Squalicum Park playground

If you live on the north side of Bellingham, this park is basically your backyard — and the zipline alone makes it worth the trip. Kids of all ages make a beeline for it, and honestly, you’ll probably see some adults sneaking a turn too. Beyond the playground, there’s a solid basketball court and soccer field, so older kids and adults aren’t left standing around with nothing to do. Restrooms and decent parking mean you can actually stay a while without stressing, and the walking path is a nice loop to do with the dog while the kids burn off energy. It’s one of those parks that genuinely works for everyone in the family, not just the toddler crowd.