Fodor's Expert Review Lake Union Park

This 12-acre green space along Lake Union's southern shore includes a model boat pond, a boardwalk, a beach where you can launch small craft like kayaks and rowboats to paddle past the houseboats, a spray area for little kids, plus the Museum of History & Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats. Several historic ships sit in the dock, and cruise options also depart from the park. A 45-minute narrated Ice Cream Cruise on the Seattle mini ferry is a family favorite on Sundays year-round (on the hour from 11 to 5; $15), with additional Saturday sailings in summer.