Several years ago, after a grueling stretch of very hard work, I visited the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks. Watching the fish work their way up the steps was almost mesmerizing, and all the stress and strain of the previous several weeks drifted off, borne away with the simple pleasure of watching the fish swim. We were surrounded by kids just as happily watching the fish ladder — and if you and your kids find you need some respite from too much full-on site-seeing, the locks and fish ladder are the ticket. Hours are 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. year round.
Ballard Locks
3105 Northwest 54th Street, Seattle, 98107, WA
