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For every parent who packs a cooler, sunscreen and bucket hats for their kids to brave a bright summer day, it helps to have go-to play spots that support their efforts. And if you’re like me, you’ll want to make the most of the Pacific Northwest’s shortest season — summer — with plenty of trips to the playground on those days. How do you keep your kids cool and protected while still getting outside to play? By taking them to a shaded playground, where they can climb, slide, zip and swing without melting in the summer heat and lamenting the lack of cloud cover. Keep summer fun comfortable and cool with these shady parks around the Puget Sound area.
Lincoln Park, West Seattle
You’ll find this happy little park in a beautiful wooded setting of Northwest trees. With age-appropriate play equipment for young children up to kids as old as 12, there’s lots to do under the cover of trees. The playground offers swings and a basket swing, a bridge, firefighter’s pole, slides, climbing equipment and a sand pit. Across from the walking path, you’ll find a zip line located under the canopy of trees for more cool summer fun. The large picnic shelter nearby provides extra shade during snack time or for a summer family gathering.
Families will find another playground, this one recently renovated, in the south part of the park. This playground overlooks the ferry dock and also offers shaded play. Don’t forget the wading pool and nearby beach when you are ready to really cool off.
Nearby eats: Need lunch? Try Zeeks Pizza in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction, just a short drive from the park. With its interior designed to accommodate families, you’ll find lots of tables and space for kids. And pizza always pairs well with parks, right?
Location: 7895 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle
Parking: The parking lot is south of the playground and wading pool. Street parking is also available.
Lewis Creek Park, Bellevue
Need some space? Try this expansive park on the Eastside — a true urban wilderness in the heart of Bellevue. While the play area at Lewis Creek isn’t shaded by trees, the large sail covers that keep off the elements will do the trick. If the heat proves to be too much, wander over to the visitor center, where you’ll find comfortable seats and oversize windows that frame the wetlands. You can also try the scavenger hunt on the half-mile loop trail to take advantage of cooler natural spaces.
Nearby eats: Town & Country Market is just the place for a quick (and cool) snack before or after play. Items on the T&C Field House’s creative menu of appetizers, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and more are available to go.
Location: 5500 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue
Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lot.
Seward Park, Seattle
When it’s time to cool off, Seward Park offers the best of both worlds. Shade falls over the entire playground, and the swimming area, adjacent to Lake Washington, is the perfect place for a quick dip to cool off. The playground features swings and climbing equipment for kids of all ages. There is a small climbing apparatus for younger kids near the sandbox, in addition to a big tree-house-style structure for older kids and the ever-popular zip line. Tucked neatly under a canopy of madrona trees, this park is sure to be a favorite in the summer.
At Seward Park, a trail running around the peninsula offers pockets of shade. Plus, hiking trails directly behind the playground provide solid tree cover for even more natural shade.
Nearby eats: Near Seward Park and filled with comic-book decor, Bent Burgers serves specialty burgers (including veggie) and kids combo meals. It offers a delicious breather from the sun — one that comes with fries and a milkshake!
Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
Parking: The parking lot is adjacent to the playground. Nearby street parking is also available.
Wright Park, Tacoma
Editor’s note: As of publication, the playground is closed for repair. But families can enjoy shade in other areas of the park.
Wright Park has the right stuff when it comes to shade, including the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, a fascinating place to explore any day. With its walking and biking trails, a spray park (open in summer), a horseshoe pit, swings (including one high-back), play structures and picnic tables, the 600-tree arboretum and park is always worth a visit!
Nearby eats: When you need a sugar fix, Corina Bakery is worth a stop. I recommend its chocolate chip cookie, which is made with three types of chocolate chunks and a dash of sea salt. The bakery also specializes in gluten-free cookies and brownies, as well as vegan pies and cookies.
Location: 501 S. I St., Tacoma
Parking: Parking is available on the street.
Miner’s Corner county park, Bothell
I was pleasantly surprised by Miner’s Corner’s interesting and varied playground options: a three-story climbing structure, rocks to scale, bridges, swings, a fire pole, a spiral slide, sensory and musical equipment, plus a sand and water garden. It’s a shady wonderland. This park is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and wheelchair-accessible, even providing access to the 10-foot-tall lookout tower via ramps. The surrounding tree canopy gives shade you’ll crave, and an adjacent covered shelter provides relief, too. Bonus: The covered shelter can be reserved for summer parties or picnics.
