Safari — photo 1 of 1

Safari

Rating

4.5(424)

Price

Free

Duration

1–2 hours

Best Ages

2–12 years

About

Safari is a free, safari-themed playground located in Tukwila, Washington, part of the city's parks system. The playground stands out from generic play structures through its themed equipment — climbing structures and play elements designed with a safari adventure aesthetic that sparks imaginative play alongside physical activity.

The playground caters to kids ages 2–12, with equipment ranging from gentle climbing options for toddlers to more challenging structures for older kids. The open layout gives children room to move freely and parents easy sightlines to supervise without feeling crowded or confined. Stroller access is straightforward, and the surrounding area provides space for picnicking or relaxing while kids play.

Located in Tukwila near the Southcenter corridor, the playground benefits from an accessible suburban location with convenient proximity to dining, shopping, and other family attractions. Southcenter Mall's food court is just minutes away, and the Tukwila Family Fun Center is nearby for families who want to extend their outing with indoor activities.

For families staying in south King County or visiting Seattle and based near the airport (Sea-Tac is just minutes from Tukwila), Safari playground offers a convenient, no-cost way to let kids decompress, especially useful as a pre-flight or post-arrival activity when families need outdoor time without the logistics of driving into Seattle.

The playground is less well-known than comparable Seattle city parks, which translates to shorter lines and less crowding during peak family-activity hours — a meaningful advantage for parents who want a calmer experience.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

likely no

Kid Meals

snacks only

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings in spring and summer; dry days only

Wait Times

No waits; open public playground

Nearby Food

Southcenter Mall (5 minutes away) has a large food court with diverse options. Tukwila has numerous fast-casual and family restaurant options along the Southcenter corridor.

Why Kids Love It

A spacious, safari-themed playground in Tukwila with large climbing structures, slides, and open space. The themed equipment gives it a sense of adventure that basic playgrounds lack, and the open layout means parents can relax while kids roam freely.

From Reddit Parents

Heaven Sent Fried chicken is just the fucking best. And I think about Junebaby’s biscuits all the time.
View thread on Reddit

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Best visited in dry weather — the equipment can be slippery when wet
  • Tukwila's location near Southcenter Mall makes it easy to combine with shopping or a meal
  • Less well-known than Seattle city playgrounds, which means shorter lines and more equipment availability
  • Bring a picnic — there are shaded areas nearby ideal for lunch

What to Bring

  • Snacks and water bottles
  • Sunscreen for sunny days
  • Comfortable shoes for climbing
  • A picnic blanket for a post-play lunch

Cost Info

Free Admission

Admission Prices

Adult
$6

Tips to Save

  • Completely free.
  • Tukwila's park system is underrated — this playground is often less crowded than comparable Seattle parks.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
10AM-8:30PM
Monday
10AM-8:30PM
Sunday
11AM-7PM
Tuesday
10AM-8:30PM
Saturday
10AM-8:30PM
Thursday
10AM-8:30PM
Wednesday
10AM-8:30PM

Contact

2876 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188

Frequently Asked Questions

View on Google Maps

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