Eastside
McAuliffe Park
In Kirkland. Has bamboo trees, a barn and vintage tractors. This spot is quiet year round, has a variety of backdrops, and lots of space to run around in.
Heritage Park
In Kirkland. Has a pretty building, a variety of flowers and trees, a grassy field and peek-a-boo views of Lake Washington. This spot is quiet anytime in the spring and summer. In Sept & Oct, I only photograph here on weekdays.
Juanita Bay Park
In Kirkland. Has a lovely boardwalk, willow tree and grassy field. This spot is quiet anytime in the spring and summer. In Sept & Oct, I only photograph here on weekdays.
Wellington Hills
In Woodinville. Parking is convenient and within one minute of the actual location. Has beautiful rolling hills with tall grasses. This spot is quiet all year round. Great for families with kids who aren't afraid of the occasional dog being walked by its owner.
Marymoor Park
In Redmond. Parking is convenient. There's a large field with tall grasses. The location is right next to the remote control aircraft flying area, making it fun for kids to spot tiny airplanes flying around during the session. This spot is quiet all year round.
Bellevue Botanical Garden
In Bellevue. Has a rock garden and lots of different types of plants/flowers. Each season looks different. Not a good place to run around in. Quiet anytime in the spring and summer. In Sept & Oct, I only photograph here on weekdays.
Seattle
Volunteer Park
In Seattle. Has a lot of variety with backdrops of the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the water tower and greenery. There's also trees to climb! Has lots of space to run freely in. Requires a City of Seattle permit.
Center for Urban Horticulture
In Seattle. Has manicured landscapes, tall grasses and willow trees. Has lots of space for kids to explore!
The Arboretum
In Seattle. Has so much varied greenery, different flowers blooming depending on the season and trees to climb on. There's lots of space so it's easy to find a quiet spot here. Requires a City of Seattle permit.
Gasworks Park
In Seattle. Has an urban feel to it. There are views of the Seattle skyline, a very tall hill that's fun for kite flying, some old factory sculptures and a playground. Requires a City of Seattle permit.
Farther Out
Confluence Park
In Issaquah. Has a neat bridge, a beautiful willow tree, a grassy field and a small river. This spot is quiet year round and a good spot for children to explore.
Meadowbrook Farm
In North Bend. Has a large grassy field, views of Mt. Si and is quiet year round. Occasional elk sightings are possible. This location might be muddy in the spring and fall months.
Tanner Landing
In North Bend. Requires a 10 minute walk from the parking lot. Has a river to play in and a grassy field with views of Mt. Si. This spot is quiet year round.
Flowers/Wildflowers
April:
- Cherry blossoms at the Seattle Arboretum (requires paid permit), at Heritage Park in Kirkland (free) or McAuliffe Park in Kirkland (free)
May:
- Lupines at Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland (free)
- Rhododendrons at the Seattle Arboretum (requires paid permit)
June:
- Various flowers at Bellevue Botanical Garden (free)
- Daisies at Marymoor Park in Redmond (free)
July:
- Sweet peas at Discovery Park in Seattle (free)
August:
- Wildflowers at the farm in Woodinville (requires paid permit)
- Black eyed susan flowers at Heritage Park in Kirkland (free)