Nearby eats: Pull on up to The Texan Cafe & Coffee Shop for a summer break that will delight your rowdy ones. This rest stop features a 2–4 p.m. happy hour, when all coffee, sodas and energy drinks are $1 off, and cookies are 50 cents off. Worth an afternoon visit!
Location: 22903 45th Ave. S.E., Bothell
Parking: A small parking lot is close to the playground.
Deane’s Children’s Park, Mercer Island
Locally known as “Dragon Park,” for its 45-foot-long dragon slide and climbing structure, this delightfully forested playground features dense trees that give ample coverage during the heat of the day. There are two playgrounds that offer a rock-climbing challenge and fun, including a long slide and a castle-themed structure. The covered picnic shelter is large enough for several families to share the space for lunch or just a break from the summer weather. If this park isn’t a family favorite now, it may soon rise to the top of your list for summer fun.
Nearby eats: For a parent, multitasking is key, right? So, take a break at Metropolitan Market after your park visit to grab prepared food for lunch; while there, pick up needed items for dinner, too.
Location: 5500 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island
Parking: A small, free parking lot is close to the playground.
Lynndale Park, Lynnwood
Lynndale Park was made for sunny days. Located in a beautiful forested area, the playground is almost completely shaded for comfortable summer play. The tire swing was an instant hit with my daughter. Rings, slides and challenging balance equipment make this area a magnet for play. Nearby swings, including a double swing with a baby seat, provide some shade and are always a kid-favorite, too.
The basketball court next to the playground offers the chance to play B-ball in the shade. Plus, oodles of shaded picnic tables in the coolness of the trees offer respite during a lunch or snack break. Don’t forget the fur babies — there’s even an off-leash area for your pups!
Need more play options? Bring a racquet and play a match on the adjacent tennis courts. Wooded walking trails allow families easy access to a lower playground and skate park, which could prove to be a welcome shady spot later in the day as the sun dips behind the wooded hill.
Nearby activities: If it’s a scorcher, you just may need to resort to some pool time. Find respite at Lynnwood Recreation Center, with its two large, winding waterslides; a splash pad for smaller kids; a lazy river; a diving board; hot tubs; and a warm-water wellness pool. Reservations are required. Be sure to bring your own towels.
Location: 18927 72nd Ave. W., Lynnwood
Parking: A parking lot is available next to the play space.
Edmonds City Park, Edmonds
Edmonds City Park is a beautiful oasis for summer fun and offers natural spaces and child-centric play areas where you can keep cool. Here you’ll find both the Hazel Miller Spray Park and a large playground. This play area offers lots of climbing options, slides and rock walls. While the playground may become warm as the afternoon heats it up, the park features large trees and several covered shelters for respite. The stand-alone swings — with two high-back ones — and a merry-go-round both give a shady break throughout the day.
Nearby eats: For a cool treat on a hot day, try Revelations Yogurt on Main Street. Frozen yogurt with lots of toppings, including parent-approved fruit, and flavors like key lime and piña colada is sure to give some needed refreshment for kids on the go. Flavors change weekly, so you might want to make this a regular stop in the summer months.
Location: 600 Third Ave. S., Edmonds
Parking: Parking available in several lots that surround the playground.
Veterans’ Memorial Field, Issaquah
You’ll find Veterans’ Memorial Field in the heart of Olde Town Issaquah, the city’s historic district, behind City Hall. Encircled by trees, the playground offers a cool respite, and has multiple pieces of equipment that are appropriate for older and younger kids. Slides, a rock wall, a tunnel and a climbing sphere with a web of ropes provide fun for the most determined players. There’s even a small train, a nod to a nearby depot, designed to entertain toddlers.
Nearby eats: When in Issaquah, do make a stop for some locally made chocolate with European flare. Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates is just a short hop from the park and this is worth a visit to get a special treat for the kids. As for its shade, the grounds include a beautiful, shady outdoor garden to enjoy while savoring your chocolate.
Location: 140 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah
Parking: Street parking with some dedicated spaces available on Second Ave. N.E.
More great Seattle-area parks and playgrounds to explore: |
