Tucked behind some of Seattle Center’s biggest attractions is one of the coolest playgrounds in Seattle, and plenty of people—locals and tourists alike—don’t even know it’s there.
We recently visited with family from Spokane, and as we walked up to the playground, my brother-in-law said, “I had no idea this was here.”
And I get it. Artists at Play is located between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Seattle Center Armory, just north of the Monorail station. It’s not exactly hidden, but it sits a little removed from the main paths and attractions that tend to grab your attention at Seattle Center (Space Needle, anyone?)
Once you know it’s there, though, you know it’s there. And if you have kids, this free Seattle Center playground is absolutely worth knowing about.
Here’s a pinned map to help you find it.
What You’ll Find at the Seattle Center Playground
Artists at Play isn’t your typical neighborhood playground.
The centerpiece is a massive 30-foot climbing tower, with ropes, nets, platforms, and huge slides that make their way back down to the ground. Seattle Center recommends the climbing tower for kids ages 5 to 12.
Our kids absolutely love it. They can climb up, disappear somewhere into the structure, fly down one of the slides, and immediately head back up to do it again.
There’s more than just the tower, too. Artists at Play includes swings, musical and sound features, play mounds, a labyrinth, and an accessible human-powered carousel. And best of all, it’s worth mentioning again that the playground is completely free.
A Heads-Up for Families With Little Kids
As cool as Artists at Play is, I wouldn’t necessarily call the main playground toddler-friendly.
It’s tall. Really tall. And that’s coming from a non-helicopter parent.
That said, there is a smaller play area for younger children, including a smaller slide and a play area filled with pea gravel rather than sand. So littles can still have fun while older siblings tackle the giant tower.
The musical and sound features and play mounds also give younger kids plenty to explore.
Add Artists at Play to Your Seattle Center Visit
Artists at Play doesn’t necessarily need to be the reason you go to Seattle Center. That’s part of what makes it so great.
If you’re already visiting the Space Needle or MoPOP, riding the Monorail, or simply spending the day around Seattle Center, it’s an easy place to let the kids run around for a while, burn energy, and have a blast.
Just be warned: “for a while” may turn into much longer than you planned. No one enjoys the “I don’t want to leave” post-playground meltdown.
Our kids absolutely love Artists at Play. Judging by my brother-in-law’s reaction, there are probably plenty of people who have visited Seattle Center without realizing it was there.
Learn more about Artists at Play at Seattle Center
And if you’re interested in exploring another playground nearby, check out Ward Springs Park. The kids can play while you enjoy a wonderful view of the Space Needle.
