What’s hot in playground equipment right now? ZIPLINES! These seven Seattle parks are a head above the rest – they all feature awesome, fun ziplines that are easy and safe for kids of all ages. We’ve broken them down by neighborhood so that you can find the zipline at the park nearest you!
Discovery Park
Neighborhood: Magnolia
Zipline style: Discovery Park has a large, swing-style seat that zips down from a ramp – kids may need help getting off at the end if their legs are too short to touch the ground. This zipline is best for kids who can go on the big kid swings and can easily zip alone. Littler ones can ride on mom or dad’s lap safely.
Find it: Park at the corner of West Emerson Street and 39thAvenue West (street parking only), then take the trail head that opens on West Emerson. Stay left on the trail and it will lead you to the playground and zipline.
Lincoln Park
Neighborhood: West Seattle/Fauntleroy
Zipline style: Lincoln Park has a swing-style seat that zips from a platform. Kids will need you to hold the swing while they climb on and we recommend running along side, if possible – this one can have a bit of a kick at the end! This zipline is best for kids who are old enough to hold on tight. For little zipliners, try keeping a hand on it yourself to control the way it zips until they get the hang of it.
Find it: 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, Wa
Madison Park Playground
Neighborhood: Madison Park
Zipline style: Kids at Madison Park Playground sit on a round disk-shaped seat and hang on to a rope to zip down this short line. This is a great first time zipline – they’ll need help negotiating getting on the seat at first, but it's perfect for little ones.
Find it: On the corner between E Madison Street and E Howe Street. Take E Madison Street all the way to the end, where it intersects with Lake Washington. You won’t be able to miss this colorful playground!
Mt. Baker Park
Neighborhood: Mt. Baker
Zipline style: Swing-style seat – they may need some help getting on at the beginning, mostly so that it doesn’t zip away without them! Any age zipliner will love this line – this long zipline is pretty tame and easy for kiddos to jump off of themselves.
Find it: 2521 Lake Park Drive South, Seattle, Wa
Cowen Park
Neighborhood: Ravenna/University District
Zipline style: A swing-style seat that is low to the ground that makes it easy for climbing on and off without help. This zipline is best for kids who are comfortable going on the big kid swings and are used to hanging on. Be sure to tell them to wait until the swing stops before climbing off – this one comes back quite a bit on the line before stopping.
Find it: 5849 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, Wa – Cowen Park is connected to Ravenna Park, just across the ravine.
Salmon Bay Park
Neighborhood: Ballard
Zipline style: Salmon Bay Park has a swing-style seat with platform access. Your kiddos may need you to hold the seat while they climb on. There is typically a line to zip at this popular park, so make sure your kids stand clear while other children are using it!
Find it: 2001 NW Canoe Place, Seattle, Wa
Wilburton Hill Park
Neighborhood: Bellevue
Zipline style: Swing-style seat that is easy for kids to get on and off themselves. This zipline is super versatile - for older kids you can really get it going with a nice push at the start, Or you can let little ones zip gently down on their own.
Find it: 12400 Main Street, Bellevue, Wa - at the intersection of Main Street and 124th Avenue NE
What are your tips for bringing your kiddos to Seattle's ziplining parks?
-- Katie Kavulla
