By default, I often take my kiddos to the same parks - over and over again. I feel like I am in a rut when it comes to exploring the plethora of playground options in our area. With the weather changing and our dry days numbered, I am ready to explore! What better time than now to break out of that rut?
With so many parks to choose from it wasn't easy, but we narrowed our list to just our ten favorites.
BIG ROCK PARK - Newly opened (but not official until May 21) in Sammamish, this park has a viewing deck for parents (bring a chair, if that's your thing) overlooking the zip line, a small slide built into a hill and surrounded by rocks to climb, plus a tunnel play area that will tap into your child's imagination! But that's not even the best part - according to my 8 year old. The best part is this park's namesake - the BIG ROCK. There's a short, clearly marked trail leading to this impressive boulder. From one side it's fairly shallow and easy to navigate, however the other side requires a bit more finesse, and the kids loved both!
SUMMIT PARK - This is truly a hidden gem, and you'll need to look up directions to 30th Avenue Northeast, Issaquah, WA. There is a huge grassy area for running, playing tag, tossing the frisbee, etc. There is also a Kompani playground set that is really great for older kids. And, best of all, there are two "tube" slides set into the side of a hill! Trails lead up and around the hill - where the view is awesome - and the two slides are fast and fun! I suggest grabbing lunch or dinner at Zeek's Pizza and then driving a short distance up the hill to Summit Park! So much fun!
FISHER CREEK PARK - With a Seahawks color scheme, old fashioned merry-go-round, rock climbing wall, and seven, yes, seven, slides, this playground is newly reopened and fabulous! Plus there are plans to install not one - but two - ziplines! It's located just off Snoqualmie Parkway on Fisher Avenue - left turn from 202, right turn from i90. You can also stop by the Snoqualmie Library or Starbucks, both just a mile or two up the road.
With so many parks to choose from it wasn't easy, but we narrowed our list to just our ten favorites.
BIG ROCK PARK - Newly opened (but not official until May 21) in Sammamish, this park has a viewing deck for parents (bring a chair, if that's your thing) overlooking the zip line, a small slide built into a hill and surrounded by rocks to climb, plus a tunnel play area that will tap into your child's imagination! But that's not even the best part - according to my 8 year old. The best part is this park's namesake - the BIG ROCK. There's a short, clearly marked trail leading to this impressive boulder. From one side it's fairly shallow and easy to navigate, however the other side requires a bit more finesse, and the kids loved both!
- Restrooms: Pit toilets near the playground equipment, not my favorite but this one is very clean; go before you hike the trails (trust me on this one)
- Shade: Very little shade at the playground, lots of shade on the trails and at the rock
- Parking: Small lot, very close to the play area
SAMMAMISH COMMONS PARK - This one continues to be Dana's all-time favorite! Located just behind the Sammamish Library, it's a fantastic park, in an amazing setting, with swings, a huge sandpit, and a spraying water feature. I truly love this park and find it very surprising that it is never crowded when we go!
- Restrooms: Pit toilets, not my favorite but manageable
- Shade: Very little shade here; one covered picnic area and a few small trees.
- Parking: There is a long walk. Bring a stroller or wagon. The return trip (when kids are likely to be tired and grumpy) is uphill.
SUMMIT PARK - This is truly a hidden gem, and you'll need to look up directions to 30th Avenue Northeast, Issaquah, WA. There is a huge grassy area for running, playing tag, tossing the frisbee, etc. There is also a Kompani playground set that is really great for older kids. And, best of all, there are two "tube" slides set into the side of a hill! Trails lead up and around the hill - where the view is awesome - and the two slides are fast and fun! I suggest grabbing lunch or dinner at Zeek's Pizza and then driving a short distance up the hill to Summit Park! So much fun!
- Restrooms: Better go before you leave the house!
- Shade: Not much shade here.
- Parking: Street parking nearby
FISHER CREEK PARK - With a Seahawks color scheme, old fashioned merry-go-round, rock climbing wall, and seven, yes, seven, slides, this playground is newly reopened and fabulous! Plus there are plans to install not one - but two - ziplines! It's located just off Snoqualmie Parkway on Fisher Avenue - left turn from 202, right turn from i90. You can also stop by the Snoqualmie Library or Starbucks, both just a mile or two up the road.
- Restrooms: Flush toilets, sinks, and a drinking fountain.
- Shade: Not much shade here.
