Bellevue, a vibrant city located on the Eastside, just 30 minutes from Seattle, is a treasure trove of fun, family-friendly activities and destinations. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot to enjoy some quality time with friends, family, or little ones. Bellevue’s array of amazing parks and playgrounds offers a delightful escape into nature and play.
Bellevue’s landscape is dotted with an impressive array of parks, each featuring playgrounds that cater to kids and toddlers eager to climb, swing, and explore. Beyond the playgrounds, the city boasts engaging museums, dynamic play spaces, and an array of shopping options to ensure that your day out is filled with variety and excitement.
And let’s not forget about the food! Bellevue’s culinary scene offers a plethora of dining options that are sure to satisfy any craving, making it easy to refuel after a day of adventure. Whether you’re planning a playdate, looking for a new family outing destination, or simply keen to discover what Bellevue has to offer, our guides are here to help you navigate the city’s best spots. Dive into our recommendations to uncover all the top playgrounds in Bellevue to visit with kids for an unforgettable day out.
Looking for some indoor fun around Bellevue? Don’t worry about the weather outside, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of our favorite kid-friendly spots that are perfect for those rainy, cold, or even smokey days! Whether you want to grab a bite to eat, play some games, or get creative, there’s something for everyone.
Table of Contents
Is Bellevue Safe?
In our experience, Bellevue stands out as a very safe, kid-friendly, and clean city, particularly when compared to Seattle. This distinction is one of the many reasons why Bellevue has become one of our favorite cities to explore with our little ones. The presence of homelessness, which is more abundant in Seattle, is significantly less noticeable here, contributing to Bellevue’s appeal as a family-friendly destination.
Bellevue is not just a hub for families; it’s also a bustling center of high-tech industry, housing large offices for global giants like Amazon and Microsoft, among others. This vibrant city atmosphere is complemented by its safety, cleanliness, and community-oriented vibe, making it an ideal place for families to visit or reside.
Moreover, Bellevue’s real estate market reflects its desirability and premium living standards. Home prices in Bellevue are not only among the most expensive in Washington but also consistently rank among the most expensive in America. This is indicative of the high quality of life and the level of safety and amenities that the city offers to its residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, considering a longer stay, or simply exploring the Pacific Northwest, Bellevue’s welcoming and secure environment makes it a top choice for those traveling with children or looking for a serene urban experience.
Finding the Best Bellevue Playgrounds with Kids
If you’re looking for a vibrant city experience beyond Seattle, Bellevue presents a fresh and exciting alternative. Or, if you’re seeking new adventures beyond the typical Seattle attractions, a trip to the eastside in Bellevue offers a unique opportunity to discover what this dynamic city has to offer. Bellevue is not just a haven for families seeking safety and cleanliness; it’s also a playground full of exciting activities and attractions that cater to the younger crowd. From sprawling parks to interactive museums, Bellevue offers a plethora of kid-friendly things to do, ensuring your little ones are entertained and engaged throughout your visit. Here are our 11 amazing Bellevue parks and playgrounds to visit.Â
1 - Bellevue Downtown Park
10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
360 Virtual Tour of Bellevue Downtown Park Walking Loop
Welcome to the heart of downtown Bellevue where you will find a stunning park perfect for all ages and interests! The Bellevue Downtown Park boasts an impressive 21 acres of beauty, with something for everyone to admire and enjoy. Take a moment to relax by the breathtaking 240-foot wide waterfall and reflecting pond before heading over to the expansive lawn for picnicking and playing.
360 Virtual Tour of Bellevue Downtown Park Playground
Your kids will have a blast exploring the innovative Inspiration Playground where they can let their imagination run wild! With interactive experiences tailored to accommodate kids of all ages and abilities, the Bellevue playground is the ultimate spot to create memories together. As for safety, no worries, it’s all rubberized for maximum protection. Oh, and don’t forget to hang out on the benches, catch some air on the swings, and admire the awesome Wisdom Tree smack dab in the middle.
During the summer, don’t forget to try out the water features for an even more refreshing adventure! Come and experience the magic of Bellevue Downtown Park for yourself.
The Splash Pad at Bellevue Downtown Park is open seasonal from May-September (weather permitting).
Parking lots
There are two lots you can choose from. The first one is the main lot located on 100th Avenue NE (between NE 4th Street and NE 1st Street). The second lot, which is super convenient (but on the smaller side), is on NE 1st Street near the intersection of NE 1st and 100th Avenue NE, and it’s right next to the Inspiration Playground. So, take your pick and enjoy your time at the park!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
2 - Meydenbauer Bay Park
419 98th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
360 Virtual Tour of Meydenbauer Bay Park and Playground
Hey park lovers! Guess what? Meydenbauer Bay Park is finally done with its major makeover that lasted almost 2 years (completed in 2019). The park now has a quarter-mile of Lake Washington waterfront, an awesome swimming beach and swimming platform, a 400-foot-long curved pedestrian pier that extends into the lake, a hand-carry boat launch, paved walkways, picnic areas, and a playground.
