Photo: Tom Giddings
Photo: Daniel Geiger
Photo: Shelly
Quarry Trail Parking Area
★4.7(147 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the playground equipment and shorter trail walks, while elementary-aged kids can tackle longer hikes and burn energy on the basketball courts. The varied terrain makes it ideal for families with multiple age groups.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Quarry Trail Parking Area serves as the gateway to Auburn's popular trail system, offering families a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and recreational fun. With well-maintained hiking trails suitable for little legs, open spaces for running around, and quality playground equipment, this spot delivers multiple activities in one convenient location that keeps kids of all ages entertained.
Highlights
- ✓Well-maintained hiking trails with varying difficulty levels for different ages
- ✓Quality playground equipment for active play between trail adventures
- ✓Basketball courts for older kids and family games
- ✓Shaded picnic areas perfect for post-hike snacks and meals
- ✓Open grass areas ideal for frisbee, ball games, or letting toddlers roam safely
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (before 9am) on weekends to snag shaded parking and enjoy cooler temperatures for hiking
- 2.Bring bikes or scooters, the paved areas near the parking lot are perfect for younger kids to ride while older siblings hit the trails
- 3.Pack a picnic and claim one of the shaded picnic spots after your hike; they fill up quickly on nice days
- 4.Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction as trail sections can be rocky and uneven, especially for younger hikers
- 5.Download a trail map beforehand as cell service can be spotty, stick to the main Quarry Trail loop for an easy family-friendly route
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking with kids. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoons on weekends to avoid crowds. Summer mornings before 10am are ideal before temperatures climb, and you'll have better access to shaded areas.
What to Know
Free parking and admission make this an budget-friendly outing. No food facilities on-site, so pack snacks, plenty of water, and sunscreen. Restroom availability may be limited, so plan accordingly before hitting the trails.
Seasonal Notes
Spring brings wildflowers and green hillsides, making it the most scenic season for family photos. Summer can be very hot, visit early morning only. Fall offers comfortable hiking weather. Winter may bring muddy trail conditions after rain, but the park amenities remain accessible year-round.
Nearby Eats
Head to downtown Auburn (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Bootleggers Old Town Tavern & Grill with its casual kids' menu, or grab pizza at Mountain Mike's Pizza where kids can watch their pies being made.
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