Inclusive Playgrounds in the Seattle Area

There is something for everyone at Seattle’s largest playground, making it my new favorite in the city. Pathways Park opened in June 2024 after a complete renovation. Local mom Paige Reischl originally conceived of the park more than seven years ago. She wanted to create a park designed to be welcoming to all, in honor of her son Eli.

We spent an entire day here and still felt like we could come back and discover something new. A tall log climbing structure is the first place to play, followed by a ground-level merry-go-round, custom carved basalt water table and sand pit. Three swings give parkgoers the choice between swinging solo or with friends, while a nearby gazebo offers shade on those sunny summer days.

But my daughter spent most of her time at the park on the hillside, where a wide polished concrete slide can fit multiple kids whooshing down at a time. A roller slide gives a different sensory experience, while the cave can be used for climbing (or a sheltered break from all the action). The park gets its name from the parallel pathways that run throughout — one smooth and flat, and the other with various challenges.

Pathways Park is fully accessible and entirely welcoming to everyone, while maintaining the natural elements that make the park beautiful. Keep an eye out for unique art sculptures, from a giant frog peeking over a lily pad to a bat hanging upside down in a talking pole.

The park also has all-gender, single-use restrooms with both baby- and adult-size changing tables.

Find it: 5201 Sand Point Wy. N.E., Seattle

– Meredith Charaba

Next stop: Averill Field Playground