Volunteer Park
1247 15th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102 (206) 684-4555
- Good for Kids: Yes
30 Reviews for Volunteer Park
What DON'T I love about you?
You step foot in there and then all the sudden, it's like you've landed in the setting of "A Mid-Summer's Night Dream." There isn't a lot I have to say about this place, but it's a really wonderful park. You should check it out for yourself and you could spend an entire day there.
beauty and sense
Right when I think that i'm over seattle and I ought to join my friend in NY, i find a reason to stay. Volunteer park, has to be, one of the most beautiful parks that I had the pleasure of strolling through in a long time. It has such great character and botanicals that it's hard to be grumpy when you're there. The grass is well kept, the umbrage of the trees provide sweet relief from the hot sun and lovely scented flowers litter the beaten paths that it instantly puts you in a better mood.
Great park for great people. I would most likely be back next week and perhaps the week after that and perhaps the week after.
volunteer park, you got me to like seattle again.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (1)
Cool (5)
You totally became my boo this weekend.
The sun helped, no doubt, but your koi filled ponds and luscious grass also made me weak-kneed. The hidden nooks to nestle my weary head were a lovely touch.
In fact, I fell so hard that you became my running destination. I ran HILLS for you, so I think it's time you bought me dinner.
KTHX.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Beautiful park, well maintained. A great place to spend an afternoon.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Great huge park located off the main drag of cap hill....super place to go walking..play frisbee, take pics of the space needle...i like that its space is wide open..the park never feels busy.....
A good place to take kids during the day...with lots of grass area to play in....my little boy likes to think he is ichiro when playing baseball...
I would agree that the park does change after dark...lots of men, in parked cars waiting for an invite...so if thats your thing...hit the park after the sun sets...otherwise its one of my fav parks in the seattle area
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Is it sunny outside with clear skies and you happen to be in Capitol Hill? Get here if at all possible! The various means of entertainment are endless:
1) Go into the water tower for some of the most amazing views of Seattle and surrounding areas and mountains (who knew that the Eastside is so picturesque?).
2) Hope to see the guy riding his giant bike (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
3) Hope to cross paths with the Mystery Machine (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
4) Wander to the stage area where they happen to have musicians and BBQs from time to time.
5) Walk by groups of people when one of said concert is going on and think to yourself, "Hmm, that smoke smells quite fragrant, they must be smoking those funny little cigarettes." (If you catch my drift)
6) Take the 5,000,000th picture of the Space Needle through the giant donut thing.
7) Bring your suntan lotion, take off your shirt, lay in sun, and work on becoming less transparently pale.
8) Visit the Asian Art Museum.
9) Play Frizbee/ Frizbee golf.
Wait, why am I making a list if the place offers endless opportunities? Use your imagination. This park is perfect.
NOTICE: As several people have warned me, I thought it would be a good idea to add this: stay out of the bushes at night. I've never been at night but it sounds like good advice.
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
Funny (8)
Cool (9)
DOH!!! I should have read the yelp.com reviews before heading to this park. The boyfriend and I were in desperate search of both the water tower and a BATHROOM when we ran into the Asian Art Museum. Inside there is a little cafe, which you can escape to when it is blustery and cold. Unfortunately, we did not have time to tour around the museum itself. There is an admission of $5.00/person (for adults), but they will let you use the restrooms and partake of cofee at the museum cafe, if you need it.
The water tower was a short hike away from the Asian Art Museum and the steps to the observation deck are manageable. From there, you can peer through the metal grill encased windows for a 360 degree view of Seattle.
We saw the conservatory, whose design reminded us of the SF Conservatory of Flowers, but we didn't go inside. After reading the review from Nicole K here, I wish we had stoped by b/c it was DA%N COLD!!!!!
Nor were we aware that Bruce & Brandon Lee were buried in the adjacent cemetary as m.i. mentioned. Sadcakes!
This is a nice walking park or easy run park. It is large (43 acres) with lots of things to look at, but also crowded. If you are looking for a challenge (albeit minor), head into the water tower and climb the stairs to the top. You won't be sorry; the view is amazing.
Seattle winter tip:
Hit the conservatory in the winter, as the sun lamps, flowering plants, and heated space almost makes you forget it is winter.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Where else can you climb up to the top of an unused water tower and see views of the Puget Sound to the West and Lake Washington to the East while learning about the birth of the Seattle park planning process?
Where else can you stick your head through a Noguchi sculpture and view the Space Needle from a different angle?
