The summer weather in Seattle has been fantastic lately, and we couldn’t resist taking advantage of another sunny weekend to explore more of our beautiful city. This time, our family decided to spend the day at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks.
The Ballard Locks, located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, serve as a gateway between the Puget Sound and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The Locks are not only an essential part of Seattle’s maritime infrastructure but also a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
We started our visit at the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, a beautiful, lush green space surrounding the Locks. The garden features a diverse array of plant species, walking paths, and picturesque ponds, making it a great spot for a family stroll or a picnic. The kids enjoyed watching the ducks and trying to identify the different plants we came across.
Next, we headed to the Locks themselves, where we spent time observing boats of all shapes and sizes as they navigated through the system. The kids were particularly fascinated by the way the water levels changed, allowing vessels to safely pass between the freshwater canal and the saltwater sound. It was both educational and entertaining to see this engineering marvel in action.
While at the Locks, we also made sure to visit the fish ladder, which is designed to help salmon navigate their way upstream during their spawning season. Although we didn’t spot any salmon this time around, the underwater viewing windows provided an interesting perspective on the fish ladder and the aquatic life in the area.
Overall, our day at the Ballard Locks was a fun and educational experience for the whole family. It was a perfect reminder that even in our own city, there are countless opportunities to learn and explore. We left feeling grateful for the chance to rediscover the wonders that Seattle has to offer.
Until our next adventure,
Steve