2026 Bellevue Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Visiting Seattle with kids in spring? Be sure to set aside a day for the University of Washington (UW). The cherry blossoms here hold the gentlest spring romance. This family cherry blossom guide helps you unlock a pink spring day with your kids—new parents, feel free to copy it directly! Spring in Seattle always arrives gently and subtly, with overcast skies, light breezes, and occasional warm sunshine. The Yoshino cherry trees quietly bloom all over the campus in this weather. Walking in with your kids, you can fully immerse yourselves in the beauty of spring. The must-visit core area is UW’s iconic Quad lawn, surrounded by a circle of century-old Yoshino cherry trees. From mid to late March through early April, the blossoms reach their peak. When the flowers bloom, the entire sky turns soft pink and white. When the wind blows, it’s a stunning cherry blossom rain that captivates the kids’ eyes. 📍Best Time for Family Cherry Blossom Viewing Mid to late March through early April, with slight yearly variations. Check real-time bloom status before you go. This year, March 20 marked the peak. 👉Family Tip: To capture photos with fewer people and better lighting, try to arrive before 8 AM or about an hour before sunset. Midday is usually crowded, which can be less enjoyable for kids. 📸Top Family Photo Spots, Tested and Easy for Moms ✔ Lawn Central Axis: Stand in the center and shoot to both sides; the cherry blossoms form a natural arch, creating a full atmosphere and great family shots. ✔ Teaching Building Archway Corridor: Look at the cherry blossoms through the historic architecture for a cinematic feel; photos of kids running here are lively and dynamic. ✔ Upward Cherry Blossom Shots: Lie on the grass and shoot upward for a clean, romantic background; close-ups of kids and blossoms are very heartwarming. ✔ Cherry Blossoms + Portraits: Wear light or solid colors (white, cream, light blue) for a cleaner look; matching family outfits make photos stand out. 🚶‍♀️Family-Friendly Route Without Backtracking 👉 Quad Cherry Blossom Core → Suzzallo Library (Harry Potter-like atmosphere) → Red Square → UW Waterfront (a very pleasant lakeside stroll). This route takes 2-3 hours, easy on little legs, and covers the campus highlights. ☕️Family Cherry Blossom Tips Parking on campus is inconvenient; public transit or rideshares are recommended. You can sit on the lawn but avoid stepping on flower roots. Seattle’s weather changes quickly, so bring a jacket for the kids. Light breezes are perfect for videos, adding a falling cherry blossom ambiance. Accommodation 🏨Olympic Hotel Seattle A landmark luxury hotel in downtown Seattle within walking distance to UW, spacious family rooms, and a children’s play area. 🏨Seasons Hotel Seattle A premier downtown lakefront hotel facing Union Lake, fully equipped for families, very close to UW by car, convenient for outings with kids. 🏨of Washington’s Watertown Hotel Seattle Located on the UW campus, within walking distance to the cherry blossom core, complete family room options, zero hassle for blossom viewing. 🏨Westin Bellevue Seattle A highly rated hotel near Seattle suburbs, quiet environment, excellent family facilities, moderate driving distance to UW, full vacation vibe. ---

🏨Location: W Bellevue is located in the bustling downtown area, surrounded by shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it super convenient to get around! 🛏️Rooms: The rooms are modern and stylishly designed, with comfortable beds for a good night's sleep. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to make your stay more convenient. 🍽️Dining: The hotel's restaurant offers a variety of dining options, from exquisite international cuisine to authentic local snacks, to satisfy your taste buds. 🏊‍♂️Facilities: The fitness center and indoor pool allow you to relax and unwind after a busy day. 🎉Activities: W Hotels are known for their vibrant nightlife, whether you're having a drink at the bar or dancing at the club, you'll have endless fun on your trip. 💁‍♂️Service: The friendly and attentive service team is always on hand to ensure that your every need is met. 🌈Summary: W Bellevue is the ideal choice for those seeking style, comfort, and convenience. Whether you're on a business trip or a leisure trip, you'll have an unforgettable stay here. Come and enjoy a luxurious trip! 🎒🛍️🥂

