We’ve all been there.
The kids are warming up their lungs, about ready to burst, after riding in their cramped car seats for the last few hours.
It’s time for a pit stop.
Thankfully, if you’re rolling through the Burg, you have no shortage of options for your littles.
These are the top 5 parks Ellensburg, WA, has for families needing a recharge (or an outlet).
Honorable mention: Lincoln Elementary School Playground
Although Lincoln isn’t an official city park, the elementary school playground is open to the public year-round.
With fantastic playgrounds, an open field, and room for rollerblading and biking, this little park could be an excellent energy burner for kids of all ages.
However, three things kept Lincoln from making the top 5:
- Limited hours – only open 4 PM-9 PM while school is in session. (Summer is fair game any time of the day.)
- Lack of shade – As a parent, I can’t afford to stand in the open sun for more than a few minutes, especially when brain cells are a scarce resource. Sadly, Lincoln mostly fails in this category.
- No public restrooms – need I say more? Half the time, this is why we stop at parks in the first place.
5. North Alder Street Park
While this park is a bit of a drive into town, privacy is what you’re paying for.
One of the newest and cleanest parks in Ellensburg, North Alder, services the residents of north Ellensburg neighborhoods.
There are times when, as a family, you need more of a retreat than an adventure. And that’s what you get at the North Alder Street Park.
A bite-sized playground, basketball court, and quarter-mile loop around a playfield make this park a quiet visit for a family looking to take a breather.
My ONE caveat to know about is that the on-site gazebo can be rented by the hour for private events. This is both an opportunity for you if you’re hosting a party or larger reunion AND means there is a small chance you’ll get crowded out by another group.
4. Kiwanis Park
A block off the Central Washington University Campus, Kiwanis provides a spacious landing pad and a diverse set of activities.
Accompanying the two playgrounds is a semi-hidden creekside nature scene with educational plaques. A shelter with BBQs rounds out Kiwanis as an excellent choice for travelers and day-trippers.
Expect to be joined by other families enjoying the sun, especially on weekends!
3. Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park
Three minutes off exit 109 coming into Ellensburg, Irene is a perfect park for families with slightly older kids.
That said, if you start on the south side of the park, the walking trail storybook can be a useful carrot dangle for fable-loving littles to keep them walking.
Sometimes a little motivation goes a long way.
You’ll find the riverside forest bathing a refreshing mid or post-road trip excursion. This mile-long trail starts on the south end of the park and winds up toward People’s Pond(s) (the colloquial name for Carey Lake).
You can reach the ponds in a brisk 20 minutes on foot or drive straight there for a refreshing dip.
Beach volleyball courts are also available, and if you’re into disc golf, be sure to check out the course on the other side of the ponds.
2. Veterans Memorial Park
Memorial is in the center of town and offers access to several key amenities families may want to use.
If you’re in town for the Rodeo or another summer event, Veterans Memorial Park is directly adjacent to the fairgrounds.
Additionally, the Memorial Pool and Fitness Center is right next door.
Grab yourself a few day passes and enjoy the indoor pool any time of the year! Finally, for those looking for a quick trail trek, you won’t want to miss the view of town from atop Craig’s Hill.
The trailhead can be found one block south of the park on the corner of Poplar and 4th.
1. Mountain View Park
Our family’s favorite – Mountain View (though lacking a view of any mountain) is the ultimate Ellensburg Park.
Location?
Easily accessible.
Shaded areas?
Abundant.
Options for all ages?
With multiple playsets and swingsets, basketball courts, and baseball and soccer fields, Mountainview has it all.
And can you say Pickleball?
Take advantage of Mountain View’s centrally located shelter as a home base for meals and send the kids off to enjoy.
With no shortage of public spaces for families to unwind and recoup, Ellensburg will meet your needs and exceed your expectations if you know where to look.
Quick guide to our Top 5 Ellensburg Parks:
Name | Address | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Lincoln Elementary School Playground | 200 S Sampson St, Ellensburg | Fantastic playgrounds, open field, room for rollerblading and biking | Limited hours, lack of shade, no public restrooms |
North Alder Street Park | 2400 N Alder St, Ellensburg | Privacy, clean, new, basketball court, quarter-mile loop | Gazebo can be rented, which might lead to crowding |
Kiwanis Park | N ‘A’ St, Ellensburg | Spacious, two playgrounds, creekside nature scene, educational plaques, shelter with BBQs | Can get crowded on weekends |
Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park | 1081 Umptanum Rd, Ellensburg | Close to exit 109, mile-long walking trail, riverside forest, beach volleyball, disc golf | Best for older kids |
Veterans Memorial Park | 700 N Poplar St, Ellensburg | Central location, access to Memorial Pool and Fitness Center, close to fairgrounds, trail to Craig’s Hill | Loud during events at fairground |
Mountain View Park | 1200 E Seattle Ave, Ellensburg | Easily accessible, abundant shaded areas, multiple playsets, swingsets, basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, Pickleball | Pretty much perfect |