A comprehensive guide to Seattle's playgrounds where the kids can swing, slide and zip through the day. Here are the best spots to play!
LessArtists at Play, located in the heart of the Seattle Center next to the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture is a must-do! The 30-foot tall climbing structure also incorporates mega long slides and suspended bridges—it can be pretty intimidating due to the height, so be aware. It will definitely intrigue your older risk-taking rugrats and will most likely get your heart pumping too!) But, never fear, there is a wee bit smaller structure for the teeny ones as well.
Next to Alki Elementary and close to Alki beach, Whale Tail Park is a favorite hangout for West Seattleites. Kids love climbing on the “whale tail” sculpture that flanks one end of the park and taking make-believe voyages on the playground’s very own boat. But it’s the two slides that make this playground a hit with the minis.
This pirate vessel, complete with sails and canons, is docked near a lake-side beach used for fishing, swimming and sand play during the summer months. There’s also a ginormous webbed climbing structure, swings, and a merry-go-round, plus an ADA compliant play structure with some awesome slides. The large grass area is perfect for throwing around a football or flying a kite, while the picnic shelters come with lake views and BBQs. Score!
This mega play structure leads to one thing: substantial summertime merriment. The super fly tube slide is perfect for bigger tykes but also your most itsy-bitsy babes (think: no falling off for the wee ones, while the older set can try to zip down as fast as they can). This play area also has a wading pool (open during the summer on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. and it's wheelchair accessible to prevent your kiddos from becoming sweaty-teddies in the summer months.
Home to an old growth forest, a bike and walking path, an amphitheater and miles of hiking trails. Check out the children’s play area, renovated with a “naturalistic” flavor. When your kid tires of playing with the interactive art, you might want to try explore the beautiful native plant gardens. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Grab the stroller, jogger or your bikes and tool around the park’s 2.4 mile loop, which boasts one of the prettiest waterfront views in Seattle.
It's hard not to love a playground the comes with beach access, but when it's designated for all-abilities, you know it's a winner. It's truly a spot where everyone can play (and parents can enjoy views of Lake Washington while they do). Kids will wear themselves out climbing, sliding, jumping and swinging on the expansive new equipment. Take advantage of the picnic pavilions to make an afternoon of it.
Have a blast at this updated park in Kirkland that re-opened to the public in December. What once was a train-themed playground is now a new playspace for aspiring astronauts of all ages. From the space shuttle play structure to the oversized Saturn and moon climbers, your kids will have an out of this world time getting their play on here. Our favorite part? It's gotta be the tandem swings that let parents join in the fun, too!
This playground in Mill Creek’s North Pointe neighborhood is the adventure spot to check out. Nature is at the heart of the playscape, where kids will find a wooden bridge to cross, a playful beaver den to explore and scale using, and plenty of swings. The parkour structure is another hit that will give kids space to leap, jump and roll. Finally, the paved walkway that encloses the park makes it a great option for scooters, trikes and balance bike riders of all ages.
Since its facelift, this High Point Play Area has been a favorite for West Seattle families. It’s bigger than it was before and parents can take a seat in one of two seating areas to keep an eye on kids or break out snacks for hungry players. Families will find all sorts of slides, swings and interesting structures to climb on here. And the large grassy area makes it a great spot to catch, kick or throw a ball. Psst… there are three other parks and two P-Patch gardens nearby.