🌟Luxury experience at Hilton Bellevue Seattle This hotel is located in downtown Bellevue, just a few kilometers from downtown Seattle, with convenient transportation. The hotel is elegantly and modernly decorated, exuding luxury and comfort from the lobby to the guest rooms. The rooms are equipped with high-quality bedding and comfortable furniture, allowing you to enjoy the warmth of home while traveling. The rooms are soundproofed, allowing you to sleep peacefully away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The hotel has leisure and entertainment facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa, allowing you to find a good place to relax during your busy schedule. Especially the spacious swimming pool with crystal-clear water is a great choice for summer cooling. The hotel's restaurant offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Seattle cuisine to international cuisine. Whether it's breakfast or dinner, you can enjoy a feast for your taste buds. 🏞️Nearby attractions not to be missed: There are many attractions worth visiting around the hotel, such as Bellevue Square Shopping Center, the Space Needle, and Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. These attractions are not only beautiful but also full of history and culture.

🌟✨Discover the Bellevue Westin Hotel: A perfect blend of luxury and warmth🏨❤️ Hello everyone! Today I want to introduce you to a beautiful resort - the Bellevue Westin Hotel! 💖Whether you're on a business trip or vacation, you'll have an unforgettable experience here! 🌼 🛌Comfortable room environment The design of the hotel rooms is superb, modern and warm, and the beds are really comfortable, as if lying in the clouds! ☁️And the view outside the window is also super charming, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the city, making me feel healed every time I wake up! 🌅 🍽️Diverse dining options The hotel's restaurant offers a rich international cuisine, and there are many choices for breakfast buffet, fresh fruits, pastries, and a variety of hot dishes, which will definitely satisfy your taste buds! 🥐🍳I especially recommend their handmade coffee, which is rich in flavor, refreshing and delicious! ☕️ 🏊‍♀️Quality leisure facilities The Bellevue Westin also has complete fitness facilities and a swimming pool, whether you want to relax or exercise, it can meet your needs! 🏋️‍♀️After swimming, you can sunbathe in the sun, it's so enjoyable! 🌞 In summary, the Bellevue Westin Hotel is really a good place worth visiting. Whether it is service, environment or food, it is all fascinating! 😍If you have been to this hotel, welcome to share in the comments section! 👇💬Which aspect do you like best? Looking forward to your interaction! ❤️

I was curious about where the rich shop in the Greater Seattle Area so I went around Bellevue Square. It's really nice here—browsing malls, shops, and restaurants. I felt safer walking around here than any part of Seattle downtown especially because the buildings were connected. There were more tourists shopping here, I could tell. Do pay a visit and look around! Shop while you're at it. #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #bellevue #travel #usa

We visited this lush botanical garden in the Bellevue area outside Seattle, equipped with some nice walking trails and a cute cafe - perfect for grabbing a coffee and pastry for a relaxing outdoor stroll. The Bellevue Botanical Garden has several acres of display gardens, wetlands and trails. Most of it was generously donated by previous homesteaders who lived here, and admission is free to the public. They also have an adorable gift shop, plants for sale, and a schedule of activities and seminars. I look forward to going back for some of those events! #washingtonstate #seattle #botanicalgarden #freeadmission

Farm | Sunday's farm little sheep is so cute as if a large ball of wool is moving. <3 This farm on the outskirts of Seattle feeds large and small animals, from cows to cows. Lamb, each one is cute! Raiders

The beautiful scenery of Seattle, USA Seattle is less than two hundred miles from the northern border of the United States, across the border with Vancouver, Canada. Seattle also attracts the attention of many people around the world because of the beauty of her time and place. Different from the general tourist city, it is not suitable for the sightseeing spots, but you need to stay in it and stop. Seattle is a rainy city. Rain is a part of Seattle's soul. It not only ruins the impetuousness and uneasiness of people's hearts, but also makes Seattle have a rare romantic romance in big cities. The slow pace of life makes local people know how to enjoy life. To travel to the United States, Seattle must not miss it! When you arrive in Seattle, you must go here to punch in and take pictures. The most worthwhile thing is the Lake Washington. This is the second largest lake in Washington State, second only to Lake Chelan. The center of the lake is surrounded by Mercer Island, and there are many parks around it, the most famous of which is the pontoon. When it was not in Seattle, it was like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. When I arrived in New York, I didn't go to the Empire State Building. If you take the camera stand, you can take a sunrise and sunset at the lake, the scenery is really beautiful! Twilight world, watching the sky gradually darker on the mountain, sunset west, the sky turns from orange to light blue, then turns into dark blue, and finally filtered to strong purple, it can be said that it is quite beautiful. In fact, before coming here, you may not be able to imagine or truly understand that there will be a city in the world that can satisfy all the illusions that people hold about a better life.

