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    UW Waterfront Activities Center

    4.4 (104 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Jboogie L.

    You still have to pay for parking per hour once you get to the Husky stadium lot. Upstairs area with glass doors that open up to Lake Washington. You can see people canoeing and paddle boarding here. There is a projector screen, tv screens and a basic kitchen. Indoor and outdoor seating area. The chairs were a bit dirty for the outside area. Otherwise, it is a fantastic view and very spacious. Nice party venue.

    Lily pads everywhere!
    Jacques I.

    Such a blast! The UW Waterfront Activities Center is the best place to canoe and kayak in the Seattle around. We visited the UW Waterfront Activities Center on a clear day and it was the perfect way to spend time in the outdoors on the water. Located at the University of Washington, there's a parking lot, making it easy and accessible to get to. On a nice day there was a line, which went by fast. For non-UW students or faculty it was only $12 for an hour rental, which is the cheapest in the area. We rented a canoe, which included life vests for my boyfriend and me, and more importantly, our dog was able to come with us! Since we visited on a really nice day, everyone was out on the water, so there were definitely a lot of big waves from the boats. However, the canoe was easy to use and it was a great workout. We wore our swimsuits under our clothes, which I recommend because you'll definitely get wet. We saw a lot of people bring coolers with them in their canoe, so good to know for next time. Great, fun activity with views of the arboretum. Lowest price for renting a canoe or kayak, dog-friendly and accessible to get to!

    3____3
    Ivy C.

    Canoeing through Union Bay and the UW Arboretum was surreal considering that it was lily pad season and they were all in bloom! Little did we know that in August, Union Bay and especially, the UW Arboretum is covered in blooming lily pads all around and to get up close and personal with them, all ya gotta do is rent a boat of some sort to paddle on over. UW Waterfront made this option available by providing, canoes, kayaks, and row boats to rent, and all for a very great price! We decided to get the canoe for $12/hr (and a locker for $2) and spent about 2 hours exploring the area and enjoying the waterways around. The waters were calm, weather was amazing, and views were spectacular. As I mentioned before, this place had lily pads blanketing the lake, especially once you entered the arboretum and the best part was that you could even paddle through them since there were some paved "lanes" to let you pass. Though the lily pads were the main attraction, there were many animals - geese, ducks, turtles, and more - to see as we went through the different parts of the arboretum and they were quite sociable, often following us as we traveled. Shade is available, especially while you paddle under the highways and trees, but I'd definitely recommend sunscreen and a hat to bring along for full coverage. Though this was a little excursion away from the city, getting there was especially easy since it was only a 5 minute walk from the UW campus, and 3 minutes away from the Lightrail station. I strongly recommend renting from WAC and checking this spot out before the lily pads are no longer blooming or the weather gets too chilly! And so if you're there now in Seattle looking for something out of the ordinary to do, go on over to the UW Waterfront Center for an adventure to remember!

    Our duck friend on our canoeing trip!
    Stephanie H.

    Fun water rentals for a great price! Lots of cute birds and ducks! My boyfriend and I went here to canoe during our trip to Seattle. The staff was very helpful and there were many boats available for rent that day. They provide you with life jackets as well if you need them. The route is not specified and they just tell you generally which areas are good to go to and which areas you are not allowed to go to. We spent about 1.5 hours on the water just going around to different areas on the lake. There were areas that were covered with lily pads, but for the most part there were clear areas between the lilies to boat through. There were not a ton of boats on the water, which made it seem nice, private, and romantic. But, the best part of the trip was the ducks that were in the water! There were many of them and a few of them would follow our boat around as well. We wish we had brought bread or crackers to feed them, but we didn't know! When we came back to the rental area, the staff was nice and charged us for an hour and a half even though we were out for a little over that. It was $18 for the two of us and a great way to spend an afternoon in Seattle! Would highly recommend this and would go next time with some snacks for the ducks :)

    A crane amongst cranes
    Tammy E.

