Want to start hiking with kids in Washington State? Make 2024 the year that you explore the many state parks near Renton. Visit on a FREE day and pay no admission or parking fees—no Discover Pass is required to visit.
There are several state parks that are less than an hour's drive away. Depending on where you live, the drive might only be 20 minutes. These parks have great hikes for kids, as well as beaches, rivers and awesome views. Scroll down for our recommendations to go hiking with kids near Renton, Newcastle and Mercer Island.
2024 Washington State Parks FREE Days
You don’t need a Discover Pass to park on these free days in 2024:
Monday, Jan. 1 - First Day Hikes and New Year’s Day
Monday, Jan. 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Saturday, March 9 - Billy Frank Junior’s Birthday
Tuesday, March 19 - State Parks’ 111th Birthday
Monday, April 22 - Earth Day
Saturday, June 8 - National Get Outdoors Day
Sunday, June 9 - Free Fishing Day
Wednesday, June 19 - Juneteenth
Saturday, Sept. 28 - National Public Lands Day
Thursday, Oct. 10 - World Mental Health Day
Monday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Friday, Nov. 29 - Autumn Day
Start hiking with kids at these Washington State Parks near Renton
Here are our picks for Washington State Parks near Renton, Newcastle and Mercer Island:
Saltwater State Park: Located in Des Moines, Saltwater State Park delivers a sandy beach getaway only two miles from Interstate 5. This 137-acre park features forested campsites along a bubbling creek, tide pools and a driftwood-strewn shore to explore, and an artificial underwater reef perfect for scuba diving. Great for kids, beachcombers and picnics.
Hike along the Green River at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park near Ravensdale, Washington.
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park: Located near Ravensdale, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is a camping park on a forested plateau next to the rushing whitewaters of the Green River. Enjoy one of the short trails and watch kayakers woosh by. Try your hand at fishing too. The forest canopy is dense and this park always feels cooler on hot summer days—it’s a great place to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Dash Point State Park: Located in Federal Way, Dash Point State Park is hidden in plain sight. It offers miles of forested hiking and biking trails, but its main draw is the beach. Whether you're out for an afternoon or a camping trip, you'll be delighted by this oasis tucked between two urban hubs. Great for kids and playing on the beach (especially during low tide).
Washington has more than 140 state parks, historic sites, trails, marine parks and properties for you to explore. Click here to find more parks near you.
More about the free days
Billy Frank Jr. (1931-2014) was an environmental activist and former chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. His lifelong dedication to protecting endangered salmon and restoring justice for the Nisqually Tribe helped shape Washington's environmental laws and expand treaty rights for Native Americans nationwide.
Juneteenth has been celebrated in Black communities since June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. The news reached them two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021.
National Public Lands Day was established in 1994 and is held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. It celebrates the connection between people and green spaces in their communities – inspiring environmental stewardship and encouraging the use of open space for education, recreation and health benefits.
World Mental HealthDay was designated as a free day to acknowledge the power of nature to restore mental health. Studies show time spent in nature boosts serotonin, dopamine and vitamin D and lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels, helping our bodies combat stress.
The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, November through April, visitors to Sno-Parks will need a Sno-Park permit. These permits are available for purchase online or from vendors throughout the state.
Go birding at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, Washington.
About the Discover Pass: The Discover Pass costs $30 to $35 annually, or $10 to $11.50 for a one-day visit, depending on where you buy it. The pass is required to park on state lands managed by Parks, DNR and WDFW.