One of the favorites in the United States is the log cabin in the forest forest, the cute deer all have great appeal to the tourists. Lin Shen, see the deer when you miss you Are no longer romantic things

I've been to Seattle so many times, and The Dolar Shop has always been a place I keep coming back to! Honestly, I've always felt they're on the pricier side for hot pot in Seattle 😂 But I have to say, the service and food quality are genuinely good, so whenever I'm craving hot pot, they're still the first place that comes to mind. I didn't expect to go so late this time, but I actually discovered a hidden deal 😏 🕘 There's a special set menu after 9 PM! I thought there wouldn't be many options so late, but when I saw the price, it was actually just over US$30+ per person, and the portions were quite generous! It includes meat, seafood, and vegetables—a really well-rounded selection. For two people, it was actually quite filling. For someone like me who usually finds their prices a bit high, this price was a pleasant surprise 🤣 And even better, the cost for sauces and condiments is waived! Eating hot pot in Seattle usually hits US$50+ easily with just a few items, so if you happen to be eating after 9 PM, I think this special set menu is really worth it. 🍲 Soup base Their silver soup base has always been my favorite. It's basically pork stomach and chicken soup. You add the pork stomach and chicken yourself. The flavor is rich but not too heavy, and you can still taste the natural flavor of the ingredients after cooking them in it 👍 Highly recommend! The tomato soup is also good, though I still prefer Haidilao's tomato soup 🍅 🥩 Meat and seafood The quality has always been consistent. The meat is sliced beautifully, and the seafood is quite fresh. While I don't think they are the "cheap and huge portion" type of hot pot, the quality definitely justifies the price. What keeps me coming back is the overall dining experience. The service is attentive, and the environment is comfortable, so even if the price is a bit higher than average hot pot restaurants, I'm still willing to return. But after discovering the after-9 PM special set menu this time, I feel like I've finally found a reason to keep coming back without hesitation 😂 If you also tend to eat late at night, or if you feel The Dolar Shop is usually a bit pricey, you should really check out their after-9 PM special! Getting such a huge portion for just over US$30+ per person made for a really happy meal this time 😏 🍲 The Dolar Shop 📍 11020 NE 6th St, Ste 90, Bellevue, WA 98004

I finally checked out this viral Japanese restaurant I'd had bookmarked for ages 😬 It definitely lives up to the hype—my first impression was that the plating is absolutely stunning! The Chirashi Bowl and Wagyu Seafood Bowl, in particular, were eye-catching the moment they hit the table 😍 The ingredients are layered beautifully with great colors and depth—it's super photogenic 📷 Plus, the portions were much bigger than I expected! I don't think most people could finish a whole bowl on their own 😂 It's actually better to go with someone else so you can order different things and share 👌 Here's what we ordered: 1️⃣ Wagyu Seafood Bowl The Wagyu paired with various seafood makes for a really rich visual experience. The Wagyu was a bit greasy, though. Overall, the ingredients were fresh and the seafood had a good texture. However, if you're someone who's really looking for top-tier sashimi and cares a lot about the grade of the fish and that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, I don't think this is the best choice. For me, it's more of a bowl that hits the mark on presentation, portion size, and overall experience, rather than a place you go specifically for high-end sashimi. 2️⃣ Chirashi Bowl This one also makes a huge visual impact when it arrives! The bowl is packed with various sashimi, the portion is generous, and it's quite satisfying. 3️⃣ Green Pesto Ramen This is one of their signature dishes! The green broth looks really unique 😂 I'd only ever had similar green ramen in San Francisco, so I was curious to try it. The pesto aroma pairs surprisingly well with the ramen—it has a bit of a Western herb vibe, but it still feels like ramen. If you like trying unconventional ramen flavors, I think it's worth a shot. Overall, I'd say Ramen Nori is the kind of Japanese restaurant that easily catches your eye at first glance. The plating is genuinely beautiful, the portions are generous, and the ingredients are fresh. But if you ask me: "Is this the best place in Seattle for top-tier sashimi?" I'd say not necessarily. If you care more about presentation, portion size, creative combinations, and the overall dining experience, then I think you should give it a try. But if you're a sashimi enthusiast specifically looking for the highest grade of fish, I'd probably recommend you go to other places that focus more on sashimi 🤭 🍣 Ramen Nori 📍 13112 NE 20th St, Ste 200, Bellevue, WA 98005

This is a coffee shop in Bellevue, Seattle. It's worth a try, it's pretty good. You can check out the prices on their website!

