Picnic Shelter and Table Reservations
We are now processing applications on a first come, first served basis.
Phone calls will have a delayed response. For fastest processing, please submit applications online or use our self-service option for select picnic locations.
How to reserve a picnic location
See if your desired location is currently available:
Please note, picnic shelter/table availability changes daily as applications are processed. If you are submitting a Picnic Application form, please list at least 3 options in case your first choice becomes unavailable while we process applications ahead of yours.
Determine whether your picnic is eligible for Online Self-Booking, or if a Picnic Application Form is required.
A) For Online Self-Booking (select locations only): Permits created with Online Self-booking are final. No additions or changes can be made.
For picnics with Professional Catering (on-site food preparations by vendor), Special Equipment such as a bounce house, or Ballfield Reservations, self-booking is prohibited and a Picnic Application Form is required (see below).
Online Self-Booking (select locations) How To Book Your Own Picnic
Maps of Online Sites:
- Shelters:
- Benefit,
Dr. Jose Rizal,
Genesee,
Georgetown,
Jefferson (#1, 2, and 3),
John C. Little (#1 and 2),
Magnolia,
Magnuson (#1 and 3 only)
Maple Leaf
Meridian
Seward (#1, 2, 4, and 5 only)
Woodland (#7 only)
- Benefit,
- Tables:
- Be’er Sheva (2 reservable),
Benefit (2 reservable),
Don Armeni (2 reservable),
Ferdinand St. Boat Ramp (3 reservable),
Magnolia (10 reservable),
Me-Kwa-Mooks (2 reservable),
Northacres (4 reservable),
Othello (6 reservable in 2 groups),
Pratt (5 reservable),
Roxhill (10 reservable),
Westcrest (6 reservable in 2 groups)
- Be’er Sheva (2 reservable),
OR
B) If using Picnic Application Form
Picnic Applications are required for our most popular locations, as well as for any picnic with special equipment, on-site catering, or other professional services.
- Shelters and Tables (click for maps):
- Alki
Carkeek
Gas Works
Golden Gardens,
Judkins,
Lincoln (South) (North)
Madrona
Magnuson (Shelter #2, all tables)
Matthews Beach (Tables only)
Ravenna
Seward (Shelter #3 and Tables)
View Ridge
Woodland (Shelter #3, and Shelters #4, #6, and surrounding tables only)
- Alki
- Any reservable picnic site may be booked by completing the Picnic Application form, including those available for online self-booking.
You may choose to download, save and email your application to sprevents@seattle.gov instead. These applications are available in: English, Español,Tiếng Việt Af Soomaali,한국어, 中文, አማርኛ, Tagalog
Picnic Map
Note: most parks have non-reserved tables that are first come, first serve, in addition to reservable tables.
The map link below shows city-wide locations for picnic sites. Click on a star for details about that site.
Picnics - Frequently Asked Questions
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 available on a first-come, first-served basis for no cost and without a reservation. These free tables can be found in most neighborhood parks, as well as in most parks that allow reservations.
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.
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)
| Shelter Name | Shelter Fee (full day) | Capacity | Sheltered Tables | Unsheltered Tables | ADA |
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