Best New Seattle-Area Playgrounds of 2023

The best Seattle-area playgrounds that opened this year

We always aim to bring you the latest and greatest in the world of Seattle playgrounds. Any family looking for a semi-peaceful dinner and a smooth-ish bedtime (dare to dream) will be aided by the kids having had a vigorous romp on the playground. On top of that, playground play facilitates the development of gross motor skills and balance, social skills … whatever, we don’t need to convince you, let’s just go play! Here we offer you the best new Seattle-area playgrounds that opened in 2023.

First stop: Skyway Park

Skyway Park, Seattle

You’ll find the new neighborhood playground at Skyway Park in the community of Skyway, an unincorporated part of King County at the south end of Lake Washington, nestled between Seattle, Renton and Tukwila. Once you find it, your kids might not want to leave. While this playground does not feature as much — or as flashy — equipment as some other new playgrounds, its cargo climber, swings, spinners and ample wide-open space will keep kids active and entertained. Nearby doughnuts will entice them away once it’s time to go.

Next stop: Kherson Park

Kherson Park, Kent

Tell your kids to locate their space helmets for this playground. While the word gets applied too casually, Kent’s Kherson Park is truly unique. Paying tribute to local Boeing engineers who built lunar rover vehicles in the 1960s, the play equipment here will make anyone’s eyes go wide. Hop in the lunar lander to arrive on the moon, then drive the life-size lunar rover to explore the terrain. Kids will love all the switches and buttons here that give an extra boost to imaginary play.

Next stop: Salt Air Vista Park

Salt Air Vista Park 

Kent has had its playground game going the last couple of years, that’s for sure. The new playground at Salt Air Vista Park is a neighborhood park spot with fun and interesting play equipment. With a compact footprint and limited parking, this playground is likely best suited to families passing through or those who live in the area.

The giant metal slide brings to mind the towering, standalone metal slides we remember from the ’70s and ’80s. (Who fell off the top of one of those?) Like all modern slides, this slide features a safe entry but still packs some speed. Test the temp if you’re playing on a sunny day as the shiny metal can get hot. Kids will find different routes to reach the top of the slide, catering to different levels of strength and coordination. An ocean theme decorates the play equipment and gives it a fun feel.

Next stop: Van Doren’s Landing

Van Doren’s Landing Park 

Van Doren’s Landing Park is another of Kent’s fantastic new playgrounds, this one featuring a mini Mount Rainier that invites kids to summit over and over again. The mountain’s rubberized surface — with ridges to hang on to — supports kids on the ascent; multiple slides facilitate a quick descent. Once kids get their fill of the mountain, swings, a zip line and a cargo cone spinner will provide lots more fun and active play. In addition to the play equipment, picnic shelters, wide-open meadows, and walking and biking paths make Van Doren’s Landing Park a community gathering spot.

Next stop: Meadowdale Playfields

Meadowdale Playfields

In a sea of green and brown playground equipment, brightly colored playgrounds really stand out. The updated playground at Meadowdale Playfields sports a palette of all blue! Your kids may just call it “the blue playground” and that moniker fits fine, but the all-blue theme isn’t even this playground’s best feature. The play area was specifically designed with inclusive play equipment to invite all kids to play. The cushy poured-rubber surfacing welcomes wheels and toddling tots, and cushions falls. A zero-barrier spinner is a modern, accessible update on the traditional merry-go-round, but it still goes super fast! Wobble steps, a variety of swings and an all-ages main play structure will also entertain your crew.

Next stop: Ballinger Park

Hazel Miller Universally Accessible Playground at Ballinger Park

Head to Mountlake Terrace to find the new Hazel Miller Universally Accessible Playground at Ballinger Park. The name is a mouthful but kids will only need to remember the super cool train climber to tell you that they want to go back. Look beyond the popular train to find more interesting features that will enthrall your crew. Follow a path of bees and flowers to reach a honeycomb structure to climb. Ramps lead to pathways and play elements, such as a slide and the train. An undulating rope climber (a little like a mini version of the climber at this awesome and unique playground) builds strengths and balance. Accessible features include smooth rubber surfacing, a friendship swing and fence surround.

Next stop: Mika’s Inclusive Playground

Mika’s Inclusive Playground at Civic Center Playfields

Edmonds’ newly renovated Civic Center Playfields are a hot spot for family recreation. The 8-acre site serves as a community gathering spot, provides playfields for youth and adult sports, and promotes outdoor activity for all ages. Most enticing to young kids is Mika’s Inclusive Playground, a play space for kids of all abilities. Built and named in memory of a local boy, Mika Zimbalist, this playground features accessible elements.

While Mika’s Playground is a bit of a mish-mash of playground styles, it totally works. Climb on wood-framed rope climbers, then dance around wooden poles that follow a sort of labyrinth pattern in the rubber surface. Zip down a small hillside on a wide metal slide, then take a turn on the digger to dig into a gravel pit. A large basket swing and other swings honor Mika, who loved to swing. A zero-barrier carousel has space for two wheelchairs and can be pushed from the outside or self-propelled by riders from a wheel in the center.