15 Amazing Playgrounds for Eastside Kids and Families

Can you have too many playgrounds? I don’t think so.

While your go-to neighborhood park is handy, sometimes you want to stretch your playground legs and try out a new spot. Meet up with a pal and let your kids explore some of the best Eastside playgrounds, both old and new favorites. Pick one for a play destination and it just might end up a fixture on your regular recreation route. Ready? Let’s go play.

Two Moons Park, Duvall

My daughter appropriately calls this nature-inspired play area the “mountain slide” park. Climb the massive mound (which represents a bark-peeled tree stump), covered in a cushy rubber surface, to gain a bird’s eye view of the park. The mound doubles as a climbing wall.

The thoughtfully designed seasonal water play area represents the Snoqualmie River Valley. When it’s running, you can crank the water pump and imagine the water flowing from the Cascade Mountains as you experiment with moveable gates to control water flow, just like human-made flood control devices. The overlapping log structure embodies fallen trees in the forest. Some original large trees surrounding the play area remain and add to the feeling of playing in the woods.

While primarily nature-inspired, the playground also offers a tot playground for ages 2–5, a small saddle spinner, musical chimes, a tilted climber spinner and two saucer swings. Cross the sidewalk where the park continues diagonally across the street. Visitors will find a long zip line, a small climbing structure, a half-court basketball court, a foursquare court, another picnic area and a large green space surrounded by a paved path.

Being within a new neighborhood community, Two Moons Park is easily accessed by foot or bike by its neighbors and also has free street parking. Amenities include educational interpretive signs throughout, large picnic areas with shade sails, two porta-potties and paved sidewalk loops suitable for scooters and small bikes.

Location:  27101 N.E. Walden Way, Duvall

132nd Square Park, Kirkland

Built in 2023 after a decade of planning, the playground at 132nd Square Park — adjacent to the turf sports fields — is packed with fun surprises for all abilities. The bright yellow turf “sledding hill” with climbing ropes and “SlideWinder” is a popular feature. If you plan to use cardboard to sled down the hill, the City of Kirkland requests that you take the cardboard home or recycle it in the provided bins.

The public communication board speaks to inclusivity and breaks down barriers for communication and play. Musical elements like chimes and an interactive panel are inviting for all ages to play and explore. Swing on the saucer swing, regular and baby swings, or relax on the hammock. Kids may need a boost to take a ride on the long zip line. A couple play structures, nature-inspired climbing features and an inclusive merry-go-round offer more play opportunities.

Just outside of the colorful turf, you can get lost on a calming labyrinth walk or kick off your shoes on the reflexology path. The playground and sports fields are surrounded by winding paved paths, perfect for walking or riding scooters and bikes. Other amenities include a free parking lot, bathrooms, drinking fountain, picnic shelters and public art.

Location: 13159 132nd Ave N.E., Kirkland

Surrey Downs, Bellevue

Bellevue’s Surrey Downs Park has destination playground features to keep you coming back. There’s a large play structure offering some thrills for older kids, and an accompanying scaled-down version for toddlers. A paved path circles a big grassy lawn, perfect for Wiffle ball and soccer and laps on a bike. There’s a long zip line, a set of swings (including a double-seater) and a basketball court. Bonus for caregivers: There’s a gorgeous view of Mount Rainier to enjoy.

Location: 11177 S.E. Fourth St., Bellevue

Castle Park, Kirkland

Wouldn’t kids love it if every time you made them go on a nature walk, you stumbled upon a wonderful, magical playground hidden in the woods? Families can make this dream come true at Kirkland’s fantastic Castle Park (its official name is North Rose Hill Woodlands Park). The nickname of this old-favorite park hints at its fabulous play features. Kids love the giant play structure made up of towers, turrets and secret passageways. Imaginative play blossoms here.

Location: 9930 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland

Westside Park, Redmond

Unique Westside Park offers two primary structures built out of sturdy red rope and wooden logs, providing plenty of opportunities for climbing and problem-solving. But its claim to fame is that it hosts the first zip line in the Redmond park system. How can you pass that up?

Westside Park is located adjacent to Redmond’s gigantic Marymoor Park. Westside’s amenities and layout indicate its status as a neighborhood spot that nearby families can reach by foot. There’s limited street parking (although it’s right up front) and a picnic shelter that’s perfect for snack time, but there are no restrooms. 

This playground’s unique log climbing equipment make it well worth a visit for Eastside families and those passing through the area.

Location: 5810 156th Ave. N.E., Redmond

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton

Renton’s Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park has long been a popular destination for families from around the Eastside and beyond. And no wonder! Perched on the shore of Lake Washington, the park features a swimming beach, a fishing pier, a boat launch, paved walking paths, tennis and volleyball courts, two restaurants onsite — plus, the huge and amazing playground!

This park is known to deliver tons of fun on a hot summer day. Grabbing some post-beach fish and chips from Ivar’s or a Kidd Valley milkshake on the pier while admiring views of the lake can make you feel like you’re on a mini vacation. But don’t count this park out on cooler days. The engaging play structures make Gene Coulon a destination playground for any time of year.

Location: 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton

Fisher Creek Park, Snoqualmie

If you measure the sign of a good park by how difficult it is to get your kids to leave when it’s time to go, Fisher Creek Park in Snoqualmie Ridge is a clear winner.

