Hughes Playground

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hughes Playground is a public park located in the city of Seattle, Washington.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the key features of Hughes Playground include a children's playground, a tennis court, a basketball court, and a picnic area.

One of the main reasons to visit Hughes Playground is the beautiful scenery. The park is located near Lake Washington, which provides stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful walk or jog along the park's walking paths.

Another point of interest in Hughes Playground is the community garden. The garden is managed by local volunteers and offers visitors the opportunity to view a variety of plants and vegetables.

Interesting facts about Hughes Playground include its history as a former gravel pit that was transformed into a park in the 1970s. Additionally, the park is named after one of Seattle's early pioneers, James J. Hughes.

The best time of year to visit Hughes Playground is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, visitors can enjoy the park's amenities year-round, as many of the activities are suitable for all seasons.

Overall, Hughes Playground is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and recreational activities that Seattle has to offer.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References