Think of this as a YMCA but bigger and better. First, the pool is bigger than the one in Newcastle…read moreand there's a hot tub kitty corner of the pool. They have nice dining options - quick deli and fancier restaurant called Splash. They have a few workout spots and outdoor tennis courts.

Everything is so overpriced. It was bad enough before shrinkflation…read more Quite snooty attitudes from staff as well. Not super impressed.

Of course, it is a good pool in the middle of Kirkland huge park. It is great for everyone but we…read morelike coming here for their last open day because it is for dogs' day! It gets very busy. I don't know if there's a limit but it can get very crowded of people because sometimes the whole family comes along to watch their doggy swim :) It is very fun and inspiring having these kind of activities for dogs. They truly enjoy it with available tennis balls. Ours was in the water the whole time. They can use both pools (there's a small one on the other side of the planters). We also went into the baseball field where all dogs were allowed to run and chase balls. Just be sure that your furry one is friendly around other dogs and people. We all trust each other's. The whole family can come along and spend a good time by the park!

Make sure you check the schedule online before going…read more(https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/parks/Recreation_and_Services/Aquatics/Peter_Kirk_Pool.htm) The hours on google aren't always accurate. It's $5 for each person regardless of age and regardless if you're swimming. The wading pool is nice for toddlers and small children though it is a bit small. I'm also taking down another star because of the worker here who wouldn't let my 3 year old use the bathroom after we left to the car and came back. I let him pee in the bushes next to the pool.

Great Park for everyone and anyone…read more The park is always well kept and properly maintained. If you're here to utilize the money of green space and just vibe out for a picnic or some quiet time with nature. Maybe here to utilize the playground area for the kids that includes a small splash pad. Or maybe you're here to utilize the bench's around the water and just enjoy a moment to yourself. Or maybe you're here to utilize the walking path around the park for a little exercise. There's often community events here. Overall a stellar park. It's close to much and just a great park.

A beautiful park in the heart of downtown Bellevue!…read more Love to see the community out and about enjoying this park. There's a paved walking path where people are taking a stroll, walking their dogs, or practicing Tai Chi if you happen to be there in the morning. With tons of green, there's also a good amount of people picnicking and frolicking. I love that there's a rim of water that lines the park. It really adds to the serene vibe and is home to plenty of cute ducks. Absolutely love this park! I almost always choose to walk through the park if the route I'm on permits it :)

I can't say enough good thing about Samena! Every department has shown such kindness, knowledge,…read moreand loyalty in all that they do. My children have been in the Preschool, Before & After school Care program, Summer Camps, & Swim lessons and they just can't get enough. Between all the events for the whole family, and the ones made just for us adults, there is always something for us to do there. Shout out to their Fitness Coordinator, Marianne. Her knowledge and patience through our personal training journey has been nothing but superb. Through multiple injuries, and a busy life, she helps me navigate what fits my needs best at every appointment. Thank you Samena for providing a safe 3rd place for our community!

We recently had a very concerning experience after visiting Samena. After using the hot tub, my…read moredaughter developed a rash that was later diagnosed by her doctor as hot tub folliculitis ("hot tub rash"). What initially seemed minor quickly escalated into a much more serious, full-body condition requiring an ER visit and follow-up care with a dermatologist. This has been an incredibly stressful and painful experience for our family, all stemming from what should have been a safe and well-maintained facility. I did contact management to report what happened. While they stated that their cleaning and maintenance procedures are within guidelines, that response was frustrating given the outcome and the severity of my daughter's condition. Proper sanitation of hot tubs is critical, and based on our experience, I would urge others to be cautious. Unfortunately, I can't recommend using the hot tub facilities here.

Bellevue Botanical Garden is a beautiful place. And the fact that it is always free too! It's open…read moreevery day even holidays! To be a small botanical garden, there's a nice walking path and many, many beautiful flowers and plants to see. There are often local community events hosted here. Activities for the young to adults. They have classes that you can find and sign up for on their website as well. And the classes are affordable!! You may even see people taking wedding photos here because again it's beautiful. The park is ADA friendly. The path is dirt and pebbled but can be navigated with a wheelchair. There are bathrooms on site and a small shop. I have never purchased bulbs or plants from here but I know there is a big community around that. The coffee shop in the garden can get busy. But a benefit is we were able to charge my husband's wheelchair there on a visit. While the park is open every day, the coffee shop is not. Definitely this should be a spot for all locals. And not just a one time visit either.

