Cool Off at Our Favorite Seattle Area Water Parks, Pools and Splash Pads
Summer is almost here at last. After months of rain, we’re ready for warm, lazy days under the Seattle sun. We don’t know about you but at Richard Chan Orthodontics, our favorite thing to do when the weather heats up is to get in the water. Fortunately, Seattle (and the surrounding area) is full of water parks, pools and splash pads.
There’s plenty of warm weather activities for kids in Seattle to keep you and your family cool this summer. The best part? Most splash pads and spray parks are free and have longer hours than local wading pools. So grab your suits, pack a lunch and take the kids to a local swimming hole. Here’s our guide to the best water parks, pools and splash pads in Seattle and beyond.
BEST SPRAY PARKS NEAR BOTHELL
Willis D. Tucker Community Park
Open 10am–7pm daily from Memorial Day weekend to September
Willis Tucker Park is the perfect place for your little ones to splash around this summer. Featuring super soakers, aqua domes and a splash palace, you’re kids will want to run and play until the sun goes down. The spray park opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and stays open until the weather cools off in September. There’s a dog park, too, for your four-legged family members.
North Lynnwood Park
Open 11am–7pm from June to Labor Day
The green dragon at the spray park in North Lynnwood has been a local favorite for years. First built in 1970, this Snohomish County splash pad was given a colorful facelift in 2009. The old concrete was replaced with bright, shiny elements your kids will love.
Daleway Park
Open 11am–7pm from June to Labor Day
This neighborhood spray park is full of colorful features similar to those you’ll find at North Lynnwood Park. The two parks were renovated around the same time, which included upgrades that made the parks safer and more fun for kiddos. Located in Lynnwood, the park also features a playground, nature trails and picnic areas. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy at Daleway Park.
BEST WADING POOLS IN SEATTLE
Green Lake Park
Open 11am–8pm daily from June to September
Take a cruise over to Green Lake Park for some laid back wading pool fun. The biggest of the “Big Three” wading pools, the pool is located on the east side of Green Lake just off the two-mile walking trail that runs around the perimeter. Parking can be tricky so come early and spend the whole day cooling off. The wading pool is drained after Labor Day for the colder seasons.
Wallingford Playfield
Open 12pm-7pm, Wednesday through Friday
Wallingford Playfield has everything you need for a day under the sun: a wading pool, a playground, a picnic area, and shaded seating for parents to kick back for the afternoon. The wading pool opens on June 26 and closes August 16.
Volunteer Park
Open 11am–8pm daily from June to September
Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill is home to one of the most popular wading pools in Seattle. It’s one of the “Big Three” wading pools, situated in the heart of the park’s beautiful green space against the backdrop of the Seattle skyline. We recommend packing a lunch and making a day of it. Volunteer Park is a summer destination you won’t want to miss.
Lincoln Park
Open 11am–8pm daily from June to September
Lincoln Park might be the smallest of the “Big Three” wading pools but it arguably offers up the best location. Nestled along the beaches of West Seattle, the wading pool at Lincoln Park is a summer dream for daytime swimming and sunset dips alike.
BEST WATER PARKS & OUTDOOR POOLS IN SEATTLE
Colman Pool at Lincoln Park
Open daily from June to Labor Day, check website for public and family swim hours
Located in Lincoln Park near the wading pool, Colman Pool is a great spot for older kids to swim this summer. The pool is saltwater and Olympic-sized, with two diving boards and a giant tube slide. Public swimming hours are from 1:45pm-4:45pm every day, and family swim time is on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 5pm-7pm. For additional times, like lap swims and swimming lessons, check the online schedule. Admission for kids under 17 years old is just $4.
Mounger Pool
Open daily from June to Labor Day, check website for public and family swim hours
Mounger Pool is one of the best outdoor pools for kids in Seattle because there are two pools: one for older kids who know how to swim, as well as a smaller teaching pool for little swimmers. The Big Pool has five ladders and a corkscrew slide! The shallower Little Pool is great for getting little feet wet and getting them comfortable in the water. Check the online schedule for details on public swim times.
Wild Waves Water Park
Open weekends from May to September, check website for hours
Would it really be summer without a trip to the waterpark? Wild Waves is the ultimate summer activity for kids in Seattle. With water slides designed for everyone from the highest thrill seekers to the littlest swimmers, there’s something for the whole family at Wild Waves. To save on admission, buy your tickets ahead of time or visit after 4pm to get 50% off.
BEST BEACHES IN SEATTLE
Alki Beach Park
Open 4am-11:30pm year round
For a picture perfect summer day of sun and sand, look no further than Alki Beach Park. The long beach strip is a go-to spot for everyone from rollerbladers and volleyball players to families looking for some fun under the sun. Load up the car with everything you’ll need for an afternoon outing and enjoy the picturesque views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. If the kids aren’t too tired after building sandcastles and splashing in the water all day, you could even stay until sunset and have a bonfire.
Discovery Park
Open 4am-11:30pm year round
Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle, covering 534 acres of natural beauty. Settled atop Magnolia Bluff, the park has some of the best views in the city. In addition to its stunning forest groves and walking trails, Discovery Park also has two miles of secluded beachfront that’s perfect for a quiet summer day. If the kids get tired of being in the water, take them to the park’s newly renovated play area, complete with zipline and swings.
Golden Gardens Park
Open 4am-11:30pm year round
For sunbathing with a view, head to Golden Gardens in Ballard. Start with a stroll through the park’s walking trails and along the coastline. Then head to the beach to relax, play and unwind with the kids. Golden Gardens also has designated fire pits on a first-come, first served basis, so snag one early if you want to enjoy a bonfire on the beach.