    This is a great place to rent a boat if you have several people and/or a dog! I've rented from them a handful of times and haven't ever had any issues. I've been out on the lake here on two of their different boat rental options with two dogs once and one dog another time. As long as you have a dog that isn't bothered by being on a boat this is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon out on the water. The cost to rent boats here is less than anywhere else on any of the lakes around town, though the organization of the check in process is a bit muddled on busy sunny weekends. You have to take a ticket with a number on it and wait in the long line. If you get to the window before your ticket number is up you have to go to the end of the line and wait all over again. They would be wise to revise this system of order but it won't deter anyone from coming back i'm sure.

    Make way for ducklings!
    Elizabeth L.

    Amazing access to UW's gorgeous waterfront! Just $7/hr. per canoe ($11 non-student), super reasonable. A few highlights while on the water: floating lily gardens, a pair of charming bridges, ducklings, pretty docks...and a stunning view of Husky stadium from Lake Washington. Interested yet? For those who are in for a challenge, row to the 520 ;) See you out on the lake!

    Wing L.

    $10/hr for a canoe rental (public peeps) - UM YES! Discounted for students, staff, etc. Visiting Seattle and found this thing to do. Thought it'd be cool! Great way to experience Seattle in a different light. PARKING: Drive up to the lot right next to the Activities Center, right behind the Husky Stadium. There are signs pointing you in the right direction. Parked in the lot and bought parking on the weekdays. Price wasn't that bad on the weekdays. Free on Sundays and after 12pm on Saturdays. CANOE RENTAL: Walk right up to the window like you know what you're doing! They will ask for an license to hold and waivers to be signed. They'll hand you life jackets (you don't have to wear them if you know how to swim, or you could wear them anyways), a map of where you can/can't go, and paddles. "Point!" There are the canoes, have at it! It was neat to paddle around the bay. Paddling through the lily pads is harder than it looks. Also paddling against the current is such a workout! Fun nonetheless! Good luck steering that canoe ;) Would def recommend for anyone visiting Seattle if you're looking for something to do! Usually no line on the weekdays, I believe. We came on a Wednesday and walked right up - plenty of canoes available. Sounds like it can get packed on the weekends.

    Candace L.

    A Seattle must! Had so much fun renting a canoe and going out on Union Bay. $12 and hour, includes life vests. They have sunscreen for purchase if you forget to bring your own. If you're visiting, the train lets off right at the waterfront in front of the stadium. A couple minutes of walking if that and you'll be in your canoe and on your way. Don't miss out on such a fun experience.

    Tani S.

    We went here during Memorial Day weekend and truly enjoyed it with our friends. Parking was easy although thinking it might be a bit more difficult when there is a game going. The rates were affordable and it is nice that they offer rowboats which easily fit a family of four. It was very busy but the staff was friendly at the counter and the dock. The water had some sweet wildlife and fortunately was much easier to row on vs the times we have been out rowing near the ship canal or in Mercer Slough.

    Size of a NUTRIA! Shape of a Ice Rocket!
    Scott K.

    For 7.50 and hour (cash or check only) you can get one of two things. One: The perfect date. You're in a boat together, rowing through the marsh as a Heron carefully eyes you, and ducks scurry out of your path. Landing the boat in the Arboretum and setting down for a carefully prepared gourmet picnic and a nice bottle of red wine, Love is in the air... "every sight and every sound" Or... Two: You can do it Julea and Scott style! Boxes of cheap red wine and a whole different trip entirely! It usually begins with a long battle of wills about who's rowing the wrong way, and slowly brakes down into a mad rush to get across the waterway before we're slammed into by an oncoming Yacht... sometimes we mock them... sometimes we don't... that's the art of it. It's time to behave anyway we damn well please! All of a sudden we're ten year olds exploring every nook and cranny, watching giant rodents called Nutria, or seeing if we can sneak up on the odd crane, (we can't). Julea tromping off into the brush to get Cattails and ending up attacked by biting ants as I insist that ants don't bite in Washington State! It's all stupid fun! ... and I was wrong about the ants. I'm usually prattling on about how we should sneak one of those small outboard motors on-board so we can cruise to Kirkland for lunch! Or how next time, we should talk twenty people into coming and buy some Touch Football flags for the boats to play capture the flag with! We could all dress like Pirates, bring super soakers and crash our boats into each other like madmen! Julea just laughs, and the beat goes on.... They're closed November, December and January... so in a way, this is like our Yacht taunts... except it's directed at you.

