What are the best summer activities in Bothell and Kenmore, WA?

The best summer activities in Bothell and Kenmore center on Lake Washington and the outdoors: boating and paddle boarding off Kenmore, Fourth of July fireworks at Log Boom Park, hiking at St. Edwards Park, and biking the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trail. Add weekend farmers markets, wine walks, and a short drive to Woodinville wine country, and you have a full season of things to do without leaving the north Eastside.

If you are looking for something fun to do this summer in Bothell or Kenmore, you have more options within a few minutes of home than most people realize. These two towns sit side by side on the northeast edge of Lake Washington, which means the water, the trails, and the parks are all part of daily life here from June through September.

I put together a quick video walking through my favorite local summer activities. Watch it below, then keep reading for the full guide.

Lake Washington is the heart of a Kenmore summer

Kenmore sits right on the northeastern tip of Lake Washington, and in the summer the lake is where everyone wants to be. Boating, paddle boarding, and even yoga on a paddle board are all part of the routine for people who live here. Watch Alina talk through the lake life at 0:25.

The parks are the other half of the picture. Log Boom Park is one of the most loved spots in Kenmore, and it becomes the center of the community every Fourth of July. The fireworks show there is one of the biggest summer events in the area. The park fills up early, people bring food, families settle in for the evening, and the view over the water makes it worth arriving ahead of the crowd. See the Log Boom Park fireworks segment at 0:37.

One detail that surprises people who are new to the area is Kenmore Air. From the seaplane base on the lake, you can fly out to the San Juan Islands and other destinations around the Northwest. It is a fun way to turn a summer weekend into a quick getaway, and it is right in your backyard.

Trails, hiking, and biking on the north Eastside

If you would rather be on land, the trail network here is hard to beat. St. Edwards State Park sits right between Kenmore and Kirkland, and it has some of the best hiking in the area. You can hike down to the Lake Washington shoreline or climb back up through the forest, and the trails stay shaded and cool even on warm afternoons.

For biking, walking, and running, Bothell and Kenmore are built around the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trail. The paved path runs right through both towns, so you can step out your door and ride for miles along the water and the river. It is one of the features that makes this such an active, outdoor-first community. Hear more about the trails and biking at 1:09.

The access to these trails is a real factor for buyers, not just a nice extra. I have written before about which Kenmore neighborhoods have the best access to the Burke-Gilman Trail, and it is one of the first things active buyers ask me about when they tour homes here.

If a summer like this is exactly the lifestyle you are picturing, it is worth knowing which streets put you closest to the water, the parks, and the trail. I help buyers match the neighborhood to the life they actually want to live. Request a private real estate strategy session at alinaaraujo.com/contact-me and I will walk you through it.

Markets, wine walks, and a short drive to Woodinville

Summer weekends here are full without much planning. Both Bothell and Kenmore run farmers markets all season long, and between the wine walks, block parties, and community events, there is almost always something happening on any given weekend. Catch the markets and events rundown at 1:42.

When you want a slightly bigger outing, Woodinville wine country is a short drive away. Chateau Ste. Michelle hosts outdoor summer concerts that run all the way through September, and it is hard to beat a bottle of wine, a picnic, and live music on the lawn with friends. If wine is not your thing, you can taste whiskey and bourbon at Woodinville Whiskey and Copperworks Distillery instead. See the Woodinville wine country segment at 1:56.

This kind of weekend access is part of why people who move here tend to stay. If you are weighing the two towns against each other, my guide on Kenmore versus Bothell and which community is right for you breaks down the differences, and my roundup of top Bothell neighborhoods for commuters and nature lovers goes deeper on the Bothell side.

Why this area is worth calling home

What I love most about Bothell and Kenmore is simply how beautiful it is. The water is close, Lake Washington is part of the rhythm of the week, and the Burke-Gilman Trail is there for long walks and bike rides whenever you want them. Hear why Alina loves living here at 2:23.

I may be a little biased. I have lived in this area for almost twenty years, and I do not see myself living anywhere else. That perspective is part of what I bring to every client. If you are relocating with a family, my guide to relocating to Kenmore with kids covers the schools, commute, and lifestyle details that a summer activity list does not.

Summer is one of the best times to get a real feel for what living in Bothell or Kenmore is actually like. If you have questions about the area, or you are starting to think about making it home, I am happy to help. Request a private real estate strategy session at alinaaraujo.com/contact-me, and let's talk about what you are looking for.