Best Outings for Seattle-Area Kids With Sensory Needs or Disabilities

All children deserve the opportunity to play, and making that possible for kids with disabilities and sensory needs is the mission of the totally amazing Seattle Children’s PlayGarden. This fully accessible public playground engages kids with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing or vision impairments, and other disabilities — in ways a typical playground does not. There’s a real veggie and flower garden to dig in and explore, chickens in a coop, a tree fort and musical sculpture, a foam play area and rock scramble, indoor learning facilities and more. Everything is fenced in (a huge relief for parents of kids on the autism spectrum). This playground takes ADA-accessibility a step further: It was designed specifically with kids using wheelchairs in mind, from countertop heights to playground equipment.

Many more all-abilities playgrounds have opened in recent years. Our list of Seattle-area inclusive playgrounds includes old and new favorites, all with features specially designed so that all kids can play.

Next stop: Kraken Community Iceplex