Picnic Shelter and Table Reservations
We are now scheduling picnic dates through March 31, 2026.
Please wait until January 1, 2026 to apply for picnics April 1, 2026 or later.
We have 3 convenient ways to schedule your picnic:
- Online Self Service, for picnics without Professional Catering or Special Equipment at select locations only. Available from April 1-October 31.
- Preseason Picnic Lottery, which runs from January 1-February 28. We strongly recommend picnics for 100 guests or more apply during the Preseason Picnic Lottery to help us match your event to a venue with enough space.
- Picnic Application Form, available year-round for all picnics. Applications are available in 8 languages.
Picnic Map
Note: Most parks have non-reservable tables in addition to reservable tables. Tables without numbers are first-come, first-served.
Tap or click to open this interactive GIS map in a new window.
Picnic Shelters and Tables
Picnic Shelters are some of our most popular amenities.
Please note:
- Shelters may be booked with any number of Outside Tables.
- Outside Tables accommodate 10 people per table.
- The Event Scheduling Office reserves the right to determine the appropriate number of tables outside of the shelter needed for your event. We may add tables to accommodate your expected attendance.
- Payment is due upon confirmation of your reservation. Please review your confirmation before making payment. All payments are non-refundable.
- Below is a comprehensive list of Picnic Shelters. From April 1-October 31, select locations on this list will be available for Online Self-Booking. See the Online Self Booking tab for information.
| Park | Shelter # | Sheltered Seating Tables | Outside Tables Available | Capacity with all Outside Tables | ADA rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alki Beach (map) | #1 | 0 | 14 | 170 | Partial |
| Benefit (map) no restroom |
#1 | 2 | 2 | 35 | Partial |
| Carkeek (map) | #1 | 0 | 19 | 210 | Partial |
| #2 | 3 | 14 | 190 | No | |
|
Currently unavailable |
#1 | 4 | 0 | 75 | Partial |
| Gas Works (map) | #1 | 2 | 5 | 100 | Partial |
| #2 | 4 | 4 | 100 | Partial | |
| Genesee (map) | #1 | 5 | 0 | 100 | Partial |
| Georgetown (map) | #1 | 3 | 0 | 50 | Partial |
| Golden Gardens (map) | #1 | 0 | 9 | 110 | No |
| #2 | 0 | 8 | 140 | No | |
| #1 | 3 | 0 | 50 | Partial | |
| #2 | 3 | 0 | 50 | Partial | |
| #3 | 5 | 0 | 80 | Partial | |
| John C. Little (map) #1 and #2 may be reserved together |
#1 | 2 | 0 | 40 | Partial |
| #2 | 2 | 0 | 40 | Partial | |
| Judkins (map) | #1 | 3 | 11 | 150 | Partial |
| Lincoln - South (map) | #1 | 1 | 22 | 250 | No |
| #2 | 1 | 21 | 250 | No | |
| Lincoln - Waterfront (map) | #3 | 3 | 10 | 130 | Partial |
| #4 | 2 | 3 | 60 | Partial | |
| Lincoln - North (map) | #5 | 4 | 25 | 300 | Partial |
| Madrona (map) | #1 | 0 | 7 | 90 | No |
| Magnolia (map | #1 | 0 | 10 | 100 | No |
| Magnuson, Warren G (map) | #1 | 8 | 0 | 100 | Partial |
| #2 | 3 | 9 | 130 | Partial | |
| #3 | 4 | 0 | 60 | Partial | |
| Maple Leaf (map) | #1 | 4 | 0 | 100 | Partial |
| Meridian (map) | #1 | 8 | 0 | 100 | Partial |
| Ravenna (map) | #1 | 0 | 9 | 140 | No |
| #1 | 2 | 0 | 40 | Partial | |
| #2 | 4 | 0 | 50 | No | |
| #3 | 8 | 18 | 300 | Partial | |
| #4 | 4 | 0 | 50 | No | |
| #5 | 4 | 0 | 50 | No | |
| View Ridge (map) | #1 | 3 | 3 | 50 | Partial |
| Woodland - South (map) | #3 | 1 | 48 | 470 | No |
| Woodland - North (map) | #4 | 1 | 5 | 50 | Partial |
| #6 | 8 | 9 | 200 | No | |
| #7 | 3 | 0 | 30 | No |
Picnic Tables are a lower-cost option to host your event.
Please note:
- The Picnic Application Form is required for all locations from November 1-March 31.
- Online Self-Service reservations are available for select locations between April 1-October 31.
- The Event Scheduling Office reserves the right to determine the number of Picnic Tables needed for your event. We may add tables to accommodate your expected attendance.