🔥 520 BAR (Mala Everyday) – Yala’s very first Mala cafe! 🍢✨ Looking for a spot to hang out tonight? Head over to 520 BAR and see if you can handle the heat! It’s a super chill fusion spot with vibes that hit just right. You absolutely can’t miss their signature "Fried Mala"—a special recipe that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with that satisfying numbing spice. The flavor is so intense, you’ll definitely be coming back for more! 🥤 We’ve also got refreshing cafe drinks to balance out the spice. Totally Muslim-friendly and 100% Halal certified. 🌙 📍 Location: Yala Town ⏰ Open daily. Come and chill with us!

LeTAO (pronounced Le-Ta-o) is a famous confectionery brand from Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. Established in 1998, it has become a "must-eat" dessert shop for tourists across Asia. ⸻ ⭐ Signature Menu 🍰 1. Double Fromage (Double Cheesecake) · Two-layer cake: · Bottom layer = baked cheesecake · Top layer = mousse cheesecake · Smooth texture, melts in your mouth · Made with high-quality Hokkaido milk cream 👉 The "top" menu item that everyone must try ⸻ 🍫 2. Chocolat Double · Cheesecake + rich chocolate · Sweet and smooth, not cloying ⸻ 🍬 3. ROYAL MONTAGNE Chocolate · Chocolate melts instantly in your mouth · Has a wonderful Earl Grey tea aroma 🍵 ⸻ 🍓 4. Special / Seasonal Flavors · Strawberry · Melon · Green Tea · Various fruit flavors (Seasonal) ⸻ 🏠 Brand Highlights · 🥛 Made with authentic Hokkaido milk (very rich and creamy) · 🎂 Emphasizes a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, not heavy · 🏆 A top Japanese souvenir · ✈️ Also available at Hokkaido airports

The BelleVue Club is enormous and stunning. The animation was fantastic, and the foam party was the absolute highlight—I’ve never experienced such an incredible foam party before! It was so much fun. This is my second time here, and I’ll definitely come back again. The animation team was excellent and genuinely friendly, which alone would make me return every time.

Check in at Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue 🩵 This spot is perfect for your first time kayaking! Come with friends to have fun 📍Parking: Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early~ You can park on the street or at Meydenbauer Bay Park Parking Lot. The lot is small, but the walk along the paved path to the lake is scenic and relaxing. 🛶Boat rentals: We rented directly on site at Best Kayak Rentals. ✔️ Double kayak (comfortable for two people + a dog) 43🔪/h ✔️ Paddle board ✔️ Canoe They provide adult life jackets 🦺 and dog life jackets 🦺, very beginner-friendly. After paddling, there’s a spot nearby to rinse your feet, which is very convenient. 🌳Besides boating, the park itself is very pleasant. Large lawns and plenty of shade make it perfect for laying out a picnic blanket 🧺, sunbathing, relaxing, or strolling. It’s great for bringing dogs or kids. After work, come here to enjoy the breeze and lake views—it melts away the day’s fatigue ☀️ Enjoy the breeze, kayak, and sunshine with your dog while taking in the Lake Washington views. It’s truly the happiest day of summer in Seattle 🌊 📍Location: Meydenbauer Bay Park, Bellevue

Sleep in naturally on Sunday I figured no one would be hiking today because of the World Cup final 😅 Left Bellevue after 2 PM and arrived at Paradise close to 5 PM Surprisingly, I parked right at the Visitor Center entrance 😂 Luck was on my side Since I was here, I had to do the full Skyline Loop Although AllTrails rates it as hard, it’s definitely worth it! Glaciers, wildflowers, waterfalls, streams, volcanic rocks, small animals This loop covers almost all the classic sights of Rainier 🥾 I chose to go clockwise The uphill was a bit steep But the main climb was concentrated I finished it in about 1.5 hours The second half was mostly downhill Much easier on the knees ✔️ Lots of gravel, so wear trail shoes with good grip; waterproofing isn’t necessary ✔️ One light jacket is enough for summer now ✔️ If you just want to see the classic view, walk a few minutes counterclockwise from the Visitor Center—you don’t have to do the full loop

