Best Spray Parks and Fountains for Kids Around Seattle, the Eastside and North Sound

Seattle Parks and Rec plans to operate 11 of its spray parks for summer 2023. Each one will be open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., depending on the weather, from Saturday, May 27, through Labor Day. If the weather is not great, call Seattle’s wading pool hotline (206-684-7796) after 9:30 a.m. for spray park and wading pool status. You can also check Seattle Parks’ wading pool Facebook page. (And one note: Some spray features operate by push button so you might not know with just a glance if the water is on or not.)

Ballard Commons Park

Ballard Commons is open again! This park, located in the heart of the Ballard neighborhood, features a skate bowl, spray feature, relaxing seating areas and lawns, and accessible walkways. When your kids are done splashing around, head across the street to the Ballard Library (after you dry off in the sunshine, of course). The park is located just two blocks off the main drag of Ballard, which offers many options for treats, meals, or even a movie. 
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 5701 22nd Ave. NW, Seattle

Northacres Park spray park

Just off I-5 in North Seattle, this shady park is a big draw, and for good reason. Beyond the spray park, it boasts a fantastic two-part playground (for toddlers and older kids), hiking trails, a great hill to roll down and more. Only drawback: The parking lot can fill on hot days, though street parking is fairly easy to find. 
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 12718 1st Ave N.E., Seattle

Lake Union Park fountains

The series of fountains at Lake Union Park is just one of the draws at this awesome public space. Kids can also explore boat-building at the Center for Wooden Boats (or rent a boat), visit MOHAI (free for kids ages 14 and younger with paying adult, and always free on first Thursdays), or take a dip at the small swimming beach.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle

Yesler Terrace Park spray park

This newer park and its fantastic, hillside playground is a must for your summer bucket list. Part of a central plaza in the park becomes the spray park in warmer months. This park, next to the Yesler Community Center and developed with community input, also features space for soccer and basketball.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 917 Yesler Way, Seattle

Jefferson Park spray park

The state-of-the-art water feature at Jefferson Park is part of Beacon Mountain, an ecologically oriented playscape. Kids will also love the steep and deep tube slides and biking paths; parents will love the view of the Sound and the Olympics from the park. 
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.,through Labor Day
Find it: 3801 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle

Georgetown Playfield spray park

Located in the heart of this artsy-industrial neighborhood, Georgetown Playfield boasts a fantastic newer playground, lots of big shade trees, and a spray park with many kinds of spray features. Also find a half basketball court and artificial turf soccer field.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it:750 S. Homer St., Seattle

Highland Park Playground spray park 

Kids love the bucket dump at this spray pad located in this smallish park in West Seattle. There’s also a newer playground, upgraded sports fields and picnic tables and benches. The park is situated in a residential area with lots of big, shady trees. 
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 1100 S.W. Cloverdale St., Seattle

Pratt Park spray park

With an apartment complex located adjacent to Pratt Park, the park is busy, especially in the summer months. Beyond the spray area, find a playground, basketball court and picnic tables. Pratt Fine Arts Center is located next to the park, and the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center is a short walk away. Tip: Broadcast Coffee Roasters is at the northeast corner of the park.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 1800 S. Main St., Seattle

Judkins Park spray park

This large park in the Central District of Seattle offers play areas, a shelter, barbecues, basketball hoops, a skate park, multi-use courts and more. This park offers reservation picnic areas, so start planning your next summer gathering today!
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 2150 S. Norman St., Seattle

Miller Community Center water feature

The Miller Community center, located adjacent to Meany Middle School, offers a wide variety of community programs for all ages. Before you are soaked, head inside to check out the Miller Center’s artwork, and learn more about the programs this great community center offers. The water feature is located near the front entrance to the building and the play ground.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 330 19th Ave. E., Seattle

John C. Little, Sr. Park spray park

In addition to the spray park, this great park in south Seattle offers picnic shelters, a plaza, and an expanded children’s play area. With lots of trees and grass there is space to spread out your picnic blanket and stay awhile. Be sure to check out the community garden. Located next to NewHolly, a diverse, mixed-income community, this park can be busy in the summer time. 
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., through Labor Day
Find it: 6961 37th Ave. S., Seattle

More Seattle-area fountains and spray features

Seattle Center International Fountain 

The big Kahuna of spray parks is Seattle Center’s famous International Fountain, open year-round, and — on hot days — crawling with kids who stand and run (usually screaming) from the fountain’s powerful and unpredictable water jets. Note that the steep slopes down to the center of the fountain can be pretty slippery. The thrilling Artists at Play playground, near MoPOP, is a must-visit spot on any Seattle Center trip.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Find it:305 Harrison St., Seattle

Green Lake Village water feature

The water feature on the plaza outside the PCC Community Market at Green Lake Village — benches with water cascading over them — is beloved by parents and kids alike, and it’s toddler-friendly as well. Pick up a snack at PCC, sit at an outdoor table and let the kids play. Green Lake is two blocks away. Tip: With a PCC purchase, you get free parking in PCC’s underground parking garage.
Hours: Open seasonally, on warm days
Find it: 427 N.E. 72nd St., Seattle

Thornton Place fountain 

Find a small but wonderful fountain on the Thornton Place plaza in northeast Seattle (just south of Northgate Mall). Order bubble tea or a crepe from Jewel Box Café and set up at a table with an umbrella; you can read or work while the kids play. There’s also a giant chess board on the plaza, more eateries including a ramen spot and a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant and a Regal Cinema.
Hours: Open seasonally, on warm days
Find it: 321 N.E. Thornton Pl., Seattle

Next up: South King County spray parks