- Picnic Table users may provide shade by bringing a canopy of up to 20ft x 20ft. The canopy cannot be secured with stakes. Weights are okay.
- Picnic Tables accommodate 10 people per table.
- Payment is due upon confirmation of your reservation. Please review your confirmation before making payment. Payments are non-refundable.
| Park | Sub-Area | Table #'s | ADA Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alki Beach (map) | West End | #1-14 | Partial |
| Be'er Sheva (map) | Play area | #1-2 | No |
| Benefit (map) | Play area | #1-2 | No |
| Carkeek (map) | Play Area & Field (Shelter #2) | #1-14 | No |
| Fire Circle (Shelter #1) | #15-33 | Partial | |
| Piper's Creek | #34-45 | No | |
| Cascade Playground (map) | Play area | #1-2 | No |
| Don Armeni Boat Ramp (map) | North of boat ramp | #1-2 | No |
| Duwamish Waterway (map) | Water view | #1-4 | Partial |
| Ella Bailey (map) | NE corner | #1-2 | Partial |
| Ferdinand St. Boat Ramp (map) | Water view | #1-3 | No |
| Gas Works (map) | Play Barn | #1-9 | Partial |
| Golden Gardens (map) | Shelter #1 | #1-9 | No |
| Shelter #2 | #10-17 | No | |
| South - built-in barbecue grills | #18-21 | No | |
| Greenwood (map) | North of Playground | #1-5 | Partial |
| Judkins (map) | Shelter #1 / Play Area | #8-11 | Partial |
| Spray Park | #1-7 | Partial | |
| Lincoln - Upper South (map) | Shelter #1 | #1-22 | No |
| Shelter #2 and Fire Pit | #23-43 | No | |
| Lincoln - Waterfront (map) | Far South - closest to parking | #44-46 | Partial |
| Shelter #3 | #47-52 | Partial | |
| Middle | #53-56 | Partial | |
| Shelter #4 - closest to Colman Pool | #57-59 | Partial | |
| Lincoln - North (map) | Wading Pool & Playground (Shelter #5) | #60-84 | Partial |
| Madrona (map) | North of Restrooms | #1-7 | No |
| Magnolia (map) | Shelter #1 | #1-10 | No |
| Magnuson, Warren G (map) | Swimming Beach, Shelter #2 | #1-2 | Partial |
| Waterfront Promenade | #3-5 | No | |
| Swimming Beach | #6-9 | Partial | |
| Matthews Beach (map) | Scattered locations | #1-14 | No |
| Me-Kwa-Mooks (map) | Western Slope | #1-2 | No |
| Meridian (map) | South of restrooms, near gazebo | #1-2 | Partial |
| Northacres (map) | West Meadow | #1-4 | No |
| Othello (map) | Two clusters | #1-6 | Partial |
| Powell Barnett (map) | North end | #1-4 | Partial |
| Pratt (map) | Spray feature | #1-5 | No |
| Ravenna (map) | Southern edge, by 20th Ave NE | #1-10 | No |
| Ross (map) | Playground | #1-2 | Partial |
| Roxhill (map) | Play Area | #1-10 | Partial |
| TEMPORARILY CLOSED: Seven Hills Park (map) | P-Patch | #1-2 | Partial |
| Seward (map) | Upper Loop (Shelter #3) | #1-18 | Partial |
| View Ridge (map) | Wading Pool | #1-#3 | Partial |
| Virgil Flaim (map) | West side | #1-2 | Partial |
| Volunteer (map) | Wading Pool & Playground | #1-2 | Partial |
| Westcrest (map) | Play area | #1-6 | Partial |
| Woodland - South (map) | Shelter #3 | #1-44 | No |
| Woodland - North (map) | Shelter #4 | #46-50 | Partial |
| Shelter #6, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling | #55-63 | Partial | |
| Tables Only. | #51-54, 69-70 | Partial |
Coming Soon: Online Self-Service Reservation
From April 1-October 31, many locations will become available to book by Online Self-Service for picnics without Professional Catering or Special Equipment. See lists below for Picnic Shelters and Picnic Tables.
Please be aware, the locations on this list are eligible for reservation using the Picnic Application Form between November 1-March 31, including during the Preseason Picnic Lottery. We recommend booking your picnic with the Picnic Application Form as soon as you know you want a picnic.
