10 Seattle-Area Playgrounds That Just Got a Glow-Up

Playgrounds are the tried-and-true outing I count on every sunny day with my daughter. While there are a couple of new ones we love, there are some older ones we’ve visited where I thought to myself, this one sure could use an upgrade. And not just the obvious ones with splintered wood and hot metal slides (how did we survive the ‘90s?). I’m talking about the ones that lack inclusive designs. After all, play is for everyone. 

Lucky for us, there’s a wave of playground renovations sweeping the area just in time for summer. These updated designs have everything we look for on a playground romp, from ground-level merry-go-rounds to accessible swings and imaginative designs. These 10 playground makeovers knock it out of the … well, park. 

Salmon Bay Park, Seattle 

The playground at Salmon Bay Park used to include a couple of play structures in primary colors, several seesaws and swings. It was a simple design, but its renovation is anything but basic. The community was invited to share input for the playground’s redesign, landing on a nature theme with engaging and imaginative play structures. 

At the end of April, the park reopened for families, and kids were delighted to find multiple play areas, taller and wider slides, adaptive swings, a climbable whirl structure, and a net climber (that I had to pull my daughter off of when it was time for lunch). The zip line is another thrill, with kids constantly lined up waiting for their turn. Despite the upgrade, it should be noted that the ground is still covered in wood chips — making it hard to navigate through the playground with a wheelchair, stroller or scooter. 

Accessible tables and benches line the edges of the playground area, with nice shaded spots (and an open meadow) perfect for a picnic. 

Facilities and parking: Restrooms are near the playground. Street parking is available, with new bike parking coming soon. 
Location: 2001 N.W. Canoe Pl., Seattle 

Bitter Lake Playfield, Seattle 

If you loved the brightly colored play structures at Bitter Lake Playfield, rest assured that its spring renovation only made the play area more colorful and inviting. 

On our visit, my daughter ran toward the towering orange slide, bouncing along the vibrant blue surfacing and pointing excitedly at her destination. The taller structure is best for ages 5–12, with plenty of opportunities to climb and slide. There’s a smaller structure that’s more accessible for the 2–5-year-old crowd, with smaller slides and blooming flower sculptures. Any kid will love choosing from the multiple swings. 

Admittedly, my daughter spent the most time here on the zip line, squealing with delight as she zoomed back and forth. 

There are picnic tables, a tennis court and an open field to enjoy too (just watch out for the geese). 

Facilities and parking: The park renovation included changes to the restroom building, which now includes three accessible restrooms. There is a small parking lot and street parking. 
Location: 13035 Linden Ave. N., Seattle 

Hidden Valley Park, Bellevue 

We first heard the buzz about Hidden Valley Park’s new playground in May, and it remains one of my daughter’s favorite play stops. The old playground equipment was replaced with huge, bee-themed structures. The hexagon shapes invite kids to step inside the hive, where they can climb along rope bridges, balance on beams and slide down with ease. 

My daughter bounced for a few minutes on a spring rider before climbing on the toddler structure, declaring the orange slide and hexagon-shaped chamber to be part of her “queendom.” (At least she stuck with the bee theme.) 

Next to the traditional swings, there’s a wide saucer swing. The playground surfacing is easy to move around on, an upgrade from the park’s old wood chips. Adding to the playground’s inclusive design, a communication board offers alternative ways for kids with language difficulties to express themselves.

Facilities and parking: Restrooms are located near the playground. There is a parking lot on one side of the park, a short walk from the playground. Extra spaces are available at Bellwood Office Park overlooking the play area, but watch for signs indicating spots reserved for businesses. 
Location: 1903 112th Ave. N.E., Bellevue 

Zumdieck Park, Bellevue

This hidden gem of a park invites city folk to enjoy more than 4 acres of green space and forest trails. The playground was updated over winter, but summer is the perfect time to spend a day here. While there’s a charming picnic area and a couple of tennis courts, the new playground steals the show. 

Tucked off to the side of the main path, you’ll find bright green slides, a climbing bridge, colorful spinners, swings and more to explore. My daughter raced around the park, kicking up a few wood chips but still having a grand time. She climbed up leaf-shaped steps to the tallest slide, sliding down and rushing over to a sensory structure. There, she weaved through the arches, spun the rainbow wheel and peered through the clear windows. (Not the best spot for hide-and-seek, but she certainly considered it.) 

Facilities and parking: Restrooms are right next to the playground. There is a small parking lot at the park’s entrance. 
Location: 1500 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue

Lakeview Park, Burien 

The toddler play structure at Lakeview Park was replaced a few years ago, but the play area for kids ages 5–12 has remained the same for the past 20 years. That changed this spring, when it was replaced by a fantastic playground with towering heights and bright colors. 

There’s plenty to explore on the multilevel structure, including climbing nets, multiple slides, and even a scavenger hunt with hidden icons. Adventure-seeking kids can climb all the way to the top and slide down the spiral tube slide. 

