SEATTLE — Summer in the Pacific Northwest brings long daylight hours and no shortage of reasons to get outside. From pickup games in the park to time spent exploring the Puget Sound, warm-weather sports are a core part of Seattle summers. But new equipment can add up fast—unless you know where to shop. Evergreen Goodwill offers high-quality summer sports gear at a fraction of retail prices. Here are the top items to thrift for as the summer gets under way:
Score Big with Soccer Season Essentials
With the world’s biggest sports event headed to Seattle in June, soccer fever is building across the region. Whether you’re inspired to join a rec league, coach a youth team, or simply kick the ball around with friends, secondhand gear is a smart place to start. Check your neighborhood Goodwill for gently used soccer cleats, shin guards, and balls. And if you’re lucky, you might be able to also score a jersey or scarf of your favorite national team!
Rally into Racket Sports—Pickleball, Tennis, and Table Tennis Racket sports are having a moment, and Seattle area players know you don’t have to spend a fortune to join in. Pickleball—invented right here on Bainbridge Island continues to draw players of all ages, and Goodwill often carries paddles so you can try the trend sport yourself.
Likewise, tennis and table tennis fans can score rackets, balls, and anything else they may need on the court or at the ping pong table.
Gear Up for Trails, Campsites, and Weekend Getaways
From forest trails to weekend campgrounds, summer is prime time to explore the PNW—and Goodwill is a smart place to find affordable camping and hiking gear. Look for backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bags, tents, and coolers for your next adventure. Whether you’re planning a day hike close to home or a car-camping trip with friends, secondhand gear makes it easier and more sustainable to enjoy the outdoors without the high price tag.
Create Family Quality Time with an Active Lifestyle
Time to get started on a new family hobby with affordable gear! Teach youngsters the basics of baseball with secondhand bats, gloves, and mitts, set up casual basketball games at the park, or grab a few gently used yoga mats to join one of the many outdoor sessions along the Sound.
Choosing thrifted gear keeps activities accessible for families while encouraging healthy habits, outdoor connection, and time well spent together.
Shopping secondhand is a budget-friendly way to stay active all summer long, and it’s a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste. And every purchase at Evergreen Goodwill helps fund tuition-free job
training and education programs that support individuals and families across our local communities.
Bonus tip: Keep an eye out for Evergreen Goodwill’s sports sale over Memorial Day weekend (May
23 to 25, 2026). It’s the perfect time to stock up on summer gear for less.
About Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington
Evergreen Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people get jobs through tuition-free job training, education, and career placement services. Founded in 1923, the organization operates 23 nonprofit thrift stores and donation centers, five job training centers, and employs more than 2,000 people across King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and Kitsap counties. Because jobs change lives.
To learn more about Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington, see our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.
Source: Evergreen Goodwill
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
