King County is packed with great parks to explore and give kids some room for risky play. The playground can be a wonderful place for kids to run, swing and jump but don’t go to the same park you usually frequent! Mix it up and find new places for outside fun and family entertainment. Here is a list of parks and playgrounds in King County packed full of adventure.
Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island
Mercer Island is home to this fantastic park situated along the shores of Lake Washington. The vast park has tennis courts, nature trails, sandy beaches and lots of picnic areas along with a great playground. The playground features swings, a tunnel, a climbing area and a boat for pirate adventures.
2040 84th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island, Wa 98040
Cal Anderson Park
Located in Capitol Hill, Cal Anderson Park has everything for every kid. The long field allows for running, soccer, frisbee tossing or kite flying. The play area has an amazing climbing structure with slides for all ages. In the summertime, splash in the wading pool or take a few moments for calm reflection by the reflection pool.
1635 11th Avenue, Seattle, Wa 98122
Marymoor Park
With 640 acres to explore, Marymoor is touted by the King County Parks system as King County’s most popular park. More than 120 bird species can be found in the park’s 300 acre conservation area, which contains a Birdloop Trail. Many sporting events are held at the numerous athletic fields at Marymoor. The park contains a climbing wall, a new playground and community garden.
6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052
Washington Park Arboretum
This massive park in Seattle allows for plenty of space to roam and explore the outdoors. Visit the Japanese Garden, head over the WIlcox footbridge, walk the nature trails and explore the park’s various ponds for outdoor fun. There is a small playground toward the north entrance of the park but this park is more of an adventure place than a playground park.
2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle, Wa 98112
Mercer Slough Nature Park
This park contains more than seven miles of trails and an environmental education center, which is a partnership with the Pacific Science Center focusing on freshwater wetland ecology. In addition to walking trails, the park contains a canoe launch and a canoe trail that runs the length of the park.
1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Junior League Playground in Seattle’s Magnuson Park
The over 20,000 square feet of climbing, sandbox, swings and slides make this park one of Seattle’s largest playgrounds. After conquering the climbing structure, head out for a stroll around Magnuson Park and take the family dog for a swim at the dog swimming area.
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Wa 98115
Tolt MacDonald Park
The 575-acre Tolt MacDonald Park is located in Carnation at the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers in the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. It features a 500-foot suspension bridge across the Snoqualmie River and 12 miles of forested and riverside trails.
31020 NE 40th St, Carnation, WA 98014
Saint Edward State Park
Located on what was once a Catholic seminary, Saint Edward State Park covers 316-acres of expansive, wooded hiking trails with a fantastic playground for kids of all ages. Parents will appreciate the nearby picnic area and bathroom facilities. Bring along a Discovery Pass to avoid the $10 day fee.
14445 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, Wa 98028
Lincoln Park
West Seattle’s Lincoln Park is a plethora of fun with two playgrounds, a zip line, ball fields, miles of biking trails and a great paved path along the beach. In addition, there is an outdoor heated saltwater pool with gorgeous views of the water. Plan to stay for the entire afternoon to really enjoy this park.
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, Wa 98136
Green Lake Park’s Kids Playground
Everyone loves walking around Greenlake’s paved path but kids really dig playing at the playground located near the community center. The playgound features equipment for both toddlers and bigger kids with swings, a merry-go-round, a climbing structure and a fun sand pit with a buried canoe.
7201 East Greenlake Drive North, Seattle, Wa 98115
Carkeek Park Kids Playground
While most people visit Carkeek to explore the many miles of hiking trails or visit the beach, the park’s playground is pretty spectacular. The park features a salmon-shaped slide, a huge sandbox, seesaws, a climbing area and great swings along with a large field to run in. Kids will be worn out after a session at this playground!
950 NW Carkeek Park Road, Seattle, Wa 98177
Victory Heights Playground
Just a few miles north of the Northgate area is a new park featuring a bright yellow merry-go-round, a rope climber, Xylophone-like musical instruments and a fun orange car for the littles to play in. And the park also has a great sandbox packed with toy trucks, buckets and shovels. The picnic tables are the perfect place for an outdoor lunch or snack.
1737 NW 106th St, Seattle, Wa 98125
OO Denny Park
This park doesn’t feature any playground equipment (yet!) but does feature amazing hiking trails and picnic areas along with lakefront views. The rocky beach is great for seaside exploration and the picnic area allows for family gatherings.
12400 Holmes Point Drive Northeast, Kirkland, Wa 98034
Maple Leaf Park and Kids Playground
Sometimes overlooked, this is one of the best parks in Seattle. The playground features a zip line, swings, merry-go-rounds and lots of climbing structures. In addition, there is a sandbox surrounded by a flower garden and a track for bike riding, running or walking. The nearby bathrooms and picnic area mean this is one park, you’ll stay at for hours.
1020 NE 82nd Street, Seattle, Wa 98115
Kubota Garden
Located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, the Kubota Garden is a gem. The scenic park is packed with colorful flowers, ponds, small streams, forested walkways and breathtaking bridges. Take time to explore the flora in this park while also taking in the beauty.
Renton Avenue South & 55th Avenue South, Seattle, Wa 98118
Seward Park
South Seattle’s Seward Park is the only old growth forest in the city with a great bike/walking path around the park, amphitheater, miles of hiking paths and a great children’s play area. There is also a wonderful beach for lake swimming which staffed with a lifeguard during the summer months. Take time to explore the trees and native plant gardens.
5895 Lake Washington Boulevard South, Seattle, Wa 98118
Newcastle Beach Park
Newcastle Beach Park is the largest beach park in Bellevue and features something for everyone. The large open field is perfect for pick-up games of football or baseball and the sandy swimming beach is great for splashing around in. There is also a nature trail and train themed playground to explore along with a 300-foot dock and picnic facilities.
4400 Lake Washington Boulevard SE, Bellevue, WA
Georgetown Playfield
Georgetown’s newest park is too good to pass up! The airplane-themed play structure features not only fun for the kids but also included exercise equipment for adults. There is a two-story, globe-shaped merry-go-round which doubles as a climber. The park also has swings, a hydraulic lift and musical instruments. There is also a large playfield and basketball court nearby.
750 Homer St. , Seattle, Wa 98108
By Rebecca Mongrain