My daughter’s favorite element for imaginative play is the storefront panel at ground level — I’ve purchased many an imaginary ice cream cone from her at these walk-up windows before. 

Facilities and parking: Street parking is available. Note that there are no restrooms. 
Location: 422 S.W. 160th St., Burien 

Ferry Park, Tacoma 

It’s no wonder that the oldest park in Tacoma was in need of a playground refresh. The large play structure here was removed in 2023, and the community was invited to submit input for the playground’s redesign. A vote was held for the final design, and construction started at the beginning of this year. 

The park is just a half-acre, but it packs a lot into its tiny footprint. The toddler play structure was met with glee — my daughter exclaimed, “It’s just my size!” She tapped the drums, climbed through a tunnel and scooted down the small blue slide. Then she was onto bigger thrills, climbing the swinging ladder of the larger structure and whooshing down the bright green slide. 

There’s also a swing set, sensory board, periscope and climbing rocks. The other side of the park has a picnic table and a grassy field, where we saw a family enjoying a game of croquet.

Facilities and parking: You’ll find ample street parking, but no restrooms. 
Location: 1400 S. Sheridan Ave., Tacoma 

Clarks Creek Park South, Puyallup 

My husband grew up near this charming park, and it was a delight to take our daughter to play on its new playground. This is another spot that was renovated over the winter and has been waiting for the perfect time to shine. There are picnic shelters and grassy areas here that are just right for a barbecue while the kids play on the playground. 

The old-school playground with a tube slide and monkey bars was replaced with a nature-themed play structure. My daughter loved climbing up the steps, across the bridge and down the slides. Stepping stones challenged her balance, before the rainbow chimes beckoned her to play a tune. 

There are trails to explore too, alongside the park’s babbling creek. 

Facilities and parking: There is a parking lot with plenty of spots. Restrooms are near the park entrance. 
Location: 1710 12th Ave. S.W., Puyallup 

Currie View Park, Monroe 

This neighborhood park tripled the size of its play area with its renovation this year, with a focus on inclusive and multigenerational play. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed it at one of the tables before spending the afternoon on the playground. 

My daughter ducked into the playhouse after lunch, which provided shade from the summer sun. She rang the doorbell, sat at the mini table and invited me for a pretend lunch. Then she crawled out through a tunnel and headed toward the toddler slides. 

The other half of the playground is even more adventurous, with a huge blue slide and different climbing structures. My daughter climbed to the top of one and excitedly rang a bell (before asking for my help getting down). The swing set has several different options, including a wide spiderweb saucer swing that my daughter loved. 

There’s also a basketball court and a grassy field here for more ways to play. If you’re visiting on a sunny day, note that the slides here can get quite hot. 

Editor’s note: The playground was updated with ADA-approved rubberized surfacing, but installation issues have caused a temporary closure of part of the playground, starting June 20, 2025. Check the City of Monroe website for updates before you go.

Facilities and parking: There is a small parking lot, but no restrooms. 
Location: 17260 153rd St. S.E., Monroe 

Forsgren Park, Bothell 

Hot metal slides are a thing of the past at Forsgren Park. In May, the outdated play area was replaced with an accessible playground that exceeds ADA requirements. 

The bright green structures invite kids of all ages and abilities to play. Kids ages 2–5 will find 10 different components, including a storefront window for pretend play, and a double slide to go down with a friend. The play area for the 5–12 crowd also includes accessible elements, including a slide with a transfer platform for wheelchair users. An accessible merry-go-round, sensory panels and a communication board add to the inclusive environment.

On a sunny day, shade sails offer some relief from the heat.

Facilities and parking: There is a paved parking lot with plenty of spaces. There is no permanent restroom, but there is a porta-potty available seasonally from April–October. 
Location: 23109 Carter Rd., Bothell 

Springwood Park, Kent

This 11-acre park was completely renovated over the last year, reopening as a community gathering space with an incredible new playground. There’s a park shelter, a multi-use sport court, and a new play area with a zip line and hill slide. 

There’s plenty to explore on the playground. The smaller structure offers balancing steps, climbing walls, a slide and a bridge. There’s a larger climbing structure where kids can choose their own adventure up the steps, across a rope bridge, through hoops or down a slide. 

Pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic table by the playground. On a hot summer day, you can also cool off at the misting station. 

Facilities and parking: There is street parking, but no restrooms. 
Location: 12700 SE 274th St., Kent

Bonus: If you’re in the area, plan an extra play stop at Kiwanis Tot Lot 4 in Kent. This tiny neighborhood park was due for a makeover after 28 years, and it now boasts two play structures and swings. Don’t miss the Cliff Rider, a play feature that looks a bit like a metronome. You stand on its platform and push off from one platform to reach the next. I’ve never seen one before!