West Woodland Park Playground

West Woodland Park Playground sits at the junction of two great Seattle family destinations: Woodland Park Zoo to the east and the broader Woodland Park green space to the north. The playground itself is a well-maintained Seattle Parks installation with equipment spanning toddler to tween age ranges, but its location is what makes it exceptional.

The playground's direct adjacency to Woodland Park Zoo's west/north entrance turns any zoo day into a natural two-part outing. Before zoo open (9:30 AM), the playground gives early-arriving families somewhere to burn energy. After the zoo, it's the perfect decompression space — kids who've walked miles through the zoo can do a final 30-minute playground session while parents rest on the benches.

Either way, you don't have to move the car.

For families on tight budgets, the playground provides a free alternative on days when the zoo isn't in the cards. The neighborhood and park context still deliver the Phinney Ridge green space experience without the $17-23/person zoo admission.

The broader Woodland Park green space (not the zoo — the city park that the zoo is within) has open lawns, picnic areas, and additional trail access immediately adjacent. Families with older kids who want to extend beyond playground time can wander into the park.

Practical notes: street parking is available on Phinney Ave N and N 59th St. Restrooms are in the adjacent park facilities. No food on-site.