Seattle has one of the best free activity rosters of any major US city for families. Genuinely great parks, free botanical gardens, a waterfront, and free playgrounds that people fly in from other states to use. Here's the full picture, with real dollar amounts throughout.
Completely Free: $0 Days
Discovery Park is the crown jewel of Seattle's free activity list. Seattle's largest park at 534 acres — bluff-top trails, a sandy beach, a working lighthouse, and miles of forest paths. Kids who hike to the lighthouse feel like they've genuinely accomplished something. 4.8 stars. $0 admission, free parking. Plan 2–4 hours. Pack a lunch.
Salmon Slide - Carkeek Park Playground is exactly what it sounds like: a giant salmon-shaped slide at a beachfront park. Kids who've done every standard playground slide find this one completely novel. $0. Beach access at Carkeek makes it a 2-in-1 stop.
Ella Bailey Park in Magnolia has views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound from the playground. 4.8 stars across 626 reviews — that rating for a park is extraordinary. $0, free street parking.
"Artists At Play" Playground at Seattle Center is a playful, artistic adventure playground where the equipment itself is sculpture. 4.7 stars. $0 admission. Grab food from the Seattle Center Armory food hall — a 400-seat food court with diverse options at reasonable prices.
Gas Works Park Kid Playground sits on the north shore of Lake Union with iconic Seattle skyline views behind it. The park itself is a converted industrial site — the rusting machinery that remains is fascinating to kids. $0. Arrive before 10 AM on sunny days; parking fills fast.
Green Lake Park Playground is in one of Seattle's most beloved neighborhood parks with a 2.8-mile loop around the lake. Free park access. Paddle boat rentals run ~$20–30 per 30 minutes if you want to add an on-water experience.
Deane's Children's Park on Mercer Island is a dedicated children's park with play structures that feel purpose-built rather than standard equipment. 4.8 stars. Free, free parking. Access via I-90 — account for bridge traffic.
Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden in Ballard is free and directly connected to the Ballard Locks — kids can walk from the garden to watch boats pass through the lock system. $0. 4.7 stars.
Washington Park Arboretum — extensive trail network through giant trees, Japanese garden, wetland walks. Free. Parking free off Arboretum Drive E. 4.8 stars.
Pacific Connections Gardens within the arboretum — five Pacific Rim ecosystems. Free. 4.9 stars.
Bellevue Botanical Garden — wide paved paths and a waterfall garden. Free. 4.7 stars. Street parking available; paid garage ~$2–3/hour.
Seward Park Audubon Center — inside the only old-growth forest on the Seattle peninsula. Wildlife spotting, lake views, forest trails. Free. 4.8 stars.
Alki Playground and Whale Tail Park — the playground sits on Alki Beach with Puget Sound views. Free. Water taxi from downtown: ~$6/adult, kids under 5 free — a fun addition.
Seattle Children's PlayGarden — free, inclusive nature-play garden. Donations welcomed.
SSC Arboretum, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, NatureScaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens — all free botanical experiences in the greater Seattle area.
Additional free playgrounds: Maple Leaf Park Playground (4.8 stars), Ballard Playspace, West Woodland Park Playground (4.7 stars), Seward Park Playground (4.7 stars), Meridian Playground, University Playground Park.
Nearly Free: Under $15 for a Family
Volunteer Park Conservatory — Suggested donation ~$12 for a family of four ($4/adult, $2/child, under 3 free). A century-old Victorian greenhouse with five pavilions — tropical palms, towering cacti, fern house. 4.8 stars. Plan 45–90 minutes.
Budget Picks: Under $50 for a Family of Four
The Jungle Gym in Burien — ~$30–$45 (~$10–12/child, parents nominal). Gymnastics-integrated indoor play with a community feel. 4.7 stars. Plan 1.5–3 hours.
Nick's Magnificent in Issaquah — ~$30–$50 (~$10–15/child, parents nominal, café adds ~$10–15). Extended evening hours (until 9 PM Fri–Sat). 4.7 stars.
Kids Magic Lab in Redmond — ~$25–$40 (~$10–14/child). Science-themed play for toddlers through early elementary. 4.7 stars.
Funtastic Playtorium in Bellevue — ~$30–$50 (~$8–12/child). Multi-level play structures in Factoria Mall — easy parking. 4.2 stars.
Funtastic Playtorium Alderwood — ~$30–$50. North-end location in Alderwood Mall. 4.2 stars.
Adventure Alley in Bremerton — ~$30–$40 (~$10–15/child). Toddler-focused indoor play. 4.4 stars.
Pump It Up Kirkland — ~$40–$60 (~$12–18/child, parents often free). Private inflatable arena. 4.2 stars.
Pump It Up Lynnwood — ~$40–$60. North-end option. 4.3 stars.
Zoomazium at Woodland Park Zoo — $40–$55 (zoo admission or Zoomazium-only). Nature-play indoor space for under-7s. 4.7 stars.
Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah — ~$56 (2 adults × $12 + 2 kids × $8). Small, affordable zoo with an intimate feel.
A Full Day Under $50: Real Itinerary
Two adults, two kids, $50 total for activities:
- Morning (9–11 AM): Discovery Park — $0. Pack breakfast from your hotel or stop on the way.
- Midday: Pack your own lunch at the park, or grab Pike Place Market food ($15–20 for a family of grab-and-go options).
- Afternoon (1–3 PM): Volunteer Park Conservatory — ~$12 suggested donation. Walk through the Capitol Hill neighborhood around it.
- Late afternoon: Ella Bailey Park or Gas Works Park for views and running-around time — $0.
Activity total: $12. Add lunch and you're at $30–$35 for the day.
Savings Tips That Work in Seattle
- Seattle's parks are not backup plans. Discovery Park, Carkeek, Ella Bailey — these are legitimately excellent destinations worth planning your trip around.
- The Ballard Locks are free to watch. Combine with Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden for a free 2-in-1.
- Woodland Park Zoo ZooParent membership (~$130–175/year) pays off if you'll visit twice or if you're a local family.
- Pack your own food everywhere outdoor. Seattle's neighborhoods have good grocery and deli options for picnic supplies at a fraction of venue food costs.