Picnic Shelter and Table Reservations

March 1st, 2024: The 2024 pre-season lottery is closed. 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: Check Site Availability  

Please note, picnic shelter/table availability changes daily as applications are processed.  If you are submitting a Picnic Application form, please list a minimum of 3 (and up to 6) options in case your first choices become 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) Locations Available for Online Self-Booking: 

• 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)
• 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)

For picnics with Professional Catering, Special Equipment such as a bounce house, or Ballfield Reservations, self-booking is prohibited.  A Picnic Application Form is required (see below).

Online Self-Booking (select locations)

OR

B) Locations Requiring Picnic Application Form:

• Shelters and Tables: Alki, Carkeek, Gas Works, Golden Gardens, Judkins, Lincoln (South) (North), Madrona, Magnuson (Shelter #2 and 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)
• Any reservable picnic site may be booked by completing the Picnic Application form, including those available for online self-booking.

Apply for your Picnic (English)

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

Frequently Asked Questions:

What time slots are available?

• AM half day (8 am - 2 pm)
• PM half day (3 pm - 10 pm)
• Full Day (8 am - 10 pm)

How long in advance should I reserve my picnic?

Reserve as soon as you have a desired date. 

• Online Self-Booking picnics may be reserved online up to 90 days into the future, but not within 5 days prior to the event date. 
• If you are using a Picnic Application Form, please allow 10 business days to process your application during peak season, due to high volume.
• A pre-season lottery is held each year for applications submitted during January and February, for picnics held between April 1-December 31 of that year.  Lottery applications will be processed in a random order during March.  Applications submitted after March 1st will be processed in a first-come, first-served order after the lottery applications are finished.

What does my reservation include?

Picnic reservations are a guaranteed reservation for numbered picnic shelters and/or tables. 

You may bring 1 canopy of up to 20 ft x 20 ft, and anchor it to the ground using weights. 

You may also bring a portable barbecue grill, which must be set up over level pavement. All burned materials must be fully extinguished and disposed of properly.  A burn ban may be in effect, please check current regulations on the date of your event.

What if I want Professional Catering, Bounce Houses, or Special Equipment?

If you hire a caterer or bring special equipment, please complete the online Catering/Special Equipment Form (rental number required) and see our Insurance Requirements.

A $75.00 fee applies for picnics with Catering or Special Equipment.

Catering & Special Equipment permits must be finalized 2 weeks prior to the event date. 

Can I serve alcohol, drive on park grounds to access my picnic site, or play amplified music?

No.  Picnics are only a reservation for space.  All regular park rules still apply.  If you would like a permit that allows exceptions to normal park rules, please consider an outdoor event permit instead.

Will there be electricity or water provided?

No.  Picnics are only a reservation for space.  Electricity is never provided, but you may bring a portable battery.  Generators may be used for permitted special equipment such as bounce houses or professional catering.  Water may be available near your picnic site, but it is not guaranteed.  Check your park map for information about the nearest restrooms.

Is a permit needed for all picnics?

No; in fact, most casual picnics do not require permits. Most parks have some picnic tables without numbers which are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. You are also free to set up a picnic on a blanket at any park. 

Picnic permits are required to reserve space at our numbered shelters and tables; to bring canopies or barbecue grills; or for events with catering or special equipment such as a bounce house.

Additional questions?

Read our FAQ or email sprevents@seattle.gov

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.

Explore the map