At this point in the summer, finding free entertainment every day of the week is a parent’s dream come true. Add in a dose of water play on a hot day and you’ve hit the jackpot! Whether you’re in search of the relaxing sound of rushing water, the chance to get your feet wet or the opportunity to view the city’s best man-made wonders, Seattle has a wide array of fountains just waiting to be explored. Scroll down to see our favorites.
International Fountain
Seattle Center
Located at the Seattle Center, the International Fountain is perhaps one of the best known fountains in Seattle and attracts thousands of tourists and Seattleites each year. During the summer months, you will find kids with swimsuits donned, chasing the huge spurts of water and laughing gleefully at the huge explosion of water that feels as though it will reach beyond the clouds.
International Fountain 305 Harrison St. Seattle, WA 98109 Online: seattlecenter.com
Fountain of Creation
Seattle Center
Located just northeast of the International Fountain, the Fountain of Creation offers a much tamer version for those afraid to get hit by spraying jets. This is more of a wading pool than a fountain, but offers spraying jets and is definitely worth mentioning. With a depth of three feet in its deepest parts, this fountain definitely hits the afternoon cool down spot.
Note: As of July 2019, the fountain is temporarily closed due to Arena construction.
Located on Alaskan Way, next to the Seattle Aquarium, the Waterfront Fountain is a very cool, architectural design that is a hit with Seattleites and out-of-towners alike. Kids will love watching the water cascade down over the block shapes. Bonus: there are stairs all around the fountain to climb; and what kid doesn't love climbing stairs?
If you've been to a Mariners game at Safeco Field this summer, you've likely spotted SoDo's urban fountain across the street from Home Plate Gate. Located at KING 5's studio, this fountain is the perfect place to cool your jets before or after an M's game.
KING 5 Television 1501 1st Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134 206-448-5555 Online: king5.com
Also located on Alaskan Way as part of the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Father and Son Fountain is definitely an interesting piece to check out. You can walk fully around it and see different views depending on the time of day you visit. Psst...don't forget to bring your pennies as your kids will most definitely want to throw in one, or two!
If your kiddos need a break from all that back-to-school shopping, head to Westlake Park to check out this very unique fountain. Not only can you admire it from a distance, but you can become a part of it, too. The daring and those who don't mind getting a little wet will love walking underneath the fountain and everyone will happily like watching the water cascade down on both sides.
Known for its locally-owned boutiques, signature national retailers and plethora of restaurants and eateries, University Village is popular destination for Seattle families. On hot summer days, expect to find lots of kiddies splashing around in the popular frog and turtle fountain located by Trophy Cupcakes or sitting on the edge of the Stonehenge Fountain located next to Ravenna Gardens. It’s the perfect way cool off after a long day of shopping.
University Village 623 Northeast University Village Seattle, WA 98105 Online: uvillage.com
Freeway Park is an oasis in the middle of the city. Here, you will find what is commonly referred to as the "waterfalls." The gushing water drowns out the city noise and kiddos young and old will love climbing on the rocks and getting their toes wet.
Not only is the U-dub campus beautiful year-round, it's also an awesome place to wander through and check out some amazing architecture. The Drumheller Fountain is one worth checking out if your littles love seeing lots of geese and ducks. Make a day of it and bask in the Husky spirit.
Drumheller Fountain 4014 University Way N.E. Seattle, WA 98195 Online: washington.edu
Next time you're in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, head over to Cal Anderson Park to check out this awesome fountain. Not only will you be mesmerized by the design, hearing the rushing water flow from the top and down the sides into the wading pool below will make it a top-notch experience.
So technically this is not a fountain, but a 22-foot waterfall nestled in Pioneer Square and definitely worth a shout out! Pack a sack lunch and enjoy listening to the rushing water while sitting at a nearby table. On a hot summer day, this spot can't be beat.
If you love fountains and roses, this is the place to be. Not only is the scenery peaceful and awe-inspiring, your kid crew will love checking out the sensory garden. Head a little further and check out the fountain and have fun counting the water lilies. Best part, it's free of charge!
Rose Garden (south entrance at intersection of 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.) 750 N. 50th St. Seattle, WA 98105 Online: zoo.org/roses#.U9-uQIBdUkc
Ballard Commons Park features a skate bowl, public art, relaxing seating areas with lots of lush grass, perfect for an afternoon picnic, plus a fun water feature the kiddies will love. The park forms part of the municipal center in Ballard, with a Seattle Public Library branch and Neighborhood Service Center located across the street.
