Shadyland (Behind Sunnyland Elementary School) — Bellingham Playground Finder

🌳 About this park

Shadyland is a locals' nickname for the small preschool & kindergarten playground tucked behind Sunnyland Elementary School. It's called Shadyland because it's somewhat hidden behind the school and rarely gets direct sun — making it a perfect summer destination when other playgrounds are baking. It's small, fully fenced, and built specifically for the school's youngest students, with three slides (a small one, a bigger one, and a twisty one), a spider-web circle swing, a small climbing dome, and ramps up to the play structures. The surface is fake grass throughout, so soft and clean. It's not affiliated with Whatcom Parks & Rec — it's a Bellingham Public Schools playground that's open to the public after school hours, on weekends, and during holidays and summer break.

✨ What makes it special

Two words: shade and fully fenced. There's so little shade at most Bellingham playgrounds in summer, and Shadyland's tucked-away spot behind the school stays cool and shaded most of the day. Combine that with a fully enclosed fence and you've got toddler-parent paradise — let them roam, sit down, breathe.

🛝 Bonus: a two-playground destination!

Sunnyland Elementary has a huge elementary-aged playground in the front of the school with swings, monkey bars, and tons of climbing equipment — perfect if you have a mix of ages. And right behind the school is Memorial Park, a big grassy field with a walking trail (no playground, but great for running around or kicking a ball). Easy to make an afternoon of it.

⭐ Toddler review

5/5 — "The spider swing is the best!" 🕸️

💡 Tips from families

This is a school playground — open weekdays after school (~4pm), all day weekends, holidays & summer
The gate might look locked, but it opens from the inside — don't be fooled!
No restrooms on site — Trader Joe's shopping center is the closest, but you'll probably have to drive
Park at Sunnyland Elementary and walk around behind the school — there's also a trail through Memorial Park
Best in summer for the shade — most other Bellingham playgrounds have very little
Around midday it gets a bit sunnier, but mornings and afternoons stay shady
Bring snacks — there's nowhere to grab food without leaving
Got bigger kids too? The main Sunnyland playground out front has loads of equipment for elementary-age kids
Memorial Park behind the school is a great open grassy space to run around or kick a ball

Best age1.5–7

Access hoursAfter school, weekends, holidays, summer

ParkingFree at Sunnyland Elementary lot

RestroomsNone

ShadeLots — that's the whole point!

SurfaceFake grass

FencingFully fenced ✓

Swings1 spider-web circle swing

Slides3 (small, bigger, twisty)

ClimbingSmall climbing dome

Accessible rampYes — ramps up to play area

DogsNot on school grounds

Affiliated withBellingham Schools (not Parks & Rec)

School websitesunnyland.bellinghamschools.org ↗