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

Seattle Parks and Rec plans to operate seven of its spray parks for summer 2021. Each will be open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., depending on the weather, beginning Saturday, June 26. 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. Note that some spray features operate by push button, and Pratt Park's spray park remains closed for construction — stay tuned for reopening info.

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., starting June 26
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 under, and always free on first Thursdays), or take a dip at the small swimming beach.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., starting June 26
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., starting June 26
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., starting June 26
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. Tip: Stellar Pizza is just north of the park.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., starting June 26
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., starting June 26
Find it: 1100 S.W. Cloverdale St., Seattle

Pratt Park spray park

Note: Pratt Park spray park is currently closed for renovations.
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: Check back for the opening date
Find it: 1800 S. Main St., 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, remains closed as well, but don't miss it on a post-pandemic visit.

Hours: Open daily from 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, 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 Cafe 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