Patch Picks: Get in the Outdoor Mood This Week

March is going out like a lamb — well, mostly — and the longer days and splashes of sun remind us of what we’ve been missing all winter: walks in the park, communing with nature, and enjoying the new buds springing up on bushes.

The Pacific Northwest has exceptional springs with flowers and foliage that invite us outdoors. We think this is a great week to get out and have a walk at one of the many beautiful parks and natural areas in Redmond, so we’ve highlighted just a few to help you get in the spirit.

• , at 6046 W Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, is King County's most popular park, attracting more than 3 million visitors each year. It offers miles of trails for walking, running, biking, skating and horseback riding. There are also dining options such as Subway, along with public restrooms, public art, picnic areas, benches, lighted tennis courts, a climbing wall, a radio-controlled airplane field and other attractions. The park is home to the Marymoor Velodrome, an oval track used for bicycle racing. The area is very pleasant and quiet, and there is ample paid parking available.

• Want to let the kids run off some of that stuck-indoors energy? makes a great start. Located at 7031 148th Ave. NE, it has 28 acres for various activities, including basketball and tennis courts, as well as baseball and softball fields. A soccer field and children's playground are also on the premises. Walking trails are available throughout for an afternoon or evening stroll.

• Got teenagers? Don’t let that stop you from getting outdoors! The , at 83rd Street and 161st Avenue Northeast, provides a variety of ramps and rails for skaters and skateboarders on its 1.4 acres.  There is also a graffiti wall that is sponsored by the City of Redmond. The Skate Park is located close to a Metro Bus Park and Ride with Rider Kiosk, so you can access it conveniently. Shopping, dining and other businesses are also nearby.

• A lovely place to get right into nature is , a large, 800-acre park with plenty of trails and wooded areas. Located at 21760 NE Novelty Hill Road, the park has multiple trails well-suited for hiking, walking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The park also has an ADA interpretive trail, restrooms and a free parking lot.

• Another park with great opportunities for children is , 19545 NE Redmond Road. The , located within the park, provides a peaceful nature walk with opportunities for education and excitement for children. This soft-surface trail is great for horseback riding and walking and is appropriate for all ages and abilities. Children will love the farm park, which includes a variety of animals and enrichment opportunities. The trail has picnic tables, restrooms and ample parking.