Parks and Recreation

A child touches a glass tank at the Woodland Park Zoo as a Humboldt Penguin swims up.
Play
Go Out and Play: Kid-Friendly Activities in Seattle
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Seattle has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
May 29, 2025 07:28 PM
 · 
Dylan Aycock
A man in a plaid shirt stands next to a newly planted tree on a street in Seattle, WA
City
Trees for Neighborhoods helps Seattleites set down roots
You can get up to three free trees.
July 31, 2023
 · 
Gabe Guarente
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Culture
Beat the heat: swimming pools for rent in Seattle
What’s summer without at least one pool party with your friends and family?
July 14, 2023
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
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Travel and Outdoors
What to do if a bear wanders into your yard
There’s a surge in black bear sightings in King County.
July 10, 2023
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
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City
Seattle breaks ground on new park in Little Saigon
The plan has been in the works for the gravel lot since 2018.
July 6, 2023
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
A view of the Olympic Mountains from a river in Olympic National Park
City
Federal money will help build Puget Sound to Pacific Trail
The 200-mile path will link up to the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal.
June 27, 2023
 · 
Gabe Guarente
A look at what Bell Street would look like with a pedestrian bridge and protected bike lanes near the Seattle Waterfront.
City
Designs revealed for Waterfront’s Bell Street project
There are some seating options proposed to look out onto Elliott Bay.
June 21, 2023
 · 
Gabe Guarente
A sign in Seattle that says "Play: All Are Welcome" near a festival banner.
City
Seattle’s giving out kits for ‘Play Street’ closures
Here’s how to host an event on your Healthy Street block — no permits required.
June 20, 2023
 · 
Gabe Guarente
Three dogs on leashes in the woods look toward the camera.
City
Seattle Parks & Rec releases dog park expansion study results
There are nine potential off-leash spots under consideration.
June 14, 2023
 · 
Gabe Guarente
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City
City Hall Park reopens after two years of closure
The City is hosting a big celebration on Tuesday, June 13 to commemorate the park’s opening.
June 12, 2023
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
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Culture
Places to stare off dramatically into the distance in Seattle
We all need a main character moment every now and then.
June 12, 2023
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
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City
Discover your own city with interactive maps from the City of Seattle
The City of Seattle’s Geographic Information System (GIS) maps can help locals find hidden beaches, restrooms, picnic benches, and even figure out what kinds of trees are in the neighborhood.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
A picture of golden chanterelle mushrooms.
Travel and Outdoors
Tips for finding the best mushrooms near Seattle
If you’re heading out for some mushroom foraging for the first time, we have a list of books, trails, and other tips for anyone looking to head out into the woods.
October 10, 2024
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
Dunlap School in Rainier Beach is partially obscured by surrounding trees in the foreground, whose branches cover up the top half of the building. The building, composed of white stone and red brick, features a columned entry and a wide, green grass lawn.
City
Seattle Public Schools alters its closure plan
Seattle Public Schools recently proposed closing five schools next year instead of the previous 21. Here’s what’s in store.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Madeline Ewing
Mayor Bruce Harrell joins King County Executive Dow Constantine and local leaders at a groundbreaking ceremony for the RapidRide J Line. They are holding shovels filled with dirt above a patch of dirt dumped on the sidewalk next to a RapidRide bus.
City
Construction is underway for the RapidRide J Line in Seattle
The J Line project upgrades the current Route 70 to a RapidRide level of service via enhanced transit connections to surrounding Seattle neighborhoods.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Madeline Ewing
A black and white image depicts a mural that reads the name of the coffee shop with Mt. Rainier stationed in the background.
Food
Seattle restaurants that you miss the most
Our readers shared which local restaurants + meals they miss the most — and we think you’ll agree.
October 8, 2024
 · 
Staff
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Travel and Outdoors
Seattle Parks and Rec is planning two new off-leash areas for dogs
Slated for West Seattle and Othello, the new sites are part of Seattle Parks and Rec’s Off-Leash Area expansion project — and it wants your feedback.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
SEA_Middle Fork Sculpture by John Grand, Seattle Art Museum
Culture
Seattle Art Museum to deinstall iconic lobby tree sculpture
Titled “Middle Fork,” the tree sculpture has been suspended above visitors’ heads in the Seattle Art Museum’s main entrance lobby for almost a decade.
October 4, 2024
 · 
Madeline Ewing
A group of seven people stand out on the street carrying a rainbow of umbrellas. Most are wearing trench coats.
City
Seattle decades: the 1980s
This decade brought Seattle the nickname “The Emerald City,” the first-ever Costco, and Nirvana.
October 3, 2024
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah
The sign outside Mutual Fish Co. on Rainier Avenue in South Seattle
Food
Come on, dish: Which Seattle restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which Emerald City restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your belly, and why?
October 2, 2024
 · 
Staff
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Culture
Independent theater Grand Illusion Cinema looking for community help to move
The Grand Illusion Cinema, Seattle’s “longest continuously running movie theater”, just launched a campaign to help fund its move to a new location.
October 2, 2024
 · 
Alina Hunter-Grah