Picnic Shelter and Table Reservations

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.

*Self Service Booking is available for select locations from April 1-October 31 only.
From November 1-March 31, all picnics must be booked with the Picnic Application Form.

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.

*Self Service Booking is available for select locations from April 1-October 31 only.
From November 1-March 31, all picnics must be booked with the Picnic Application Form.

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)