Inclusive Playgrounds in the Seattle Area

For kids on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities, a trip to the neighborhood playground can be overwhelming, socially confusing and even unsafe. Newer playground designs are pivoting toward meeting the needs of all children, and this has spawned great play places, usually referred to as “inclusive” or “sensory” playgrounds.

What makes a play space a “sensory playground”? In short, it’s an inclusive place for kids to play. The space may be fully accessible for kids who use wheelchairs; it may also be fenced off to contain kids who could wander or bolt. These playgrounds typically offer sensory options for kids who seek them, such as wind chimes, sand to dig in, nubby surfaces, mazes to explore, mirrors, kaleidoscopes and bouncy swings.

First stop: Pathways Park

Editor’s note: A version of this article was originally published several years ago. It was most recently updated in June 2024 by ParentMap’s family fun editor Meredith Charaba, with the addition of two new playgrounds. ParentMap authors Natasha Dillinger, JiaYing Grygiel and Kate Missine contributed to this article.