Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Picnic spots in Washington

You want to enjoy a picnic in a spot that is easy to access and doesn't require a struggle to reach.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Thornton A. Sullivan Park image 1
Thornton A. Sullivan Park image 2
Thornton A. Sullivan Park image 3
View all

City park offers spacious grassy fields and a well-designed playground with zip lines and soft turf. The atmosphere stays peaceful and family-friendly, with shady trees and a picturesque lake view. Trails loop around the lake, connecting to nearby neighborhoods and smaller parks.

Most areas at the park offer ADA accessibility. The playground is giant and accessible, with play structures suitable for kids of all ages. The beach also provides accessible entry.

Abundant trees and well-placed seating create a peaceful ambiance ideal for picnics. Designated family-friendly areas offer picnic shelters and spots to set up canopies near the waterfront and trails.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful with walking trails and a lake."

"The playground here is great for kids, with new equipment and foam ground."

"The playground is awesome and accessible for kids of all ages."

Good to know

1

The park has a beach, lake, grassy area, and a brand new playground with two safe zip lines.

2

Most of the parking lot is often blocked off, limiting parking availability.

3

The bathrooms are not well maintained, which may affect your visit.

02
Evergreen Rotary Park image 1

Large city park offers waterfront views and extensive playgrounds with swings, slides, and inclusive features. Green spaces with sports courts and picnic areas create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Shaded by trees, the park supports activities for all ages and abilities.

Wheelchair access covers the playground and walking paths, with braille features and handicapped rides available. Restrooms stay clean and accessible, and several handicap parking stalls are nearby.

Covered picnic areas and plenty of picnic tables offer lots of seating options. Water views and a picnic shelter add to the relaxing atmosphere.

People are saying

"This place is so kid friendly, the playground has tons of fun toys."

"The playground is wheelchair accessible with adaptive features."

"The playground here is amazing for kids."

Good to know

1

The park hosts a weekly farmers market every Saturday morning.

2

Fireworks for the Bemerton Bridge Blast can be viewed from the park.

3

Parking can be tricky during events, so arrive early.

03
Edgewood Community Park image 1

Spacious park with a farm city aesthetic and a barn-style playground that keeps children cool. Offers varied play equipment including swings, zip line, and slides suitable for all ages. Features paved walking trails, picnic areas with barbecues, and ample seating for families.

Families and kids find plenty of handicap accessible play space here. Four accessible bathrooms and two water fountains support easy access. The park feels clean and modern for outdoor activities.

Several picnic tables and BBQ grills are spread throughout the park. A covered area includes two picnic tables and a barbecue, with easy trails nearby for families.

People are saying

"It's a great place for kids to play and have a picnic."

"There was plenty of parking available."

"It's great that there's a decent amount of accessible play space."

Good to know

1

The park has clean and accessible bathrooms for visitors.

2

There is plenty of parking available near the park.

3

The playground equipment is well-maintained and suitable for all ages.

04
Ballard Locks Fish Ladder image 1
Tourist attraction

Fish ladder offers close views of salmon swimming upstream alongside engineering marvel locks. Botanical gardens and rolling hills create a peaceful park setting with free public concerts and abundant wildlife including seals and sea lions.

Paths and observation areas are wheelchair accessible with an accessible ramp to the underground viewing gallery. The area is clean, safe, and suitable for people with disabilities, though no elevator is available.

A rolling hill offers a nice spot for a picnic with views of the area. Grassy areas invite you to read, picnic, or watch boats at the Locks.

People are saying

"I watched the salmon swim up the fish ladder."

"It's a great place for a picnic and watching the boats."

"The paths and viewing areas are wheelchair accessible and clean."

Good to know

1

The entrance to the attraction is free for all visitors.

2

You can see the salmon migration from late August to September.

3

The park hosts free outdoor concerts during summer weekends.

05
Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park image 1

Trail along the waterfront offers stunning views of mountains and Puget Sound. The park feels peaceful and scenic, with plenty of grass and paths for walking, biking, and relaxing. Families enjoy playgrounds and slides, while the area supports outdoor activities like volleyball and skating.

Fully paved paths make the area wheelchair accessible and easy for slow walkers. These paths also suit walkers, runners, and bikers well.

Many benches and picnic tables make it easy to find a spot for lunch. The area suits a quiet picnic or a leisurely stroll with a calm atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the amazing views of Mt. Rainier and the water."

"I saw unique sculptures inspired by Dune, like sandworms."

