike by completing this trail loop, which includes the Stump House Trail. This expansive reserve is composed of 184 acres and has saltwater beach access. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to return to explore it further. Please note that pets are not allowed in the reserve.