Scholarships for Recreation and Childcare

Seattle Parks and Recreation 2025-2026 Scholarship Program

Thanks to the Seattle Park District, Seattle Parks and Recreation has limited financial aid funds available to individuals and families for our programs and activities. Scholarships eligibility is based on income and family size, and is available to anyone who qualifies, including seniors and people with disabilities.

Financial aid helps make our programs and activities more accessible to the community and can provide discounts for programs and activities at most Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities. Opportunities include:

• Classes
• Camps (3-17 years old)
• Swimming
• Youth athletics
• Lifelong recreation (for ages 50+)
• Specialized population programs
• Environmental Learning Center programs
• School-age child care (5-12 years old)
• Preschool (3-4 years old)

Currently there are no discounts for rentals and reservations.

How much can I save with this program?

With this program, you can expect to save an average of $873 for recreation scholarships and $3199 for childcare scholarships.

Anyone can apply if they meet the Income Eligibility Guidelines.

We welcome all ages and everyone in the Seattle area to apply. It is not required to live within Seattle City Limits to qualify.

Scholarships can only be used for Seattle Parks and Recreation activities. View eligible activities.

You must have your income and household size (proof of dependents) documentation ready to upload (2024 1040 income tax document) when submitting your application.

Apply Online - the fastest, easiest, and secure way to qualify! Takes about 20 minutes.

• Log in using your existing City of Seattle account (used for utilities) or create an account.
• Existing users can easily apply for other City benefits and programs using previously submitted information.
• Edit applications at any time and check your application statuses if you have an account created.
• Language translations available in CiviForm: 繁體中文, Soomaali, Español, Tiếng Việt, አማርኛ, Tagalog, 한국어 

Other ways to apply

You may also submit a hard copy application if you cannot apply online. Please email scholarship.parks@seattle.gov or inquire with a Seattle Parks Facility if you’d like a hard copy application. Please note that applying online is preferred, because it is secure, and you will receive automatic status updates. A hardcopy application may create a delay in processing.

Income Documentation Requirement List.
Translations available in 7 languages:

• 繁體中文 
• Soomaali 
• Español
• Tiếng Việt 
• አማርኛ
• Tagalog
• 한국어

Childcare Scholarship Requirements/Parent Agreement

Childcare Drop Notice 2025-2026

Scholarship Application Guidelines

📝 Application Process

• Available year-round — apply once per eligibility cycle.
• Reapply with updated documents well before your expiration date (expiration is always in Spring) to keep receiving benefits.

📅 Scholarship Cycle

• The annual cycle runs from summer to the end of the next spring, aligned with Seattle Public Schools' calendar.
• Example: If your scholarship expires May 2026, apply in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 to be covered for Summer 2026 and onward.

✅ Key Rules

• Your qualification date starts when you're approved, not when you apply.
• Funds are limited – even if you're eligible, funding is not guaranteed.
• No retroactive funding – any program registration made before approval will not be reimbursed.
• Processing may take up to 2 weeks (for complete applications), especially during peak times like spring/summer.

⚠️ Tips

• File taxes early and apply early to avoid delays.
• Incomplete applications = delays — make sure everything is submitted.
• Need confirmation?
  Call your local Seattle Parks & Rec facility or email:
  📧 scholarship.parks@seattle.gov

Seattle Parks and Recreation's Scholarship Program is made possible by funding from the City of Seattle general fund, the Seattle Park District and ARC (Associated Recreation Council). The Seattle Park District was approved by voters in 2014 and provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding for Seattle Parks and Recreation, including maintenance of parklands and facilities, operation of community centers and recreation programs, and development of new neighborhood parks on previously acquired sites.

Have questions or need assistance? Please call (206) 684-4075 or (206) 684-5177 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-6pm or email scholarship.parks@seattle.gov, or visit your local Community Center or Pool.