Yes, Tacoma, your spraygrounds are on! Updated 5/3/2013
This is my annual guide- The biggest, wettest list of outdoor wading pools, spraygrounds, fountains, and water features in the South Puget Sound. For the sake of my sanity, I’ve only listed public, outdoor venues. Looking for somewhere the kids can get wet, this sunny May weekend?
Head to Tacoma, where the spraygrounds are all open and free (weekends only right now).
Our friends at Parent Map say the fountains in Burien at Town Square Plaza are also on.
You’ll have to wait for other options, but read on for a preview! Btw, if you’re new to the site, I do hope you’ll stick around. I have a great Facebook community, and new ideas for your South Sound family every day!
Renton- Henry Moses Aquatic Center You see this one from the road-slides, water features, toddler play area, and more. Admission is pricey if you’re not a resident, and they do limit capacity. You could arrive and find it closed to further entry, so my suggestion is to go early on a warm day and have a back-up plan. Opens June 15
Kent-Water features at the town square plaza No word on turn-on date. I’ll keep you posted.
Auburn-Les Gove Park is home to an outstanding playground and one of the best spraygrounds in the area, with tons of fun features guaranteed to give your kids a wet and fun time. This place can get busy. You may want to try packing a picnic and going during dinner time. Opens Memorial Day
Enumclaw-Mud Mountain Dam and Park Wading pool with sort of a sprinkler/fountain overhead Also nature trails and a viewing platform. No word on open date. I’ll keep you posted.
Puyallup-Wading pool at Pioneer Park by the library opens July 5th. Note: This is up in the air. There is some talk of not filling it this year, due to budget/health concerns. Last I talked to staff it looked like it was being saved, but contact your councilman or Sara Harris with parks if you want to share you two cents.
Tacoma Spraygrounds at Norpoint, Jefferson Park, McKinley, South Park, Wapato Hills, and Wright Park All free; Sprayrounds are OPEN-on weekends only right now
Wading pools at Portland Avenue and Jane Clark open June 25th in conjunction with the free lunch/playground program
There are also several public, outdoor pools in Tacoma. These do have fees. The new wave pool at Kandle Park opens June 15th. The Stewart Heights Pool also opens June 15th
There is also a small lily pad feature in the play area at the Pt.Defiance Zoo. There is a changing tent. I’d go to this after you do the rest of the zoo I don’t know if this is on yet; if you do, let me know!
Fircrest-There is a wading pool next to the outdoor pool. I’ve got a post all about it here. It’s Free and open to the public 10-12 and then again, from 4-8. In between, it’s for residents only. If you have questions, give the friendly folks there a call. They’re very helpful, and it’s much easier then trying to navigate their website. Regular pool opens June 25; I’m guessing the wading pool will be the same.
Olympia-Heritage Park Fountain Opens June
Bremerton Harborside Fountain Park Thanks, Allison and Meredith
Our area is also blessed with many parks where you can take a dip in a lake or the chilly Puget Sound. If you’ve got a favorite place to keep cool, leave a comment and let us in on it! If you know a spot for water play I missed, let me know!
For indoor swimming fun, check with your local high school or parks department.
