Picnic Shelter and Table Reservations
We are now processing Picnic Applications on a first come, first served basis for picnics scheduled through March 31, 2025.
For picnics April 1, 2025 or later, please apply for the 2025 Picnic Lottery, which will accept applications from January 1st-February 28. Applications will be processed in a random order starting March 1st.
After March 1st, picnic applications will be processed in the order they are received.
To enter the 2025 picnic lottery, please complete the Picnic Application Form between January 1-February 28, 2025.
How to reserve a picnic location
Read our Guide to Reserving Your Picnic
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.
From November 1-March 31, all picnic sites must be reserved using the Picnic Application Form.
From April 1-October 31, some locations will be available for online self-booking. This page will be updated when online self-booking is available.
Shelters:
Alki
Benefit,
Carkeek
Dr. Jose Rizal,
Gas Works
Genesee,
Georgetown,
Golden Gardens,
Jefferson
John C. Little
Judkins,
Lincoln - North (Shelter #5)
Lincoln - South and Waterfront
Madrona
Magnolia,
Magnuson
Maple Leaf
Meridian
Seward
Ravenna
View Ridge
Woodland - North (#4, #6, and #7)
Woodland - South (Shelter #3)
Tables Only:
Be’er Sheva
Benefit
Don Armeni Boat Ramp
Ferdinand St. Boat Ramp
Matthews Beach
Me-Kwa-Mooks
Northacres
Othello
Pratt
Roxhill
Westcrest
You may choose to download, save and email your application to sprevents@seattle.gov instead. Applications are available in
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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