What Bellevue Families Wish We Had for Kids (And How We’re Making It Work Right Now)

If you spend any time talking with local parents, you’ll hear the same themes come up again and again. Bellevue families want more activities for kids. Especially options that are indoor, affordable, engaging, and help kids burn energy without defaulting to screens.

That conversation really gained momentum inside our Facebook group Bellevue Families Connect, a local parenting group created to share resources, events, and real-life solutions for families in our area. Things took off when one of our admins was interviewed about the incoming Bellevue Bay Waterpark. As expected, people had strong feelings, some excited, some concerned, but the discussion quickly expanded beyond one project.

What started as a waterpark conversation turned into something bigger:

What do we actually want for our kids in Bellevue, and what are we doing right now while development takes time?

What Bellevue Families Are Really Asking For

We recently asked parents a simple “magic wand” question:
If you could add anything to Bellevue for families, what would it be?

The responses poured in, and while the ideas varied, the themes were incredibly consistent:

• More indoor activities, especially during winter

• Affordable or free options for families feeling financial pressure

• Places for older kids and teens, not just littles

• Spaces where kids can move, play, and belong

• Activities that help kids get off technology and out of mischief

Different words, same message. Parents aren’t asking for extravagance, they’re asking for meaningful activities for kids in Bellevue that support physical movement, social connection, and emotional health.

The Reality: Development Takes Time

Big projects don’t happen overnight. New recreation centers, indoor parks, entertainment districts, and family spaces take years of planning, funding, and construction.

But families don’t get to pause life while waiting.

Kids still need places to go this winter. Parents still need options after school and on cold weekends…and energy still needs somewhere to land, preferably not into walls, siblings, or endless screen time.

That’s where community creativity comes in.

What We Can Do Right Now

One of the most encouraging things to come out of Bellevue Families Connect is this: families aren’t just waiting. They’re sharing ideas, finding resources, and making the most of what already exists.  We are just finishing up a 12 nights of Christmas Lights series where we have highlighted 12 different options for family activities centered around Christmas lights. Some free, some not. 

But after that’s done, we’ll be looking at libraries, trails, parks, community programs, and classes.  Together, these options help fill the gap while Bellevue continues to grow. And truthfully, we do have a lot of options already and that’s why we write these blogs and host the group. We love Bellevue and the surrounding area, and want to share all of these things. 

Many parents shared that what they’re really looking for is one consistent, reliable option.  Something their kids can count on week after week, especially during the winter months. For families balancing free activities with structured ones, that consistency can make a huge difference.

One Option That Works for Some Families 

Not everything on the wish list is free, and that’s okay. Many Bellevue families combine free activities with one structured indoor option that keeps kids active, focused, and part of a community.

For some families, that’s sports. For others, it’s music or art. And for many in Bellevue, it’s martial arts.

One thing we truly value about martial arts is that it isn’t meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, we believe it works best when it’s a good fit for the child and the family.

In fact, we’ve written openly about the idea that it can be the best decision for some families and the wrong one for others. If you’re curious, this blog explains that perspective honestly:

👉 Why Martial Arts Classes in Bellevue Could Be the Best (or Worst) Decision for Your Family
https://martialartsinbellevue.com/why-martial-arts-classes-in-bellevue-ne-could-be-the-best-or-worst-decision-for-your-family/

This belief is why we don’t let anyone join without trying it first.

We want families to feel confident that the environment, pace, and culture are right for their child. We’re just as invested in the fit as parents are.

This next week before Christmas is actually a great time to give it a try. Schedules are shifting, kids have extra energy, and we have a few openings before the holiday rush really begins. One class is often enough to know whether it’s something that could support your child through the winter.

No pressure. Just an option that’s here now while Bellevue continues to become everything families hope it will be.

Why These Conversations Matter

The Bellevue Bay Waterpark discussion showed us something important: when families talk openly about what they want for their community, momentum builds.

Not just around future development, but around how we support kids today.

That’s exactly why Bellevue Families Connect exists. It’s not about agreeing on everything. It’s about staying informed, sharing ideas, and helping each other navigate family life in Bellevue with a little more ease.

Coming Soon: Winter Break Bingo

As part of that community effort, we’ll be launching Winter Break Bingo inside the Bellevue Families Connect group. It’s a daily series during winter break designed to keep kids active, busy, and engaged while school is out.

Each day will feature a simple activity idea to help families:

• burn energy

• stay off screens

• avoid the “I’m bored” spiral

• make winter break feel intentional instead of chaotic

It’s free, flexible, and designed for real families with real schedules.

We’re Building This Together

Bellevue and the surrounding areas already have a lot of great resources. We don’t lack caring parents, ideas or  kids who need places to move, connect, and grow.

While we wait for the big projects and long-term development, we’ll keep doing what Bellevue families do best, showing up for our kids and for each other.

If you want to be part of the conversation, share ideas, or join Winter Break Bingo, come hang out with us in Bellevue Families Connect.

The future is coming, but our kids are growing right now.