Carkeek Park

There are so many things for preschoolers to do at Carkeek Park in Seattle, from watching trains to playing in tide pools and at the playground decorated by local artisans. This park has sprawling greens, trailed wooded areas and a beach. Carkeek Park is a great park for preschoolers and families.

Advantages of Carkeek Park For Preschoolers

With over 200 acres, Carkeek Park in Seattle is a preschooler's wonderland.

There are sprawling greens great for picnicking, flying kites, running and playing, or laying back and cloud-watching. If you watch long enough you may spot an eagle flying by, as some eagles nest at the park. Picnic areas with tables are available also.

The wooded areas of the park have trails to walk thru. Try and spot local bugs and birds as you trek. You can also walk along Piper's creek which runs through the park. The creek is a salmon spawning stream. During spawning season you can watch salmon swimming up stream to spawn.

There is a beach just down the hill from the park. There you can turn rocks looking for small crabs and other tide pool creatures. Play in tide pools, search for shells and other washed up items along the beach. Taking the stairs down to the beach can be tricky, but it is also fun as you walk out high above the railroad tracks. You can watch for BNSF trains to come chugging by, a favorite for preschoolers to do.

The playground at Carkeek Park is amazing, filled with amazing play-art made by local artisans. There is a huge bronzed salmon slide. The children enter in the mouth and come out the other end, which is a highlight for some children. Seesaws, swings and some preschooler sized shelters fill the play area. Your preschooler can also explore the cement "tide pools" with tile sea creatures embedded in them at the base of the slide.

Disadvantages of Carkeek Park For Preschoolers

With over 200 acres, you need to watch your preschooler, so they don't wander off.

The stairway down to the beach is three stories high. Going down is the easier trip, smaller children will need to take breaks on the climb back up. Be sure your preschooler holds on to you or the handrail or your hand as it is a metal grate staircase.

Though watching the trains roar by is fun, it is very loud. Having your preschooler stand back from the tracks and cover their ears is a better way to enjoy them.

Special Features at Carkeek Park

The salmon slide in the play area was made by a local artist. Preschoolers have a blast going in the salmons mouth and coming out the other end.

The spawning salmon in Piper's Creek is an amazing thing to watch.

Don't miss the beach at sunset. It is an amazing, breath-taking site for adults and preschoolers alike, and a great way to end a busy play day.

General Information

Carkeek Park
950 Northwest Carkeek Park Road
Seattle, WA 98177
Phone: (206) 684-0877

Hours: Daily, 6am-10pm