Fall Family Walks and Trots

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Fall is in the air. The breeze is crisp, the leaves are turning colors, and pumpkin spice is in your coffee. What better way to embrace the fall than enjoying a cool, colorful afternoon stroll?  

Let us all get outside and have some fun! Here are some great spots to catch the fall spirit here in Tacoma. 

Wright Park 

Wright Park is Tacoma's very own Central Park. It might not be as big as New York's park, but it's just as special. 

Gravel paths wind through over 100 native and exotic trees throughout the 27-acre park. Some of these trees get bright orange, yellow, and red hues that beckon you to throw leaves in the air and snap photos. 

While strolling around, make a few stops:

  1. Say hello to all the ducks at the pond! Cross over the charming bridge and take a rest on the benches.

  2. Get some wiggles out at the playground.

  3. Take a look inside the W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory.

  4. Gather and play with the chestnuts from the surrounding trees. 

Point Defiance Park Japanese Gardens

Hidden inside Point Defiance Park are the gorgeous Japanese Gardens. As you drive through the park, you pass the pagoda. 

You'll find even more beauty if you park your car and venture further. There is a pond with Japanese structures and a miniature "tea house" near the pond. As you stroll, you'll cross bridges and various trees with fountains of colors. 

My kids like to cross the bridge and jump over the little river that runs through. We even took our fall family photos here a few years ago, which was fantastic. 

If you’re at the Japanese Gardens, why not check out the pond, Owen beach, rose gardens, or Rhododendron Garden—they are all in Point Defiance!

Bloedel Reserve 

Hop in the car for a big adventure to Bainbridge Island. There, you'll discover Bloedel Reserve. It has 140 acres of curated gardens, structural features, and distinctive landscapes. 

Each year, there is the Annual Squash Hunt. There is a scavenger hunt for kids of all ages through the gardens, featuring fall gourd displays throughout the Reserve. This event runs from October 10th to November 10th. Remember to grab your tickets before you go. No worries if you don't make the scavenger hunt; you can still visit the Reserve to see all the beautiful fall foliage. 

Titlow Park

There is a great loop to walk around Titlow Park-start at the train crossing, walk along the water, over the bridge, through the trees, and end at grandmother’s house (just kidding, end at the playground). It’s one of our family favorites. In fact, we just had our annual family photos taken there a few weeks ago. You get a little bit of everything: the shore, beach, a bridge, trains, ducks, a pond, a bridge, and a playground.

Turkey Trot Kids 1K

If strolling is not your thing, you can pick up the pace. Join the family tradition in the North End at the Proliance Surgeons Tacoma City Turkey Trot 1K. The kids' run is untimed, and parents can run with their kids. About 150 to 200 kids are running, and costumes are encouraged. The 1K starts from Fleet Feet in Proctor on Thanksgiving morning.  

Other Fall Walks:

All this said, it doesn't have to be a big outing--fall is all around. You can enjoy a neighborhood scooter and family stroll. There is so much more out there, so keep on adventuring!