Seward Park Playground

Seward Park Playground is one of those Seattle playgrounds where the setting does at least as much work as the equipment. Located within Seward Park on a 277-acre peninsula jutting into Lake Washington, the playground gives kids a starting point before they discover that the entire surrounding park is a nature playground at a much larger scale.

The equipment is solid — a multi-structure play area with equipment for toddlers through early teens, benches for parents, and enough spread to accommodate multiple sibling groups simultaneously. But the real draw is what's within a 5-minute walk: Lake Washington shoreline where kids can wade, toss rocks, and search for fish; a 2. 4-mile flat forest loop trail through old-growth Douglas firs that works for young hikers and jogging strollers; and the Seward Park Audubon Center (open Friday-Sunday) with wildlife programming and bald eagle spotting.

Bald eagles nest in Seward Park year-round. Looking up into the tallest Douglas firs as you walk the loop trail frequently produces sightings — and bald eagle spotting with your kids never gets old regardless of how many times you've done it.

In summer, the Lake Washington shoreline heats up enough for comfortable wading. Bring water shoes and towels. The park's picnic areas make a complete family day easy: playground, trail walk, lake wading, picnic, done.

Free parking in the main lot at the park entrance. Restrooms near the parking lot.