Parks & Family Fun

Burke-Gilman Trail
"I commute by bike on this trail most days, as do many other people in the department. Designed by Olmsted (the same guy who did Central Park in New York), the trail is something like 25 miles long. A walk from the UW to Fremont is nice, with a stop at Gas Works Park. You can also bike all the way around the north end of Lake Washington" -- Bill Noble

Discovery Park
"500 acres of forest, meadows, trails, and a gorgeous view of the sound and the Olympics...a fantastic place to leave the city without leaving the city" -- Brian Giebel

"On a good day, it takes only 15 minutes for me to escape from work at the University and get to the Ballard Locks. After watching the passing boats and the salmon on the fish ladder, it is an easy walk to Discovery Park, which Seattle has wisely let go to seed. Within this enormous nearly-wild park, West Point juts far out into Puget Sound, so you can enjoy dramatic views of the Olympics while exploring great stretches of open beaches with shorebirds, sea ducks, seals, and an occasional eagle." -- Breck Byers

Fremont Troll
"Under the Aurora bridge lives one of Seattle's funkiest hideouts- the Fremont Troll. The actual VW bug being palmed by the gianormous one-eyed ghoul just adds to the overall scene. By day it's fun to stare at, and by night there's always some mischief going on nearby..." -- Eric Smith

Intramural Activities Building (IMA)
"This newly expanded facility is open for all kinds of recreational activities. It is free for students and very inexpensive for faculty and staff. You can join club sports (at various levels of expertise and intensity), learn new skills from swimming and kayaking to martial arts and tennis. Use the incredible new fitness center to clear your head after a long day at the computer or PCR machine! It is about a 5 minute walk along the Burke Gilman trail from Genome Sciences. Check the web site for a full tour and list of sports skills classes, club sports and facilities." -- Carol Sibley

Magnuson Park
"Frisbee, frisbee, frisbee, frisbee, walking your dog, lake shore. Did I mention the Ultimate frisbee?" -- Dave Tran

Pike Place Market

Washington Park Arboretum
"Lots of places for a walk or a jog. Highlights, in my opinion, are the Japanese garden (for which a small admission fee is charged) and the multitude of magnolia trees that bloom in the spring." -- Bill Noble

Experience Music Project

Pacific Science Center

Seattle Center
(Space Needle, Children's Museum, Experience Music Project, Pacific Science Center, IMAX Theater, Opera House, festivals, exhibits)

Woodland Park Rose Garden
"Located just outside the gates of the zoo (and hence free!), this is a pretty awesome rose garden." -- Bill Noble

Woodland Park Zoo