Many people have driven past I-90 several times without knowing there is a 320-acre natural freshwater wetland nearby: Mercer Slough Nature Park. It’s just minutes from Bellevue Downtown and is, in my opinion, a natural gem well worth visiting in Bellevue. 🌿 4 experiences worth trying A forest wetland walk If it’s your first visit, you can take this route (see image 14). It takes about 90 minutes to see the main sights. 📍 Navigation: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center The parking entrance is slightly north of the navigation point, so it’s easy to miss; if full, you can park on the street. ① Bellefields Loop Lots of shade in summer, making for a comfortable walk ② Slough Channel Bridge One of my favorite spots, offering a view over the wetland. You can often see various waterfowl, and if you’re lucky, spot beavers at work. ③ Heritage Loop After crossing the bridge, continue along Heritage Loop to pass wetlands, boardwalks, the blueberry farm, and a small cabin in the wetland. 🛶 B boating The winding wetland waterways (see image 13) have no motorboats—only the sounds of paddles and wind through the trees. How to experience it: · Bellevue Ranger summer canoe tours (advance registration required) · Rent a canoe or kayak yourself (Enatai Beach Park), or launch your own boat from Sweyolocken Boat Launch. 🫐 C blueberry picking 📍 Navigation: Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm (free parking) U-Pick opens July 8 this year. Late July to early August is peak season and best for picking. 🦆 D wildlife watching Over 170 species have been recorded here. It’s a great spot in Bellevue to observe natural ecosystems. Every visit brings new discoveries. Spring and summer have more activity. Bring binoculars if you have them. ⚠️ Remember before you go ✔ Mosquitoes are more active in summer, so bring insect repellent. ✔ Wear light-colored clothes, as mosquitoes prefer dark colors. If your impression of Bellevue is only malls and office buildings, take a weekend to visit and you’ll see a completely different side of the city.

With its T0 scenery, Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit spot near Seattle Depart early (5 AM) from Bellevue. It takes just over two hours to reach Stevens Canyon Entrance. At around 7 AM, there are no cars at the entrance, so no need to wait in line. Head straight to the Paradise parking lot. If there are no spots, try Paradise Lower Parking Lot. If you arrive early enough, you’ll usually find a spot. (Based on observation, 3 PM is also a good time to enter because there are many parking spaces, but you’ll need to move quickly on the trail.) 1️⃣ Skyline Loop: a must-do! It takes about four to five hours with breaks, but it’s not very tiring because the entire route is scenic with no dull spots (photos 3 to 14). The recommended direction is clockwise. The uphill and downhill paths are not difficult. Some parts near the summit are a bit challenging but overall friendly. On the way up, you face Rainier; on the way down, you face Mt. Adams. If the timing is right (starting mid-July), you’ll see a stunning view of wildflowers and snow-capped mountains together. Along the way, you may encounter marmots, squirrels, mountain goats, and deer. There’s a large waterfall on the way down, and a small section of the trail crosses snow. 2️⃣ Nisqually Vista Trail: a short, easy trail next to Lower Paradise. You can enjoy forest views and great views of Rainier (photo 1) with several viewing platforms. 3️⃣ Reflection Lake: another must-visit spot (photo 15). You can see it right after parking. Timing and luck matter because wind can ruin the reflection. If you catch the reflection, it’s breathtaking. Early morning or sunset usually has less wind. Also, be sure to apply sunscreen in advance to avoid severe sunburn! It’s best to bring some snacks for the hike up.

