Seward Park Playground

Locals know Seward Park is one of the best spots in the city to burn a few hours with kids — and the playground is a big reason why. You’ve got a solid climbing structure with slides, a zipline that always has a line of 6-year-olds waiting their turn, and an old-school merry-go-round that parents either love or quietly dread. The shade trees do real work on hot summer days, and there’s enough open grass nearby that bigger kids can wander while little ones stick close to the equipment. With Lake Washington just steps away and the forest trails looping through the peninsula, you’re basically getting a full outdoor afternoon in one stop.