If you are the caregiver of a child with autism, you may have experienced your child wandering off from the designated area where they are expected to be. This phenomenon is called elopement and, while it is very common among children with autism spectrum disorder, it can be extremely unnerving and stressful for caregivers concerned about the child’s safety. Thankfully there are many play places in and around Seattle with enhanced safety features that make them ideal spaces for children who elope.
Outdoor Fun
Seattle Children’s PlayGarden
1745 24th Ave S, Seattle
Located within Beacon Hill’s Colman Playground, Seattle Children’s PlayGarden is an urban oasis for safe play. Safety features include a fully-enclosed play area with gated entrances that are secured with child-resistant latches. Children will enjoy playing on accessible playground equipment and exploring the working gardens (including visits with the resident chickens and bunnies!). Bring your own balls to shoot hoops on the basketball courts and, in the warmer months, bring a towel to dry off after splashing around in the seasonal water tables. Pack a picnic and enjoy snacks or a meal at one of the provided picnic tables or garden benches.
Gardens and play areas inside Seattle Children’s PlayGarden . (Image: Allison Peterson)
Accessibility notes: Seattle Children’s PlayGarden is located in a quiet residential neighborhood with ample free street parking near the park. There are paved paths throughout the play area for easy stroller access, and there is one gender-neutral bathroom with a changing table within the play area.
Entrance to Seattle Children’s PlayGarden. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Paramount Park
15300 8th Ave NE, Shoreline
This sprawling park complex just north of Seattle offers a great mix of safe play spaces and room to explore. The main play area features a traditional playground suitable for children ages 5 years and older that is fully surrounded by a fence Note: there are two open entrances in the fence to access the playground, and neither entrance is blocked by a gate. Outside of the fenced area kids will enjoy exploring the park’s many features including a separate toddler play area, paved perimeter paths, a skate park, athletic fields, and a covered picnic shelter.
Accessibility notes: Paramount Park has a large dedicated parking lot and ample street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding the park. Public restrooms are near the main parking lot and playground.
Paramount Park playground. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Tambark Creek Park
17217 35th Ave SE, Bothell
Located in North Bothell near Mill Creek, Tambark Creek Park is an immense 40-acre park in an idyllic woodland setting. The children’s play area, ideal for younger children up to age 8, is fully enclosed with fencing and a single gate that latches. A newly-constructed picnic shelter, restrooms, and a parking lot are conveniently located adjacent to the playground. After getting your wiggles out on the playground, take some time to check out the park’s other features including its namesake creek, athletic fields, nature trails, and an off-leash dog park. The park offers a mix of paved and dirt trails, so bring some wheels or walking shoes for exploring!
Playground at Tambark Creek Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Accessibility notes: There is ample parking in the dedicated parking lot near the playground. Permanent restrooms are located near the playground, and portable restrooms are located throughout the park.
Playground and picnic shelter at Tambark Creek Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
North Rose Hill Woodlands Park
9930 124th Ave NE, Kirkland
Nicknamed “Castle Park” after its iconic play structure, this nature park lives up to its magical reputation. Children will be wowed by the massive wooden playground that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale – and caregivers can rest easy knowing that the playground is fully enclosed with a single point of entry (A drawbridge to the castle, one might say!). Allow extra time to explore the many park features including a separate toddler playground (also enclosed), boardwalks and paved nature trails, wetlands with educational nature signs, picnic tables, and a covered picnic shelter.
Toddler playground at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Accessibility Notes: There is no dedicated parking area for North Rose Hill Woodlands Park so plan ahead by wearing walking shoes, and bring a stroller or wagon to help tote your belongings or young children. Park on the street near the toddler playground on 128th Ave NE near Mark Twain Elementary and take the scenic quarter-mile walk through the park to the main play structure (a park map is on the billboard near the toddler playground). There are no restrooms inside the park, although seasonal portable restrooms are sometimes set up near the main playground.
The main playground (“castle playground”) at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary
16515 SE May Valley Rd, Renton
A haven for animals and children alike, Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is an animal rescue that will delight children of all ages in a safe and inclusive environment. Visitors to Sammamish Animal Sanctuary are able to interact with the farm’s many animals including rabbits, goats, alpacas, llamas, mini donkeys, horses, cows, chickens, ducks and pigs. Bring a few extra dollars to purchase snacks for the animals, and your children will delight in feeding their favorite animal friends. The farm is fully enclosed with fences with a single point of entry that is monitored by employees, making this a safe space for kids to roam.
Schedule a free visit during Sammamish Animal Sanctuary’s open hours (Tuesdays-Sundays 9:30-2:00).
Accessibility Notes: Free parking is available at the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary (Note that each reservation is for one car with up to 5 passengers, so plan accordingly if you will be visiting with a large group). Gravel pathways throughout the farm are stroller-friendly, and restrooms are available in the onsite “outhouse”.
University Village Play Area
2623 NE University Village St. Seattle
A fully-enclosed and covered outdoor play area inside the University Village shopping center. This small play area is best suited for young children ages 2-7. Check out upcoming Village Playdays for added fun.
Ballinger Park’s Hazel Miller Accessible Playground
23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace
Be one of the first to play at this recently-renovated transportation-themed playground. Fully-fenced and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Phyllis Needy Park
10811 NE 47th St, Kirkland
A fenced-in play area in the Houghton neighborhood of Kirkland. The play area features a play structure and sandbox area best suited for young children ages 2-7.
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore
This expansive wooden playground near the shores of Lake Washington will delight children of all ages. The playground is surrounded by low fences, but caregivers should pay attention to multiple points of entry/exit around the perimeter of the playground. Discover Pass required for parking.
Tot Lot Park
141 9th Ave, Kirkland
Featuring a fully-fenced play area with play structures, gardens, and green spaces this is an ideal location for young children ages 2-7.
Indoor/paid locations
Pump It Up
Multiple locations
Inflatable fun zones with single points of entry/exit monitored by employees. Best suited for children ages 3-10.
Chuck E Cheese
Multiple locations
Arcade games, prize kiosks, and kid-approved food will keep kids happily entertained while safety features like caregiver/child matching hand-stamps and employee-monitored exits keep kids safe.
Woodland Park Zoo and Zoomazium
550 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle
Visit your favorite zoo animals or spend some time indoors at the Zoomazium indoor play area (Entrance to Zoomazium is only for children ages 8 and younger). Woodland Park Zoo is fully enclosed with employee-monitored exits, and the zoo employs staff trained in assisting guests with disabilities.
Cougar Mountain Zoo
19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah
This small zoo features animals that are mostly native to the Pacific Northwest. The compact size makes it easy to navigate and keep eyes on children while allowing them the freedom to explore on their own.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum
1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue
A multi-level children’s museum with a variety of creative play spaces suitable for crawlers through elementary school-aged children. Staff receive special training for helping children with disabilities.
With these safe play places, children who elope can get out and experience the joys of playing in a safe and supportive environment. Play on!