Picnic Shelters
| Park | Shelter # | Covered Seating Tables | Capacity | ADA rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit | #1 | 2 | 35 | No |
|
Dr. Jose Rizal Currently unavailable |
#1 | 4 | 75 | Partial |
| Genesee | #1 | 5 | 100 | Partial |
| Georgetown | #1 | 3 | 50 | Partial |
|
Jefferson |
#1 | 3 | 50 | Partial |
| #2 | 3 | 50 | Partial | |
| #3 | 5 | 80 | Partial | |
| John C. Little | #1 | 2 | 40 | Partial |
| #2 | 2 | 40 | Partial | |
| Magnolia | #1 | 0 | 100 | No |
| Magnuson | #1 | 8 | 100 | Partial |
| #3 | 4 | 60 | Partial | |
| Maple Leaf | #1 | 4 | 100 | Partial |
| Meridian | #1 | 8 | 100 | Partial |
|
Seward |
#1 | 2 | 40 | Partial |
| #2 | 4 | 50 | No | |
| #4 | 4 | 50 | No | |
| #5 | 4 | 50 | No | |
| Woodland | #7 | 3 | 30 | No |
Picnic Tables
| Park | Reservable Tables | Capacity | ADA Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Be'er Sheva | 2 | 30 | No |
| Benefit | 2 | 35 | No |
| Cascade | 2 | 20 | No |
| Don Armeni Boat Ramp | 3 | 30 | No |
| Duwamish Waterways | 4 | 40 | Partial |
| Ella Bailey | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Ferdinand St. Boat Ramp | 3 | 40 | No |
| Greenwood | 5 | 50 | Partial |
| Magnolia | 10 | 100 | No |
| Me-Kwa-Mooks | 2 | 30 | No |
| Meridian | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Northacres | 4 | 50 | No |
| Othello | 6, in 2 groups | 100 | Partial |
| Powell Barnett | 4 | 40 | Partial |
| Pratt | 5 | 60 | No |
| Ross | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Roxhill | 10 | 100 | Partial |
| Seven Hills | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Virgil Flaim | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Volunteer | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Westcrest | 6, in 2 groups | 60 | No |
Reserve Your Picnic
Use the Picnic Application Form for any picnic that cannot be reserved by Online Self Service.
Please allow 2 weeks for our office to respond to a Picnic Application Form.
Picnics must use the Picnic Application Form if any of these are true:
- Today's date is between November 1 and March 31, or
- You want Professional Catering or Special Equipment (e.g., a bounce house) at your picnic, or
- You want a picnic location that is not eligible for Online Self Service.
Please note, any picnic may be booked with the Picnic Application Form.
In general, a Picnic Application Form is required for our largest picnic locations that have shelters and many surrounding tables. This lets our staff book the right amount of space for your event, while leaving room for other picnic groups to reserve nearby amenities at these popular parks.
To ensure a fair process for the Pre-Season Picnic Lottery, a Picnic Application Form is also required for all picnic rental requests initiated outside the peak season -- so, from November 1 to March 31, Online Self Service becomes unavailable.
Picnic Application Form (English)
Optional: Check Availability to see if your desired space is currently available
This tool is intended to help you apply for a location and time that is likely to still be available when your application is processed. Picnic shelter and table availability changes daily as applications are processed. Please list at least 3 options in case your first choices become unavailable before we process your application.
You may choose to download, save and email your application to sprevents@seattle.gov instead. Applications are available in multiple languages:
| Español | Tiếng Việt | Af Soomaali | |
| 한국어 | 中文 | አማርኛ | Tagalog |
Enter the Preseason Picnic Lottery by completing a Picnic Application Form between January 1-February 28, 2026.
The 2026-2027 picnic season runs April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
- Applications received by February 28 will processed beginning March 1 in a random lottery order. All picnic sites are eligible for the Preseason Picnic Lottery.
- Applications received on March 1 or later will be processed in the order they are received, after all applications from the Preseason Lottery have been processed.
- Starting April 1, 2026, Online Self-Service reservations will become available for select locations.
Picnic Application Form (English) (preferred)
You may choose to download, save and email your application to sprevents@seattle.gov instead of using the AdobeSign Picnic Application Form. Applications are available in these languages:
Use Online Self Service if all of these are true:
- Today's date is between April 1 and October 31, and
- You want a picnic that is between 5 days and 90 days in the future, and
- You do not want Professional Catering or Special Equipment such as a bounce house, and
- Your desired location is on one of the lists below.
If your picnic is not eligible for Online Self Service, please submit a Picnic Application Form instead.
Book a Picnic with Online Self-Service (available April 1 - Oct. 31 only)
Please note, Online Self Service picnic reservations are final. No changes or refunds are allowed.
