Artists at Play, located in the heart of the Seattle Center next to the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture is a must-do! The 30-foot tall climbing structure also incorporates mega long slides and suspended bridges—it can be pretty intimidating due to the height, so be aware. It will definitely intrigue your older risk-taking rugrats and will most likely get your heart pumping too!) But, never fear, there is a wee bit smaller structure for the teeny ones as well.

Next to Alki Elementary and close to Alki beach, Whale Tail Park is a favorite hangout for West Seattleites. Kids love climbing on the “whale tail” sculpture that flanks one end of the park and taking make-believe voyages on the playground’s very own boat. But it’s the two slides that make this playground a hit with the minis.

This pirate vessel, complete with sails and canons, is docked near a lake-side beach used for fishing, swimming and sand play during the summer months. There’s also a ginormous webbed climbing structure, swings, and a merry-go-round, plus an ADA compliant play structure with some awesome slides. The large grass area is perfect for throwing around a football or flying a kite, while the picnic shelters come with lake views and BBQs. Score!

This mega play structure leads to one thing: substantial summertime merriment. The super fly tube slide is perfect for bigger tykes but also your most itsy-bitsy babes (think: no falling off for the wee ones, while the older set can try to zip down as fast as they can). This play area also has a wading pool (open during the summer on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. and it's wheelchair accessible to prevent your kiddos from becoming sweaty-teddies in the summer months.

Home to an old growth forest, a bike and walking path, an amphitheater and miles of hiking trails. Check out the children’s play area, renovated with a “naturalistic” flavor. When your kid tires of playing with the interactive art, you might want to try explore the beautiful native plant gardens. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Grab the stroller, jogger or your bikes and tool around the park’s 2.4 mile loop, which boasts one of the prettiest waterfront views in Seattle.

It's hard not to love a playground the comes with beach access, but when it's designated for all-abilities, you know it's a winner. It's truly a spot where everyone can play (and parents can enjoy views of Lake Washington while they do). Kids will wear themselves out climbing, sliding, jumping and swinging on the expansive new equipment. Take advantage of the picnic pavilions to make an afternoon of it.

Have a blast at this updated park in Kirkland that re-opened to the public in December. What once was a train-themed playground is now a new playspace for aspiring astronauts of all ages. From the space shuttle play structure to the oversized Saturn and moon climbers, your kids will have an out of this world time getting their play on here. Our favorite part? It's gotta be the tandem swings that let parents join in the fun, too!

This playground in Mill Creek’s North Pointe neighborhood is the adventure spot to check out. Nature is at the heart of the playscape, where kids will find a wooden bridge to cross, a playful beaver den to explore and scale using, and plenty of swings. The parkour structure is another hit that will give kids space to leap, jump and roll. Finally, the paved walkway that encloses the park makes it a great option for scooters, trikes and balance bike riders of all ages.

Since its facelift, this High Point Play Area has been a favorite for West Seattle families. It’s bigger than it was before and parents can take a seat in one of two seating areas to keep an eye on kids or break out snacks for hungry players. Families will find all sorts of slides, swings and interesting structures to climb on here. And the large grassy area makes it a great spot to catch, kick or throw a ball. Psst… there are three other parks and two P-Patch gardens nearby.

If you like a little park with your playground, check out Surrey Downs in Bellevue. Its large grassy expanse and bike path means there’s plenty to do for everyone. The new playstructure, there’s one for big kids and tots alike, is bright and intriguing. Tall strctures kids can perch in and then slide down, coupled with a fast zip line and oversized climbing nets make it a spot worth checking out when you head over the bridge.

This seven-acre park boasts a quarter-mile of Lake Washington waterfront, a beautiful swimming beach and swimming platform, a 400-foot-long curved pedestrian pier that extends into the lake, a hand-carry boat launch, paved walkways, picnic areas and a fantastic playground. The park also features a hilltop overlook with gorgeous views of Seattle, a new beach house with restrooms, changing rooms and boat rentals (think: canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards) and a lifeguard station.

