Tucked into a peaceful Bellevue neighborhood, Surrey Downs Park might not be on every family’s radar—but it should be! This charming park is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a local secret: spacious, family-friendly, and full of fun things to do with kids of all ages.
Kid-Approved Playgrounds (Yes, There’s More Than One!)
Surrey Downs Park boasts not just one, but two awesome playgrounds—one designed with toddlers in mind and another for the big kids. From an exhilarating zip line to climbing ropes, swings of all kinds, and even a quirky little elevator-style ride built into the structure, there’s no shortage of action. Our 6-year-old couldn’t get enough of the zip line and elevator!
That said, parents of littles—heads up: reaching that cool elevator and slide involves climbing a rope net (no stairs or direct access). Our youngest wasn’t quite up for the challenge, but she had a blast in the toddler area and swinging her heart out.
Room to Roam and Ride
One of our favorite features as parents? The wide, looping pathway around the park. It’s just the right size for young bikers and scooter pros-in-training, and it loops in a way that lets grown-ups kick back at a picnic table while keeping an eye on the kiddos.
There’s also a big open lawn that’s perfect for tag, soccer, or just lying back and cloud-watching on a sunny afternoon.
Good to Know Before You Go
Surrey Downs Park was once an elementary school dating back to 1962. After the school closed in the ’80s, the site served various purposes (including a daycare and even county court offices). Fast-forward to 2018, and this space was beautifully reimagined into the vibrant park we enjoy today.
Here are a few quick notes to help plan your visit:
- Restrooms + Parking: Yes and yes! Parking is free and easy, and there are well-maintained restrooms on site.
- Picnic Time: You’ll find covered picnic areas—great for snack breaks or lunch under a bit of shade.
- Shade Watch: Aside from the picnic shelters, there’s not a ton of shade, so don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and water bottles on hot days.
- Hot Playground Gear: If you’re visiting during peak sun hours, the play structures can get toasty. A morning or late afternoon visit might be more comfortable.
- Mulch Ground Covering: The playgrounds are covered in bark chips. Just something to keep in mind if your kiddos prefer running barefoot or if you’re stroller-pushing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a new place to scooter, an open field for imaginative play, or a playground with exciting features you won’t find elsewhere, Surrey Downs Park is a solid pick. It’s got that mix of nature, play, and peace that makes for an easy, happy outing.