"I enjoyed the amazing views of the sound during my picnic."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and fills up when the weather is nice.

2

There are public restrooms available at Dune Peninsula.

3

The paths on the Dune Peninsula are accessible for wheelchairs and slow walkers.

06
Washington Park Arboretum image 1

Botanical garden offers spacious, well-maintained grounds with picturesque walking paths and lush greenery. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, inviting leisurely strolls and quiet moments on benches. Presence of natural wildlife adds to the serene, natural vibe.

Paved paths make it easy for wheelchair users and families with strollers to get around. Most trails are widely accessible, offering a calm and soothing natural space for all.

Open spaces and cozy benches under shady trees create excellent picnic spots. Small trails and natural surroundings add to the relaxing atmosphere for picnics.

People are saying

"I found the park to be huge and beautiful with lots of trails."

"I found the arboretum peaceful and abundant with nature."

"It's a gorgeous, beautiful place for a picnic."

Good to know

1

The arboretum is free to visit, except for the Japanese garden which charges $10.

2

Parking is limited, especially on weekends during bloom season.

3

Public restrooms are available throughout the arboretum.

07
Marymoor Park image 1

Huge open space with well-maintained fields and a large off-leash dog area creates a lively yet peaceful atmosphere. Outdoor concerts feature intimate settings and top-notch acoustics surrounded by tall trees and party lights. The park balances active sports zones with quiet trails, attracting both sports enthusiasts and dog lovers.

Plenty of parking includes handicap spots and the area is fully handicap accessible. Bathrooms are large and roomy, designed for accessibility.

Clean restrooms and integrated picnic areas make it easy to enjoy meals outdoors. Playgrounds and nearby trails add options for games and walks during a picnic.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great outdoor venue for concerts and events."

"It's a great spot for picnics with lots of open green space."

"The venue is really great and spacious."

Good to know

1

Parking at Marymoor Park costs $1 for the day.

2

Marymoor Park hosts multiple events year-round that can accommodate more than 20,000 people.

3

Reservations are required for some events at Marymoor Park.

08
West Hylebos Wetlands Park image 1

Boardwalks and dirt paths wind through forested wetlands with rich wildlife and diverse plants. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, offering a relaxing nature walk despite nearby airplane noise. Trails remain well maintained and accessible, with no bikes or dogs allowed.

Trails offer wheelchair accessibility with handicap parking nearby. Boardwalk allows wheelchairs but can be bumpy and uneven in spots. Bikes are not allowed, but strollers and wheelchairs move freely.

Several areas offer picnic tables and benches for resting. A field includes two picnic tables, and two smaller picnic spots exist within the park.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful, quiet Meditation Spot with beautiful scenery."

"The boardwalk trail is accessible and easy to walk on."

"The boardwalk here is nice for a relaxing walk."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at West Hylebos Wetlands Park.

2

Dogs and bikes are not allowed on the trails.

3

The trail is wheelchair accessible and has handicap parking.

09
Bellevue Botanical Garden image 1

Botanical garden blends Japanese garden elegance with classic American park charm featuring well-maintained trails and a mini suspension bridge. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, inviting slow walks and quiet reflection. Visitors find free entry and parking, with spots to rest and enjoy diverse plant collections.

Walking trails blend smoothly with the landscape and offer wheelchair and stroller friendly paths. Sidewalks and garden areas provide easy access for all visitors.

A picnic spot by the cafe and tomato garden offers a nice place to relax. It suits family walks and picnics on sunny days and works well for visits with friends.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful and peaceful escape surrounded by nature."

"The suspension bridge is a cool, magical experience high in the forest canopy."

"It's a beautiful spot for a picnic with friends and family."

Good to know

1

Admission to the Bellevue Botanical Garden is free for all visitors.

2

Parking is free but fills up quickly by 11 am.

3

The garden hosts a popular Christmas lights event; tickets should be bought in advance.

10
Forest Park image 1

Spacious park with large playground featuring a splash pad, merry-go-rounds, and soft astro turf. Peaceful atmosphere with native forest hiking trails and great water views. Kids enjoy the variety of play structures while open lawns and courts support gatherings and sports.

Paths and parking include wheelchair parking and are easy to navigate. The playground offers accessible equipment suitable for kids with disabilities.

Lots of shade and trees create a cool spot for picnics and gatherings. Numerous picnic tables and benches fill the area, with space to bring chairs, tents, and grills for parties or events.

People are saying

"The playground and splash pad are so much fun for kids."

"It's a great spot for a picnic with the kids."