Picnic Shelters
| Park | Shelter # | Covered Seating Tables | Capacity | ADA rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit (map) 2 Picnic Tables also available |
#1 | 2 | 35 | No |
|
Currently unavailable |
#1 | 4 | 75 | Partial |
| Genesee (map) | #1 | 5 | 100 | Partial |
| Georgetown (map) | #1 | 3 | 50 | Partial |
| #1 | 3 | 50 | Partial | |
| #2 | 3 | 50 | Partial | |
| #3 | 5 | 80 | Partial | |
| John C. Little (map) #1 and #2 may be reserved together |
#1 | 2 | 40 | Partial |
| #2 | 2 | 40 | Partial | |
| Magnolia (map) 10 Picnic Tables also available |
#1 | 0 | 100 | No |
| Magnuson (map) | #1 | 8 | 100 | Partial |
| #3 | 4 | 60 | Partial | |
| Maple Leaf (map) | #1 | 4 | 100 | Partial |
| Meridian (map) | #1 | 8 | 100 | Partial |
| #1 | 2 | 40 | Partial | |
| #2 | 4 | 50 | No | |
| #4 | 4 | 50 | No | |
| #5 | 4 | 50 | No | |
| Woodland - North (map) | #7 | 3 | 30 | No |
Picnic Tables
| Park | Reservable Tables | Capacity | ADA Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Be'er Sheva (map) | 2 | 30 | No |
| Benefit (map) Picnic Shelter also available |
2 | 35 | No |
| Cascade Playground (map) | 2 | 20 | No |
| Don Armeni Boat Ramp (map) | 3 | 30 | No |
| Duwamish Waterway (map) | 4 | 40 | Partial |
| Ella Bailey (map) | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Ferdinand St. Boat Ramp (map) | 3 | 40 | No |
| Greenwood (map) | 5 | 50 | Partial |
| Magnolia (map) Picnic Shelter also available |
10 | 100 | No |
| Me-Kwa-Mooks (map) | 2 | 30 | No |
| Meridian (map) Picnic Shelter also available |
2 | 20 | Partial |
| Northacres (map) | 4 | 50 | No |
| Othello (map) | 6, in 2 groups | 100 | Partial |
| Powell Barnett (map) | 4 | 40 | Partial |
| Pratt (map) | 5 | 60 | No |
| Ross (map) | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Roxhill (map) | 10 | 100 | Partial |
| TEMPORARILY CLOSED: Seven Hills (map) | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Virgil Flaim (map) | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Volunteer (map) | 2 | 20 | Partial |
| Westcrest (map) | 6, in 2 groups | 60 | No |
Picnics - Frequently Asked Questions
Picnic Shelter and Table rates can be found on the Picnic Application Form.
Rates may change annually per the Fees & Charges Schedule adopted by City Council for Seattle Parks & Recreation.
Picnic permits are required for events scheduled at our numbered picnic shelters and tables. Please see our system map for locations available for reservation.
Tables without numbers are non-reservable. Tables without numbers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost. These free tables can be found in most neighborhood parks.
A reservation is a rental of a picnic location (shelter and/or tables) at a specific time. All regular park rules apply during your picnic.
You will be responsible for enforcing your use of the space, so please bring a printed copy of your reservation with you to the park.
Please note: Double bookings of the same amenity cannot occur within our system. A valid picnic permit will have a $0 balance showing.
All amenities included in the reservation will be listed individually. A reservation for a picnic shelter includes the tables inside the shelter. Numbered picnic tables near the shelter are reserved separately from the shelter.
Picnic reservations do NOT include:
- Water,
- Electricity,
- Vehicle access,
- Amplified sound,
- Alcohol,
- Cleanup after the event,
- Exceptions to standard Parks Code.
In other words, a picnic reservation is just a reservation for the space and time (and professional services, if added to the permit).
If you want an event with any of these features, please consider an Indoor Event Rental or a large Outdoor Event permit instead.
You may bring food, decorations and signs, a canopy, and a portable barbecue grill.
- Signs and decorations must be secured with blue carpenter's tape.
- The canopy must be secured with weight, no stakes in ground. Maximum 20 feet by 20 feet.
- The barbecue grill must be placed over flat, level pavement. All burned materials must be extinguished and disposed of.
Please note, barbecues may be prohibited during some phases of a burn ban.
Professional Catering is on-site food preparation and service by a professional partner, and additional requirements apply:
- Catering/Special Equipment Application Form
- Insurance, see Insurance Requirements
- $75.00 fee.
These requirements do not apply if you have professionally-prepared foods delivered and no on-site service.
Reserve as soon as you have a desired date.
Online Self-Booking picnics may be reserved 90 days into the future, until 5 days prior to the event.
For those using a Picnic Application Form, please allow 10 business days to process your application during peak season.
We have 3 time slots:
- AM half-day (8am-2pm),
- PM half-day (3pm-10pm),
- Whole Day (8am-10pm)