- Parking: plenty of parking in the lot plus street parking
SQUAK VALLEY PARK - Nestled at the bottom of Squak Mountain, near where the paragliders take-off, the views from this park are fantastic! The play structure is quite tall, which is great for older kids, and there's also a small structure for the younger crowd. The surrounding soccer fields provide plenty of room to run off some energy. The drive back through downtown Issaquah usually results in a stop at the cupcake shop!
- Restrooms: Pit toilets, but very well-maintained
- Shade: Very little shade here
- Parking: Parking lot is right next to the play area
EBRIGHT CREEK PARK - A relatively new park, with some of the coolest play equipment around! It features two play areas, which meet the needs of both younger and older kids. The picnic pavilion is a gigantic gazebo and perfect for serving lunch or snacks to a big crowd, plus there are plenty of other picnic tables surrounding the play area. My daughter especially love the walk over the wetland boardwalk and along the creek.
- Restrooms: Nice facilities with flush toilets, a bit of a walk from the play area
- Shade: Plenty of trees but the play area gets a lot of sun mid-day
- Parking: A bit of a walk, mainly flat; cross a wooden boardwalk over the wetland
JEANE HANSEN COMMUNITY PARK - One of the newest parks on our list includes two play areas with synthetic turf rather than the standard mulch we see at most other parks in the area - my kids noticed the difference right away! You'll also find gorgeous wide-open sports fields; I suggest bringing a soccer ball or frisbee. Expect to spend some time exploring because there are soft nature trails around the backside of the park. Its location - just off Snoqualmie Parkway between the Ridge shopping center (make a stop at Starbucks or Steve's Doughnuts) and the I-90 exit - provides amazing views from this park - wow!
- Restrooms: Nice, new, and clean!
- Shade: There's a picnic shelter and some trees.
- Parking: Tons of nearby parking
SNOQUALMIE POINT PARK - 37580 SE Winery Road, Snoqualmie (opposite side of freeway from casino). If you are looking for amazing views of the Snoqualmie Valley, Mount Si, the Cascade Mountain Range, and Mount Baker, look no further than the 8-acre Snoqualmie Point Park. Besides the fabulous views, the park is a great location for enjoying the fresh air and peaceful sounds of nature! If you want your kiddos to get their wiggles out, there is a HUGE field for them to run around. They'll need a nap after this park! There are also plans to completely finish the park in the future (more details here).
- Restrooms: Yes!
- Shade: Not much shade here, but there is a sheltered area with amazing views.
- Parking: Yes, but keep in mind if you park in the upper parking lot, adjacent to the trail head of Rattlesnake Mountain Trail, you will need a Discover Pass. If you park in the lower lot, there are no parking passes needed.
SI VIEW PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER - along Southeast Orchard Drive you will find two new playgrounds where kids can climb ropes that look like spider webs, speed along a zip line, scrabble around a climbing rock and so much more. You'll also find the farmers market on Thursday evening throughout the summer.
- Restrooms: Yes! Nice, new, and clean!
- Shade: Yes, you'll find a few large trees along the edges of both playgrounds
- Parking: There is some all around the park.
TORGUSON PARK – 750 E North Bend Way, North Bend. There is something for everyone in the family at Torguson Park! It is the city’s principal active recreation park and consists of six ball fields, a soccer field, restrooms, an 8,100 square foot skateboard park, picnic facilities, bike racks, informal BMX dirt bike track, tot lot, and climbing tower.
- Restrooms: Yes!
- Shade: Not really.
- Parking: A ton of parking!
PRESTON ATHLETIC FIELD AND PARK - Preston Fall City Rd SE and SE 87th Pl Preston WA 98027
This giant play structure is a favorite and features a big, curvy, fast slide! We prefer this park on week days when there aren't any soccer games being played.
- Restrooms: Yes!
- Shade: Not really.
- Parking: A ton of parking!
Did YOUR favorite park make our list? If not, please tell us about it in the comments below!
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Macaroni Kid Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah is your best source for kid activities and family fun in Issaquah, Sammamish, Preston, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and North Bend. Be sure to check the CALENDAR for a complete list of local events - guaranteed to entertain, educate & exhaust your kids & family.
Click Submit an Event from the home page to submit your events! And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for last-minute updates, news and fun ideas!
Macaroni Kid Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah is your best source for kid activities and family fun in Issaquah, Sammamish, Preston, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and North Bend. Be sure to check the CALENDAR for a complete list of local events - guaranteed to entertain, educate & exhaust your kids & family.
Click Submit an Event from the home page to submit your events! And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for last-minute updates, news and fun ideas!
Don't miss our Business Directory. Your guide to photographers, birthday parties, classes & enrichment programs, schools, health care & more!
Get a weekly dose of all this goodness by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.
