City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (800) 214-1595

Address: 720 Waverly Ave. (Everett)

Description: These guys offer great fishing charters around Seattle and Puget Sound. Catch halibut, lingcod, or All Star Charters’ specialty, salmon. At the same time you’re enjoying calm-water fishing on the Sound, you can also admire the mountains in the background and probably spot seals, sea lions, birds, and maybe an orca. The skippers are Coast Guard licensed, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable, and will teach you innovative Seattle fishing methods. They operate year-round, and most trips are six to seven hours long; excursions include the cleaning and bagging of your fish.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 787-3654

Description: Located at the gorgeous, 11-acre Elliott Bay Park on the Seattle waterfront, this 400-foot pier goes right over the bay and provides some of the best fishing in the city. Locals report it being a good spot for Seattle Blackmouth and squid. There is also a tackle shop and 4,100 linear feet of shorelines. Picnic tables, benches, and restrooms are available. The pier is run by the Port of Seattle, and open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 684-4075

Description: The City of Seattle operates many public fishing piers throughout the city. Before you fish, make sure to view the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Regulations, available at the Web site above. Visit the Web site to find the location of fishing piers in the North, Central, and South areas of Seattle. Specifically, check out Seacrest Park; it has a brand-new floating dock that is very nice.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 787-3006

Address: 7001 Seaview Ave. NW (North)

Description: Located just a few blocks from the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard, Shilshole Bay Marina is only 20 minutes from downtown Seattle. The marina features a public fishing pier and more than a mile of public promenade to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Located to the north of the marina is a public boat ramp, another fishing pier, and beautiful Golden Gardens Park.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 787-3654

Address: 4260 W. Marginal Way SW (South)

Description: This small park, run by the Port of Seattle, has 220 feet of shoreline access and a 50-foot fishing pier, as well as a boat launch. The main draw of this pier is that the area is a salmon habitat. Restrooms and parking are also available; open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 546-2431

Address: 18005 Aurora Ave. North (Shoreline)

Description: Open since 1962, Highland has the largest heated lobby in the Northwest, full rubber flooring in the lobby, glass windows for viewing both inside and out, and a computer-controlled air-quality management system. This system is monitored continuously and supplies fresh, dry, pre-warmed air for skaters. Rental skates are available in a wide range of sizes from tiny tot (size 7) through adult (size 14), and the rink features shadow-free lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, and an up-to-date video arcade. There is a morning and afternoon public skate session daily; Sun from 1:30 to 8 p.m. is Family Session, where parents and kids can all skate for $13. Located 15 minutes north of Seattle.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (425) 640-9999

Address: 19803 68th Ave. West (Lynnwood)

Description: Public skating sessions are offered every day, and Wed is Cheap Skate Night, with $5 skating from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Lynwood Ice Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable family entertainment. The rink features a state-of-the-art surround sound system, private party rooms, and plenty of new rental skates, both figure and hockey. There is a warm, comfortable lobby, snack bar, and pro shop, all managed and operated by an experienced staff. Located about 25 minutes north of Seattle.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 632-2280

Address: 5701 W. Green Lake Way North (North)

Description: Located at the south end of the lake, Green Lake Pitch & Putt offers fun and affordable golf for individuals and families. This is a nine-hole, par three course for pitching and putting only. The course is open from 9 a.m. until dusk from Mar through Oct 31.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 36202272

Address: 11762 Aurora Ave. North (North)

Description: In 1945 the two Puetz brothers opened a golf driving range; it was the first golf facility in the northwest to sell pro-line clubs at a discount. Today Puetz Golf still carries a great selection of quality merchandise, but it also has a driving range with 30 practice tees and a putting green. Lessons are also available, including ladies’ and juniors’ lessons, by PGA teaching professionals.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 328-3164

Address: 4209 Mary Gates Memorial Dr. NE (North)

Description: Instructor Corey Waggoner provides customized golf plans and lessons to singles and couples, using video technology and a wealth of experience. He is the golf instructor at the University of Washington, and lessons are held at the UW Golf Range. Waggoner will also accompany you as you play on any Seattle or Bellevue course, acting as your caddie to assist and teach course management, strategy, and shot selection.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 285-2200

Description: Golfing opportunities are available for all skill levels at City of Seattle courses. Seattle Parks & Recreation owns and maintains four really nice golf courses: Interbay, Jackson Park, Jefferson Park, and West Seattle. Premier Golf operates them under a contract with the city. Golf instruction is available for any level, and the pro shops have a great selection and competitive pricing and covered heated driving ranges for those rainy days. Be sure to look at the course descriptions, as each one has its own challenges.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 543-8759

Address: 4209 Mary Gates Memorial Dr. NE (North)

Description: The UW golf range is open to the general public, as well as faculty and students. The range is night-lighted and has 43 tees (20 covered), two chipping and putting greens, and target greens. Open May 1 through Aug 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 706-4882

Address: 2208 NW Market St. (North)

Description: This great little neighborhood fitness center offers $10 drop-in visits, making it an excellent choice for visitors. It is a family-owned business located in the heart of historic downtown Ballard. Since 1998 BHC has provided a community-oriented, supportive atmosphere in which to exercise and relax. There is no sales staff, and the certified personal trainers are all friendly and helpful. In addition to full weight equipment and fitness machines, there are also roughly 45 classes from which to choose, ranging from Ab Lab to zumba to many styles of yoga, including hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, and combination yoga/Pilates.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (206) 523-1534

Address: 2113 NE 65th St. (North)

Description: This is a great company that offers drop-in pricing as well as 10-class passes. The uniquely designed health club for group exercise is set in a casual atmosphere with local instructors. Classes include yoga, zumba, cycling, body pump, sculpting, dance fitness, and more. Check the Web site for classes and facilities; brand-new members are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to class start times. A second location also opened at 6108 Roosevelt Way NE.

City: Seattle, WA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Address: 2020 Western Ave. (Central)