    I'm on top of the world!!!
    Lisa L.

    I love Seattle! Where I'm from, it's not so easy doing water activities like canoeing. Why? I'd have to drive far to get to a lake, and the rental fees would make me wish I didn't drive so far to spend so much $. We did get lost several times trying to get here, with the help of a GPS. I think you're better off following the posted signs. You have to drive through this campus to get to the rental site. Go on a Saturday afternoon/evening so you don't have to pay for parking. What attracted me to UW Waterfront was the price. I'm from CA, so to spend $10 for an hour of canoeing was well worth it. My friends and I actually wanted to rent the row boat, so we can fit all 4 of us in one boat, but since all 5 of UW's row boats were taken, and who knows how long they would be gone, we took the canoe instead. The lake was spacious and beautiful. What was scary though were the bigger boats that went by because the water got rough to the point where I thought we would tip over. We did see a big boat with a bunch of girls partying go by, and lets just say, one of the girls was almost nude. Think.... Lil' Kim and the pasties! The lake is so big, we stayed away from traffic and floated around the calm waters with other boats that were missing an engine. Did I mention this was my first time canoeing?

    Cathy K.

    It's $10/hr on the weekday and $12/hr on the weekend for the general public. Price includes paddle and life vest. I rented a canoe and there were three people total. I would suggest making sure everything u bring on the canoe, you are ok with getting wet if your canoe happens to tip over. I stayed away from the motor boat traffic going through the Montlake cut so my canoe didn't tip over. There is still plenty of lily pads and ducks to see on the left side of the bay. The weather was in the upper 80's on the day that I went so I would suggest wearing sunscreen, bring a hat, water bottle, and some sunglasses. There hours right now are 10:00am- 7:30pm on weekday and 9:00am - 7:30pm on the weekend. I went around 2:00pm on a weekday and the line was really long but moved pretty fast. Would suggest going really early in the morning or around 6:30-7 pm.

    Canoe rental $12. Hr
    Kristina L.

    Was a fun activity to enjoy with the kids. Parking is free after (noon) on The weekends. Rentals are first come first serve; So expect a wait. General Public $10. Hr -$12. Hr They provide life jackets but you can bring your own & they check to see if it's USG approved.

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    Ask the Community - UW Waterfront Activities Center

    Review Highlights - UW Waterfront Activities Center

    Wanting to do a little outdoor adventure during out weekend, we opted to rent a canoe and explore the lakeside.

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    Queen Anne Stairs

    Queen Anne Stairs

    5.0(2 reviews)
    2.5 miQueen Anne

    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

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    Queen Anne Stairs - Free outdoor workout right there!

    Free outdoor workout right there!

    Queen Anne Stairs - Stairs at Comstock and Queen Anne Ave N.

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    Stairs at Comstock and Queen Anne Ave N.

    Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington

    Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington

    4.3(6 reviews)
    3.6 miCentral District

    My review is of the language classes they offer here. I took three classes a few years ago, using a…read moredifferent instructor each time. They were all native speakers and taught the language well enough that I still retain a lot of it a few years later. If you're looking to learn Japanese, this is the place to go.

    I discovered the JCCCW when on my bus commute to work, I spied their sign hanging on Rainier…read moreAvenue, near Weller Street: "Japanese Language Classes Available." My daughter is interested in the Japanese culture. The classes they offer range from young child to youth to adult and each age level has its own skill levels so that a teenager just learning Japanese is not put in class with a 5 year old starting Japanese Language Class. Not only does the JCCCW offer Japanese Language Class, they have a lending library and a museum of Japanese culture. In addition, they host many activities related to Japanese culture and participate in the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival held in the spring at the Seattle Center. Unfortunately, the people who run the JCCCW seem to live in their own world and do not always use technology to a beneficial result. They also consider, well whatever it is they consider, and fail to consider their students or their students' families in their decisions, when they choose to announce things, and how they choose to communicate. This is a drawback. Frankly, they seem very technological inept and are not helpful or reasonable under the anonymity of using the internet, even when they sign their name. However, when working with them in person or on the phone, they tend to be very nice and helpful. Worth a visit to learn more about Japanese history, and worth the classes if you wish to learn the Japanese language.