This huge 534-acre park, located in the heart of the Magnolia community, boasts a multi-level climbing structure, towers, slides, zip lines, a ropes course and swings. Play areas are set up to accommodate both big and little monkeys (and are ADA compliant), so there is enough adventure for everyone. With 12 miles of paths to explore and stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Discovery Park is one place sure to be a uber hit with your little explorers.

This “Inspiration Park” is perfect for all ages and abilities and has just about each and every amenity your tiny park aficionados are looking for. Play structures, see-saws, spinner bowls, an in-ground trampoline, climbing walls and vine, and various swings are all present and all super cute to boot! There's also a splash pad, waterfalls, and sensory water table for those upcoming hot summer days! This park has it all.

Mercer Island is home to the beautiful 77-acre Luther Burbank Park and has tennis courts, nature trails, beaches, and picnic areas. The playground is the best asset though. In the center of tall trees, the playground’s swings, zip line, tunnel, and climbing area will certainly satisfy your kids’ hunger for joy and excitement. For the summer months, there will be a lifeguard on duty at the swimming beach starting late June through Labor Day.

Situated on Lake Wilderness, this 117-acre park boasts an arboretum, a frisbee golf course, paved trails, large green spaces, a beach with swimming area and a huge fishing pier. But not all! Its playground is new and has loads of fun things to do for your little mischief-maker (swings, slides, merry-go-round and an intricate climbing structure). Psst…on a clear day, you get a breath-taking view of Mt. Rainier!

What if you were told your tiny glider could slide down a salmon and come out the other end? This park’s salmon-themed play area is boatloads of fun and, no doubt, a place your kids will get a kick out of. If you cast your net a bit wider beyond the playground, you can also adventure through the 220 acres of forest, meadows, wetlands, creek and beach. Pack a picnic for this one—you get fantastic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and lots of play room for your little maniacs.

This whimsical, coal mining town-themed playground will delight little visitors with its over-sized mushroom cottage, hidden woodland creatures, mining town cubbies and cabins, and even a painted stream with leaping salmon. Spider monkeys can climb all over the amenity-filled play structures and a huge zip line is just waiting to give your tykes a whizzing ride. But your stop here is not complete unless you also plan an afternoon around the massive sandy beach.

Climbing walls, a sandbox and tons of wide open paved trails make it a perfect place for those newbie bike riders, too. Plus, the views of the Olympics, Elliott Bay, Downtown, Space Needle, Duwamish River and the Cascades can't be beat. The park boasts not one, but two slides with fun ways to acces the top: From a semicircular ladder to a climbing wall, it’s possible that going up could be more fun than the sliding down.

Formally a Catholic seminary and now an expansive 326-acre park complete with hiking trails (dogs are welcome if leashed) and beautiful views of Lake Washington (3,000 feet of lake shoreline!). There are plenty of open spaces to run around and play, and a picnic area with tables and restrooms. The grounds also boast a quiet Grotto, but if that seems like too much be-still time for your pumped-up posse, head over to the two play structures, slides, sand pits, swings and even a climbing wall.

Located in Tacoma’s south end, the obstacle-like features offer some challenges for big kids, while the woodland theme and tree house inspired structure will stir little imaginations into some epic pretend play adventures. During the summer months, the minis can spend most of their day at the sprayground, while athletes eager to try out the turf will want to head over to the seven athletic fields. When the weather drizzles, grab a day pass to Treetops Playground.

Perhaps Seattle’s most overlooked play area, this peaceful, sunny Maple Leaf neighborhood park has plenty of street parking. The equipment—not the fanciest in town—is good quality. Bigger kids particularly love the zip line, and tinier ones dig the sandpit in the corner. Bring along the bikes and balls: there’s a circular track just north of the playground, plus pickle ball and basketball courts. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the views of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington!

If your tiny ones are into Old MacDonald, then head on over to Kelsey Creek Farm. Sure, there is a playground ideal for wiggly toddlers and two miles worth of trails that wind through pastures and a creek, but this park really comes to mind for its plethora of farm animals to interact with. On any given day, you can visit with the horses, bunnies, chickens, sheep, goats, rabbits, waterfowl and pigs.