🖊️ This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, making this year's Independence Day celebrations even more exciting! 🎆 From daytime parades, live music, and street games to evening fireworks displays, we've compiled a list of 10 must-attend events in the Seattle area. Feel free to add more suggestions below! 🥳 ⭐️ Downtown Seattle Seafair 4th of July: A classic Seattle event. If you want to see Lake Union fireworks with the Seattle skyline as the backdrop, this is the one to choose! ⭐️ East Side Bellevue Family 4th: The most popular event in the Eastside. If you live nearby, this large-scale fireworks show is a top pick. Celebrate Kirkland: A parade with an immersive festive atmosphere, perfect for daytime celebrations. Red, White & Boom: A typical community fireworks event featuring food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Fourth on the Plateau 2026: Sammamish's favorite Independence Day event, offering food trucks, kids' activities, lawn games, face painting, balloon art, and an evening fireworks display. ⭐️ North Side Kenmore 4th of July Celebration: Ideal for an evening outing. Enjoy food, stroll around, and relax while waiting for the fireworks. ⭐️ South Side Burien 4th of July Parade: A traditional American community parade with an authentic vibe. Kent Fourth of July Splash: A lakeside fireworks show in the Southside featuring music and food trucks—a quintessential summer evening event. Tacoma Summer Blast: In addition to fireworks, this event offers music, food, and over 150 vendors, making it a full-day celebration. ⭐️ Surrounding Areas Grand Old Fourth of July: Bainbridge Island's event focuses less on fireworks and more on the charm of a small-town Independence Day. Enjoy parades, markets, and vintage cars for a unique experience.

Still deciding where to go for the long Fourth of July weekend? We've compiled a list of the best activities in Seattle and nearby areas for the holiday, including free entry to national parks, fireworks shows, parades, Tacoma's Summer Blast celebration, and Lake Union cruises to watch fireworks. Everything is organized for you! 📍This guide includes: 🇺🇸 Free entry to national parks 🎆 Early fireworks shows (7/2–7/3) ✨ Fireworks schedules for various cities on 7/4 🎺 Fourth of July parades 🚢 Lake Union fireworks cruise guide 🎡 Tacoma Summer Blast celebration No need to search one by one—just save this guide and you're all set ❤️ 💡 If you're planning to watch fireworks at Lake Union: ✔️ This year, you need to reserve free tickets in advance (or purchase seating) ✔️ It's recommended to arrive early in the afternoon to secure a spot ✔️ Bring a picnic mat, sunscreen, and water for a more comfortable experience! 🌲 If you're heading to a national park: Expect large crowds during the holiday, so plan to leave early as parking spots fill up quickly. ✨ Wishing everyone a fun and safe Fourth of July! Don't forget to share this guide with friends who are planning their outings! —— 📌 Save + Share Almost all the Fourth of July weekend activities are here!

Green River Resort A 50-minute drive from Bellevue, the weather was perfect today, and we could see Mount Rainier covered in snow along the way. At the parking area, you can fetch spring water and make donations. Heading downstream, you can go diving and swimming. Accidentally stumbled into a playground for young people 🎠

This weekend is July 4th Independence Day. Happy Independence Day to everyone! 🎆 Bellevue Family 4th|Bellevue Time: Saturday, July 4th, 5 PM–10:45 PM Location: Bellevue Downtown Park Address: 10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 A classic Eastside Independence Day event featuring music, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and fireworks. 🎇 Seafair Summer Fourth|Seattle Time: Saturday, July 4th, 3 PM–11 PM Location: Gas Works Park / Lake Union Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103 Seattle's most iconic fireworks event with a festive atmosphere around Lake Union. 🇺🇸 Kirkland 4th of July Parade|Kirkland Time: Saturday, July 4th, 10:30 AM–2 PM Location: Marina Park Address: 25 Lakeshore Plaza Dr, Kirkland, WA 98033 A daytime parade perfect for families with young children who prefer not to stay up late for fireworks. 🐶 Issaquah 4th of July|Issaquah Time: Saturday, July 4th, 10 AM–2 PM Location: Front Street, Downtown Issaquah Address: 232 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027 Kids & Pets Parade, along with music, food trucks, and a picnic atmosphere. 🌊 Lake Sammamish Fireworks|Issaquah Time: Saturday, July 4th, 10 PM Location: South Lake Sammamish / Vasa Park Address: 3560 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Bellevue, WA 98008 Fireworks by the lake. Free entry to Vasa Park after 6 PM. Hope everyone can relax and enjoy the long weekend!

