Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Mill Creek, WA

  • Published 2022/08/30

Located in the Evergreen State, Mill Creek is a city around 20 miles Northeast of Seattle.

Originally planned as a golf community, the city made exceptional plans to support a community.

Since its incorporation in 1983, the city has retained its unique charm as a small community.

People here typically enjoy an active lifestyle, thanks to the city’s abundant green spaces, public parks, and walking trails.

The city’s climate is also temperate, with gorgeous sunny summers and balmy autumn winds.

It offers excellent weather for visitors coming all year round.

Ready to start your adventure?

Here are the 15 best things to do in Mill Creek, Washington:

Borrow a Book at the Mill Creek Library

Exterior of the Mill Creek Library

SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For bookworms, the Mill Creek Library is a great place to visit in the city.

The library offers multiple titles ranging from fiction to non-fiction, with different topics such as business, history, and many more.

The library also offers modern amenities such as laptops with internet access for people who want to research or browse.

They also offer charging stations if you want to charge your devices.

You can check out your select titles and go to the adjacent Mill Creek Library Park to read your book amid the cool outdoor breeze.

Enjoy a quiet afternoon for yourself at the Mill Creek Library.

Play a Ball Game at the Mill Creek Sports Park

The Mill Creek Sports Park is along the beautiful Evergreen trees lining the Bothell Everett Highway.

The park features a 64,000-square-foot lighted field perfect for playing America’s pastime.

It is one of the locals’ favorite places and watch baseball games between local teams.

The park also features a 10,000-square-foot concrete skate park where skaters can come and practice their spins and flips.

Outside catching games, you can enjoy the ample green spaces.

Relax and enjoy the Pacific Northwest breeze at Mill Creek Sports Park.

Have Fun at Arena Sports

If you want to find a place to spend the day playing games and enjoying recreational activities, go to Arena Sports.

The sports center offers multiple sports and active activities for every visitor.

You can come and enjoy indoor sports such as bowling and mini-golf.

There is also a laser tag course and a climbing wall for those looking for adrenaline-pumping activities.

Kids can bounce on the indoor inflatable playground or play a few rounds in the arcade.

The sports center also has different summer programs and classes for kids of all ages.

Likewise, they host community events and private gatherings if you want to spice up your parties.

Experience everything that Arena Sports has to offer.

Hike the Trail at Phinney Pond and Fire Road

Located within the Penny Creek Natural Area, the Phinney Pond and Fire Road trail is a popular hiking route in Mill Creek.

The trail is also near Thomas Lake.

The hike offers beautiful water and nature views, with the trail mixing wooden walkways, bridges, and grasslands.

It’s perfect for people to enjoy a little bit of quiet nature but still close to downtown Mill Creek.

Have a Good Time at the Twisted Lime Pub

Are you looking for the perfect hang-out spot at Mill Creek?

The Twisted Lime Pub is a great hot spot for locals and visitors.

The restaurant takes pride in serving homemade bar chow made with fresh ingredients.

They home-roast their pulled pork and shredded chicken, mix their burger meats fresh, and make all their soups from scratch.

Likewise, they have a full-day menu that includes hot sandwiches, wings, burgers, and a weekend brunch selection.

Enjoy omelets, pancakes, and waffles for brunch with friends.

Don’t miss their drink menu because it has classic cocktails like mimosas, mojitos, and margaritas.

They also have a wide array of local beer labels to accompany your food.

The Twisted Lime Pub is great for sports fans to catch the games.

If you’re a fan of local teams like the Seahawks and Sounders, you’ll have tons of fun here.

Play a Round of Golf at the Mill Creek Country Club

Situated on its private expanse in the city’s heart, the Mill Creek Country Club is the premiere destination for outdoor sports.

Renowned architect Ted Robinson designed Stratford Greens, an 18-hole golf course.

Apart from the game, the country club also features beautiful manicured lawns and pavilions perfect for lounging and admiring the gorgeous views.

They also house the Mill Creek Tennis Club, perfect for those looking to swing their rackets around.

Enjoy the club’s dining options indoors or al fresco; pair your meals with the best bottles of local and regional wines.

Spend a luxurious recreation day at Mill Creek Country Club.

Enjoy Elevated American Fare at the Rusty Pelican Café

With its location in Maple Leaf Square, the Rusty Pelican Café serves American favorites done with a twist.

The cafe elevates American cuisine using the classic flavors and ingredients in the Pacific Northwest.

It is a proud Washington family-owned restaurant with other locations in Edmonds and Woodinville.

The restaurant offers delicious breakfast dishes, dinner fare, and refreshing cocktails.

Get your fill of delicious homemade pancakes, sweet and savory crepes, and creamy omelets.

Get your fill of their sandwich selections, Greek food corner, or lighter fare like salads and vegetable dishes.

Don’t miss out on their cocktail selections, like different flavored daiquiris, margaritas, and classic martinis.

They also have beers and wines if those are more your speed.

Enjoy the best of Pacific Northwest fare at the Rusty Pelican Café.

Go on a Shopping Spree at the Mill Creek Town Center

Thai Rapsody at Mill Creek Town Center

Ekaune, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located downtown, the Mill Creek Town Center is an outdoor mall with over 85 shops.

