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 12-5 during summer)
Skanise Brothers Park and Netshed (open during summer)
LOCAL PUBLIC POOLS
YMCA Tom Taylor(membership required)
LOCAL BEACHES
Tacoma Narrows Park (the Gig Harbor side)
DeMolay Sand-spit(also known as Bella Bella Beach)is a Nature Preserv, 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
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.
TACOMAMetro 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 HEREand Sprayground rules (pdf)
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
Norpoint Pool
People’s PoolStewart Heights Pool
Pacific Lutheran University Swimming Pool
Athletics & AquaticsCenter (students only)
Federal Way Aquatics
ISSAQUAH
Julius Boehm Pool(Issaquah) is nearby and at just $12 for the entire family, the price is right! Monthly packages are available too.
Si View Poolwhere you pay just $10 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 $17 for the entire family 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 Centerallows 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 sessions each day: 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Prices are a bit more expensive: Ages 1 to 4 - $8 and Ages 5 and up - $14
WORTH THE DRIVE: BEACHES
Beaches, beaches everywhere in the South Sound! Know of one we are missing? Email it to us atannmariem@macaronikid.com
TACOMA & SOUTH SOUND
Owen Beach
Browns PointLighthouse ParkFederal Way
Tacoma Narrows ParkGig 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
and 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 Parkin 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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