Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Child climbing on jellyfish-inspired play structure at Seattle’s Pier 58 playground

Over 50,000 square feet of new park space on the new Seattle Waterfront. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)

Seattle’s Pier 58 just got way more fun for kids

Marine-themed play area opens July 25

Do we need another reason to visit the beautiful new Seattle Waterfront? Well, we’ve got one for you! Seattle’s beloved waterfront just got another major upgrade with Pier 58’s grand opening on July 25. Located between Union and Pike streets near the Seattle Aquarium, nearly 50,000 square feet of new park space has been added to the 20-acre Waterfront Park. The space is not just a new pier, it’s a reimagined space designed with families, community, and play in mind.

From Collapse to Comeback: A Look at Pier 58’s Renovation

If you’ve walked the Seattle Waterfront in recent years, you probably remember when the old Pier 58 (also called Waterfront Park) was removed in 2020 due to safety issues. Fast-forward to 2025, and the new Pier 58 is back and better than ever.

Play, Relax, and Explore: Family Features at Pier 58

Think open green lawns, sweeping Elliott Bay views, and a place where your kids can run around while you sip your coffee and soak up the salty breeze. There’s a fantastic new play area with climbing structures and a marine-inspired design that blends beautifully with the waterfront vibe. You can’t go wrong with the enormous Jellyfish-climbing structure, crab wobble boards, slides, magnetic bead boards, elevated lawn area, and more. Kids will be in absolute awe.

The Waterfront Fountain is also back, making it a nice spot to sit and relax. A historical feature, the fountain was installed at Pier 58 in 1974 and was recently reinstalled after renovation and construction of a new basin.

Sit by the fountain and enjoy the falls this summer. (Image: waterfrontseattle.org)

Office of the Waterfront & Civics Project put a lot of thought into this area and have included wide walking paths, plenty of places to sit and relax, and areas designed with accessibility in mind. Whether your family is downtown for the aquarium, the Great Wheel, or just enjoying a ferry ride, this is now an easy, kid-friendly stop to build into your day.

How to Get There: Parking and Shuttle Info

Pier 58 is located between Union and Pike streets on the Seattle Waterfront, right next to the Seattle Aquarium. If you’re driving, paid parking is available nearby at the Pike Place Market Garage and other downtown lots. For a fun and free option, hop on the Waterfront Shuttle — a seasonal service that loops around key downtown stops. To reach Pier 58, get off at Stop D: Seattle Aquarium. It’s stroller-friendly and a great way to skip traffic and enjoy the scenic ride along the water.

Join the Grand Opening Celebration on July 25

  • The grand opening celebration kicks off Thursday, July 25, with community festivities and a chance to explore all the new features
  • Dance, play and meet local mascots. The festivities are from 4-8 p.m. at Pier 58 by the Seattle Aquarium.
  • The event is free and open to all.
  • Marine-themed attire and costumes are encouraged.

About the Author

Jasmin Thankachen

Jasmin is the Associate Publisher at Seattle's Child and an Eastside mom of two boys. She enjoys parenting with lots of love and laughter. Co-Founder of PopUp StoryWalk, she also loves children's picture books, essay writing, and community stories.