Best Spray Parks and Fountains for Kids Around Seattle, the Eastside and North Sound
Photo:
Northacres Park’s spray park. Credit: Seattle Parks and Recreation
Seattle-area spray parks and fountains
Seattle Parks and Rec plans to operate 11 of its spray parks for summer 2024. Each one will be open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., depending on the weather, from Saturday, May 25, through Labor Day. If the weather is not great, call Seattle’s wading pool hotline (206-684-7796) after 9:30 a.m. for spray park and wading pool status. You can also check Seattle Parks’ wading pool Facebook page. (And one note: Some spray features operate by push button so you might not know with just a glance if the water is on or not.)
Ballard Commons Park
This park, located in the heart of the Ballard neighborhood, features a skate bowl, spray feature, relaxing seating areas, a brand new playground and accessible walkways. When your kids are done splashing around, head across the street to the Ballard Library (after you dry off in the sunshine, of course). The park is located just two blocks off the main drag of Ballard, which offers many options for treats, meals or even a movie.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 5701 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle
Northacres Park spray park
Just off I-5 in North Seattle, this shady park is a big draw, and for good reason. Beyond the spray park, it boasts a fantastic two-part playground (for toddlers and older kids), hiking trails, a great hill to roll down and more. Only drawback: The parking lot can fill on hot days, though street parking is fairly easy to find.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 12718 1st Ave N.E., Seattle
Lake Union Park fountains
The series of fountains at Lake Union Park is just one of the draws at this awesome public space. Kids can also explore boat-building at the Center for Wooden Boats (or rent a boat), visit MOHAI (free for kids ages 14 and younger with paying adult, and always free on first Thursdays), or take a dip at the small swimming beach.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle
Yesler Terrace Park spray park
This newer park and its fantastic hillside playground is a must for your summer bucket list. Part of a central plaza in the park becomes the spray park in warmer months. This park, next to the Yesler Community Center and developed with community input, also features space for soccer and basketball.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 917 E. Yesler Wy., Seattle
Jefferson Park spray park
The state-of-the-art water feature at Jefferson Park is part of Beacon Mountain, an ecologically oriented playscape. Kids will also love the steep and deep tube slides and biking paths; parents will love the view of the Sound and the Olympics from the park.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 3801 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle
Georgetown Playfield spray park
Located in the heart of this artsy-industrial neighborhood, Georgetown Playfield boasts a fantastic playground, lots of big shade trees, and a spray park with many kinds of spray features. Also find a half basketball court and artificial turf soccer field.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 750 S. Homer St., Seattle
Highland Park Playground spray park
Kids love the bucket dump at this spray pad located in this smallish park in West Seattle. There’s also a newer playground, upgraded sports fields and picnic tables and benches. The park is situated in a residential area with lots of big, shady trees.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 1100 S.W. Cloverdale St., Seattle
Pratt Park spray park
With an apartment complex located adjacent to Pratt Park, the park is busy, especially in the summer months. Beyond the spray area, find a playground, basketball court and picnic tables. Pratt Fine Arts Center is located next to the park, and the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center is a short walk away. Tip: Broadcast Coffee Roasters is at the northeast corner of the park.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 201 20th Ave. S, Seattle
Judkins Park spray park
This large park in the Central District of Seattle offers play areas, a shelter, barbecues, basketball hoops, a skate park, multi-use courts and more. This park offers reservation picnic areas, so start planning your next summer gathering today!
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 2150 S. Norman St., Seattle
Miller Community Center water feature
The Miller Community Center, located adjacent to Meany Middle School, offers a wide variety of community programs for all ages. Before you are soaked, head inside to check out the Miller Center’s artwork, and learn more about the programs this great community center offers. The water feature is located near the front entrance to the building and the playground.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 330 19th Ave. E., Seattle
John C. Little, Sr. Park spray park
In addition to the spray park, this great park in South Seattle offers picnic shelters, a plaza and an expanded children’s play area. With lots of trees and grass there is space to spread out your picnic blanket and stay awhile. Be sure to check out the community garden. Located next to NewHolly, a diverse, mixed-income community, this park can be busy in the summertime.
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Find it: 6961 37th Ave. S., Seattle
More Seattle-area fountains and spray features
Seattle Center International Fountain
The big kahuna of spray parks is Seattle Center’s famous International Fountain, open year-round, and — on hot days — crawling with kids who stand and run (usually screaming) from the fountain’s powerful and unpredictable water jets. Note that the steep slopes down to the center of the fountain can be pretty slippery. The thrilling Artists at Play playground, near MoPOP, is a must-visit spot on any Seattle Center trip.
Hours: Open daily
Find it: 305 Harrison St., Seattle
Green Lake Village water feature
The water feature on the plaza outside the PCC Community Market at Green Lake Village — benches with water cascading over them — is beloved by parents and kids alike, and it’s toddler-friendly as well. Pick up a snack at PCC, sit at an outdoor table and let the kids play. Green Lake is two blocks away. Tip: With a PCC purchase, you get free parking in PCC’s underground parking garage.
Hours: Open seasonally, on warm days
Find it: 427 N.E. 72nd St., Seattle
Thornton Place fountain
Find a small but wonderful fountain on the Thornton Place plaza in northeast Seattle (just south of Northgate Mall). Order bubble tea or a crepe from Jewel Box Café and set up at a table with an umbrella; you can read or work while the kids play. There’s also a giant chessboard on the plaza, more eateries including a ramen spot and a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, and a Regal Cinema.
Hours: Open seasonally, on warm days
Find it: 321 N.E. Thornton Pl., Seattle
Next up: South King County spray parks