We know when the sun shines and the temperatures climb local families look for water! Whether you want to get your toes wet and fill your sand pail, take the plunge in an indoor pool, or through sprayers, we've got a full list of great ways to cool off!
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Click each park name for full details such as an address, hours, prices, and their status this year as well as any restrictions pertaining to COVID.
LOCAL PLACES TO COOL OFF |
All of these venues are in Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, and Fox Island areas.
LOCAL SPRAY PARKS and/or SPLASH PADS
Gateway Park Splash Pad (open 10-6 during summer)
Skanise Brothers Park and Netshed (open 11-6 during summer)
LOCAL PUBLIC POOLS
YMCA Tom Taylor (membership required)
Gig Harbor High School (closed due to lifeguard shortages)
Peninsula High School (closed due to lifeguard shortages)
LOCAL BEACHES
Tacoma Narrows Park (the Gig Harbor side)
DeMolay Sand-spit (also known as Bella Bella Beach) is a Nature Preserve, Fox Island WA
Purdy Spit Beach Key Peninsula
Sunrise Beach Park in Gig Harbor and the name says everything
Joemma Beach** on Key Peninsula
Penrose State Park** on Key Peninsula
Kopachuck Beach Park** Gig Harbor
Fox Island Boat Launch on Gig Harbor
LOCAL CREEKS
5 Creeks in the Greater Gig Harbor Area for Kids to Splash In!
Have you already explored all of the local venues above and want NEW ideas?
Check out some of the gems below that we call "worth the drive".
WORTH THE DRIVE: SPRAY PARKS & SPLASH PADS |
Spray Parks and Splash Pads that are day-trip worthy. Bring your suit and sunscreen.
TACOMA Metro Parks Locations:
SERA Campus (near STAR Center)
Titlow Park - near the Tacoma Narrows bridge
Wright Park 6th Ave
More Information: Sprayground water quality and water treatment information: CLICK HERE
AUBURN & KENT
Les Grove Park (Auburn) is the coolest park I have ever seen! There's a barrier-free Discovery Playground that accommodates children of all abilities plus a colorful and soaking Spray Park.
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY
Sammamish Commons Spray Park behind the Sammamish Library, it's a fantastic park, in an amazing setting, with swings, a huge sandpit, and a simple spray pad that kids really love.
The Crossroads Water Spray Playground (Bellevue) features a variety of water-themed features such as spitting frogs, spouting orcas, and squirting clams. This is a popular attraction and parking can be difficult to find.
WORTH THE DRIVE: POOLS |
There are lots of great pools around the sound! Indoor and outdoor.
TACOMA & SOUTH SOUND
Kandle Pool- the most popular by far!
Eastside Community Center Pool
Pacific Lutheran University Swimming Pool
Athletics & Aquatics Center (students only)
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
ISSAQUAH
Julius Boehm Pool (Issaquah) is nearby and at just $15 for the entire family, the price is right! Monthly packages are available too.
Si View Pool where you pay just $13 for your family to enjoy Public Swim. Here is a link to the schedule.
Snohomish Aquatics Center features zero-depth entry, shallow water area, warm-water pool, lazy river, spray-play area, enclosed waterslide, plus a surf-simulation machine! You pay just $7.50 per person to enjoy a two-hour open swim session. Arrive about 30 minutes before the start of the session because of the number of entries in limited.
Henry Moses Aquatic Center allows for tons of wet and wild fun in the great outdoors - with sunny and shady spots. "The leisure pool includes popular features such as a zero-depth entry, wave machine, water spray play area, lazy river, island lagoon, two water slides, a water play structure, toddler water area, and numerous spray features." There are two open swim sessions each day: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Prices are a bit more expensive: Ages 1 to 4 - $8 and Ages 5 and up - $16
WORTH THE DRIVE: BEACHES |
Beaches, beaches everywhere in the South Sound! Know of one we are missing?
Email it to us at annmariem@macaronikid.com
TACOMA & SOUTH SOUND
Owen Beach
Browns Point Lighthouse Park Federal Way
Tacoma Narrows Park Gig Harbor
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY
Lake Sammamish State Park** (Issaquah) The park has kayak rentals, a bathhouse and a new destination playground; you can find out more at lakesammamishfriends.org.
Timberlake Park (Issaquah) is a little slice of clean, sandy beach on Lake Sammamish. It's a 1/2 mile (easy, flat) hike from the small parking lot. There's a portable restroom and picnic tables, but not much else.
Pine Lake (Sammamish) is a great park with plenty of recreation options and shade. The beach is made of small pebbles - not as soft as sand but still plenty fun for the littles. I suggest water shoes to spare your feet. In addition to the beach, there's a swimming area accessed via the dock. Lifeguards are on duty.
Beaver Lake (Sammamish) is a beautiful waterfront park but there isn't any swimming access. You will find plenty of shade, hiking trails, and great spots for a picnic lunch.
Rattlesnake Lake (North Bend) is our favorite place to explore along the water's edge and throw rocks! You can also wade in or take a swim - at your own risk. There's no doubt you'll enjoy the amazing 360-degree vista!
Sandy Cove Park (Snoqualmie) is located along the Snoqualmie River. While it's not intended for swimming, bring your pail and shovel because there is a trail that leads to a sandy beach. You'll also find plenty of grass and shade from trees.
EASTSIDE
Chism Beach (Bellevue) is a small beach area, which makes it a great destination with multiple children. There is a play structure on the sand, lots of grass area and shade.
Houghton, Juanita, and Waverly Beach Parks - all in Kirkland - feature sand beaches, enclosed swim areas, playgrounds, and nice views.
Idylwood Park (Redmond) is located on the shores of Lake Sammamish, and there's a swimming beach, bathhouses, and restrooms ... plus a playground!
Newcastle Beach Park (Bellevue) includes a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards. There's also a large open field, a train-themed playground, and short trail loop. You'll also find outdoor showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Vasa Park Resort (Bellevue) charges admission for everyone over 5 but it's worth it when you factor in the swimming area with diving boards and waterslides, lifeguards on duty, great playground, and clean bathrooms!
NORTH SEATTLE
Pack your sunscreen, beach toys, kites, lunches, and friends, and head out. The trip starts off with a 3-minute boat ride to the 2-mile island. The best part is all the sand!
SOUTH SOUND
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton has an awesome play area, walking trails, picnic areas, and kids can even look at the Boeing planes flying around the lake.
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**requires an annual Discovery Pass, but you can use that pass for access to great trails in the area as well.
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