Best Rainy-Day Parks and Playgrounds Around Seattle and Beyond

This spacious Bothell park, designed for kids of all abilities, has been wildly popular ever since it opened nearly a decade ago. A flat, paved half-mile path — perfect for beginner bikers — meanders around the park. The three-story climbing structure has a long wheelchair-accessible ramp (reputedly one of the tallest of its kind in the world). Rock-climbing features, bridges, a fire pole and a long spiral slide add to the excitement. And a sand and water garden, fed by rainfall and runoff, invites kids to explore, get muddy and search for tadpoles.

Tall trees provide great rain protection over an area next to the playground, which has logs and stumps that my kids have been known to turn into a parkour course. If it really starts to pour, duck under the large covered structure for lunch at one of the picnic tables.

Location: 22903 45th Ave. S.E., Bothell. A small parking lot is close to the playground.

Warm up: Just 2.5 miles away, Crystal Creek Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a super kid-friendly atmosphere, with airplanes hanging from the ceiling and a kids menu.

Next stop: Dragon Park