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    Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington
    Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington - One of the classrooms available to rent

    One of the classrooms available to rent

    Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington - Facility rentals also have staging and AV equipment rental options.

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    Facility rentals also have staging and AV equipment rental options.

    Kerry Park - 2037pdt on 5/28/24

    Kerry Park

    4.7(1.1k reviews)
    3.1 miLower Queen Anne

    Free activity in Seattle, Washington…read more.. When I was at the Post Office, mailing some postcards, the friendly clerk suggested that I go to Kerry Park to view in person, the city skyline as depicted in these postcards... OK! My niece was surprised at the size of "the park". It seems to be more like a strip of lawn instead of a park. Well... we were there for the beautiful view of Seattle and were happy to get a free parking space on the street! There also was an interesting steel sculpture called: Changing Form. It's 15 feet tall and can be used as a nice frame to photograph the Space Needle and its surroundings!

    On clear days you can get an amazing view of Elliott Bay and the Central City (with the Space…read moreNeedle of course!), with a backdrop of Mount Rainier. The viewpoint is thoughtfully designed so many people can line up against the railings without too much trouble instead of photographers trying to jockey for space. If you didn't bring binoculars, there's a few coin operated telescopes to help you look at things in the distance. There's also a cool statue here if you're interested, and if you go down the steps there's a small playground. I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone use the playground though, since there are no bathrooms associated with the park and small kids can have bathroom emergencies. There are businesses nearby where I guess you could technically ask to use the washrooms, but it's just another hassle. Note: street parking only.

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    Kerry Park - Seattle skyline with the Space Needle

    Seattle skyline with the Space Needle

    Kerry Park
    Kerry Park - Classic Seattle Skyline through sculpture.

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    Classic Seattle Skyline through sculpture.

    Seattle Children's Playgarden

    Seattle Children's Playgarden

    4.5(11 reviews)
    4.2 miAtlantic

    Cute little playground and a lot of cool stuff if you're a little kid and even adult. We looked…read moreonline and came during the public hours at least what their website said. It's really cool that there's a lot of chickens and Vanny so you can just go up and play with as well as all the little structures in playground and stuff . I will say one of the most offputting things was while we were looking at the chickens. Some woman next to us was kind of talking about the park, not being open to the public and going on and on about it. I may be thinking too much into it although she was talking to someone else and right next to us, but it did kind of seem like it was directed towards us. I would just recommend checking in public hours as the other hours are for the preschool attendees.

    What an awesome playground for ages 1-6! This is a free park but there is also a pre-school here so…read morethe public can come play during certain hours only. We came during Christmas break so there was no one there. After an hour of play we did see about three other families playing all wearing masks. My toddler loved running around the place. There were chickens to say hi to and a cool red truck he could sit in. The musical instruments were fun for him to bang on as well as jumping on the balls and hill. There is actually a basketball court right next to it so you could actually bring older kids and have a game. Wear rain boots as it can get a bit muddy during the winter months. Highly recommend coming here for great imaginative play.

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    Seattle Children's Playgarden
    Seattle Children's Playgarden
    Seattle Children's Playgarden

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    College Club Seattle - Club Lounge

    College Club Seattle

    3.8(13 reviews)
    1.2 miEastlake

    I went for a private social event. The parking in this neighborhood is practically non-existent…read more But, I got lucky tonight. The location is great - right on the water. (if you're attending a summer event and can be outside, or it's before sunset.) The bar seems to have lots of options, but no prices listed. So, it's a roll of the dice. "Market price" for a wine pour, I guess. Plus, they add an automatic gratuity. (Be sure to read the fine print) THEN, the card swipe machine asks you for an additional tip! This place hasn't been remodeled or updated in what seems like 50+ years. I hope to never return.