This park has so much to offer you’ll want to plan a good chunk of playtime and you’ll need to give several warnings before your departure time. The sprawling green and blue play structure includes assorted climbing and traversing obstacles, and seven(!) slides plus a zip line! All these features offer kids thrill after thrill.

Location: 7805 Fisher Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie

Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland

More than a century ago, Juanita Beach Park was a popular, privately owned beach destination with a two-story bathhouse. More recently its ownership transferred first to King County, and then to the City of Kirkland. Fast forward to today and this 22-acre space includes a phenomenal playground, complete with a tube slide, roller slide, climbing tower and more. Visitors will also find picnic pavilions, boating concessions and a seasonal bathhouse. Inclusive features, such as adaptive swings — including a fun double swing — and space to zoom around with minimal barriers, welcome all kids to play.

This Kirkland park is a definite must-visit for everyone.

Location: 9703 N.E. Juanita Dr., Kirkland

North Kirkland Community Center Park, Kirkland

Get ready to blast off to the unique playground at North Kirkland Community Center Park! This space-themed park offers moon- and Saturn-shaped climbing structures that are geared toward confident climbers. Little astronauts will appreciate the climbing gym in the shape of a space shuttle.

Tucked away in a neighborhood up the road from Juanita High School, the location feels equal parts quiet and convenient. It’s close enough to the Juanita Beach-area shops that we could grab a treat and a coffee from Top Pot Doughnuts and take a stroll by the waterfront. 

Location: 12424 103rd Ave N.E., Kirkland

Sunset Neighborhood Park, Renton

Fair warning: The climbing structures at Renton’s Sunset Neighborhood Park are not for faint-of-heart caregivers. Or kids afraid of heights. This playground and its eye-popping climbing structures — one called the Neptun XXL — offer opportunities for risk-taking and skill-building. The Neptun XXL reaches 30 feet up from the ground. If you feel comfortable, and you’ve got confident climbers in your crew, they will absolutely love this spot.

For younger kids in your family or those averse to heights, a colorful section of the playground offers suitable-size slides, bridges and climbing elements. There is also fitness equipment for adults looking to squeeze in a bit of a workout, and enough picnic tables to suit a big friend-group meet-up or family reunion!

Location: 2680 Sunset Ln. N.E., Renton

Totem Lake Park, Kirkland

The playground at Totem Lake Park in Kirkland features colorful climbers, bridges and slides. Also colorful is the playground’s surface, which, it turns out, has superpowers! Not only is the surface beautiful to look at and wheelchair-friendly, but the ForeverLawn playground grass also has antistatic properties that help prevent damage to cochlear implants and other electronic medical devices. How cool is that?! Low-incline hills and parallel bars provide accessible obstacle course elements and strength challenges for children with disabilities.

One thing here kids won’t care about, but you might: The park is right by grocery stores that you might frequent, making it a convenient play stop for multitasking grownups.

Location: 12033 Totem Lake Wy., Kirkland

Meydenbauer Bay Park, Bellevue

Waterfront Meydenbauer Bay Park has it all: spectacular views, beach, a seasonal boathouse, a terraced playground — and even a vintage phone booth. All these features beckon families to come play.

While summer is a no-brainer, stop by this lakeside park in the off-season for more elbow room. Romp around on the playground, play on the beach and walk out on the 400-foot curved pedestrian pier that juts out onto the bay, so you can feel like you’re out on the water without getting wet.

Location: 419 98th Ave. N.E., Bellevue

Depot Park, Issaquah

Depot Park in Issaquah is a true train lover’s dream. The play structures are train-themed, and the park itself is adjacent to a train museum. While this playground is not new, it’s perhaps underrated for parents and kids alike. Among the perks for parents: there’s a decent amount of parking, and it’s located right in downtown Issaquah, so you are just a short walk away from great places to eat and drink. Surrounding trees provide shade in summer, crunchy leaves in fall, greenery in spring. In the winter, well… the leaves are gone, but at least you are super close to a hot cup of coffee.

Location: 67291 First Ave. N.E., Issaquah

Inspiration Playground, Bellevue

Absolutely epic Inspiration Playground, located at Bellevue Downtown Park, warrants a trip from practically anywhere. This unusual playground will thrill your kids like a theme park, with adventure elements and plenty to climb. Various structures engage all ages and ability levels, among them a whimsical twisted vine climber and a bridge-connected “Roots and Rock” climbing wall. Swings of all sorts are plentiful: There are wheelchair-accessible saucer-style and adaptive swing seats as well as tot-and-parent swings. And that’s just the beginning.

Location: 100 100th Ave. N.E., Bellevue

Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah

There’s no question that the playground at Lake Sammamish State Park is among the Eastside’s best. 

When you arrive at the playground, you’ll spot a nine-foot bird, gigantic toadstools and a miniature mine. You may think you’ve stumbled onto the set of a Lewis Carroll movie, but this wonderland adventure is all real and it’s yours to explore.

Something to keep in mind, though, is that parking here is not free. Because Lake Sammamish is a state park, you’ll need a Discover Pass ($11.50 per day or $35 annually; buy onsite) to park here, or plan a visit on a State Parks Free Day when you don’t need the pass to park.

Location: 2010 N.W. Sammamish Rd., Issaquah

Editor’s note: This roundup of Eastside playgrounds was originally published a few years ago, and was most recently updated by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, on Dec. 4, 2024, with new details and a fact-check. ParentMap author Krista Tsai contributed to this article.