Best Rainy-Day Parks and Playgrounds Around Seattle and Beyond

Terrific, waterfront Lake Meridian Park in Kent is justifiably popular in the summer, but the good news about visiting in the off-season is that kids may have the fabulous playground mostly to themselves. The brightly colored, imaginative play equipment (most of which is wheelchair-accessible) includes fun, fast slides and a pirate-ship-like structure that has inspired my kids to create an elaborate game of defending their territory against incoming boats and hunting for “treasure” with a park scavenger-hunt game. You’ll also find a tall, geometric net climber, a rock-climbing structure, swings and a spinning rope climber. If necessary, take cover in the huge covered shelter nearby.

Dig and build at the long, sandy beachfront, or walk out on the dock for access to year-round fishing.

Location: 14800 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. A free parking lot is a short walk from the playground.

Warm up: You’ll find kid-friendly Mod Pizza, where everyone can order what they want, about a mile west.

Next stop: Lincoln Park