Where else can you feed friendly squirrels?
Where else can you find evidence of the previous nights illicit activities?
Where else can you go enjoy some flowers on a rainy day inside the warmth and comfort of the beautiful conservatory?
Where else can you join in with toddlers playing in the wading pool?
Where else can you look at our public water supply? (Don't get it confused with the wading pool)
Where else can you wander into the Asian Art museum, out onto wooded trails, and try to spot frogs among the lily pads?
Volunteer Park is no ordinary park!
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (8)
This place is awesome! It's a huge park with a great view of the Space Needle. Super fun to ride your scooter around this park too!
I was surprised that you can actually go inside the water tower. How cool is that!? However, don't attempt if you're in a hurry and just ate a huge meal. Side ache city.
Plus, I can come here and check out all the nice butts on the gay dudes.
What else could you want from a park?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
This park is large. Park at one end and wander around looking for the wading pool carrying a sleeping infant and a cooler full of beer and you know what I mean. But I would never drink in the park that is against the law. ;) When you are drinking be sure to hide the fact in paper bags or else you will have 2 dozen underage hippy kids looking to score some booze. It is easy to get lost wandering around all the paths. But unfortunately there are always tons of people to tell you your way. It is really ridiculous how crowded this park can get on a Saturday afternoon when the weather is nice. But that is not the parks fault 5 stars!
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
I had been meaning to check out Volunteer Park when I read the hee-larious reviews of Ass Man Z and Josh A, but the striking visual images left me with no choice but to check this place out immmmmeeediately. What to expect? Crack baggies and condoms on the ground everywhere (not too out-of the ordinary for a CD gal like myself)? Couples engaged in "illicit behavior?" What would this place have in store for me?
Well, I'll just come right out and say it: this is a great city park. Of course I wouldn't hang out here alone at midnight, but what park can you walk around alone in at midnight (seriously)?! I experienced beautiful views of the Needle, a beautiful conservatory, lots of squirrels (to the delight of my hound) and lots of green grass and trees just yards away from the bustle of CH. Shiny, happy people played tennis, tossed around the ol' disc and ran around the park.
I didn't catch a very creepy vibe, as Rick described in his review. Unless friendliness is now considered creepy, that is. Almost every single person said "hello" to my DH and me! And not just middle-aged men!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I lived next to this park for a year and I never saw a single instance of public sex. I knew that public sex was HAPPENING, but the minute I would get to the park everyone threw their clothes back on and acted like they were there to walk their dogs or do Shakespeare in the Park.
I feel robbed.
People thought this was:
Funny (8)
When my husband and I first moved to Seattle, we lived within biking distance to the park, so we often went there for evening walks or weekend afternoon picnics/reading times. During our walks, I did notice a lot of single men aimlessly wandering around, looking like they were waiting for people, sometimes coming out of isolated patches of trees. Made me quite suspicious, but it all made sense when I heard more about the park.
In any case, I enjoyed the nonshady aspects of the park, including the conservatory and the adjacent cemetery where Bruce and Brandon Lee are buried. I love that the whole area is admission-free (except for the Asian art museum), but other than that, you have places to visit or large grassy areas to sit and read or people-watch.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This was a pretty fun park to run around in. I didn't get to see any of the dogging since it was way too bright. And I guess they clean up after themselves since this park was pretty spiffy.
The kid's play area was great. The swings hold adults. hehe. And there is some giant tooth like sculpture. We scared some kids and told them if they didn't brush their teeth that they would look like that. I think they understood. hehe.
The water tower was fun though everyone hanging around it was smoking, kinda gross. And the reservoir was cool but not picturesque. However, the view totally was. A great place to grab a photo of the city on a clear day.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
The best time to experience the park is on a winter morning when the sun hasn't yet risen and the fog is thick. Enter the park from the entrance on 12th and look toward the old water tower. As cars drive around the tower, watch the beams from their headlights catch the trees and the fog to produce a feeling you can only relive in old-style movie theaters.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The water tower is a great place to check out. It has great 360 degree views of Seattle, the mountains, and Lake Washington. I've only ever been there on sunny afternoons when it gets pretty packed, but I can imagine it'd be pretty serene if I could get myself out of bed earlier.
