The University of Washington campus is beautiful in the springtime, but if you want to get off campus or just find a place where you can throw a Frisbee without hitting someone you might see in class tomorrow, Seattle has a wide variety of parks for outdoor enjoyment.

One of the most unique places in the city, Gas Works Park, is a short walk from campus, on the Burke-Gilman Trail. While the plant was originally used to manufacture gas from coal in the early 20th century, by the mid-20th century, foreign imports had made the plant obsolete, according to Seattle Parks and Recreation.

What's left now resembles a large, forbidden playground with brightly painted machinery and "Keep Off" signs everywhere. Not that anyone heeds the signs: Skateboarders and extreme bikers regularly use the structures for tricks while bystanders shout encouragement.

Gas Works Park offers more than a grown-up playground; after climbing a small hill, visitors have one of the clearest views of the Seattle skyline. There are not many places where Capitol Hill, downtown and Queen Anne Hill are all visible.

The hill is also a favorite place to fly kites.

"I like to fly kites when I can," said retiree Gregg Rombergar. "There's a good wind off the water."

Also not far away is Green Lake Park, open 24 hours and almost always busy. According to Seattle Parks and Recreation, it "draws thousands of people daily from all over the city."

That's not to say the park is overcrowded. With 323.70 acres, visitors can always find a spot away from the crowds.

"I come here once a week," said Jana, a mother from Kirkland. "All my childhood memories are here."

Greenlake offers outdoor basketball courts, a playground, large playing fields and boat rentals, including the ever-popular paddleboat. The park also contains running and biking trails around the lake.

Farther away but worth the drive, Golden Gardens Park in Ballard feels like an escape to the woods. For those who like nature walks but are scared away by hiking, this park has a number of short paths through the trees, and for those with pets, there is a 2.2-acre off-leash dog park.

This park is located on Puget Sound and has a fishing pier and boat launch. There is also a view , if the sky is clear, of the Olympic Mountains and the sunset.

Golden Gardens also has picnic shelters and a bathhouse — which is suitable for large parties or receptions — available for reservation.

One of the best-loved features of Golden Gardens is the abundance of fire pits. While regulations do apply — firewood and charcoal are the only legal fuels — the beach often has a number of groups gathered around the bonfire.

The cherry blossoms will be gone soon, so keep in mind that there are other places to enjoy the outdoors and all activities related to warm weather.

Reach columnist Sarah Greenleaf at news@thedaily.washington.edu.