Sun-Soaked Playgrounds in Seattle's Suburbs to Beat Summer Heat
In the heart of Puget Sound, families can find a plethora of parks and playgrounds that offer respite from the summer sun. Here are some of the best shaded parks to keep kids cool and protected during playtime.
Tukwila Park, located near Southcenter Mall, boasts playgrounds and trails surrounded by nature, providing ample shaded areas for family fun.
Carkeek Park in Seattle is another gem, known for its forested paths covered in moss and creekside trails, offering immersive nature walks with ample shade.
Westcrest Park in West Seattle, with its forested setting, is likely to have shaded play areas, making it a great choice for a day out.
Kayu Kayu Ac Park in Shoreline and Ella Bailey Park in Magnolia also offer playgrounds with shaded spots and views of Puget Sound.
Other hidden gems include Dockton Park (Vashon Island), Enatai Beach Park (Bellevue), and Be’er Sheva Park (Rainier Beach).
These parks feature significant tree cover or shaded play structures that help keep kids protected from the summer sun while allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. Tukwila Park and Carkeek Park particularly stand out for their natural forest canopy and trails offering respite from heat.
For those seeking more adventure, Miner's Corner county park in Bothell offers a three-story climbing structure, rocks to scale, bridges, swings, a fire pole, a spiral slide, sensory and musical equipment, and a sand and water garden. This park is also wheelchair-accessible, making it inclusive for all.
Lincoln Park in West Seattle has a playground situated in a wooded area with age-appropriate equipment for children up to 12 years old. Nearby, Zeeks Pizza offers a family-friendly dining experience with plenty of tables and space for kids.
Seward Park in Seattle features a shaded playground with swings, climbing equipment, and a zip line, and a swimming area adjacent to Lake Washington for cooling off. The visitor center at Lewis Creek Park in Bellevue also offers comfortable seats and oversize windows that frame the wetlands.
Further north, Lynndale Park in Lynnwood is almost completely shaded, featuring a tire swing, and has nearby swings, basketball courts, tennis courts, and wooded walking trails. Edmonds City Park offers Hazel Miller Spray Park, a large playground with climbing options, slides, and rock walls, and a merry-go-round.
After a day of play, families can indulge in treats at Boehm's Candies & Chocolates in Issaquah, offering locally made chocolate with European flare. For a sweet treat in Edmonds, Revelations Yogurt on Main Street offers frozen yogurt with lots of toppings and flavors like key lime and piña colada.
These shaded parks and playgrounds provide a perfect blend of fun, adventure, and comfort, making them ideal for families looking to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months.
- Tukwila Park, nestled near Southcenter Mall, offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including playgrounds, trails, and natural landscapes, all boasting shaded areas for a comfortable playtime.
- In addition to Tukwila Park, families can also visit Carkeek Park in Seattle, a forested haven adorned with moss-covered paths, creekside trails, and ample shade, providing an immersive experience in nature.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate Kayu Kayu Ac Park in Shoreline and Ella Bailey Park in Magnolia, featuring playgrounds with shaded spots and panoramic views of Puget Sound.
- For a more adventurous outing, Miner's Corner county park in Bothell boasts a three-story climbing structure, various play equipment, and a sand and water garden, all wheelchair-accessible, catering to all families.
- After a day of activities, families can indulge in tasty treats at Boehm's Candies & Chocolates in Issaquah, offering locally made European-style chocolates, or Revelations Yogurt in Edmonds, offering a wide range of frozen yogurt flavors, like key lime and piña colada, with plenty of toppings.