Plus, there’s a hilltop overlook with amazing views of Seattle. There is also a new beach house with restrooms, changing rooms, and boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards by REI) and a lifeguard station. So grab your flip-flops and sunscreen and head on over!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
3 - Kelsey Creek Park Farm
410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98005Â
360 Virtual Tour of Kelsey Creek Park Farm
Have you heard about Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue? It’s such a lovely spot! You’ll really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, especially with all the hustle and bustle of the city around us. There are so many adorable animals, like ponies, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, waiting for you to come and say hello. You can stretch your legs with some hiking or just sit back and relax on the playground. The best part is that there’s no admission charge, and it’s open the entire year, every single day! You could easily spend all day there, maybe with a picnic in tow. By the way, Kelsey Creek Farm has a strong commitment to animal education, so they always have great seasonal activities and programs. It’s such a fun place to go, don’t miss it!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
4 - Crossroads Park
999 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
360 Virtual Tour of Crossroads Park
Welcome to Crossroads Park in Bellevue! Come have an unforgettable adventure this spring or summer on 34 acres of land. With a huge playground, water splash park, and two picnic shelters, there’s something for everyone. Keep the kids entertained with a variety of slides, climbers, and swings, and make unforgettable memories on the life-sized orca and slide down its nose. This spray playground features a variety of water-themed landscape and play features such as spitting frogs, spouting orcas and squirting clams. Even in cooler weather, the playground is great year-round entertainment. Shelters can be reserved ahead of time or open picnic areas are available. Don’t miss out on quality time with family and friends at Crossroads Park!
Heads up, it gets pretty sunny around the playground, so many folks like to bring their own little beach tents to relax. There’s a few trees but you might wanna bring a hat or a buddy to share the shade with.
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
5 - Wilburton Hill Park
12400 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005Â
Welcome to Wilburton Hill Park in Bellevue! This great park is filled with so many fun things to do and is over 100 acres big, located right next to the Bellevue Botanical Garden. You can easily spend a wonderful half-day here exploring all of the attractions. There’s a zip line, a fun play area with a colorful train, a net spinner, swings and even a two-story tree-house-style structure. Take a stroll on the flat, kid-friendly hiking trails and if you’re feeling adventurous, head over to the botanical garden located on the west side of the play area. You and your family are sure to have a great time at Wilburton Hill Park!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
6 - Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005Â
Looking for a peaceful escape from the city? Look no further than the charming Bellevue Botanical Garden, where you can connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of plants. There’s something for everyone to appreciate here, from the vibrant Perennial Border to the enchanting Yao Garden inspired by Japanese design. And the staff at the Visitor Center are not only informative but also friendly and helpful. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the lovely gift shop—it’s stocked with a delightful selection of plants, books, and garden-related items that make for perfect gifts or souvenirs. And the park offers plenty of shaded areas and a mini suspension bridge! Come rain or shine, it’s a lovely place to visit.
During the winter, be sure to check out their Garden d’Lights featuring over half a million sparkling lights formed in whimsical shapes of plants, birds, animals, and more.
Online -> bellevuebotanical.org
7 - Robinswood Community Park
2432 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Robinswood Park in Bellevue is an amazing destination where you can do lots of fun activities. From their lighted softball and soccer/lacrosse fields to the beautiful open spaces, pond, picnic areas, wooded trails, and play area, there are lots of things to enjoy with your family and friends. Plus, they have an off-leash park for your furry friends and an animal corral. It’s not like any other park you might have seen; it’s truly unique! If you love tennis, they have a tennis center where you can play and have a great time with your friends. The Robinswood House is also an important historical site that you shouldn’t miss. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and there’s plenty of parking on both sides of the park. We highly recommend it for a relaxed and peaceful time in nature!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
8 - Surrey Downs Park
11177 SE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
360 Virtual Tour of Surrey Downs Park
Surrey Downs Park in Bellevue is a hidden gem that’s waiting to be discovered! Once you find it, you won’t be disappointed. The park boasts a huge lawn surrounded by a beautiful pedestrian path, basketball court, picnic shelters, restroom, and plenty of parking space. Not to mention, the view of Mount Rainier is simply breathtaking. The playground is perfect for kids of all ages. Older children and thrill-seekers will love the large playground and play structure, while younger ones can enjoy the smaller version designed just for them. This Bellevue playground offers a zip line, swings of every size, rope climbing structures, and even an elevator. You won’t run out of things to do here. Come visit Surrey Downs Park in Bellevue today!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
9 - Enatai Beach Park
3519 108th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004Â
Hey, if you’re trying to find a chill spot to enjoy some rays and sand, check out Enatai Beach Park in Bellevue! Pack up your beach gear and have a blast at the waterfront of Lake Washington at this amazing Bellevue park. This place is awesome – three acres of paradise with a swim area, dock, picnic area, playground, and even a kiddie area. If you’re headed there in the summer, keep cool with a lifeguard on duty, and maybe rent some canoes or kayaks from the REI Co-op Boathouse if you’re feeling adventurous and wanna explore Mercer Slough Nature Park nearby.
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
10 - Newcastle Beach Park
4400 Lake Washington Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006Â
If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly day out in Bellevue, you’ll definitely want to check out Newcastle Beach Park! With its beautiful sandy beach and nature trail, there’s something for everyone here. Your little ones will love the colorful play area, complete with swings, slides, and challenging climbing structures. There are also great picnic facilities, with three areas available for reservation, including one with a shelter and BBQ. We had a fantastic time playing wave tag on the beach, building sandcastles, and just chilling under the shade of the picnic tables. Just make sure to pack some mosquito repellent, as those guys can be pretty pesky! While there was a lot of goose poop around, this park is still definitely worth a visit – we highly recommend it!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
11 - Clyde Beach Park
2 92nd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004Â
Clyde Beach Park in Bellevue is an amazing 2.23 acre park with easy parking and lots of fantastic amenities for families. With beautiful, clean beach access and a fun pirate boat themed playground, kids aged from toddlers to 12 years old will have a blast. The park also has a boathouse, restrooms, and a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for a day out with the family. For those looking to enjoy the water, the park also offers a dock swimming area and paddleboarding opportunities. While there aren’t a lot of shady spots, this small, yet cozy park is definitely a hidden gem that’s worth checking out. Overall, this park is a must-visit spot for beach and outdoor enthusiasts in the area!
Online -> bellevuewa.gov
