Picnic Shelter and Table Reservations
We are scheduling picnics through March 31, 2026.
- Picnic Applications will be processed by our staff in the order they are received. Please allow 2 weeks to respond to your reservation request using the Picnic Application Form.
- Online Self-Service reservations are available for select locations. Please see the expandable menu for information on specific locations and to book using Online Self-Service. Online Self-Service reservations close 5 days before the picnic date.
- Phone calls will be directed to voicemail and will have a delayed response. We apologize that we cannot use voicemail to reserve a picnic space. You may book your picnic using the Picnic Application Form for any location or Online Self-Service reservations for select locations.
- Please wait until January 1, 2026 to apply for picnics later than March 31, 2026.
How to reserve a picnic location
Read our Guide to Reserving Your Picnic
1. Determine if your picnic is eligible for Online Self-Service reservation.
View Online Self-Service locations, with a button link to reserve using Online Self-Service.
Please be aware, picnics with Professional Catering or Special Equipment are not eligible for Online Self-Service booking.
For picnic locations not eligible for Online Self-Service, continue reading.
2. For Picnic Application Form users, see if your desired location is currently available:
Please note, picnic site availability changes daily as applications are processed.
3. Apply for your Picnic
Picnic Application Form (English)
Please list at least 3 options on your Picnic Application Form in case your first choice becomes unavailable while we process applications ahead of yours.
You may choose to download, save and email your application to sprevents@seattle.gov instead. Applications are available in multiple languages:
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 | |
| Dr. Jose Rizal (map) | #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 |
| Seven Hills (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 |
Reservable by Online Self-Booking
Online Self-Service is the most convenient way to schedule your picnic.
From April 1-October 31, Online Self-Service reservation is available for the locations in these two lists.
Please note:
- Online Self-Service picnic reservations open 90 days before the picnic date, and close 5 days before the picnic date.
- Picnics with Professional Catering or Special Equipment require a Picnic Application Form and may not be booked using Online Self-Service.
- Online Self-Service picnic reservations are final. No changes are allowed.
Book a Picnic with Online Self-Service
Picnic Shelters
| Park | Shelter # | Covered Seating Tables | Capacity | ADA rating |
| Benefit (map) 2 Picnic Tables also available |
#1 | 2 | 35 | No |
| Dr. Jose Rizal (map) | #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 |
| 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 |
Picnic Map
Explore the map in a new frame.
Note: Most parks have non-reservable tables that are first come, first serve, in addition to reservable tables.
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)