"I found the playground accessible for all kinds of kids."

Good to know

1

Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The park hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal activities.

3

The playground features a splash pad, perfect for hot days.

11
Angle Lake Park image 1

Small park with a large lake and playground amenities including a splash pad and barbecue areas. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and peaceful to occasionally loud due to airplane traffic. Limited parking often makes access challenging.

Handicap accessible restrooms are available. The water is reachable by a sandy beach. The park has steep terrain that limits overall accessibility. Parking spaces for handicapped people exist but may be insufficient.

Expansive park offers many covered picnic areas with great views. Facilities include a kids water spray park, a swimming area, and a dock for lake access.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful and peaceful with a lovely lake."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with a fun water park and playground."

"I found the park to be beautiful and pleasant."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and hard to find on weekends and peak times.

2

The park is free to enter and features rare plants.

3

During summer months, a lifeguard is on duty from noon to 8 pm.

12
Green Lake Park image 1

Massive park with amazing lake views and historic bathhouse offers a peaceful atmosphere and diverse recreational options like swimming, kayaking, and sports courts. Huge trees and well-maintained paths create a relaxing, walkable space in the city. The vibe is calm and inspiring, attracting people seeking both activity and tranquility.

Wide, flat paths make the park comfortable for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices. Bathrooms have stairs, but the rest of the park stays clean and accessible.

Expansive green spaces invite relaxing picnics and playing games. The park offers a calm setting ideal for spreading out and enjoying food outdoors.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with amazing lake views and stunning scenery."

"It's a great place for a picnic with plenty of grassy spaces."

"The path is flat and wide, making it accessible for wheelchairs."

Good to know

1

The Lantern Parade occurs annually and is a must-see event.

2

Summer brings boat races and music events at Green Lake Park.

3

Free dodgeball games are held every Wednesday night at the community center.

13
Picnic Point Park image 1

Park offers spacious beach and breathtaking views of mountains and Puget Sound. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, with occasional loud train passing nearby. Visitors find it ideal for relaxing and exploring tide pools.

Wheelchair access varies across the park. Some areas have ramps and handicapped parking, making it easier to bring gear. Other parts have steep, dangerous terrain with no accessible paths.

Open space and picnic tables with views make this spot good for a picnic. The area has a few benches and is wheelchair accessible with ramps for gear.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful, scenic spot for a relaxing picnic."

"This Meditation Spot is so peaceful and quiet, perfect for a relaxing stroll."

"It's wheelchair accessible with ramps for gear."

Good to know

1

Parking at Picnic Point Park is limited, especially on beautiful days.

2

The park is dog-friendly, allowing dogs on a leash.

3

The beach has real sand, making it suitable for kids to play.

14
Kubota Garden image 1

Garden combines scenic views, winding trails, and Japanese-style landscaping with a natural, less manicured feel. Atmosphere stays peaceful and lush, offering quiet spots with benches and picnic areas. Visitors find it a hidden gem for calm strolls amid ponds, bridges, and diverse plant life.

Paths accommodate wheelchairs and walkers with accessible routes clearly marked. Restrooms are clean and accessible, though some areas do not support strollers.

Scenic spots with cozy benches and an uncovered picnic area invite peaceful afternoons. Quiet surroundings without loud music make it ideal for a relaxed picnic or a calm walk.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful and peaceful place to relax."

"I enjoyed having a picnic in this beautiful, spacious garden."

"The paths are wide and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers."

Good to know

1

The park is free to enter.

2

Parking is free, but there are reports of break-ins.

3

Dogs must be on leashes in the garden.

15
Seahurst Park image 1

Expansive beach and forest trails offer breathtaking views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, ideal for families with a well-maintained playground and picnic areas. Large smooth logs along the shore provide natural seating to enjoy sunset vistas.

Several handicapped parking spots sit close to the beach level. A paved path leads to picnic tables and makes the hike down wheelchair accessible.

Many picnic areas with benches and shelters are available, some of which can be reserved for groups. Facilities include public bathrooms and open spaces for games, making it family friendly.

People are saying

"I loved this beach for its beautiful sunset views."

"Parking for a picnic is ample in the separate lot above."

"The paved path makes the hike and picnic areas accessible."

Good to know

1

Parking at Seahurst Park is limited in the nearby lot.

2

The parking lot experiences thefts frequently despite having no security cameras.

3

The beach is not suitable for swimming due to the abundance of seaweed.

Discover more

Washington

Area guide
Loading Map...