    Sharing a perspective as a member…read more... My husband and I joined the College Club this summer and have nothing but great things to say about our experience. I was initially attracted to the idea of the social club. The lounge, which has a traditional college pub feel, includes a pool table, shuffleboard, a large flat screen, and lots of seating - a great space for hanging out. The venue which consists on two floating vessels has a large dock off the back. We were blown away by how much fun the dock has been. On nice summer days, we would come down for a couple of hours and lounge/lay out on the dock or hop in the water and swim for a bit. There are number of singles, couples, and families so it brings a nice balance of people. (We don't have kids but I've always thought this is the perfect club for those who do - without being too annoying for those of us who don't.) Also throughout the summer, they do Wednesday happy hours and a fun outdoor Thursday night concert series on the dock. I've talked to a number of serious rowers who enjoy the club for the boat access. My husband and I aren't rowers but to our surprise, we've had a lot of fun taking out kayaks (and paddle boards) - both with free access as a part of the membership. The gym isn't fancy but it's clean and has some good equipment (stationary bikes, rowing machines, weights). There are never more than a few people in the gym at once. I've liked it so much that I canceled another gym membership and only come here now. I wasn't sure if this would be a better "summertime" club but we've enjoyed into the colder months. In addition to my ongoing use of the gym, they offer fun social events like college football viewing parties and wine tasting events. Lastly, I have nothing but great things to say about the staff. They genuinely care about their members and have helped create a warm and welcoming environment. They really help set the tone for the overall feel of the club, especially for the social events. I'm glad we made the choice to join. It's been a great addition for us.

    Photos
    College Club Seattle
    College Club Seattle
    College Club Seattle

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    Westlake Park

    Westlake Park

    3.8(40 reviews)
    3.1 miDowntown

    If you feel like shopping, come to this mall -- there's a UNIQLO as well as Nordstrom and Nordstrom…read moreRack nearby! The Christmas decorations this year are actually quite nice and create a great festive atmosphere!

    "Excuse me, how do we get to the ocean?"…read more I was standing at a corner near Westlake Park waiting for the light to turn when a lady and her daughter came up to me and asked me this question. I pointed them towards Elliott Bay. We were definitely nowhere near the Pacific Ocean but I was pretty sure they wanted to get to the waterfront. I chuckled a little after they went on their merry way. It was an organic, human connection that happened during my lunch break. This wasn't the first time someone came up to me and asked me for directions. I kinda expect it when I'm around the retail/hotel district. I'm ok helping folks out; it's a test of my own navigational skills. When my cousins and I were kids we used to run through the park's water fountain. They shut the water off years ago though. They say it's broken but I think people bathed in it or used it as a toilet. Blech. Supposedly they're going to remove this art piece and make way for a redesign. Westlake Mall used to have an outdoor patio overlooking the park. You used to have an aerial view of the Salish basket weave pattern. Then the mall got rid of the top floor food court and decided to close off the patio section. Unless you work in a nearby building it's hard to view the public art's entirety. Kitty corner from the park on 4th & Pine is a building where The Bon Marché used to be. Every winter they would install a giant star on the SE corner of that building. It's lit up to brighten the dark days. Walking past this building always reminded me of the Day-O, One Day Sale jingle. They hold special events and activities year round. They also host food trucks during the workweek. It's easy to get here. Just take the bus to Westlake Center or the light rail to Westlake Station. Side note: If you have time, check out the 80-foot Sequoia Tree a block away. Man In Tree made it popular :) Also, if you're looking for free brochures and visitor guides they have stands at the Convention Center Arch Building, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Ferry Terminal, and King Street Station.

    Photos
    Westlake Park - Bye Seattle ~

    Bye Seattle ~

    Westlake Park - Decorated trees

    Decorated trees

    Westlake Park

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    UW Waterfront Activities Center - recreation - Updated May 2026

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