Inclusive Playgrounds in the Seattle Area

Theme-park-like fun awaits kids of all abilities at Bellevue Downtown Park’s Inspiration Playground. Designed by Colorado-based firm Design Concepts Landscape Architecture as a large-scale, multisensory play space to engage children of various abilities, the playground’s features also provide opportunities for bonding among friends, families and caregivers.

Various climbing structures engage all ages and levels of ability, among them a whimsical twisted vine climber and a bridge-connected “Roots and Rock” climbing wall. Swings of all sorts are plentiful: There are wheelchair-accessible saucer-style and adaptive swing seats as well as tot-and-parent swings. Even the sideline benches are suspended on swing chains, letting caregivers in on the fun. Kids love the bouncers and egg-chair-style spinners; a four-person, wheelchair-friendly seesaw; and a cool ramp-accessible glider that makes for a gently swaying ride. Other engaging features include gigantic musical instruments, a slide built into the hillside and a fantastical twisted Wisdom Tree at the playground’s center.

Find it: 10201 N.E. 4th St., Bellevue

– Kate Missine

Next stop: Seaview Park