Bellevue 425-454-1283 · Lynnwood 425-672-2646 · Issaquah 425-392-0450 · Tacoma 253-328-4014
Bellevue is a beautiful, bustling place to live, and one of our personal favorite cities in the Northwest. And with a population of nearly 150,000, plus influence from nearby Seattleites, there is plenty to do in Bellevue.
Whether you’re visiting town and looking for things to do in Bellevue, or you’re a local looking for a fun date night idea, check out this round-up of the 7 best activities in the Bellevue area.
Cost: Free (events require tickets)
Website: https://bellevuebotanical.org/
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a stunning 53-acre garden property featuring an incredible variety of native and non-native plants. It offers a perfect mix of manicured gardens and natural wetlands, with several walking trails weaving throughout the property.
Admission to the gardens is free. There are a variety of events hosted on the garden grounds — usually several events each week. Some events do require paid admission, while others are free.
The Botanical Gardens is well worth a few hours to explore, during pretty much any season. It’s particularly beautiful during spring and early summer, when the garden’s stunning flowers are on full display.
Cost: $15 for adults, $8 for children
Website:Â https://www.bellevuearts.org/
The Bellevue Arts Museum is a renowned museum of art, crafts, and design. The museum features several permanent exhibits, featuring both local and international art. Plus, new rotating exhibits every 3-6 months, so there’s always something new and exciting to see at the museum.
Admission is a reasonable $15 per person, and just $8 for children. There are also a variety of ongoing and one-time events and public programs hosted by the museum.
Cost:Â $11 for adults and children (children under 1 are free)
Website:Â https://www.kidsquestmuseum.org/
The KidsQuest Children’s Museum is a great option for families looking to spend the day together. The highly interactive museum features hands-on displays that children can use to learn, grow, and play — all at the same time!
Highlights of the museum include the 2-story Atrium Climber which kids can climb on, in and around, plus their hands-on displays teaching math, science, engineering and more.
Cost:Â Free (parking $1)
Website:Â https://kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/parks-and-natural-lands/popular-parks/marymoor.aspx
Marymoor Park is King County’s largest and most popular park, with over 3 million visitors per year. While technically in Redmond, it’s a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Bellevue — and absolutely worth the visit.
The park has too many highlights to even list here. An epic 40-acre off-leash dog park for the pups, a rock climbing wall, walking and biking trails, river access, and much more. Plus, the park hosts outdoor concerts during the warm months, attracting big names and local artists alike.
Cost:Â $85 for adults, $75 for youth (prices rise on weekends in the summer)
Website:Â https://bellevueziptour.com/
The Bellevue Zip Tour is a unique activity in Bellevue that might leave you hanging upside down from a tree. But don’t worry, it will be intentional! The tour is a ziplining adventure that takes visitors on a series of ziplines throughout the treetops nearby the South Bellevue Community Center.
The adventure takes visitors on seven zip lines, two suspension bridges, and two short hikes throughout the beautiful forest. Riders must be between 60 and 250 pounds to be able to utilize the ziplines. While it’s a bit pricey, this unique experience is well worth the cost.
Cost:Â Free
Website:Â https://kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/parks-and-natural-lands/popular-parks/cougar.aspx
The Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a 3,000+ acre protected park with dozens of hiking trails and plenty of forest to explore. In total, there are over 35 miles of well maintained nature trails, many of which offer stunning views of nearby Lake Sammamish and the Cascade mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a quick jaunt or an epic hike, you will find the right trail at Cougar Mountain. Admission and parking are free (no pass required).
What are YOUR favorite activities in Bellevue? Leave a comment below to let us know!
