Seattle Children's PlayGarden

Seattle Children's PlayGarden is unlike any other playground in the city — and for families with children who have disabilities, it may be the most important children's play space in the Seattle area.

The PlayGarden was created specifically to serve children of all abilities in an integrated setting. The design principles are adaptive from the ground up: surfaces that work for wheelchairs and walkers, equipment with multiple ways to engage, sensory play areas for children with sensory processing differences, and trained staff who provide support to all visitors throughout operating hours. Rather than a playground with a token 'accessible swing' added on, the entire space is designed with inclusive play as the central value.

For families with typically-developing children, the PlayGarden offers something different from standard Seattle playgrounds: working garden plots where kids can dig, plant, water, and harvest real vegetables alongside the play equipment. For 5-10 year olds with any interest in gardening or nature, the combination of play and real-world gardening produces longer, more engaged visits than pure equipment play.

For families with children who have cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, or physical disabilities, the PlayGarden is often described as transformative — the first place where their child could play fully alongside other children rather than watching from the periphery.

The PlayGarden is operated by a nonprofit and funded through donations and community support. It's free to visit. Check seattleplaygarden.org for current session schedules, as hours are structured rather than open-access.