You can come and shop for everything you’re looking for, from apparel, footwear, house items, and more.

The mall offers multiple dining options, from big American chains to local Washington establishments.

You can also go to the mall to work up a sweat at the different gyms and boutique centers.

The road of Mill Creek Town Center

SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The mall hosts occasional events like kids’ activities, art walks, bake sales, and concerts.

The 21 and over crowd can also enjoy a daily happy hour at select establishments.

You can easily find yourself spending a few hours here and having fun at Mill Creek Town Center.

Shops along Mill Creek Town Center

Ekaune, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get a Great Workout at the Barre

Head to The Barre, a boutique fitness studio in the city that offers different fitness classes targeting other muscle groups and fitness levels.

Get your juices flowing by booking a spin class and running to the beat.

Try out Barre or yoga to stretch your muscles and relax your body for flexibility.

For balance, take a TRX class and check your barrier for strength and core stability.

The Barre also has a great community of frequent patrons encouraging each other.

The patrons push themselves every time they get into the studio.

Book a class at the Barre and try it out for yourself.

Dig into Latin American Fare at Azul Restaurant and Lounge

Situated along Main Street, Azul Restaurant and Lounge serves delicious Latin American food in the heart of Mill Creek.

Order some delicious Latin fare, starting with a round of appetizers such as roasted corn & avocado dip, chicken taquitos, or bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.

They also have great salads that feature fresh Northwest seafood and Latin flavors.

Try the shrimp, avocado, tomato salad, or the blackened chicken Caesar.

Order their taco selections from carne asada to al pastor and their burritos and enchiladas.

They also have vegetarian options on all their main meat-based fare as well.

Pair these with delicious margaritas or sangria, which you can enjoy during their daily happy hour.

Enjoy good food and a great time at Azul Restaurant and Lounge.

Play at Cougar Park

Along 14th Street is Cougar Park, an excellent area for locals looking for a nice patch of tranquil green space in the city.

The park is a great place to spend the day.

Lay a mat and set up a nice picnic with family and friends.

You can bring your little ones out to play, as the park also features a few play areas for kids.

Bring your dogs to the park and get some exercise.

Traverse the paved walking trails spread throughout the grounds.

Cougar Park is the perfect meeting place to chill with friends or get fresh air in Mill Creek.

Grab Old-School Breakfast at the Saw Mill Café

Housed in a beautiful 1940s lodge-style joint, the Saw Mill Café serves comfort food along the Main Street strip.

The café started from the Village Square Café that opened in 1986.

The founders love breakfast food and wanted to create an establishment that serves delicious, freshly made breakfast fare.

They eventually expanded that first café into eight different ones that retain the heart and soul of their original 1940s café concept.

You’ll enjoy the wide arrange of selections available on the menu.

Order one of several versions of their eggs Benedict or some of their café specialties like steak breakfast burritos, pulled pork breakfast burritos, and corned beef hash.

They also have vegetarian options, like grilled veggie hash or huevos rancheros.

Likewise, they have an ample selection of pancakes, waffles, and French toast flavors, which you can get with a side of sausage and bacon.

The menu has a wide selection of omelet options and a build-your-own with your choice of toppings.

Make room for dessert with some of their milkshakes and malts, freshly baked apple pies, and cinnamon rolls.

Your tummy would thank you after a visit to Saw Mill Café.

Swing Your Rackets at Heron Park

Located along Village Green Drive, Heron Park is a nice little green space in one of Mill Creek’s local suburban communities.

Heron Park’s main features are its tennis and pickleball courts.

Grab your rackets and practice your swing as you play a round or two on the park’s courts.

The ample green space is also perfect for walks or runs.

Little ones can play in the nearby playground, so you can leave them while you play tennis.

Heron Park is just one of the many little green spaces in the city.

Go for a Run at North Creek Trail

Starting point of North Creek Trail

SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hike the trail at North Creek Trail and enjoy the surroundings of beautiful Mill Creek while you get your workout.

The trail spans parallel to its namesake creek, starting from Main Street and ending near the pond along Mill Creek Boulevard.

You can bring your pets or tag your friends along to take a run and enjoy the views.

Otherwise, you can spend some time with yourself and enjoy a few hours of recreation.

Bikers can also follow along the expanse of the trail.

You can bring your baskets and mats and set up a picnic on the green patch grounds after your bike or run.

Spend a great day outdoors at North Creek Trail.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Practice Your Breast Stroke at West Coast Aquatics

Located near the Mill Creek Community Private Nature Reserve, West Coast Aquatics is the go-to place for aspiring and professional swimmers in Mill Creek.

You can find it in Bothell, Washington, seven minutes from Mill Creek.

A non-profit organization runs the center, employing coaches dedicated to promoting swimming for life.

The facility contains several pools, some of which are Olympic-sized for formal competitions.

They also offer swim lessons for multiple skill levels, from kids swimming to adult lessons.

You can also watch their local swim team join swimming competitions.

It’s a great place to practice your stroke and get in good exercise on your visit to the city.

Test your swimming skills at West Coast Aquatics!

Final Thoughts

Mill Creek is a great place to put on your bucket list if you plan to visit Washington State.

The city offers lots of green open spaces, great weather, and an abundance of delicious food and drink.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Mill Creek, Washington!

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