Soaking Up Seattle's Winter Sunshine Seattle winters turn every sunny day into a celebration! Taking advantage of the recent clear skies, we bundled up and headed to Bridle Trails Valley Creek Park with the kids. The park offers a standard setup with slides and climbing structures, similar to other parks. ✨ Highlights: · Unique bamboo climbing frame 🎋 with instructions for play (great for older kids) · Dedicated area for younger kids · Flat trails suitable for strollers and balance bikes · Restrooms and BBQ areas within walking distance · Convenient parking When we visited, it wasn’t crowded, and the environment was peaceful—perfect for families looking to avoid busy spots. While it’s not a must-visit destination, it’s a great everyday spot for kids to burn off energy.

This weekend will be cloudy with some rain, so make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. 🇯🇵 Japan Fair|Bellevue Date: Saturday, June 27, 10 AM–6 PM; Sunday, June 28, 10 AM–5 PM Location: Meydenbauer Center Address: 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 Indoor Japanese cultural festival with free admission, featuring performances, crafts, and booths. 🏴‍☠️ Seafair Pirates Landing|Alki Beach Date: Saturday, June 27, Pirates landing around 1:30 PM Location: Alki Beach Park Address: 2701 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 A classic Seattle summer event where pirates ceremoniously land on the beach. 🌼 Skandia Midsommarfest|Kenmore Date: Sunday, June 28, 11 AM–6 PM Location: St. Edward State Park Address: 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 Nordic midsummer festival with flower crowns, music, dancing, kids’ activities, and food. 🚀 Sally’s Day|Museum of Flight Date: Saturday, June 27, 11 AM–4 PM Location: The Museum of Flight Address: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 Space-themed STEM activities, perfect for kids who love planes, rockets, and space. 🐑 Baby Animals & Berries|Snohomish Date: June 27–28, 9 AM–6 PM Location: Swan’s Trail Farms Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 Farm activities with baby animals and strawberries, ideal for a half-day trip with toddlers. Wishing everyone a fun weekend with your little ones!

Round of 16: Belgium 🇧🇪 vs Senegal 🇸🇳 Finally, the World Cup is happening right here in Seattle! And I hereby declare that this match is the best knockout game of the tournament so far, showcasing both the beauty and the brutal nature of football ⚽️! This match had it all: Belgium scoring two late goals in regular time to equalize, a penalty shootout winner in the dying moments of extra time, the electrifying passion of fans, the incredible atmosphere of tens of thousands at the World Cup venue, and even a "bonus" moment with fans storming the pitch 😂. Plus, I got to enjoy a $15 ice cream from Chinese brand Mengniu—this game truly packed in almost every exciting element of football! As a casual football fan, I’ve known about Belgium’s golden generation—players like Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku—since my middle school days. Watching them play in a World Cup match up close after all these years felt surreal and thrilling 🥳! Supporting Belgium in this match was an emotional rollercoaster: frustration, heart-pounding tension, despair, and finally, sheer joy and disbelief. From the 85th minute when Belgium scored their first goal, my adrenaline was off the charts. From that moment on, our section of fans was standing and cheering non-stop. The experience was absolutely worth the sky-high ticket prices 😆. Here are a few tips for watching the World Cup at Seattle's Lumen Field: 🎁 Souvenirs: If you want freebies like bracelets, capes, or face paint with national flags, make sure to arrive early. For a 1:00 PM kickoff, gates open at 10:00 AM. We arrived around 11:00 AM, and most booths already had lines stretching out of sight. We tried queuing for Coca-Cola’s Belgium-themed cape but gave up because the line was just too long 😂. 🚉 Transportation: Many recommend taking the Link light rail, but driving worked out great for us! We were worried the Link would be overcrowded and take forever after the match, so we booked parking near the stadium in advance through SpotHero for about $40–70. We live in Bellevue, and the drive was smooth with no traffic both ways. The traffic management around the stadium was surprisingly efficient. 🏟️ Seating: We were in section 108, which offered a great view. Both goals were clearly visible, and we were close enough to see the players’ faces! The warm-up started at 12:00 PM, and you could walk down to the edge of the field to snap some distant photos with the players 😂.

