Best Rainy-Day Parks and Playgrounds Around Seattle and Beyond

West Seattle’s 135-acre Lincoln Park is an excellent off-season destination. Recently reopened after a seven-year closure and revamp, the south playground has four areas of play: an expanded climbing ropes course, swings, a playground structure for ages 2–5, and a multi-story play structure for children ages 5–12. Kids will love the orca whale — a central figure in the park’s design — rising from the wood chips. The nautical theme is lightly sprinkled throughout the playground with ample amounts of ropes, a ship’s wheel and a life preserver pictured on the climbing structure lookout. The redesign also included improved access via paved walkways and an added paved patio space. The north playground has a zip line, swings, climbing equipment and inclusive play elements.

For a truly memorable outing, bring firewood and s’mores supplies — shelter no. 3 on the southern waterfront has a fireplace. (The shelter can be reserved, but also is available on a first-come, first-served basis if nobody has reserved it.)

Location: 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle. Free parking is available in two parking lots. Buses stop along Fauntleroy Way Southwest immediately outside the park.

Warm up: Less than a mile away, pop into local favorite Caffe Ladro for hot cocoa for the kids and a coffee for you.

Next stop: Maple Leaf