This huge park, in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, has just about everything for whatever kind of mood your kiddos are in. If they feel like sprinting around, they can tear through the meadow and play Frisbee or catch. For play time, head to the impressive play area and let them monkey around on the climbing structure. Need a cool down? Splash in the wading pool, the fountain or laze around on the grassy knolls. They even have a few over-sized chess boards to play on!

A first look at this awesome playground will have everyone in your crew excited to play, even mom and dad! There’s a variety of slides, some thrilling enough for bigger kids and some more suited for the tiny fellas, as well as two climbing walls, a lookout tower, and a modern merry-go-round for tots who love to get dizzy. In fact, upon closer inspection, every nook and cranny is jam-packed with things to spin, climb, swing, and explore!

The largest beach park in Bellevue and perfect for the entire family, in addition to a large open field and a large sandy swimming beach, this beach park has a nature trail and train-themed playground equipment, ideal for your little cherubs who love a good choo-choo. A 300-foot dock and convenient picnic facilities make this park a popular family destination during the summer months.

If castles and fort play are at the forefront of your kiddo’s imagination, then you’ll want to saddle-up their war-horse and invade this Federal Way playground. Called Family Funland, this playground will keep dragon slayers busy for hours with climbing walls, monkey bars, a toddler area, swings and much more. As the name suggests, there is also a swimming lake with lifeguards on duty during the summer, plus grass areas and picnic tables to spread out on for some lunch when it’s time to eat.

Located in West Seattle, this fab park not only has two playgrounds (with an awesome zip line!), several ball fields, four miles of biking trails and a paved trail along its beautiful beach, but the city’s only outdoor heated saltwater pool is there as well. Pack a picnic lunch and your binoculars (the park is home to several pairs of bald eagles and owls), and plan to make a day of it.

Marymoor features an amazing park for the munchkins on the north side. Complete with a three-kid wide teeter-totter, a special 2-5 year old section, a rockin’ dinosaur, unique whirl-i-gigs and a large-scale climbing piece, this park really delivers. Bring your bikes and ride the loop, or head to the dog park filled with great trails and open space for Junior to run free along with Fido. There’s also a huge climbing wall (for bigger kids), remote control airplane field and acres of play fields.

A few miles from Imagine Children’s Museum (something to check out in and of itself!), Everett’s Forest Park remains one of the Seattle metropolitan area’s funnest outdoor locations. Here you'll find a bevy of kid-friendly activities, including a sprayground and a perfect area for toddlers. There's also a free animal farm where your animal-crazed kids can pet goats, calves, rabbits and other farm animals during the spring and summer months.

Washington Park Arboretum stands as the perfect place for Seattle kids to dive in and experience nature. Visiting the Park’s Japanese Garden, the Wilcox footbridge, ponds and nature trails will undoubtedly quench your kids’ thirst for the great outdoors. You can also explore this area by canoe or rowboat. Rentals are available at the UW Waterfront Activities Center, where they also provide life jackets and advice on how to safely cross the boat traffic at Montlake Cut.

What we love about this park is its location, location, location! Less than two miles away from Point Defiance Park and Zoo, a visit to this seaside playground would be a stellar choice after a morning spent animal watching with your teeny zoologists. The ferryboat play structure, swings and splash pad are at the far end of Point Ruston Waterwalk—a mile-long stretch of pavement along Commencement Bay that’s perfect for strollers and littles on new sets of wheels.

Situated in the northern section of Issaquah Highlands, this park features stunning views of the Cascade mountains, as well as Mt. Baker and the Seattle skyline on a clear day. Of course, it’s the sweet play structure with four slides, swings, tons of grassy free space and monkey bars that are the true showstoppers for your youngsters at this park. Insider Tip: There is also a smaller park connected right up the hill from Grand View that offers additional play equipment perfect for little ones.