Bitter Lake Community Center: Hours, Programs, Rentals & Map

Quick Visitor Information

Bitter Lake Community Center is operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation at 13035 Linden Avenue North, next to Bitter Lake Playfield. The building includes indoor recreation spaces, meeting rooms and programs for different ages.

Bitter Lake Community Center Hours

The City of Seattle publishes the following year-round facility hours:

The Friday and Saturday Teen Late Night program is a designated activity for eligible teenagers, not an extension of regular public access to every facility.

Check official hours and updates

Fall 2026 Drop-In Schedule

These are the center’s published Fall 2026 drop-in times. Most activities listed below are free, but availability depends on the session and staff supervision.

Which activity is right for you?

Teen Programs: Afterschool and Late Night

Bitter Lake is one of Seattle’s community recreation locations providing supervised opportunities for teens, including late-night recreation and creative programs.

Teen Late Night

• When: Friday and Saturday, 7 PM–midnight.
• Published Fall 2026 age range: 13–19.
• Cost: Listed as a free drop-in opportunity.
• Arrival: Check in with the program staff and follow youth participation policies.

Free Fall 2026 Community Hub Programs

Community Hub programs generally serve teens ages 12–19, while a particular activity may specify a narrower age bracket. The published Mindful Hoops notice excludes a November class date; confirm the final session calendar with staff.

Check youth program details and enrollment

Preschool, Childcare and Summer Camps

Bitter Lake Community Center offers preschool and childcare-related programs alongside seasonal enrichment classes and camps. Program registration, licensing, schedule and location differ by age and service.

Before registering a child

• Confirm the exact age range and enrollment cutoff.
• Check whether the program uses the main center or the annex.
• Ask about registration deposits, monthly charges and financial assistance.
• Prepare emergency contact and authorized pickup information.
• Check whether immunization documentation or other childcare forms are required.
• Verify early release, school breaks and closure days.

Official Seattle childcare and preschool information

Fees, Free Activities and Scholarships

Many scheduled drop-in activities are free. Other activities, lessons, childcare and camps may have registration fees. There is no single universal admission price covering every program at Bitter Lake Community Center.

Scholarships: up to 50%–90%

Seattle Parks states that income-qualified participants may be eligible for scholarships covering 50%–90% of applicable program costs, subject to approval and available funding.

1. Find the activity you want. Check its seasonal registration information, price and age bracket.
2. Review scholarship eligibility. Visit Seattle Parks’ scholarships and financial aid information.
3. Prepare required household information. Ask which proof or forms apply to your application.
4. Apply before registration. Scholarship eligibility normally needs approval before the reduced program fee can be applied.
5. Complete program registration. Confirm your remaining balance and enrollment status.

Official scholarship application information

How to Register for Classes and Programs

Seattle Parks uses its ActiveNet registration system for many recreational programs. Drop-in activities use a Quick Card for check-in; registered classes follow their own enrollment process.

1. Open the city activity registration system. Access it from the Seattle Parks community center page.
2. Sign in or create an ActiveNet account. Enter accurate participant and household information.
3. Search for the program. Use the Bitter Lake location and the name of the activity, or the class ID if one is published.
4. Check the details. Read the age range, dates, cost, prerequisites, cancellation and availability.
5. Apply for financial assistance first if needed. Confirm approval and discount before making payment.
6. Complete enrollment. Provide required information, pay applicable fees and retain the registration confirmation.
7. Attend at the correct location. Verify whether the class is held in the main building, annex, gym or another designated space.

Open official registration and activity links

Meeting Rooms, Birthday Parties and Gym Rentals

Bitter Lake Community Center has meeting spaces for family gatherings, community meetings, workshops and group events. Seattle Parks publishes the following rental capacities.

Room capacity is not the same as guaranteed seated banquet capacity. The permitted number of guests depends on room layout, event type and staff approval.

How to book a room

1. Choose your space. Decide whether you need a small room, multipurpose room, gymnasium or kitchen access.
2. Estimate attendance. Include guests, hosts, vendors and helpers when calculating occupancy.
3. Check availability. Contact the center with your preferred date, alternative dates and event times.
4. Request the current rental rate. Ask for the hourly room charge, minimum rental period, deposits, setup and staffing costs.
5. Explain the event. Describe food, sound, decorations, equipment and whether admission will be charged.
6. Review the rental agreement. Confirm cancellation, cleaning, insurance and permitted uses.
7. Finalize the booking. Pay required charges and obtain confirmation before inviting guests.

Rental phone: 206-684-7524

Official Seattle community center rentals

Bitter Lake Playfield, Playground and Outdoor Recreation

The center sits beside Bitter Lake Playfield and the lakeshore in northwest Seattle. It is useful for combining a scheduled indoor activity with nearby outdoor recreation.

Directions, Parking and Accessibility

Main community center: 13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.

Annex: 13052 Greenwood Ave N, behind Broadview-Thomson K–8 School.

The center is in the Bitter Lake neighborhood of northwest Seattle, serving surrounding areas such as Broadview and the Aurora Avenue North corridor.

Main center map and driving directions

King County Metro trip planner

First-Time Visitor Checklist

• Confirm the date-specific program schedule.
• Check whether your activity is free drop-in or advance registration.
• Set up ActiveNet and obtain a Quick Card if required.
• Bring suitable indoor athletic shoes for the gym.
• For Family Skate Night, bring a helmet and confirm available skating equipment.
• For youth programs, check the stated age bracket and check-in rules.
• For preschool or childcare, verify enrollment and required family forms.
• For a rental, obtain a confirmed agreement and final quote.
• Check whether the program takes place at the main building or annex.
• Confirm holiday or maintenance closures before traveling.