Calling all kids who love to play!
The Seattle PlayGarden hosts Free Play days every Friday and Saturday this summer through August 24. The supervised play sessions in the 1-acre fully-fenced public park in the north end of Seattle’s Central District are designed to give children, youth, and adults with and without disabilities a safe and engaging community play experience.
Photos courtesy Seattle PlayGarden
PlayGarden began its children’s programs in 2006. The park includes ADA-approved play equipment and climbing structures, a garden, a water feature, activity rooms, a preschool classroom, an accessible basketball court, topiaries, and even an old (but safety-checked) truck for vehicle-loving kids to climb on.
During Free Play days, children, youth, and adults enjoy activities together. As kids and families arrive, friendly staff greet them. While parents get a tour of the PlayGarden, staff members will help kids of all ages and abilities engage in inclusive, culturally relevant activities like gardening, cooking classes, music classes, dance, movement activities, art, and construction.
“Free Play is usually just a really nice eclectic mix of neighbors and people who come from far away to see what the PlayGarden is, and people who come regularly to let their kids play in a safe kind of supported environment,” said PlayGarden Executive Director Liz Bullard.
PlayGarden leaders say the supervised play sessions — as well as Wheelchair Basketball, offered every Saturday on the PlayGarden Court through August 12 — are part of the garden’s commitment to ensuring the fundamental rights of every child in Seattle.
Rolling for a shot during wheelchair basketball. Photo courtesy Seattle PlayGarden
Free Play days are just what the title suggests: Free. You don’t need to register beforehand. Just show up and play.
Free Play runs Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free Wheelchair Basketball is held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Find Seattle PlayGarden at 1745 24th Ave S. Seattle. WA 98144, adjacent to Coleman Playground. For more information, call (206) 325-5576 or visit seattleplaygarden.org.
One big zucchini from the garden. Photo courtesy Seattle PlayGarden
