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The highly anticipated playground at Van Lierop Park. Photo: Devon Hammer
I’m a firm believer that playground season doesn’t end in Seattle, it just eventually requires a rain jacket (and a towel for the slides). What more proof do you need than the playground openings that happened all throughout the year?
The Greater Seattle area surprised us this year with 10 fantastic new playgrounds, all with unique elements that make them worthy of a visit anytime.
So don’t just bookmark this page for summer — add these fantastic playgrounds into your rotation now.
Pier 58, Seattle
Perhaps the most highly anticipated of the year, the playground at Pier 58 lives up to the hype. The waterfront playground offers plenty of thrills, from climbing a 25-foot jellyfish to zooming down an 18-foot tube slide. Younger kids can balance on crab-shaped boards, slide down a smaller slide and discover unique sensory elements. My favorite part? The interconnected ropes and sling seats that look like a group of swimming manta rays.
You also can’t beat its location on the Seattle Waterfront. The playground is nestled in between the Seattle Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium, just a stone’s throw (or a stroll on Overlook Walk) away from Pike Place Market. Make a day of it!
Location: 1401 Alaskan Way, Seattle
Cheryl Chow Park, Seattle
It’s impossible to miss Cheryl Chow Park — the bright orange and yellow play equipment stands out on both cloudy and blue-sky days. There’s a tall climbing structure for adventure-seeking kids, with a bell to ring at the very top. The smaller play structure offers a small slide, drums and stepping stones that are ideal for ages 2–5.
The open lawn at the park’s center is just right for a family picnic or a game of Frisbee, while the paved circular path around it is the perfect spot to try out balance bikes and scooters.
Bonus: Parents and caregivers can get a head start on those New Year’s resolutions while the kids play. The park has fitness equipment complete with workout tutorials.
Location: 3640 35th Ave. S., Seattle
Salmon Bay Park, Seattle
This little neighborhood park was one of 10 local playgrounds that got a makeover this year. Designed with community input, the nature-themed playground features multiple play areas, slides, adaptive swings, a net climber and a climbable whirl structure. There’s even a zip line!
Pack a lunch and sit at one of the tables along the edge of the playground, or plan for a picnic on a warmer day in the park’s grassy, shaded meadow.
Location: 2001 N.W. Canoe Pl., Seattle
Richmond Highlands Park, Shoreline
Speaking of park makeovers, Richmond Highlands Park got one to the tune of $5.5 million this year. It’s Shoreline’s first universal design playground and sensory garden, and it welcomes kids of all ages and abilities for a full day of play. There’s an embankment with turf that invites kids to slide, roll, crawl and climb. Plus, there’s climbers, swings, a spinner and a sports court.
Take a break from playing with a stroll through the sensory garden, which is filled with rosemary, sage and more. Don’t miss the xylophone and percussion instruments!
Location: 16554 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline
Hidden Valley Park, Bellevue
Add this adorable beehive-themed playground to your rotation — it does not disappoint. Hexagon-shaped climbers invite kids to step inside a futuristic world complete with connecting bridges, walkways, tunnels and ladders. Kids can test their balance on the stepping stones and balance beam or crawl through the log tunnel.
The swing set features regular and bucket swings, along with an accessible saucer swing. There’s also a communication board for inclusive play.
The surrounding paved path is ideal for scooters and bikes, while the wide-open lawn is a great spot to take a break.
Location: 1903 112th Ave. N.E., Bellevue.
Springwood Park, Kent
This 11-acre park reopened this year after an extensive renovation, debuting a brand-new playground with a zip line and hill slide. The smaller play structure at the park invites kids to balance, climb and slide. The larger structure offers more adventure with a rope bridge and hoops to climb through.
Pro tip: Keep this playground in your back pocket for a hot summer day. The park has a seasonal misting station to help visitors cool off and picnic tables by the playground for a packed lunch.
Location: 12700 S.E. 274th St., Kent
Ferry Park, Tacoma
The oldest park in Tacoma now has one of the city’s newest playgrounds. At this half-acre park, you’ll find two play structures, a swing set, a sensory board and climbing rocks. The toddler play structure has a tunnel and a small slide. The larger structure includes a swinging ladder and a periscope. The other half of the park includes a grassy field perfect for a game of croquet or Frisbee.
History buffs will love the signage throughout the park detailing its rich history. It begins with the donation of the land in 1883 and continues through 1942, when the park was converted to a green space and play equipment was removed. In 1948, neighborhood children hosted a parade requesting the return of the park’s playground equipment (and leading to the still-honored neighborhood compromise of playground equipment on one side and an open field on the other).
Location: 1400 S. Sheridan Ave., Tacoma
Doris Heritage Park, Gig Harbor
This 2.25-acre park opened in June and comes with a history lesson too. The park is named after Doris Heritage, a local athlete who became the first official women’s international cross-country champion in 1967.
The accessible playground had a maritime theme, with a giant ship, rope climbers and more to explore. Kids can spin, slide and climb! In addition to the fantastic playground, you’ll find six pickleball courts, three bocce ball courts, picnic tables, a lawn and a reservable event stage.
Location: 10660 Harbor Hill Dr., Gig Harbor
Van Lierop Park, Puyallup
The highly anticipated Van Lierop Park playground opened in October. The playground boasts a fun barn theme, honoring the rich agricultural history of the Van Lierop property. You can expect bright red farm-inspired play structures, different slides, musical instruments, and structures shaped like a tractor and Jeep. There are plenty of ways to get the wiggles out here, from stepping stones to tunnels and climbing rocks.
Bonus: Plan for a delicious weekend brunch (or just grab coffee and delicious baked goods) at neighboring Farm 12, a local family favorite. And if you time your visit for late May through mid-June, you might just get to see the lupine fields bursting with blooms.
Location: 7999–7529 134th Ave. E., Puyallup
Smokey Point Community Park, Arlington
This 1.8-acre park opened over the summer to the delight of the community. It offers an inclusive playground and recreational space. There’s also a picnic shelter perfect for an outdoor birthday party or family gathering, and the ⅛-mile walking path gives families (and doggie companions) a chance to stretch their legs.
Kids will love the brightly colored playground and the multiple ways to play. The rubberized surface of the playground is easy to navigate, and there’s a communication board and ground-level merry-go-round. Thrill-seeking kids can climb to their hearts’ content (and even zip line!).
Location: 17903 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington
More amazing playgrounds for Seattle-area families to visit: |
