When the flakes start falling in the lowlands, you don’t have to wait for the passes to open or pack up for a long drive. Neighborhood parks across Seattle and the Eastside offer easy, affordable sledding when snow sticks — no lift tickets or Sno-Park passes required. Bonus: Park sledding means no cars to worry about, unlike residential streets, and wide open spaces that turn into a winter wonderland on a snowy day.
Lowland Sledding in Seattle
In a city full of hills, it’s no surprise that many Seattle parks become go-to sledding spots when snow hits. While these areas aren’t officially groomed for winter recreation, they offer natural slopes that work beautifully on a snow day. For even more options, check Seattle Parks and Recreation’s website to see if there’s a hidden gem near you.
- Discovery Park | Spot: Historic District Parade Grounds | Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle, WA 98199
- Gas Works Park | Spot: Kite Hill offers classic sledding with Lake Union and skyline views. Smaller nearby hills are better for younger kids. | Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
- Jefferson Park | Spot: Several hills ranging from gentle to moderate slopes. The adjacent golf course may also open for sledding once enough snow accumulates. | Address: 3801 Beacon Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98108
- Magnuson Park (Warren G. Magnuson Park) | Spot: Another Kite Hill-style slope in one of Seattle’s largest parks, right along Lake Washington. | Address: 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
- Woodland Park (Lower Woodland) | Spot: A long sloping hill near the bridge connecting the east and west sides of the park — a favorite during major snowfalls. | Address: 1000 N 50th St., Seattle, WA 98103
Lowland Sledding at Seattle Public Golf Courses
Seattle’s four public golf courses may open for sledding and other non-motorized winter fun once snow reaches a certain depth. Each course makes the call independently, so it’s best to check Seattle Parks and Recreation’s social media or call ahead before heading out. And please remember: no sledding on the greens.
- Interbay Golf Course | Address: 2501 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119 | Phone: (206) 285-2200 | Good to know: The flattest of the four courses; better suited to cross-country skiing.
- Jackson Park Golf Course (Closed for renovations as of Oct. 7; check website for updates) | Address: 1000 NE 135th St, Seattle, WA 98125 | Phone: (206) 363-4747
- Bill Wright Golf Complex (formerly Jefferson Park) | Address: 4101 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 | Phone: (206) 762-4513 | Good to know: Adjacent to Jefferson Park, which is open for sledding anytime it snows.
- West Seattle Golf Course | Address: 4470 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126 | Phone: (206) 935-5187
Lowland Sledding on the Eastside
While the Eastside is closer to Sno-Parks and tubing hills in the mountains, plenty of local parks offer sledding fun when snow falls closer to home.
Bellevue
Good to know: Visit Bellevue Parks & Community Services’ website for a list of restrooms that remain open in winter.
- Crossroads Park — Near the Bellevue Youth Theatre | Address: 999 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
- Lake Hills Community Park | Address: 1200 164th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98008
- Lewis Creek Park | Address: 5808 Lakemont Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
- Robinswood Community Park — Near the Tennis Center | Address: 14915 SE 22nd St, Bellevue, WA 98007
- Wilburton Hill Park | Address: 12400 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005
Redmond
- Idylwood Park — Gentle hills with restrooms available | Address: 3650 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052
- Meadow Park at Education Hill — Rolling slopes, no facilities | Address: 10710 160th Ave NE, Redmond, WA
Newcastle
- Lake Boren Park — Gentle slopes best for younger kids | Address: 13058 SE 84th Way, Newcastle, WA 98056
Kirkland
- Peter Kirk Park — Moderate hills with plenty of food options nearby | Address: 202 3rd St, Kirkland, WA 98033
Bothell
Good to know: Some restrooms close during freezing temperatures.
- Blyth Park | Address: 16950 W Riverside Dr, Bothell, WA 98011
- Wayne Park (Former Wayne Golf Course) — Parking at the old clubhouse or via Blyth Park | Address: 16721 96th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011
- William Penn Park — A reliable slope once it’s packed down | Address: 19930 100th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011
Sledding Safety Tips for Kids
The sight of a steep slope anywhere can excite, but don’t let the prospect of flying downhill like a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip outweigh the safety of the situation. These tips will help keep injuries at bay:
- Avoid streets with cars parked along the sides and intersections that might still have vehicle traffic through them.
- If you find a spot in a park or out in the woods, walk the hill first. Look for hidden obstacles and make sure there is enough space between trees to navigate safely.
- Sleds are not known for their precision handling.
- Riders need to have enough room to safely bail out if they start heading toward obstacles.
- Tube with the youngest riders in your lap if a hill looks too daunting.
- Dress for the wet and cold and bring extra gloves for frozen fingers (both little AND big).
Remember, what goes down must come up… if it wants to slide again. All that hiking up a hill to slide back down will build up an appetite. Bring snacks and a big thermos of your favorite warm beverage.
