Center for Urban Horticulture

The Center for Urban Horticulture, run by the UW Botanic Gardens on the northeast edge of the University of Washington campus, sits at the convergence of curated botanical garden and urban wildlife habitat — which makes it more interesting for families than a typical ornamental garden.

The center covers about 75 acres and includes cultivated garden areas, native plant collections, and a direct connection to the Union Bay Natural Area, a 74-acre wetland restoration on the shore of Lake Washington. For families, this means you can start with the garden paths and then transition seamlessly into a genuine marsh and bird habitat — great blue herons, various waterfowl, and occasionally bald eagles over the water.

The UW Botanic Gardens program brings an educational dimension that straightforward parks lack. Interpretive signage throughout explains plant choices, ecological function, and restoration goals in accessible language. There are occasional free family programs (check the website for schedule) that range from plant identification walks to guided wetland birding.

For families with plant-curious kids or kids interested in ecology and wildlife, this is a genuinely substantive destination. For families who just want a nature walk with open space, the Union Bay Natural Area trails provide that without requiring any botanical interest.

Practical notes: free admission, free parking in the on-site lot. The main building has restrooms. No dogs allowed in garden areas. Combine with the Burke Museum a 10-minute walk away on the UW campus for a full day.