Swing High, Zip Fast: Most Adventurous Playgrounds Around Seattle

A topic of debate in recent years has been whether we are giving kids enough opportunities to take physical risks in their free play. One way for parents and caregivers to encourage kids to safely test their limits is to seek out local parks that offer more challenging playground equipment.

Playground design continues to evolve, and today’s risky playground elements are more likely to include tall rope climbers than super-high swings or steep slides. We’ve gathered up some old and new favorites offering a variety of elements, all sure to thrill adventure-loving kids.

Read on for some top Seattle-area playgrounds with steep slides, tall climbers, high swings and zippy zip lines. (Note: Of course, use your judgment and read signage at parks for safe play guidelines to make sure your child is playing within his or her limits.) Click the arrow above the image or the link at the bottom of each page to see all the amazing playground on our list. Or, jump to the playground below that you want to check out today. Now, let’s go!

• Sprinker Recreation Center
• Othello Playground
• Rainier Beach Playfield
• Wilburton Hill Park
• Sunset Neighborhood Park
• Jefferson Park
• Artists at Play playground
• Dune Peninsula
• Cowen Park
• Fisher Creek Park
• Emma Yule Park
• Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
• Roxhill Park

First up: Sprinker Recreation Center

Editor’s note: This article was originally written many years ago and was most recently updated by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, with the addition of a new playground. Natasha Dillinger and Nancy Chaney also contributed to this article.