This was a nice little find. We got here late as my sister had to take her son to this de's appt…read more By the time we got to Seattle, it was already 1 pm. Once the entire family met up, we climbed back into the car and headed to Bellevue. Not sur if it was due to the time. But we were surprised there was a lot of parking available. We spent a good 2-hrs here which included getting lost and finding other street entries into the botanical park from a school and from other busy street corner at the bottom of the park. Nice and shaded, quiet little creeks, plenty of seating for those that were inspired to journal, plenty of elderly people using this time to exercise and stretch. We enjoyed the different areas like the swinging bridge, the Japanese garden and even the little cafe they have there. Fairly priced items and plenty of tables to enjoy a refreshment and snack. By the time we were done, the gift shop was already closed. So I took the opportunity to drop a donation into the box instead.

Very convenient passage down to Queen Anne Avenue from East hill. If you miss them, at Galer's end,…read moreheading east, Highland Avenue is the next through-way, but even that's a little tricky to find if you're north of queen Anne ave as there are so may twisty roads and hills. Ah, the days of exploration and happenstance before GPS. If exercise and cardio is your goal, I recommend these steps, up and down as many times to suit. It's nicely wooded and steps, literally, from 5 Spot if you're inclined to sabotage your health goals or simply earn your calories, well spent. Nice hand rails with several landings to catch your breath.

I am in no way affiliated w/ any store or websites mentioned in this review... Just new to Seattle…read more& wanted to share my "discovery". I have found the ultimate freebie walking/running/cardio workout... and it's like a living Super Mario Brothers game, complete w/ secret passageways & warp zones... plus grand views of Elliott Bay, Rainier, Baker & other distant peaks, depending on the weather. There are something like 120 stairways in Queen Anne. I just picked up a water-resistant map of these stairs at Queen Anne Books for $5 (poster also available, $10, not waterproof). It's helped me explore all the little nooks & crannies of my cool little 'hood & has definitely made getting out for a little cardio, rain or shine, way more fun. The map itself is mostly complete, though a few streets on the edges aren't labeled. Looking forward to filling in the blanks on my own on foot. The map & poster are also available at http://www.qahistory.org/stairs/map.htm You can also read about the Queen Anne Stairs in the following blogs/articles: (super cool, maps out a route w/ elevation gains, drops) http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=172255 http://blog.seattlepi.com/inqueenanne/archives/177381.asp http://www.queenanneview.com/2009/02/20/queen-anne-urban-hiker-maps-hidden-stairways/ http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-in-seattle/queen-anne-stair-map http://www.queenannebooks.com/map-oft-pedestrian-stairs-queen-anne

The Mercer slough is a lovely place to walk...if the temperature has consistently been under 45. Ya…read moreknow what a slough is? It's a swamp/marsh/wetland/mosquitoes-will-murder-you place. Overall it's a beautiful place to walk. The trails are well maintained and there are some great views. This area has a few different trails to choose from that appear to be mostly loops. It's close enough to the freeways that you get a good amount of traffic noise, but if you go early in the morning it's not too bad. The mosquitoes are most certainly the worst part of this area. Either way, I think it's great we're letting nature be nature.

Since moving back to the Far East (aka Eastside) I was worried about places to walk our…read morenot-so-dog-friendly dog. Admittedly, having Green Lake at our front door was both a blessing and curse. Now we live right across the street from Mercer Slough, and it's been great! Nature right at our front door without the crowds!!! If you walk/run the perimeter it's about a 10k. Inside you'll find trails that are great for just about everyone. Beware you may see garter snakes, but also the occasional otter, beaver, and rabbits too! It's also great for birdwatching. Parking is VERY limited, especially with sound transit light rail being built by Bellevue Way. There is a small parking lot off 118th Ave SE, and some parking along that road, but check the road signs. There is also an Environmental education center and event spaces available. Overall, I enjoy being able to just go across the street and walk my pooch without fear of being run over by bikers and skaters.

Indoor rock climbing wall (33 ft). Lots of fun with many different skill levels. Highly recommend…read morefor adults and children (6+). (There's also a zip line park)

Great place for a workout...I wish weekend hours started by 7 am. This is a Bellevue gem!read more