Bellevue, Washington

Spend your day surrounded by art at the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM). Bellevue is a unique art museum where there is no permanent collection showcased. Instead, the museum focuses on education and hands-on art through a variety of programs and events. Here, you can talk and meet with artists and hear about the creation of their art step-by-step.

There is a wide range of programs available for everyone, making for a family friendly day out. Take a tour around the museum, hear about the history of the establishment, and discover the highlights of the current exhibitions. With constantly revolving exhibits, no two visits to Bellevue Arts Museum are ever the same.

510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, 425-519-0770

Bellevue is a quick 16 min day trip from Seattle (10.4 miles via I-90 E).

Bellevue Botanical Garden is a breathtakingly beautiful urban oasis featuring 53 acres of restored woodlands and natural wetlands mixed with romantic cultivated gardens. All the plant collections feature plants that live and thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can get lost in this serene space walking along the Lost Meadow Trail, exploring Rhododendron Glen, or relaxing in the contemplative Japanese Yao garden.

If you visit between November and January, the yearly Garden d’Lights that transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a winter wonderland with more than half a million little lights will mesmerize you. While a visit to the garden is a pleasure in and of itself, you can also attend regular seasonal plant sales, take part in a gardening course, or attend a lecture or a summer concert.

12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005, 425-452-2750

If you are traveling with kids

Nobody needs it more than busy professionals stuck in their cubicles day in and day out: a green oasis that occupies 21-acres of the expensive downtown real estate, a respite from the stress and pressure, a space to regenerate and recoup. It is elegant and simple, with a half-mile long promenade shaded by two rows of mature trees and a canal that brings you to the magnificent 240-foot wide waterfall that splashes into a deep reflecting pond.

You can stretch out in your business suit on the ten-acre manicured lawn, have a picnic, or even throw a Frisbee to your dog while enjoying the silhouette of Mount Rainier and the city skyline. The Downtown Park also hosts numerous celebrations and community gatherings.

10201 NE Fourth St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Bellevue Square is one of the most popular and oldest malls in Bellevue. Built in 1946, it has grown with the city and today has 180 retail stores, ranging from Macy's and Nordstrom to Tiffany's, Armani Exchange and Hugo Boss to Lego, the Microsoft Store, and Victorinox Swiss Army.

Some of the most popular city restaurants are also at Bellevue Square such as P.F. Chang's, Red Robin, and The Cheesecake Factory. There is a great play area for the kids to enjoy while their parents are busy browsing and shopping. A skybridge links Bellevue Square with Lincoln Square.

575 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, 425-454-8096

If you are a photographer

Located just minutes from downtown Bellevue, Mercer Slough Nature Park is set on 320 acres of wildlife habitat, agricultural land, forests and freshwater wetlands, making it the perfect place for a family day trip. There are plenty of things to see and do – bike or hike the trails or canoe the rivers.

You can also take one of the many boardwalks and paths that wind through the park. Visit the blueberry farm and pick fresh blueberries or sit in the sun on the lawns outside the historic Winter’s House. Every Saturday, the park offers a free guided tour, which offers you the opportunity to see some of the parks 170 wildlife species.

1625 118th Ave, Bellevue, WA 90012, 425-452-2565

If you are traveling with kids

Another hidden gem in Bellevue is the Kelsey Creek Park and Farm. Dating from the 1930’s, the farm is picturesque, with large barns, white rail fencing, rolling paddocks, and large play fields. Home to ponies, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and waterfowl, the park provides the ideal family friendly visit.

Completely free, the farm allows children to visit with the animals and play on the playground, and families can take advantage of the picnic tables and facilities. You can take a tour with Farmer Jayne and gain hands-on experience with the animals, or you can even celebrate your birthday at Kelsey Creek Park and Farm.

410 130 Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98008, 425-452-7688

It’s all about the kids at KidsQuest Children's Museum. The museum is a highly interactive, hands-on museum designed for children to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, and math via interactive displays and challenges. There are a ton of exhibits, including the Treehouse, which invites imaginative play, and Waterways, which explores water through hands-on learning.

For those with younger children, visit the Backyard, which offers tactile exhibits and invites exploring. For family fun, try The Garage, which explores the world of science and entertains adults and children alike. There are so many exhibits to explore and adventures to be had by those who are young and young at heart.

1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, 425-637-8100

Set on 18 acres of wide-open spaces, established towering forests, a sandy beach, and pristine waters, Chism Beach Park is a firm family favorite. Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, the park offers an unobstructed view of the Seattle skyline across the lake, making it the perfect location to watch the sunset with your family and friends.

The park allows visitors to engage in several recreational activities and has a dedicated fishing area, swimming and picnic areas, and non-motorized watercraft activities. Swim with the backdrop of the natural scenery of the park behind you and the Seattle skyline ahead of you.

9,600 SE 11th St, Bellevue, WA 98004, 425-452-6885

Cactus Southwest Kitchen and Bar has been one of the Seattle area's favorite Mexican joints since 1990, offering five locations throughout the city today, including a flagship Bellevue location opened in 2013. The lively, upbeat restaurant is known for its innovative Mexican and Southwestern specialties, including Spanish-style tapas and handcrafted south-of-the-border cocktails. High-quality entrees served up throughout the day include poblano chile rellenos, sizzling skillet fajitas, oversized chimichangas, and chorizo fried chicken with pico de gallo and spicy mashed potatoes. Varied taco and enchilada menus feature meat, seafood, and vegetarian concoctions, including meatless options like butternut squash enchiladas and jackfruit tinga tacos.

535 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004, Phone: 425-455-4321