Newcastle Beach Park is definitely the largest and most family-friendly lakeside beach park in Bellevue! With a big lawn, gently sloping and spacious shallow water area, and free parking, the experience is especially comfortable~ Here’s a brief record of my genuine experience to give everyone a reference 🌊 ✅ The shallow water area is very friendly! The water depth is about 1-1.5 meters, with a gentle and wide slope. It’s very safe for kids to play, splash, and learn to swim. ✅ The park has large, flat, open lawns, perfect for playing frisbee, setting up tents, and family gatherings. There are also two barbecue areas in the park, ideal for weekend family outdoor meals. ✅ Facing Lake Washington, it offers a wide and open lake view. It’s very pleasant to enjoy the lake breeze and sunshine. 🅿️ Parking is the biggest plus! Two large parking lots with plenty of spaces, even during the busy summer weekends and sunny days, parking is much more abundant than other popular lakeside parks 🚗 🚻 Basic facilities are complete, including restrooms, changing areas, and rinse showers, fully meeting daily play needs. There are also lifeguards on duty, ensuring safety. ⚠️ A few tips to avoid pitfalls: 1⃣️ The aquatic plants here are more abundant than at Meydenbauer Bay, and swimming in the deep water area may occasionally get slightly tangled. Beginners should avoid the deep water area. 2⃣️ The lake water looks slightly murky, but it’s not poor water quality. It’s due to the yellow clay hard lake bottom and fine sand stirred up by wind and waves, which does not affect play. 3⃣️ Diving is not recommended. The diving platform water depth is only 1-3 meters, with many underwater plants, making diving risky. Just take photos instead. 4⃣️ The lake surface is wide open with no shelter, so waves can be large on windy days. Parents must watch young children closely when playing in the water. 5⃣️ There are almost no shopping areas or restaurants nearby, so it’s better suited for dedicated water play and picnics, not for casual stops. 6⃣️ The water entry steps can be slippery after long exposure to water. It’s recommended to wear non-slip water shoes and move slowly when entering and exiting the water. In summary, I really liked the overall experience 💕 It’s definitely one of the top family water play parks in East Seattle!

This weekend will be cloudy with some light rain. Please check the weather forecast before going out. 🇯🇵 Japan Fair|Bellevue Time: June 27th, Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; June 28th, Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM Location: Meydenbauer Center Address: 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 Indoor Japanese cultural festival, free admission, performances, crafts, and booths. 🏴‍☠️ Seafair Pirates Landing|Alki Beach Time: June 27th, Saturday, Pirates land around 1:30 PM Location: Alki Beach Park Address: 2701 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 A classic Seattle summer event, pirates landing on the beach, a very ceremonial experience. 🌼 Skandia Midsommarfest|Kenmore Date: June 28th, Sunday, 11 AM–6 PM Location: St. Edward State Park Address: 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 A Nordic Midsummer Festival featuring garlands, music and dance, children's activities, and food. 🚀 Sally’s Day|Museum of Flight Date: June 27th, Saturday, 11 AM–4 PM Location: The Museum of Flight Address: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 A space-themed STEM event, perfect for children who love airplanes, rockets, and space. 🐑 Baby Animals & Berries|Snohomish Dates: June 27–28, 9 AM–6 PM Location: Swan’s Trail Farms Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 A half-day trip for toddlers, featuring small animals, strawberries, and farm activities. Have a wonderful weekend with your little ones! It will be cloudy with some light rain this weekend, so please check the weather forecast before you go out. 🇯🇵 Japan Fair|Bellevue Dates: June 27 (Sat), 10 AM–6 PM; June 28 (Sun), 10 AM–5 PM Location: Meydenbauer Center Address: 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 An indoor Japanese cultural festival, free admission, featuring performances, crafts, and booths. 🏴‍☠️ Seafair Pirates Landing|Alki Beach Date: Saturday, June 27th, Pirates land around 1:30 PM Location: Alki Beach Park Address: 2701 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 A classic Seattle summer event, the Pirates landing on the beach – a truly ceremonial experience. 🌼 Skandia Midsommarfest|Kenmore Date: Sunday, June 28th, 11 AM–6 PM Location: St. Edward State Park Address: 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 A Nordic Midsummer's Festival featuring garlands, music and dance, children's activities, and food. 🚀 Sally’s Day|Museum of Flight Date: Saturday, June 27, 11 AM–4 PM Location: The Museum of Flight Address: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 A space-themed STEM activity, suitable for children who love airplanes, rockets, and space. 🐑 Baby Animals & Berries|Snohomish Date: June 27–28, 9 AM–6 PM Location: Swan’s Trail Farms Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 A half-day trip for toddlers, featuring animals, strawberries, and farm activities. Have a wonderful weekend with your little ones!