The Conservatory is also pretty cool (and free). They have a whole room dedicated to cacti (or is that succulents?) as well as other less prickly flora.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Last time I was here to take a stroll w/my boyfriend (Daniel) & my dogs to take-in this wonderful park's features (Conservatory, sculptures, the water tower; and views of downtown, Olympic Peninsula, & the Cascades), I really forgot all about Volunteer Park's other reputation. I was quickly reminded when a glorious young Asian guy came trudging along the walking trails with his high-heel stiletto boots, bitching out someone on his cell phone for making him walk around without proper walking shoes. This was not my idea of the kind of Asian art you would find at the museum that's also located here, but it was still beautiful to see. You gotta love living in Seattle when you catch moments like these.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Cool (1)
Daytime - Picnic in the grass
Nighttime - Dick in your ass.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (17)
Cool (2)
cool little neighborhood park atop a hill in capitol hill. you can catch a nice view of downtown from several grassy vantage points around the park. don't let the spot of blue on the google maps fool you into thinking there is a lovely lake in the middle of the park. that is a resevoir w/ barb wire surrounding it. less than picturesque. that being said. the asian arts museum was cool, and there was an awesome little flower garden out back. by awesome...i mean...i'd never imagine flowers could be so pretty. think they were dahlias or something.friggin beautiful...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I love this park. I used to live in the Capitol Hill area years ago, and now that I've returned to Seattle I haven't been able to frequent it as I used to. The conservatory is filled with beautiful plants. I love the outdoor plays they have here. Last year, we saw The Three Musketeers, which was terrific, and this year they're showing Robin Hood (haven't seen it yet b/c the city rained out the play by leaving on the sprinkler system on opening day). What better way to spend an evening, but have a picnic at Volunteer Park and watch terrific plays.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (3)
I love this park. Wonderful views of the water and Space Needle from the "doughnut" sculpture. Love the all the trees and seeing the kids enjoy the various parts of the climbing gym and swing areas. Parking can be a challenge during the sunny afternoon weekends, but that's no surprise.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
It's true what Jenny W. Said, men are cruising for sex.
I've been a victim of one.
Don't worry, nothing bad happened.
But a lot of rendevouz going on around this park.
Myself included.
This park is still great, though.
Without the sex.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This used to be a scary place eons ago, but it's a great park to take a walk or lounge around. Take a picnic, visit the Asian Art Museum (when it's open) and make a day of it. The grounds and flora are lovely and peaceful and being able to find parking at a city park is always a plus. My parents used to take me to the wading pool when I was very young and it's still one of the better public wading pools for tots in the city.
This is THE place to hang out in Capitol Hill on a sunny day. I frequent this park for tennis, picnics, biking, and relaxing. It's in a pretty convenient location, and has parking available. Inside, there is an awesome conservatory, a water tower, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
This place is kind of creepy, day or night - I generally avoid it - well of course unless you're a married closeted man and are crusing for some man-love.
This is one of my favorite parks in Seattle. I keep coming back here because it offers so many diverse environments, including several fountains, a number of meadows, open grassy areas, lightly covered "orchards", the convervatory, the old brick water tower (which you can go up in), the Asian Art Museum and more. It's a great place to walk around, eat lunch or just lounge for a while.
As for the people who suggest avoiding it at night - that might as well be common sense of any large park in any city after close (which is usually dusk). And Rick L's statement is just riduculous and ripe with old homophobic stereotypes of Capital Hill.
Even though men are crusing for sex, this park is still a great place to get away and see the peeking view of the space needle. It is a large park and in the summer there are free plays on the stage. There are ponds of koi fish and they are neat to see, just don't feed them. There are trails and a loop that you can walk around. There are also tennis courts at the bottom. Also enough parking.
Volunteer Park is lovely during the day, but I would avoid it at night.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
i love this park its huge and their is os much to do from going to the observation tower (my favorite), checking out the asain art museum, or the plant house or just wondering aournd the woods or having a pic nic the grass this by far my favorit park!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Outdoor Public Art
Public art is all over Seattle, and while it's fun… -
The Best Urban Hikes in…
Don't have time to hit the mountains? No problem.… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Total Awesome-ness in…
Here are a few places I just cannot get enough of… -
The Great Outdoors -…
We don't wear all that rain gear in Seattle for… -
Various Parks
Some of Seattle/Washington's best parks plus a few… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Art of the Table
25 reviews
Neighborhood: Fremont
- Maneki Restaurant
125 reviews
Neighborhood: International District
- How To Cook A Wolf
60 reviews
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
- Baranof
37 reviews
Neighborhood: Greenwood
- Island Soul Restaurant
17 reviews
Neighborhood: Columbia City
